Events

Jump into spring with a little Cosplay Costume and some animated magic. Return to the Publick Playhouse for our third annual Royal Dress-up & Family Movie Day. Dress as your favorite animated prince, princess, or other character and join the fun with our real-life royal guests. Enjoy pictures with a princess, activities for children, and a movie with family, friends, and the community. This year’s feature movie will be The Little Mermaid (2023) starring Halle Bailey. This live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film follows the mermaid princess Ariel, who is fascinated with the human world; after saving Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to walk on land. This event is recommended for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar’s captivating Bossa Nova performances have resonated in jazz-loving capitals like Paris and London, blending English and Portuguese songs with tender beauty and syncopated rhythms. Rooted in a pandemic-era livestream series, their repertoire spans generations, showcasing Daniela’s Brazilian music heritage and celebrating the genre romantically. With Soledade’s soulful vocals and Najar’s guitar virtuosity, their performance promises an unforgettable journey into love and tradition. It’s a unique fusion of irresistible voice, guitar prowess, and deep affection—an homage to venerable music.

Are you musically curious? Musicians and those who are interested in listening are invited to BAE’s monthly Curiosity Jam! We welcome singers and instrumentalists from any culture in the world. Our goal is to share music and encourage cross-cultural collaboration. World music band Kundalika is the house backing band, with sitar-guitar, acoustic guitar, upright bass and djembe on hand. In addition to “open mic” time, each monthly jam will also feature a special segment, the world music group jam. We will teach folks how to play the basic outline of an Indian classical music scale on their own instrument (or sing it vocally). Then we’ll lay down a groove and do a jam will all the musicians there playing together! No knowledge of Indian music required; we will have handouts in Western notation.

* Exhibition runs Apr. 19, 2025-Jun. 1, 2025 *
Public reception Sat., May 3, 1-3 pm

This annual exhibit organized by the Laurel Art Guild is juried by a regional professional and showcases works by artists ages 18 and older in the Washington, D.C., area. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, photographs, wall-hung sculptures, collages, and more. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, along with three merit awards. Get involved and enjoy the support and camaraderie of your fellow local artists. Find more information at laurelartguild.org.

* Exhibition runs Apr. 19, 2025-May 18, 2025 *
Public reception Sun., May 10, 2-4 pm

Bao Yen Nguyen was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. in 1997. Nguyen’s works focus on manipulating photographs by using gel medium transfer and mixed media, and deals with Asian Americans living between two worlds: the old and the new. In recent years, hate speech and violence toward Asians have risen. The new series visualizes her internal struggle with anti-Asian racism and a sense of belonging.

Immerse yourself in dialogue-turned-poetry and step into a world where words wield power and conscience finds voice. Join us as J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford, Sylvia Dianne “Ladi Di” Beverly, Billye Okera, and Brenardo Taylor take the stage. These poets, rooted in Washington, DC, deliver unapologetically powerful messages, addressing societal divides with hope and unity. Through original poetry, they navigate themes of social consciousness, empowerment, and faith.

Immerse yourself in dialogue-turned-poetry and step into a world where words wield power and conscience finds voice. Join us as J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford, Sylvia Dianne “Ladi Di” Beverly, Billye Okera, and Brenardo Taylor take the stage. These poets, rooted in Washington, DC, deliver unapologetically powerful messages, addressing societal divides with hope and unity. Through original poetry, they navigate themes of social consciousness, empowerment, and faith.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Women/girls can wear a “lappa” (2 yards of African print fabric to be wrapped around the waist). Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.