Events

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Valerie June is a talented singer/songwriter known for her soulful voice and eclectic blend of folk, blues, and country music. With her distinctive sound and heartfelt lyrics, she has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Valerie’s music resonates with listeners, evoking emotions while showcasing her exceptional musical artistry. Come experience this Grammy-nominated, multi-instrumentalist live at the Publick Playhouse!

Put your engineering skills to the test by building a sturdy, but beautiful structure. Participants will receive instruction and everything they need to build their graham cracker creation. This program kicks off Darnall’s Chance House Museum’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of its Gingerbread House Contest & Show. Participants in the STEM Challenge will receive a FREE registration for the 2024 Gingerbread House Contest & Show. Advanced registration required with Parks Direct.

ON KEE Jazz Band delivers a fusion of smooth jazz and original compositions, captivating audiences across the Northeast United States. From prestigious jazz clubs like Connolly’s Jazz Club in Boston, MA, to notable events such as the Democratic Convention. Now celebrating their 30th anniversary, ON KEE continues to enchant listeners; grab your tickets today!

The blues world continues to discover and love the music of Memphis Gold. He’s made an indelible mark on the music world with a career spanning over fifty years. His journey through the realms of blues music has been nothing short of extraordinary, characterized by the release of four full-length albums. He has had the privilege of sharing the stage with icons such as James Brown, George Clinton & the Funkadelic All Stars, Shemekia Copeland, Bobby Parker, and many more. International tours and several festivals have brought Memphis Gold’s high energy blues to audiences worldwide.

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Join the museum for tricks, treats, and spooky sweets for the whole family! Get festive and wear your favorite costume to enjoy discounted admission while having fun with games and activities in the gallery.
For more information: 301.864.6029 or kimberly.schwartz@pgparks.com

Discover the captivating journey of Jim Bennett, a soulful musician whose music resonates with the essence of the South. With a voice that weaves tales of love, loss, and redemption, Jim Bennett’s melodies transport listeners to the heart of southern soul. Join us as we delve into his musical legacy, celebrating the raw emotion and authenticity that define his sound.

Soulflexology is a holistic approach to wellness that combines the principles of reflexology with a focus on emotional and spiritual well-being. By applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears, Soulflexology aims to stimulate energy flow throughout the body, promoting relaxation, stress relief, and overall balance. This practice not only benefits physical health but also addresses emotional blockages and spiritual alignment, fostering a sense of harmony and connection within oneself. Soulflexology offers a unique way to nurture both the body and the soul, promoting a deeper sense of well-being and vitality.

You’ve walked inside an airport but have you ever wanted to walk on the runway? Explore the College Park Airport up close! Enjoy a guided walking tour of the airport’s tarmac while learning about the many “firsts” that happened on the airfield and how the airport is used today. This roughly one-hour tour takes place outdoors on slightly uneven terrain.

For more information: 301.864.6029 or collegeparkaviation@pgparks.com

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

B is for beatbox! Move, groove, and learn along with Max and Root, a dynamic dad duo. The Beatbox Dads give the letters of the alphabet rhythm and soul as they make music with their mouths! Their lively, interactive beatboxing style teaches foundational phonics, counting, and music skills as they engage kids in musical fun! This show is recommended for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Join us for an unforgettable perfume workshop! Create your own signature fragrance, exploring essential oils and fragrance families. Whether you love floral, fruity, woody, or oriental scents, this creative journey lets you express your unique style. Craft a bespoke perfume that turns heads and evokes memories. Awaken your creativity and indulge your senses in the world of perfumery.

Prepare for takeoff! Students are invited to soar into the world of aviation careers to explore the skies and beyond. From pilots to engineers, our interactive program will ignite curiosity and inspire dreams as children delve into the diverse array of opportunities within the aviation industry. Join us for a day of hands-on learning, exciting activities, and the chance to unlock the potential of tomorrow’s aviators! Registration required by November 8.
For more information: 301.864.6029 or collegeparkaviation@pgparks.com

The energetic Wendy Whitten, known as “The Singing Scientist,” has been entertaining audiences her entire life. She is an American science educator, award winning children’s author, and songwriter and acclaimed scientist.

Enjoy a short story and craft in the gallery. These programs are designed for younger learners 5 & under.
THIS MONTH: Join us for a story and activity recognizing the military history here at College Park. Introduce your little ones to the air force through the story Lil’ Airforce Pilots and stay to color and create your own military helmet!
For more information: 301.864.6029 or collegeparkaviation@pgparks.com

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Join our educators as we investigate a range of STEAM topics related to the field of aviation. After a quick lesson, participants can get hands-on with a quick experiment or activity. This program is ideal for learners ages 8-12 and is FREE with museum admission.
THIS MONTH: This month, young aviators will learn about the brave paratroopers in our military history and then get hands-on by crafting their own parachutes.
For more information: 301.864.6029 or collegeparkaviation@pgparks.com

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Returning to the Publick Playhouse stage, the National Ballet Company revisits the enchanting world of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday classic that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations. The production, with its magical storyline, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking choreography, is set against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, creating an immersive experience that transports viewers to a whimsical winter wonderland. The tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the malevolent Mouse King, and the ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy unfolds with grace and beauty, embodying the spirit of the holidays and the transformative power of imagination.

