On October 17, Oxon Hill Farm will open its gates for a free fall festival built around a simple community pleasure: spending an autumn day together at a working historic farm.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm in Maryland will host music, pumpkin painting, a community showcase and sheepdog demonstrations. The National Park Service says the program welcomes families, neighbors and visitors to celebrate the season through hands-on activities and shared time outdoors.
A pasture full of teamwork
One of the day’s liveliest moments will be the sheepdog demonstrations led by AJ Hesketh-Tutton. Visitors can watch trained dogs guide sheep through the pasture in response to voice and whistle commands, a close look at the trust and coordination behind a traditional farm skill.
The schedule also includes a morning performance from teaching artist Groovy Nate and an afternoon set from The Tribe Band. Throughout the day, local organizations will share their missions in a community showcase, giving visitors an easy way to meet people doing useful work nearby.
A welcome designed for more neighbors
The details of the festival carry the same friendly spirit as the activities. The park plans American Sign Language interpretation for performances and makes interpreters available to accompany visitors on request. Braille brochures will be available in the visitor center, and staff and volunteers can arrange golf-cart assistance for people with mobility concerns.
The festival also offers a free shuttle between Oxon Hill Farm and the Oxon Hill Park and Ride. Bicycle racks, nearby transit connections and a walk from the Park and Ride give visitors several ways to arrive.
A Smile Across America stop
For this Smile Across America stop, the joy is in the thoughtful mix: a pasture demonstration, live music, a small creative project and room for local groups to welcome their neighbors. It is a fall gathering with enough choices for people to make the day their own.
Oxon Hill Farm is at 6411 Oxon Hill Road in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The National Park Service asks visitors to check its festival page for the current schedule and arrival details.
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