Nick's Diner in Wheaton to serve dinner for the first time on September 3

Something will happen at Nick's Diner in Wheaton on September 3 that has never happened before in its over four decades of operation. The landmark diner at 11199 Veirs Mill Road will serve dinner in-house for the first time. Doors will open at 4:30 PM that day. Nick's Diner's announcement of the special event did not indicate whether this is a one-time event, or a permanent expansion of its operating hours. Either way, the diner is sure to be packed on September 3!

Wheaton-Glenmont Montgomery County Executive candidate forum set for March 25

Residents and business owners concerned about the future of Wheaton and Glenmont should save the date for an important candidate forum now scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Spotlight on Wheaton will be hosted by The Wheaton Collective, a group of civic associations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits and local businesses. The event will be held in the second-floor Social Hall of the Wheaton Community Recreation Center at 11701 Georgia Avenue.

Confirmed participants in the forum are Republican Esther Wells, and Democrats Mithun Banerjee, Andrew Friedson, Evan Glass, Peter James, and Will Jawando, Republican Shelly Skolnick was invited, organizers said, but will be unable to attend. “This is an important opportunity for residents to connect with those seeking to lead Montgomery County and ensure they understand our needs,” Glenmont Forest Neighbors Civic Association President Jim Epstein said in a statement. “Open dialogue, transparency, accountability and community engagement are essential to a healthy democracy, and we encourage all residents to participate.”

Travel to Jurassic Wheaton June 30 - July 9

Climb aboard the garishly-colored Ford Explorer, and prepare to travel to Jurassic Wheaton. This is not a clever commentary on the total and complete failure of the 2012 Wheaton Sector Plan, but a special pop-up experience at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall from June 30, 2025 to July 9, 2025 based on the upcoming summer movie Jurassic World Rebirth. Westfield invites you to "transport yourself to a world where dinosaurs once roamed," but leaves most of the details for you to discover. No spoilers! Jurassic Wheaton is described as a "jungle photo experience" in which participants will "snap a pic, explore the themed setup, and watch the film come to life."

The Jurassic Wheaton event will be free and open to the public from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM each day. Look for Jurassic Wheaton in the Center Court on Level 2 of the mall. Jurassic World Rebirth - the film - opens July 2, and tickets are available now at the mall's AMC Wheaton Mall 9 cineplex. The theater will enhance your Jurassic experience with a free InGen ID badge and lanyard (while supplies last with ticket purchase), a dino-size Sriracha Bavarian Legend Pretzel, and a Menacing Mix cocktail made with tropical fruit, Kraken spiced rum and a "gold dusted dehydrated pineapple slice" garnish.

Wheaton Best Buy to participate in midnight Nintendo Switch release on June 5

Some Best Buy stores across America will hold special late-night hours for the June 5, 2025 release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Customers who pre-order their system will be able to pick it up at participating stores at 12:01 AM. In Montgomery County, the Best Buy stores at 1200 Rockville Pike in Rockville, at 20914 Frederick Road at the Milestone Shopping Center in Germantown, and at 10901 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton will be participating in the Switch 2 event. Despite the exorbitant $449.99 price, Best Buy is warning that "This item is expected to sell out quickly."

Friendship Picnic September 15 in Wheaton

The 10th annual Montgomery County Friendship Picnic will be held this coming Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Wheaton Regional Park at 2000 Shorefield Road. Hosted by the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate Violence, the picnic is free and offers a variety of American and international foods. There will also be live music, Zumba, and children's activities, as well as COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Free satellite parking will be available at the Wheaton Ice Rink at 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, and a free shuttle service will transport you to the picnic site.  

Taste of Wheaton 2024 this Sunday, June 2

The annual Taste of Wheaton is set for this Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza at 2424 Reedie Drive. Enjoy cuisine from 21 Wheaton-area restaurants, an artisan market, and live entertainment headlined by The Nighthawks. There will also be rides, arts, and crafts for kids, and a beer and wine garden. The event will be held rain or shine. 

Silver Spring artist wins Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival 2023 poster contest

Silver Spring artist Fernando Santiago's entry has been declared the winner in the 2023 Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival poster contest. His design will now be the official poster for this year's event, and also appear on the official t-shirt. Santiago will receive a $500 award from the Wheaton IHOP. Restaurant owner William Moore will also donate $100 for art supplies in Santiago's name to Glenallen Elementary School.

