Events

Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 10:30-11:30 am

(Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting begins at 10:30 am • Remarks begin at 11 am)

Horsepen Park
8609 Race Track Road, Bowie 20715

Join us for a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the WB&A Trail Patuxent River Bridge! This new, 530-foot bridge for cyclists and pedestrians connects Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. It links two previously isolated segments of the WB&A Trails from Bowie to Odenton, creating a continuous 12.7-mile stretch of the trail across Central Maryland.

Please note: Attendees are welcome to walk or ride their bikes on the trail for this event. The total distance from the parking lot to the bridge is 1 mile each way.

For Walkers:
If needed, transportation is available 9:30-10:15 am from Horsepen Park parking lot to the Patuxent River Bridge.

For Bike Riders:
Come ride with us to the Patuxent River Bridge as a group! We will depart promptly at 9:30 am from Glenn Dale Community Center (11901 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale 20769). Helmets are required, and don’t forget your water bottle! Bicycles are not provided.

Distance: 5 miles (10 miles round-trip)

Pace: Relaxed and beginner-friendly (10–12 mph)

Destination: Patuxent River Bridge

Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52578926 (100% WB&A Trail)

Bring your family and friends out for a day of fun at Baden’s Block Party! Enjoy music, games, crafts, entertainment, vendors, and more!

Learn strategies to secure funding, write compelling grant proposals, and build relationships with funders to sustain your creative practice.

For thousands of years, music and craftsmanship have been intertwined, serving as a powerful form of communication and self-expression. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll embark on a journey through time, exploring the ancient musical traditions of Central and South America while creating your own unique clay instrument. Reconnect with nature through the tactile experience of working with clay. Awaken your creativity by shaping and designing a traditional rattle. Experience the joy of sound and music-making, no matter your skill level. Guided by the expert instruction of teaching artist, Melissa Hyatt Foss, you’ll learn about the history and significance of these ancient instruments and craft your own functional clay rattle—a piece of history you can play! All materials, supplies, and firing are included, and no prior experience with clay, instruments, or music is necessary. Step into the past, create in the present, and leave with a one-of-a-kind musical treasure.

Do you have to speak at large events, but feel you don’t always convey your message effectively? Do you find yourself uncomfortable once you get in front of an audience? Join us for a class that will focus on the basic skills and techniques of public speaking, with the goal of making you a more confident, effective, and persuasive speaker. Participants will examine content, style, and delivery to present in several modes of public speaking. All skill levels welcome.

This class will run from September 30 – November 4, 2025 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Registration will open on August 13 for residents (August 20 for non-residents). Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.

Musical instruments have helped us communicate and express ourselves since the dawn of human culture. Learning about the musical instruments of the ancient Americas and building and playing our own unique instruments helps us to awaken the memory of our connection to nature, cultivate presence through working with clay, and experience joy through sound and music-making. In this hands-on workshop we will learn about ceramic musical instruments that have been made across Central and South America for thousands of years and learn to build and tune our own working clay flutes. Guided by the expert instruction of teaching artist, Melissa Hyatt Foss, you’ll learn about the history and significance of these ancient instruments! All materials, supplies and firing are included. No previous experience with clay, instruments, or music is needed!

Wear a costume and skate for $6 Admission (Includes Skate Rental). Regular Admission prices for those not in costume.

Get into the Halloween spirit with our pumpkin carving extravaganza! We’ll provide the pumpkins and tools—you bring your creativity. Whether you’re crafting a spooky face or an intricate design, this is the perfect way to kick off the season. BYOP or purchase one on-site for $5!

Wear a costume and skate for $6 Admission (Includes Skate Rental). Regular Admission prices for those not in costume.

In the three-hour Altered Book Workshop, participants will choose from a list of prompts discussing emotional regulation skills and emotional naming. In response to these prompts, participants will create altered books and engage in discussions with a life coach and each other. Altered books are created by taking thrifted or donated hardback books and upcycling them into an art journal. The participants will prepare the books by strategically removing and/or gluing pages. Next, they will create art within the pages and on the cover. In an altered book, any medium can be used to make any type of art, such as collage, painting, drawing, found poetry, etc. These altered books offer a safe space to use art as an outlet for self-expression and processing emotions.

Gain essential legal knowledge for creatives, covering contracts, copyright, intellectual property, and artist rights with expert guidance from Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

This multi-week class focuses on the basics of acting – be that on a stage, in a filmed scene, or just having fun at home or school. Participants will learn warm-ups, games, and tools to enhance their acting skills.

This class will run from November 11 – December 16, 2025 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration will open on August 13 for residents (August 20 for non-residents). Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.

Written and directed by Titus Kaphar, this film follows a Black artist named Tarrell, an admired American painter on the path to success. Tarrell’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay. His path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a conscience-stricken man desperate to reconcile. In this raw and profoundly moving film, Tarrell and his father learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving. Note: Veterans FREE at the door with military ID.
Rated R | Run time: 1h 57m

Create festive mosaic coasters just in time for holiday gatherings! Learn the basics of mosaic design while crafting functional and beautiful coasters that will add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table.

Join the tradition and visit the Gingerbread House Contest and Show held at Darnall’s Chance House Museum. See a dazzling display of gingerbread creations that reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Prince George’s County, Maryland. This year’s entries will celebrate the local landmarks, architecture, stories, and traditions that showcase the unique heritage of Prince George’s County.

Get into the holiday spirit and shop small on Small Business Saturday 2025! The Brentwood Arts Exchange Artisan Shop is your destination for unique, handcrafted gifts that make the season special. From jewelry and ceramics to textiles and home décor, every purchase directly supports local artisans. Enjoy 20% off all artisan shop purchases!

Make a day of it with artist meet-and-greets, complimentary gift wrapping, and a festive shopping experience. Start your holiday shopping with thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the creative talent that makes our community shine.

Shop local, spread holiday cheer, and celebrate the season with us!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Harmony Hall’s annual Holiday Market Place! Enjoy the enchanting sounds of live music while sipping on warm refreshments. Explore a variety of vendor tables offering unique, handcrafted items and perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. This free event is open to all ages, so bring your family and friends for a delightful holiday experience. Don’t miss this magical opportunity to celebrate the season with us!

You are invited to a magical morning of holiday fun for the whole family. Create your Elf on a Shelf with Arts on a Roll, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and snap a photo with a special jolly guest! Then, experience the heartwarming children’s show Holidays Around the World at 11 am, performed by the CFA Repertory Theatre. Through music, dance, puppetry, and storytelling, journey globally to explore cultural traditions from Diwali to Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and more. Join us for a festive family celebration filled with holiday magic and joy. This is a perfect holiday event for families and children of all ages!

Kick off the holidays at our festive Holiday Craft Fair, where you can shop from over a dozen local artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods. Discover unique gifts, enjoy live music, and sip on seasonal favorites from Maryland Meadworks. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list!

Make your holiday extra special with handmade ornaments! Join us for a festive crafting session where you’ll design unique decorations to brighten up your home or gift to loved ones.

Embrace the season’s joy by joining us at our annual December family event! Get into the holiday spirit with your community, neighbors, and friends at Publick Playhouse. Children will have a chance to visit and take pictures with Santa. We’ll also offer coloring activities and a screening of the short, animated film Kung Fu Panda Holiday to entertain our youngest guests. Following that, we’ll present our feature film, Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022). Please note, this event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

Celebrate the arts and the holidays at Montpelier Arts Center! Meet our talented resident artists and join them for demonstrations and artist talks in their studios. Visit exhibitions in our three galleries and enjoy our receptions for photographer Berchel Douglas and resident artist David Brosch. Groove to live music, make a holiday craft, and celebrate the season with your family and friends!

Christmastime is here! Montpelier Arts Center and The Eric Byrd Trio celebrate the season with an afternoon filled with festive music from the Peanuts’ special. Comprised of pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Bhagwan Khalsa, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr., the Trio has traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Bringing fresh arrangements to these familiar songs, they are sure to put you in a holiday mood. “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!”

Learn the art of improvisation, also known as ‘Silly make ‘em ups!’ Excellent for developing social skills, collaboration skills, and communication skills. Practice accepting other people’s ideas and adding some of your own, speaking specially, paying attention to what you are doing, etc. thorough exercises and short form Improv games.

This class will run from January 6 – February 10, 2026 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Registration will open in mid-November, 2025. Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.

Active service members and veterans of all eras are invited to join this free, monthly small group reading and discussion dinner series centered around books which relate to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with Montpelier Arts Center. Discussions are led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former poet-in-residence at the Arts Center and discussion moderator for multiple literature groups in Baltimore. Dinner and reading materials are provided. Call 301-377-7800 for more information and to register. Spaces are limited; registration is required by Jan. 6, 2026.

Ages 18 & up; FREE; registration required

Join the cast! Prince George’s Shakespeare in the Parks brings free, entertaining, and easily accessible productions of Shakespeare’s works to communities across Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. All acting roles are compensated, and performances are schedules at various outdoor locations from June 14 to July 25, 2026. Actors ages 18 and above from the D.C. Metropolitan area are invited to audition and should prepare a monologue from one of Shakespeare’s plays. Auditions are by appointment only and can be schedules by contacting Megan Merchant, Arts Specialist, at megan.merchant@pgparks.com. The registration deadline is Friday, January 23, 2026, at 5pm.

