Bethesda news, restaurants, nightlife, events and openings, real estate, crime reports and more - the way only a lifelong Bethesda resident like Robert Dyer can bring it to you. Everything you want and need to know about Bethesda, plus special investigative reports you won't find anywhere else. The must-read blog for breaking Bethesda news, when you want to be the first to know.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Alo offering early access Thursday night ahead of Friday opening in Bethesda
If you just can't wait for the grand opening of Alo at 7236 Woodmont Avenue at Bethesda Row this Friday, they have a solution for you. The yoga and wellness apparel boutique will be hosting an early access shopping event this Thursday evening, May 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Can't make it Thursday? The shop will be holding a grand opening celebration from opening day Friday through this coming Sunday.
Saturday, May 09, 2026
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival 2026
The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival has returned to the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood of downtown Bethesda for 2026. Featured are the works of over 120 national artists, in a variety of mediums. There is also live music, and food is available from several vendors on-site. Admission is free. The festival is winding down for today, but there is another whole day tomorrow, Sunday, May 10 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Tuesday, May 05, 2026
Carnival returns to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda through May 10
A carnival with an anti-drug message for children has returned to the parking lot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. L.E.A.D Fest, an initiative produced by the organization Law Enforcement Against Drugs, will be at the mall tonight through Sunday May 10, 2026. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 18, some rides require a parent to also ride along, only clear bags will be allowed into the carnival area, and no face coverings are allowed, unless required for a medical reason.
Tickets can be purchased online. It's intriguing to have an anti-drug event in a county and state whose leadership are strongly pro-drug. Worth contemplating, is why your elected officials want you to be zonked out on mind-altering drugs. Just say no!
Monday, March 23, 2026
Coffee Republic opens in Bethesda (Photos)
Coffee Republic opened yesterday, March 22, 2026, at 7629 Old Georgetown Road in the Bethesda Place apartments. Grand opening customers enjoyed giveaways, and a day of springlike weather. The bad news is that temperatures will plunge overnight to 33 degrees by sunrise Tuesday morning. The good news is that you can still get one free cup of hot drip coffee today, March 23, only at Coffee Republic.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Bethesda Coffee Republic opening Sunday, March 22
Coffee Republic will open at 7629 Old Georgetown Road in the Bethesda Place apartments this Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 7:00 AM. The first 100 customers in line will receive a free drink of their choice, and the first 300 will get a swag bag. Every customer Sunday and Monday will enjoy one free hot-drip coffee all day long, if they download the Coffee Republic app. According to a new sign in the window, the coffee shop's menu includes all-day breakfast. Outdoor patio seating is in place; all that's needed is for the weather to cooperate.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream sets opening date in Chevy Chase
The newest location of Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream at 8551 Connecticut Avenue at Chevy Chase Lake now has an opening date. It will start scooping on Saturday, April 4, 2026. To celebrate, a Grand Opening Block Party & Community Maker’s Market will be held from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the 4th and 5th that weekend. "We’re curating the best local makers, music, family activities, and plenty of ice cream specials as we turn the plaza into a neighborhood celebration," the local mother-daughter chain announced on Instagram yesterday.
Sarah's will also offer the following grand opening specials that weekend:
✨ Buy 1 Get 1 Free Sarah’s Signature 6-Flavor Ice Cream Flights
✨ Buy 3 Get 1 More Free Pints
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Reardon Sullivan to launch Montgomery County Council District 1 campaign March 5
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan, a Republican from Bethesda, will officially kick off his campaign for the District 1 seat on the Montgomery County Council tomorrow, March 5, 2026, at an event from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in downtown Bethesda. WMAL radio host and Town Hall editor Larry O'Connor will emcee the event. The exact location will be provided to attendees upon registration for the event.
Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase 50th Annual Community Art Show and Sale, March 20-22, 2026
Get ready to celebrate a major half-century milestone in our local arts scene. The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase is rolling out the red carpet for its 50th Annual Community Art Show and Sale. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for that perfect piece to brighten up your living room, this is the event of the season. From Friday, March 20, 2026, to Sunday, March 22, the club will transform into a vibrant gallery featuring the work of 140 local artists. With over 400 original pieces on display, there will truly be something for everyone—at prices that won't break the bank.