The poster design is greatly enhanced by featuring an apartment building with architecture you might see driving around the Wheaton area. It looks very reminiscent of the garden apartment buildings at Glenmont Forest.

"My family loves parades," Santiago said in a statement yesterday. "We are known to travel long distances to see them. In 2019, we were at the Wheaton Arts Parade and it was amazing. The floats, the artists and the overwhelming love of art struck a chord in me. It was after the 2019 arts parade that I decided to get back into art. I had not made art since graduating from my art high school in Puerto Rico in 1996, but watching all those artists marching in the arts parade inspired me to ask ‘If not now, when?’ This is the phrase I chose to portray in my submission to the poster competition. In it, I show regular people taking a chance to bring beauty to the world they inhabit.”

The theme of this year's parade will be "Art to Action." Sponsors include Greenhill and Westfield Wheaton Plaza mall. The event will take place Sunday, October 15 from from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Wheaton Triangle, and on the Marian Fryer Plaza, located adjacent to the bus loop at the Wheaton Metro Station. See the official event website for complete information.

Westfield Wheaton Plaza mall to host free performances of "Frozen: The Musical" December 3

Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall will host two free performances of "Frozen: The Musical" on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM in the Macy's court on Level 1. Photo-ops and sing-along opportunities with the characters will also be available. Frozen-themed costumes are encouraged. The event is free, but you are asked to RSVP for free tickets online.

World Cup coming to Wheaton this Saturday, November 19

Get the World Cup celebration off to an exciting start tomorrow, Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall. Former D.C. United goaltender Bill Hamid will be a special guest for the event, which will be held in the outdoor dining area between Macy's and the food court on Parking Level 2. Join in a friendly soccer match, enjoy free hot chocolate and apple cider, and take part in activities like face painting, prize giveaways, a live DJ, and much more. 

“We are very excited to kick off the 2022 FIFA World Cup and holiday season with our family-friendly sporting event this Saturday,” Westfield Wheaton General Manager Stuart Amos said in a statement. “This event will be fun for the whole community with games, music, food and is a great opportunity to celebrate the vibrant cultures present in this year's World Cup tournament.” 

Photo courtesy Westfield Wheaton

Westfield Wheaton mall to host Hispanic Heritage Month celebration October 8

Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall will host a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month this Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM in the Macy's Court on Level 1. Special guests will include video personality Tia Maria, influencer Stefani Gamboa, TV and radio personality Chele Gonzalez, and radio host Cesar "El Tra" Garcia. Attendees of all ages will enjoy live music, dance performances, activities, "surprises," and more.

Performers will include Capital 51, Jenny Osoria of Jenny O. Fitness, FSC Diablada Boliviana, and DJ Flako 502. Community non-profit Nueva Vida will have representatives and resources for Latinos impacted by cancer.

“At Westfield Wheaton, we take pride in celebrating the diverse and rich culture of our community,” Westfield Wheaton Senior General Manager Stuart Amos said in a statement. “We know this year’s event will be a joyous celebration of a vibrant culture. We have planned a day full of music, dance and creativity to honor a community that we deeply value and service with pride here at our center.” 

Silver Spring/Wheaton fireworks displays 2022

Who needs the hassle of riding Metro downtown, or getting caught up in the Independence Day traffic, when there are many other fireworks shows right here in Montgomery County - most private - that can be viewed from nearby parking lots. Just remember not to trespass on private property. If you are within two blocks of a professional fireworks launch site, consider wearing hearing protection to avoid developing tinnitus or hearing loss, especially for children.

Let's take a look at what the fine country clubs and other organizations have in store for us this July 4th holiday of 2022:

Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac

Columbia Country Club - June 28/9:10 PM

Congressional Country Club - July 3/9:15 PM

Kenwood Golf & Country Club - June 30/9:00 PM

Gaithersburg (PUBLIC)

Bohrer Park - July 2/9:20 PM

Germantown (PUBLIC)

South Germantown Recreational Park - July 4/9:15 PM

(18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown/Concert 7:00 PM/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Laytonsville

Montgomery Country Club - July 1/9:20 PM

Poolesville (PUBLIC)

Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at soccer fields on Hughes Road at Sugarland Road - July 4

(Event begins 5:00 PM, fireworks "after dark"/Parking $5.00/No alcohol/No pets/Coolers will be inspected)

Rockville

Manor Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Norbeck Country Club - June 30/9:20 PM

Mattie JT Stepanek Park - July 4/9:15 PM (PUBLIC)

Silver Spring

Argyle Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Wheaton (PUBLIC)