Join us for a two-part book discussion and film screening featuring Percival Everett’s satirical 2001 novel Erasure and its 2023 film adaptation, the Best Picture-nominated dark comedy American Fiction, starring Jeffrey Wright. The book and film examine (and skewer) the use of Black stereotypes in fiction and the anti-Black stance of the publishing industry.

Explore diverse revenue opportunities beyond traditional sales, including licensing, commissions, teaching, digital platforms, and passive income strategies.

Celebrate Black History Month with an unforgettable music matinee featuring award-winning saxophonist Brent Birckhead and his sextet. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the most riveting young improvisers in New York,” Birckhead blends tradition and innovation, drawing from jazz, soul, and activism. A Howard University alumnus, he has performed with legends like Lauryn Hill, Nas, and George Duke. Experience his powerful sound and storytelling, showcasing the depth of African American musical heritage. Don’t miss this special tribute—an afternoon of history, culture, and soul-stirring jazz!

“Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin assembled a choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, in 1972 to record her live album, Amazing Grace. Footage of this remarkable gospel concert was shelved for decades over technical and legal issues; it was finally edited and released to critical acclaim in 2018. This is a must-see documentary for Aretha Franklin fans.

Join us for a two-part book discussion and film screening featuring Percival Everett’s satirical 2001 novel Erasure and its 2023 film adaptation, the Best Picture-nominated dark comedy American Fiction, starring Jeffrey Wright. The book and film examine (and skewer) the use of Black stereotypes in fiction and the anti-Black stance of the publishing industry.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making Shrinky Dink charms and keepsakes! Watch your designs magically shrink into mini masterpieces—perfect for jewelry, keychains, or heartfelt gifts.

This multi-week class builds upon foundational acting skills, focusing on in-depth exploration of techniques, character development, and performance styles; often including scene work, improvisation, and analysis of dramatic texts. Participants should have a basic understanding of acting techniques and principles that the class will focus on refining and expanding.

This class will run from February 17 – March 24, 2026 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration will open in mid-November, 2025. Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the life of Thurgood Marshall, the legendary Supreme Court Justice and Civil Rights icon. The film traces his path from Howard and Lincoln Universities to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and ultimately to the nation’s highest court. Directed by Norfolk State graduate Alexis Aggrey and co-executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson, this new feature film will debut in 2025 with a special screening at Publick Playhouse. Don’t miss this compelling story of resilience and justice, brought to life by acclaimed filmmakers. Note: reservations strongly recommended due to limited seating.
This film is not yet rated; Run Time: 1 hour

This documentary celebrates the trailblazing women who revolutionized electronic music. Featuring legends like Wendy Carlos and Suzanne Ciani, Sisters With Transistors showcases how these women shaped the soundscape of the 20th century using modular synthesizers.

Through art making and storytelling, this workshop aims to redefine shelter as a space of security, warmth, safe space, and family, fostering empathy and understanding. Resident artist Nikki Brooks will lead participants in guided meditation, an art activity, and open conversations about home, neighborhood dynamics, gentrification, and family tradition, sparking deep reflections and meaningful exchanges.

This riveting, narrated recital takes audience members back to America’s colonial period to explore the music, instruments, voices, and lives of enslaved Africans and forgotten patriots. The music will include period instruments, traditional folk songs, patriotic selections, and Negro spirituals performed by Black musicians. Produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA).

Jewelry is more than adornment—it’s a reflection of history, culture, and identity. This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the artistry of jewelry-making while connecting with the rich traditions of the Basotho people in Southern Africa. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in crafting unique pieces, while also exploring the historical and cultural significance behind various jewelry designs and materials.

One of the most visually striking, profoundly moving American moviemaking debuts in years, Raven Jackson’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is an arresting immersion into a young woman’s inner world, filmed and edited with an extraordinary tactility and attention to the tiniest detail. This impressionistic journey skips through decades to tell the story of Mack, whose upbringing in rural Mississippi is touched by grace, dotted with heartbreak, and always carried aloft by the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us.
Rated PG | Run time: 1h 32m

Discover the inner workings of the modular music world in Patch CV: Controlling Voltage, which explores the intricate technology and passionate community behind the creation of modular synths. This film takes a deep dive into the artistry and technicality that powers modular sound creation.