“A Tribute to the Music of Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack” features National Recording Artists Jamar Dukes and Shuga Shang. Join us for an evening of live music celebrating these incredible artists. Close your eyes and savor Jamar Dukes’ renditions of beloved Donny Hathaway ballads like “The Ghetto,” “Someday We Will All Be Free,” and “A Song For You.” Shuga Shang pays homage to Roberta Flack with hits including “Killing Me Softly,” “First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,” and their duets like “I Who Have Nothing” and “Where is the Love.”

Embrace the joy of the season by joining us at our annual December family event! Get into the holiday spirit with your community, neighbors, and friends at the Publick Playhouse. Children will have a chance to visit and take pictures with a special someone from the North Pole. We’ll also have coloring activities and a short, animated movie to entertain our youngest guests before showing our feature film, “The Polar Express.” This event is recommened for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Are you ready to ignite your creativity? Look no further! Harmony Hall Arts Center invites you to our delightful Candle Making Workshop. Participants will get hands-on experience where you’ll make your very own Coffee or Hot Cocoa scented candles. We will provide a candle kit with all the essentials, and our talented CRAF Team artists will guide you through each step. From melting the wax to adding the fragrant notes, you’ll be a candle-making pro in no time! Mark your calendars for this festive event.

Celebrate the holiday season in spectacular style by attending an unforgettable performance from the sensational Sylver Logan Sharp, the former lead singer of the legendary group CHIC. As the holiday season draws near, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by experiencing a live concert that promises to blend the soulful vibes of classic holiday tunes with the unique flair that only Sharp can deliver. Her dynamic voice and vibrant stage presence are sure to add a special twist to all your holiday favorites, making this event a must-see for music lovers. Having toured extensively across the US, Europe, Japan, and the UK, Sharp’s performances are a testament to her prowess as a world-class artist.

Feeling the Funk Band is a group of talented musicians who bring the groove and energy to the stage with their funky tunes. Their music is infectious, getting audiences up on their feet and dancing along to the beat. With their soulful melodies, tight rhythms, and killer horn section, Feeling the Funk Band delivers a performance that is both entertaining and electrifying. The band members are passionate about their craft, and it shines through in every note they play. Feeling the Funk Band is definitely a must-see live act for any music lover looking to have a good time.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as we pay homage to the iconic music of MAZE and Frankie Beverly, featuring their greatest hits including “Happy Feeling,” “Southern Girl,” “Before I Let Go,” and more. Spread the word and gather your friends for a night of great music and unforgettable memories. Secure your tickets now for what promises to be an evening of soulful tunes and celebration!

Cabaret Noir is a series of dark, comic vignettes featuring Femmes Fatales and fedoras, trench coats and torch songs, intrigue, suspense, and shadows. Happenstance Theater’s ensemble mesmerizes in a virtuosic display of physical comedy, object manipulation, and period style, with music played on multiple instruments, and characters costumed in vintage attire. Happenstance Theater, winner of five Helen Hayes Awards, has been called “DC’s leading peddler of whimsy” by the Washington Post.

For over 15 years running, Akua Allrich has curated and performed a soul-stirring tribute presentation, honoring Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. Akua Allrich pays homage to these two powerhouse artists, who have inspired her and millions of other jazz and music lovers around the globe. Allrich, whose own musical genesis comprises the blues, jazz, R&B, and pan-African music, features songs that Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba made their own. Join us in a musical experience based in freedom and self-expression, and particularly African expression. Allrich’s Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba tribute will leave you feeling both empowered and inspired!

Don’t miss this sophisticated-yet-ridiculous, family-friendly, clown circus from Happenstance Theater! A quintet of charming vintage clowns become circus animals, transform into a human calliope, do the classic circus mirror routine with a twist, perform a several preposterous “entrées”, make live music and sound effects, and execute a very satisfying slow-motion number involving a pie! This show is recommened for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Renowned saxophonist Kevin Levi is set to unveil his debut solo project, “ATONE,” a vibrant fusion of hip hop, R&B, Neo-soul, and ballads infused with his signature melodic flair. “ATONE” ventures into uncharted creative territory, showcasing Levi’s boundless artistry and collaborative spirit. Each original composition reflects his personal inspiration and meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by the talents of collaborator Leroy “Scooter” Taylor. With a storied history performing alongside luminaries like Wynton Marsalis and Marcus Miller, Kevin’s music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners to tap into their imagination and create their own narratives through his soul-stirring saxophone melodies.