Albert Einstein High School - July 2/9:15 PM

(Event begins with concert at 6:00 PM/Disabled parking only on-site/Park at Westfield Wheaton Mall beginning at 5:30 PM and take free shuttle to Einstein HS/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Photo courtesy Warner Brothers

Taste of Wheaton 2022 this Sunday, June 12

The annual Taste of Wheaton 2022 will be this coming Sunday, June 12, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Marian Fryer Plaza at 2424 Reedie Plaza in the Wheaton Triangle. Restaurants participating in the event will include Frank's Burger Place, Green Plate Catering, Hollywood East Café, IHOP, Los Cobanos, Methi Indian Restaurant, Nando's Peri Peri, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nut House Pizza and Terra Mare Restaurant. There will also be a beer garden, live music, video games, activities for children, face painting and caricature drawing. Free Covid-19 testing and vaccinations will also be available.

Entry is free; food and drink must be purchased.

Scheduled musical performances at the stage will include:

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Rollex
• 1-2 p.m.: Chopteeth
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: I&I Riddim
• 4-5 p.m. Rafael Ortiz and El Tumbao with Y2Salsa Production Dancers

Scheduled dance performances at the stage will include:

• 12:30-1 p.m.: Wheaton Studio of Dance
• 2-2:30 p.m.: Ameanspinn
• 3:30-4 p.m.: Urban Artistry

I Love Wheaton event scheduled for Sunday, February 13

Celebrate your love for Wheaton a day before Valentine's Day this Sunday, February 13, 2022 at the I Love Wheaton event, sponsored by the Wheaton Urban District and the Montgomery County Department of Recreation. It will take place between noon and 4:00 PM Sunday on the Marian Fryer Town Plaza at 2424 Reedie Drive, right by the Wheaton Metro station.

Activities for the whole family will include ice skating, cupcake and cookie decorating, piping hot chocolate, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon art and lawn games. There will be outdoor heat lamps, a fire pit, and a DJ supplying musical entertainment. 

All activities will be outdoors. The sponsors are recommending - but not requiring - masks for all attendees. There is no charge for the event.

Free Covid-19 booster shots this Saturday, December 18 at Wheaton Plaza

Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall will host a Super Saturday Boosterama this coming Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM just outside the food court on Level 2. The booster shots are free to those who are eligible (who have had two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson and Johnson vaccines). Eight $25 gift cards that can be used at mall retailers will be given away during the event.

Soca Saturdays added to calendar at Islands Lounge in Wheaton

Soca Saturdays, a new weekly event at Islands Lounge in Wheaton, launched this past Saturday. Running from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM Saturday nights, the event welcomes female patrons without charge before 11:00 PM. Islands Lounge is located at 11300 Fern Street.

Jolly Shows Carnival returns to Wheaton June 16-27

After a year off for the pandemic lockdown, Jolly Shows' traveling carnival makes its triumphant return to Wheaton Plaza at 11160 Veirs Mill Road, starting tomorrow, June 16, 2021, and running through June 27. All of the sights, sounds and fair food aromas will be there, along with rides, games and concessions. You can save time by buying your tickets online in advance.

Wheaton Plaza to celebrate Chinese New Year January 25, 2020

Wheaton Plaza is decked out with lanterns for the Chinese New Year, which falls on January 25 in 2020. Stop by that day to welcome the Year of the Rat, and meet Hua Mulan (not the Disney princess, but the historical figure). There will be Instagram-ready photo opportunities with dragon and Chinese fan props, free candy and more giveaways.

The event will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in the Upper Level Center Court area. You can RSVP online now.

But, wait, there's more!

Vovinam of Maryland will hold a martial arts exhibition from 1:30-2:30 PM following the Hua Mulan appearance.

Hollywood East Cafe will host a Lion Dance parade from 3:00-3:30 PM, starting at the restaurant, but ending at the same Upper Level Center Court as the earlier event.

To get ready for the big day, MAC Cosmetics at Macy's and Sephora (inside JCPenney) are featuring special Chinese New Year cosmetics on Thursday, January 16 and Friday, January 17.

Wheaton Carnival runs through September 29 (Video+Photos)

A carnival has set up in the parking lot of Wheaton Plaza, and will be here through September 29, 2019. If you're right in the center of it, you can hardly believe you're in Wheaton. The carnival features rides similar to what you would find at a county fair. Every standard carnival-fair food you can name is available to eat. A midway features games of skill and chance. Here is a video and photo sample of what awaits you at the carnival: