Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Lunchtime Listening with Maxwell Street, Season Opener
2026-09-02 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Start the new season with the timeless sound of blues that will carry you straight into the heart of music history! Maxwell Street is where legends were made back in the 1940s and 1950s after migrating north for better opportunities under the bright lights of the big and windy city. Following in their giant footsteps, we pay homage to all the greats…Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, and even the Memphis sounds of B.B. King and many others! So sit back and enjoy while we play these blues for you, along with some jump blues and classic R&B. We are Maxwell Street, Good to the Last Note…

Toddler Time at Mount Rainier (September)
2026-09-03 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-09-10 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-09-17 11:00 - 11:45
Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Each Toddler Time session features a unique theme focused on animals, plants, habitats, or other natural wonders, helping young learners build curiosity and a connection to the world around them.

Designed for ages 2-5, this fun and interactive program encourages children to learn through play, movement, and their senses.An adult must accompany each child.September line-up:– September 3: Mushroom Month– September 10: Late Summer Fruits– September 17: Hispanic Heritage– September 24: Monarch Migration

Toddler Time: Mushroom Month
2026-09-03 11:00 - 11:45
September is Mushroom Month! Bring your toddler to lean about fantastic fungi. Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration, stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Each Toddler Time session features a unique theme focused on animals, plants, habitats, or other natural wonders, helping young learners build curiosity and a connection to the world around them. Designed for ages 2-5, this fun and interactive program encourages children to learn through play, movement, and their senses. An adult must accompany each child.

Montpelier Arts Center Instructor Exhibition
2026-09-04 - 2026-10-11
For more than 45 years, Montpelier Arts Center has provided the residents of Prince George’s County and surrounding areas opportunities to learn from some of the leading artists in the field. Join us in celebrating our instructors’ works of art that have inspired so many.

Tom Teasley & Chao Tian
2026-09-04 20:00 - 22:00
Kick off our 2026-2027 First Fridays Listening Room season with a mesmerizing performance by world-renowned percussionist Tom Teasley and virtuosic Chinese dulcimer (Yangqin) player Chao Tian. This improvisational duo bridges thousands of miles and centuries of tradition, creating a seamless dialogue between East and West.

43rd Annual Choreographers' Showcase Auditions
2026-09-05 10:00 - 18:00
Calling All Choreographers! Paid Opportunity.

Whether you’re an emerging or experienced choreographer, the M-NCPPC Arts and Cultural Heritage Division is seeking talented choreographers to audition for a chance to showcase choreography at the 43rd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase at the Publick Playhouse on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 7 pm. To audition, choreographers can opt to submit an audition video or schedule an in-person audition for an adjudication panel. In-person auditions are by appointment only—reserve your spot today!

Questions? If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Megan Merchant at megan.merchant@pgparks.com.

The Softones
2026-09-05 20:00
Come enjoy an evening of smooth harmonies and timeless soul with a concert performed by The Softones. Known for their rich vocals, classic sound, and feel-good energy, The Softones create a warm, engaging atmosphere that instantly connects with audiences. Their performance blends rhythm, nostalgia, and musical excellence, making it perfect for longtime fans of soul and R&B as well as new listeners discovering their sound for the first time. Relax and let the music take you somewhere special as The Softones deliver a concert experience that’s uplifting, memorable, and full of heart.

The Craftsmen Group: A Visual History
2026-09-08 - 2026-10-31
The Craftsmen Group: A Visual History serves as a foundational opening to our Icons of the DMV season, exploring the intersection of technical mastery and communal legacy. This exhibition traces the evolution of a collective dedicated to the precision of craft and the preservation of artistic traditions that have shaped the regional landscape for decades.

The Washington Glass School: 25 Years of Glass & Community Exhibition
2026-09-08 - 2026-10-31
For 25 years, the Washington Glass School has been the place for artists to come together, learn, experiment, and explore new possibilities in glass and mixed media. This anniversary exhibition brings together founders, resident artists, instructors, and alumni whose work spans sculpture, installation, public art, and architectural glass. We celebrate the remarkable diversity of artists connected through a shared studio and a commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Catherine Rupan Mapp: Diasporic Frequencies
2026-09-10 - 2026-12-26
Through mixed media and paintings, this exhibition explores diasporic identity as a layered frequency—remixing ancestral symbolism, dance music culture, and personal memory into vibrant expressions of hybridity and belonging. This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from Sep. 10-Dec. 28, 2026, and can be viewed during regular facility hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Please note that exhibits cannot be viewed when a performance or event is in progress. Before viewing an exhibit, please call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 to check the performance schedule.

Unearthing Foundations, Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition
2026-09-11 - 2026-11-01
Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an exhibition that highlights Latinx and Hispanic artists in the DMV area. Unearthing Foundations examines how our personal and cultural past influences what comes next, even if we can’t see it. The artists featured in this exhibition explore how place, family, rituals, and nature are layers in a timeline, and ask us to reflect on what we hold on to or discard. This exhibit is curated by Rebecca Perez, a Washington, D.C.-based mixed-media artist and founder of Tendrils journal.

Dandelion Black Women Artists
2026-09-12 - 2026-11-01
Dandelion Black Women Artists is a collective of nine Black women artists that create abstract and figurative work. This exhibition will feature collaborative pieces, collages, and mixed media that address the theme of rebuttal. The artworks respond to current events while drawing from the personal and historical experiences each artist carries through lived experiences.

