The first Long Branch Festival begins Friday night, Sept. 20, for a weeklong celebration of the neighborhoods, businesses and culture of the area, according to organizers.

The event is a collaboration of the Long Branch Business League, Montgomery Housing Partnership, Montgomery County Planning department, and the Department of Housing and Community Development, with additional support from Montgomery Parks and the Purple Line Transit Partners.

“The purpose of the Long Branch Festival is to celebrate the dynamic neighborhood, businesses and culture of Long Branch,” according to the festival website. “Our goal is to bring communities together and celebrate our diversity, expand understanding of the crucial role of shared public spaces and highlight the value of locally owned stores.

“An additional goal is to help our community reimagine a future that includes both the current community and future changes,” the text continues.

The festival will feature music on all seven days of the event. The main stage will be located at the Flower Avenue Urban Park at 8746 Flower Ave., while other activities will be set up in adjacent areas along Flower Avenue.

Featured spaces will include Pupusa Alley on both Fridays of the festival, as well as on Saturday, with offerings from La Casita, Veronica’s Bakery & Café, El Golfo, and El Gavilan.

On Saturday, Silver Branch Brewing Co. will open a beer garden in the park from 2–9 p.m.

Other highlights include a fire pit, kids activities, a climbing wall, local vendors offering their art and wares, and information booths from various organizations.

For complete information, visit the festival website.

Graphic from Long Branch Festival website.