Harmony Hall Arts Center presents “AILEY”—a captivating film celebrating Alvin Ailey, a revolutionary dance icon. Director Jamila Wignot skillfully brings Ailey’s enduring legacy to life, revealing the profound impact of his choreography on the Black American experience. Through intimate interviews and evocative archival footage, “AILEY” captures the brilliance of this visionary artist who created not just dance, but a community where emotions run deep and the human spirit soars. Experience the beauty and power of Alvin Ailey’s work.

Enjoy this concert version of the Broadway hit “Showboat” by composer Jerome Kern and lyrics by Rogers and Hammerstein, based on the ASALH 2025 theme of Blacks and Labor. Featuring Grammy award winning Black classical singers, chorus, and dancers, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) production highlights hit musical selections including “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.” Also highlighted as a part of the show is CAAPA’s version of the famous “Cakewalk”…so remember to bring your own hat, bring your fans, and be a part of the fun!

Gladys Knight is a legendary singer known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances. Her music has touched the hearts of millions and has inspired countless artists across generations. This tribute to Gladys Knight highlights her incredible talent, her contributions to music, and her impact on the industry. Join us as we celebrate her iconic songs, her soulful voice, and her lasting influence on the world of music. Gladys Knight is a true icon, and this tribute honors her enduring legacy.

Join us for an unforgettable gathering of community, as we witness the power of dance to inspire and transform. The Uplift Dance Festival is more than just a performance; it’s an act of sharing and celebration, where each piece tells a story of resilience, hope, and joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a truly inspirational event that celebrates the best of local talent and the enduring power of dance to uplift our lives. Performers are selected by a distinguished panel of adjudicators from the DMV dance community.

Join us at the Harmony Hall Arts Center for a spectacular tribute to the legends of music, including Ray Charles, Billy Preston, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, and more, presented by Bryan Fox and Friends. With roots in the church where he discovered his musical gift at the age of 13, Bryan Fox has become a dynamic force in the music scene. Renowned for his unique sound and electrifying performances, Fox and his band promise an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless classics of legendary artists.

In the Soles of Imagination shoe design workshop, participants take charge of the entire brand process. They create color concepts, choose brand and shoe names, and determine the perfect look and price for their brand. Imagination is encouraged, resulting in unique designs. As they design their shoes, students ponder their dreams: How would it feel for these dreams to come true? How would they see themselves? How would the world perceive them? At the course’s end, participants walk in the spirit of their desired dreams.

Dynamic and soothing four-piece vocal group Kings Return take pride in crafting a diverse yet supremely cohesive a cappella sound: The blend of their unique vocal timbres is so rich and so smooth that, at times, it sounds more like a full choir. Their sound has earned comparisons to iconic acts like Take 6 and Boyz II Men. Their brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel, and bright touches of pop—all built on a solid, classical foundation. Theirs is the kind of talent that makes virtuosic performance look (and sound) like sublime, effortless playtime, defying the constraints of any single genre to explore a myriad of sonic shades and textures.

Join us as national recording artist Jamar Dukes, Reggie Baker, and Bryan Fox will perform some of Bobby Womacks greatest hits such as: “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” “Harry Hippie,” “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha,” “Woman’s Gotta Have It”, and many more. If you are a fan of Bobby Womack’s music, then this is a tribute you do not want to miss!

L.T.D. (which stands for Love, Togetherness, and Devotion) was formed in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1968, and is best known for hits like “Back in Love Again” and “Holding On,” as well as their soulful ballads such as “Love Ballad” and “Where Did We Go Wrong.” This tribute promises to take you back to the days of sweet love ballads with the music of Jeffrey Osborne and L.T.D.

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 recommened 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.

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.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Join us for an electrifying Tribute Concert celebrating the timeless hits of two iconic R&B groups: Switch and DeBarge. From the infectious grooves of Switch to the soulful melodies of DeBarge, this event promises an unforgettable journey through decades of classic music. From chart-topping hits like “There’ll Never Be,” “I Call Your Name,” and “Rhythm of the Night” to romantic ballads such as “All This Love,” their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. This tribute promises to transport you back in time.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, as well as modern greats such as Anita O’Day and Annie Ross, Christina Drapkin delivers soulful ballads and scat improvisations with unparalleled depth and artistry. Her rich tradition of jazz standards, honed in New Orleans and New York, showcases improvisation and harmonic development reminiscent of bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. With multiple acclaimed albums, including “Songs About You,” Drapkin continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting voice and innovative vision.

Dancers representing countries from across the globe get together to showcase their talent in this interactive and immersive dance experience. Enjoy a live DJ spinning the latest international dance tracks and learn a few new moves to celebrate diversity in our community. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.

Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban percussionist, drummer, singer, songwriter, and composer originally from Havana, Cuba. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is also the world’s first call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid- to late-90’s. “The Pedrito Martinez Group is writing a new chapter in Cuban music history.” -NPR All Things Considered