This isn't just a show; it's a curated competition. This year, the club will welcome Dr. Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, as their guest judge.
Artists will be competing and exhibiting across ten diverse categories:
- Traditional Media: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, and Pastel.
- Modern Perspectives: Photography, Mixed Media, and Prints & Drawings.
- Specialty Works: Portraits, "Smalls," and Other Media (including fine crafts like glass, wood, metal, and paper).
Beyond the beauty on the walls, this event has a heart. Proceeds from the show will go directly toward scholarships for art students, helping the next generation of creators find their voice. By taking home a piece of art, you’re investing in the future of the arts in our community.
Admission is free and the public is invited to explore the gallery over these three days:
- Friday, March 20 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, March 21 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday, March 22 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase is located at 7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Free parking is available off Dunlop Street, behind the clubhouse. Need more information? Reach out at wcccartshow@gmail.com or visit wcccmaryland.org.
Sunday, February 08, 2026
Super Bowl Sunday goes all day at Pike El Diamante in Bethesda
If you want to stretch out your Super Bowl celebration all day and into the late night, but don't want to do any shopping, hosting, or cooking, Pike El Diamante at 4906 St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda has just the itinerary for you. Start the day with a Super Bowl Brunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. At 3:00 PM, you're invited to their Super Bowl Day Party, with live music by Unique Minds Band until 7:00 PM. You'll be well-positioned for the big game itself Sunday evening, with appetizer and drink specials. See the full list of prices below:
Monday, January 26, 2026
Fossette Focacceria sandwiches coming to Bethesda Thursday, January 29
Fossette Focacceria sandwiches are officially launching at All-Purpose Pizza Shop at 4747-A Bethesda Avenue on Thursday, January 29, 2026. You may have seen these sandwiches in your social media feed from influencers like ADorkAndHerFork at the local chain's Washington, D.C. location. Now all six flavors are coming right to you in Bethesda. If you are a member of their awards program, and you are one of the first 40 in-person customers, you will receive $30 in rewards credit to All-Purpose Pizza Shop. If you're not, sign up now.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Indoor Artisan Market this Sunday, November 16, in Chevy Chase
The highly anticipated Indoor Artisan Market 2025 is returning to The Woman's Club of Chevy Chase (WCCC) for a one-day only event. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and craftsmanship this Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Woman's Club of Chevy Chase at 7931 Connecticut Avenue. Forget the big box stores and shop local for the holidays in your own community. This year's market features over 45 talented local artists showcasing their incredible work. You'll find a wide array of unique treasures, including handmade crafts, stunning jewelry, and original artworks.
With a range of prices, it's the perfect opportunity to find that special something—whether it's a treat for yourself, a thoughtful gift for a colleague, or a heartfelt present for a loved one. What better way start your holiday shopping than by supporting local artisans?
Admission to Sunday's event is free, and the parking is free, as well. Park in the lot behind the clubhouse, which can be accessed from Connecticut Avenue using Dunlop Street.
Your attendance does more than just support local artists. The market will also feature a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting two wonderful organizations: the Bare Necessities Foundation, and The Betty Ann Krahnke Center (JSSA). Enjoy a festive atmosphere, discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind items, and contribute to a great cause, all at the same time. Come celebrate local talent and find your next favorite piece at the Indoor Artisan Market 2025.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Guardado's Spooky Halloween tonight in Bethesda
Guardado's at 4918 Del Ray Avenue in downtown Bethesda will be hosting a Spooky Halloween late-night happy hour tonight, October 31, 2025, from 10:00 PM to close. They'll be serving 2-for-1 draft beers, $2 off bottled beers, $2 off select cocktails, and $5 shots. Enjoy music and their late night tapas menu.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Trick or Treat at Bethesda Row October 30, 2025
Get ready for a spooktacular evening, because the Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event is returning to Bethesda Row! It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with family-friendly fun, all while supporting a fantastic local cause. Mark your calendars, because the trick-or-treating happens this Thursday, October 30, from 5:00–7:00 PM.