The Craftsmen Group: A Visual History - Opening Reception
2026-09-12 17:00 - 20:00

Catherine Rupan Mapp: Diasporic Frequencies - Public Reception
2026-09-13 14:00 - 17:00

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebración
2026-09-13 14:00 - 17:00
Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! The celebración will include an art exhibition and public reception displaying the works of artist Catherine Rupan Mapp; the unveiling of the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month poster, designed by local high school students; live music from Pablo Antonio y La Firma and DJ Suelto; dance demonstrations & lessons from Salsa with Sylvia; art activities and face painting for children; and light refreshments.

Active Aging Week: Expressive Arts Workshop
2026-09-15 11:00 - 13:00
Do you wish to express yourself more? Are you looking for inspiration? Join us for this two-hour self-expression workshop. Participants will use prompts to discuss and engage creatively with one another and a life coach. Projects will include combining images and objects into a 3-D creation using pictures, paper, and clear gems.

Senior Talent Showcase
2026-09-15 12:00 - 15:00
Back by popular demand! Join us for an unforgettable Senior Art Talent Showcase, where creativity knows no bounds! This event celebrates the artistic talents of our senior community, featuring captivating performances in singing, dance, poetry, and visual arts. Whether you’re an artist or an art enthusiast, this showcase promises to be a feast for the senses and a testament to the vibrant creativity of our seniors. Don’t miss this opportunity to support and admire the incredible talents of our community!

Active Aging Week: African Dance with Fritete Ensemble
2026-09-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-17 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate African Heritage Month and Active Aging Week with Fritete Ensemble leading Besa – Feel the Beat, Move Your Feet, a class designed for seniors who love singing and dancing. Participants will enjoy learning traditional dances, chants, and rhythms from the Mother Continent. These classes consist of moderate stretching, cardio, and crafted African movements. Wear athletic wear, sweats, leggings, or an African wrap skirt.

Note: This class is offered on three different dates and will be the same class each day. If you would like to attend multiple classes, please register for each one. All Publick Playhouse sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges

Tue., Sep. 15, 2 pm

Wed., Sep. 16, 2 pm

Thu., Sep. 17, 2 pm

Active Aging Week: Printing in Clay
2026-09-16 11:00 - 13:00
Get your hands dirty working with clay in this immersive workshop. Learn hand-building techniques to create tiles, pinch pots, and more. Then, decorate the surface of your piece by pressing leaves, flowers, and lace into the clay. Show off your resulting creation to your friends and family. Beginners welcome! No experience needed.

Active Aging Week: African Dance with Fritete Ensemble
2026-09-16 14:00 - 15:00
Celebrate African Heritage Month and Active Aging Week with Fritete Ensemble leading Besa – Feel the Beat, Move Your Feet, a class designed for seniors who love singing and dancing. Participants will enjoy learning traditional dances, chants, and rhythms from the Mother Continent. These classes consist of moderate stretching, cardio, and crafted African movements. Wear athletic wear, sweats, leggings, or an African wrap skirt.

Note: This class is offered on three different dates and will be the same class each day. If you would like to attend multiple classes, please register for each one. All Publick Playhouse sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Tue., Sep. 15, 2 pm

Wed., Sep. 16, 2 pm

Thu., Sep. 17, 2 pm

Damon Foreman Trio
2026-09-16 14:00 - 15:00
Damon Foreman is a seasoned performer specializing in jazz, R&B, funk, and adult contemporary music. He has recorded seven albums as a leader, and his music has been described as smooth, sensuous, and exciting. His influences include George Benson; Wes Montgomery; Earth, Wind, and Fire; and most especially, Prince. Damon has performed at major music venues such as Warner Theatre, The Kennedy Center, Madison Square Garden, Harmony Hall, and Red Rocks in Colorado, just to name a few. He presently owns a music school/studio in Howard County, Maryland.

Guided Ceramics
2026-09-17 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for a delightful Guided Ceramics Workshop during Active Aging Week! This hands-on session is designed for older adults to explore their creativity and learn the art of ceramics in a supportive environment. Our experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of pottery, from shaping clay to glazing your masterpiece. No prior experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun. Connect with peers, express yourself artistically, and take home a beautiful, handmade piece. All materials are provided. Let’s create something wonderful together.

Montpelier Arts Center Instructor Exhibition - Public Reception
2026-09-18 19:00 - 21:00

Dandelion Black Women Artists - Public Reception
2026-09-18 19:00 - 21:00

Unearthing Foundations, Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition - Public Reception
2026-09-18 19:00 - 21:00

Save My Black Soul by Evan Carrington
2026-09-18 19:30
Directed by Jeremy Keith Hunter

Save My Black Soul is a period drama that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and follows a young, struggling, African American actor named Edward Foster. Edward, being fed up with the roles that are being offered to him in Hollywood, decides to move to New York City to create a theatre space where he can mold the next generation of up-and-coming actors of color. While his aspirations may be pure, the journey to get there will be anything but flawless.

Outdoor Adventures: Mushrooms at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
2026-09-19 10:00 - 17:00
Explore new places, stay active, and enjoy a day of discovery. Each Outdoor Adventure features a different experience, from hiking and nature exploration to museums, art exhibits, fairs, carnivals, and historic sites.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, learning something new, or simply enjoying time outdoors, there’s always something exciting to explore.

Trip fees vary by destination and activity. Participants will meet at Mount Rainier Nature Center to travel to the destination. Transportation is provided via M-NCPPC minibus. Participants should bring a lunch, reusable water bottle, and wear closed-toe shoes.
