#FreedomWalk2026

A modern-day retracing of the Underground Railroad to Canada, on the 30th anniversary of historian Anthony Michael Cohen’s 1996 walk. The 750-mile pilgrimage, following 19th-century routes to freedom, will commemorate the brave self-liberators, the abolitionists, and their secret networks, during the 250th anniversary of American independence. The journey will draw upon the legacy and achievements of previous generations to galvanize modern activists to work toward truth-telling and transformation. Learn More about Freedomwalk2026

Happening at Greenfest

This year’s celebration features live music from Los Nuevos Diablos, engaging exhibits from local nonprofits and watershed groups, and plenty of sustainable shopping opportunities. Visit the 250 actions booth! Get hands-on at the Open Mending Lab by repairing a favorite piece of clothing and support reuse by donating new, gently used, or vintage art and craft supplies to Scrap Happy Art Supply Thrift. Drop off unwanted clothing for student-run EcoStyle and bring used household alkaline and select rechargeable batteries for responsible recycling. Every action you take helps build a greener, healthier community!

Inside BlackRock

Scrap Happy Art Supply Thrift

While you’re at GreenFest, please drop off any new, gently used or vintage art/craft supplies for donation to Scrap Happy Art Supply Thrift, run by BlackRock Center for the Arts, this year’s host of GreenFest. Scrap Happy is a Creative ReUse Center that accept all art/craft donations except: frames, holiday decor, office supplies or painted canvases. It then re-circulates all donated items back to the community for a pay-what-you-can donation to support BlackRock’s Arts programming. Scrap Happy has kept 27,108 pounds of art/craft supplies, tools and equipment out of landfill since it opened – that’s 13 tons! Scrap Happy will have a booth at GreenFest to accept your donations, so look for it, and thank you!!

Mending Lab

Visit the Open Mending Lab, located on the 2nd floor of BlackRock Center for the Arts! Bring a much-loved piece of clothing and work with our Mending Coaches to learn how to repair it, give it new life. A few sewing machines will be available for use, as well as some mending supplies.

At the Festival

250 Actions

To honor the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County (founded in 1776), this year’s theme centers on legacy and collective action. We invite every resident to celebrate Montgomery County’s 250 years by committing to 250 actions that safeguard our environment and public health!

Battery Recycling

Help reduce the risk for trash fires while aiming towards zero waste by bringing unwanted or no longer usable household alkaline batteries and certain types of rechargeable batteries for special recycling drop-off at 2026 GreenFest. Collections

Student Projects

Join students from SGAP Sustainability Fellows Program, a student-led program where teens design, pitch and implement their own projects focused on sustainability. These Montgomery County middle and high schools are leading two impactful projects: EcoStyle and Green Corners for Everyone.