Bring the kids in their best costumes for an amazing evening of treats and festivities. Stroll through the Row and collect treats from participating shops and restaurants. It's a safe and fun way to get a head start on filling up those candy bags, with treats from the local businesses you know and trust.
Every registered child will get a special Bethesda Row glow stick to light up the night—great for safety and fun while trick-or-treating. Keep an eye out for fun and festive costume characters roaming the Row. Be sure to stop and snap a spooky selfie! And just by registering your child, you'll be entered to win a $100 gift card to a Bethesda Row brand.
Tickets are required per child (adults are free) and cost $5. All proceeds go directly to Manna Food Center, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in our community. Tickets must be purchased in advance online here.
A gift card isn't the only prize up for grabs Thursday. Post your favorite Halloween pics from the event on social media and tag @bethesdarowfrt for a chance to win a frightfully fantastic mystery prize.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Mystery Mansion Adventure at The Woman's Club of Chevy Chase Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, 2025
Listen, friend. I’ve seen things. Things you wouldn’t believe. And the truth is, Chevy Chase has a secret. We're talking about the annual Mystery Mansion Adventure put on by The Woman's Club of Chevy Chase. It’s not just your typical haunted house.
If your little monsters are between the ages of 3 and 10, they are the target audience for the show. Bring 'em on down. But bring the parents as well, because every good ghost story needs witnesses, right? And if you're one of those grown-up fans who still likes the shiver but can skip the genuine terror—you're welcome here, too. The door is wide open.
The fun starts when the shadows get long: October 31st and November 1st, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Costumes are encouraged for kids and adults. Swing by before or after the big sugar grab of Trick or Treating, or just use it to finish off the whole Halloween shebang. It's the perfect nightcap... or maybe the perfect appetizer.
Look, you don't want to get shut out, standing there in the cold, so buy those timed entry tickets in advance at www.MysteryMansion.org. Trust me, disappointment is a ghoul you want to avoid.
For one low price—a flat $20 for any age—you get the whole creepy carnival:
1. Entry to the Mystery Mansion: Wander the unique halls of their indoor, family-friendly haunted house. It’s strange. It’s fun. It’s exactly where you need to be.
2. The Hall of Portraits: Rub elbows (or maybe just skeletal remains) with assorted characters and get those perfect, spooky photo-ops. Say cheese! Or maybe say "boo!"
3. Artisan Alley: This year they have a new spot for you to let your creative side out—a crafting workshop where you can leave your own little mark.
And if you get a little hungry, a little thirsty from all that excitement, they will have food and drinks for sale, including s'mores kits. Oh, yes. Firepits will be crackling away, waiting for you to tell your own whispered tales. The address, if you're looking for the house at the end of the lane? It’s The Woman's Club of Chevy Chase clubhouse at 7931 Connecticut Ave in Chevy Chase. Parking is available in the lot behind the clubhouse.
Photo courtesy Woman's Club of Chevy Chase
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Warby Parker holding grand opening event Saturday at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda
Warby Parker will celebrate its arrival at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this week with a special grand opening event this Saturday, October 18, 2025. The eyewear boutique will be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday. This is Warby Parker's second Bethesda location; the first is located at Bethesda Row. Look for Warby Parker on Level 1 of the mall, across from Vineyard Vines in the Nordstrom wing.
Sunday, October 05, 2025
Taste of Bethesda 2025 Photo Gallery
Taste of Bethesda, the town's biggest annual event, drew a huge crowd yesterday to the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. The weather more than cooperated this time, a rarity in recent years. A few newcomers joined a roster of many of Bethesda's top restaurants, including the just-opened Tasty Grills & Catering, and the soon-to-open BabyCat Brewery. Notably absent was the once-ubiquitous Jaleo/Spanish Diner giant paella pan, as hometown celebrity chef Jose Andrés has exited the Bethesda market. BabyCat Brewery reports it could be open in three weeks if all goes according to plan; longer if it does not.



























