Join us for an egg-citing afternoon of Easter egg dyeing! Experiment with colors, patterns, and fun techniques to create one-of-a-kind eggs for your spring celebrations.

Young Stars Live: A Showcase of Rising Talent! Get ready for an electrifying night of music, theater, and dance as the Young Stars take the stage. This dynamic showcase features incredible teen performers who have honed their talents through our artist development program, bringing creativity, passion, and high-energy performances to the spotlight. From powerful vocals to stunning choreography and captivating drama, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Come cheer on the next generation of stars and experience the magic of live performance. One night only—don’t miss it!

Jump into spring with a little cosplay costume and some animated magic! Join us at the Publick Playhouse for our annual Family Dress-up & Movie Day. Dress as your favorite royal character and capture memorable photos with our special guest, a real-life princess. Enjoy craft activities for kids and then settle in to watch the film Snow White (2025). Please note, this event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

I Dream of Wires uncovers the history and resurgence of the modular synthesizer, tracing its evolution from a niche music tool to an essential part of modern music production. This film is a must-see for those intrigued by the combination of engineering and musical innovation.

Designed for musicians and performing artists, this session dives into branding, booking gigs, securing royalties, and building a sustainable career in the performing arts industry.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advanced registration is recommended.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of 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; advanced registration is recommended.

Celebrate Spring in full bloom with a paper flower-making workshop! Learn techniques to craft delicate and vibrant paper flowers that will never wilt—perfect for home décor or gifts.

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Take a trip to a calming destination as the Publick Playhouse stage transforms into a peaceful retreat. Sound Meditation provides an opportunity to slow down and dive deeper into a state of relaxation to bring balance to your mental, physical and spiritual health. The use of instruments such as crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, chimes, bells, gong and voice blend together to invite the mind to a state of calm and the body to release held emotions and tension. Whether you are looking to try something new, meditate or seek a moment of peace, sound meditation can help you do it. Space is limited; advanced registration is recommended.

Experience the transformative power of Hawaiian hula. We invite older adults to engage with this Polynesian art form and connect with Hawaii’s rich heritage through graceful movements, music, and captivating storytelling. With gentle exercise benefits, cognitive stimulation, and social connection, hula nourishes both body and soul.

Led by resident artist Racquel Keller, this dynamic, hands-on collage workshop is designed to inspire creativity and facilitate the exploration of this versatile art form. Listen to music (the rock) as you dive into the world of collage (the paper and scissors), creating unique pieces using a wide range of materials while learning the history and techniques behind the medium.

In this hour-and-a-half workshop, poet and yoga educator Yael Flusberg will guide students through breath work, poses, mindfulness techniques, and writing exercises to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, a pen, and your favorite notebook.

This documentary follows Yeshi Kassa, great-granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, as she embarks on a personal quest to discover what happened to her closest relatives during the coup of 1974. While Yeshi and her older sister were thousands of miles away in a British boarding school, her great-grandfather was deposed by a revolution, setting off a harrowing chain of events that would put her parents and siblings in grave danger. For the first time, the royal family examines the events that led to the collapse of a 3,000-year-old dynasty and reflects on how, against all odds, they survived this turbulent time in Ethiopian history.
Not Rated | Run time: 1h 30m

Belly Dance for Fitness Month: Embrace the Rhythm of Health and Wellness! Join us this month to celebrate the mesmerizing art of belly dance as a powerful fitness routine. Discover the enchanting fusion of cultural expression and physical movement that tones muscles, improves flexibility, and boosts confidence. Experience the joy of dance while reaping the benefits of a full-body workout. Let music guide you on a journey towards strength, grace, and vitality. Unleash your inner dancer this Fitness Month with the ancient art of belly dancing!

Breathe in, breathe out! Relax and find your center at a yoga class featuring live jazz music in Montpelier Arts Center’s Main Gallery. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Take your creative practice to the next level by learning business strategies, marketing, and growth techniques to expand your artistic brand and maximize success.

Starring Jeffrey Wright, this film tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a young graffiti artist who skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s New York art scene. Featuring a star-studded cast, Basquiat captures the artist’s meteoric rise, his complex relationship with fame, and his artistic brilliance.

Salma Hayek delivers a stunning performance as Frida Kahlo, the celebrated Mexican artist known for her striking self-portraits and unfiltered storytelling. This visually rich biopic delves into Kahlo’s personal struggles, revolutionary spirit, and enduring influence on the art world.

Ed Harris stars as Jackson Pollock, the troubled yet brilliant artist whose drip painting technique changed the course of modern art. This intense and intimate portrayal explores Pollock’s creative process, personal demons, and his place in the Abstract Expressionist movement.