Come explore what your hands can create using natural materials! Connect with sustainable gardening and landscaping, and practice your skills while learning to coexist and nurture the native ecosystem!

Upcoming programs:

• Sept 4: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 19: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Oct 17: Eco-friendly Bird Feeders

• Nov 21: Gratitude Centerpieces

Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band embodies the heart and soul of modern Togo, bringing a psychedelic and infectious dance floor groove.

With Bones, Night Lovell, Germ, and Chetta

Laugh Harder, Not Smarter is a celebration of legendary American comedy 65 years in the making. Featuring a hilarious array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company’s rich history, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature brand of irreverent improv that The Second City is famous for.

Performances: Sep 19, Oct 17, Dec 11 @7:30pm

Join the Kreators of the Kreativity Diversity Troupe for an open mic night, full of music, dance and spoken word.

From New York to LA, Miami to Chicago, and everywhere in between, Why Am I Like This? is pulling up to a city near you. This is a bold, hilarious, and uncensored one-woman show that dives headfirst into the many characters of Pretty Vee’s world. This tour peels back the layers with a mix of comedy, therapy, and drama.

With her signature storytelling, physical comedy, and off-the-cuff energy, Pretty Vee proves why she continues to stand out as one of the most unpredictable and dynamic voices in the game.

Join the Maryland Community Band as it celebrates its 30th anniversary with an exciting program of music (old favorites and new) and memorable photos and videos from past performances.  Founded by John Wakefield and Rich Sparks as a special outreach project of the University of Maryland Band Program, the group got its start with around 40 alumni and friends in Tawes Hall in January 1995.  The band has now grown to almost 90 members from all over the Greater Baltimore/Washington Area and serves to promote musical culture throughout the region.  You don't want to miss this symphonic blast from the past as we welcome back friends, family and even our favorite pirate conductor!

Julian Schwarz's powerful tone, effortless virtuosity, and extraordinarily large color palette are hallmarks of his style.

Heralded from a young age as a cellist destined to rank among the greatest of the 21st century, Julian Schwarz's powerful tone, effortless virtuosity, and extraordinarily large color palette are hallmarks of his style. After making his concerto debut at the age of 11 with the Seattle Symphony and his father, Gerard Schwarz, on the podium, he made his US touring debut with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2010. Since being awarded first prize at the inaugural Schoenfeld International String Competition in 2013, he has led an active career as soloist, performing with the symphony orchestras of Annapolis, Des Moines, Hartford and Louisville, among others. Join us as Schwarz takes the stage for a performance as a part of our Masterful Strings Series.

Dates: Aug 23, Sep 20 & Oct 25 @10am-2pm

We’re teaming up with The Capital Market for a pop-up farmers market packed with local produce, live music, cooking demos, and fun for the whole family.

Come out, connect with your community, and support local farmer’s! Snap Accepted; double your dollars. Spend $30, get $60 in fruits and veggies. Sponsored by Wellpoint.

Audition Registration Now Open for the 42nd Annual Choreographer’s Showcase

Be a part of one of the longest-running showcases of choreographic talent in the area. The Choreographer’s Showcase highlights both emerging and established artists, presenting original works selected by a panel of adjudicators.

(Video auditions will also be accepted in lieu of in-person attendance.)

Registration Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025

In-Person Auditions: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Selected choreographers will receive a cash stipend and the opportunity to present their work in performance on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Publick Playhouse.

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your creative voice on a professional stage. Apply today!

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 us for an afternoon of FUN!

• Backyard Games including Cornhole, Connect Four, Tug of War

• Food Vendors

• Live Music Featuring Let It Flow Band

• Live Police Demonstrations (Mounted Unit)

• Moon Bounce

• Police Equipment Displays from Allied Agencies

• Pony Rides

• Rock Climbing Wall

Bring your friends, bring your family, and discover a whole new level of FUN right in your neighborhood!

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we pay tribute to the legendary Billie Holiday. Experience the magic of her timeless music, brought to life by talented performers who will capture the essence of Lady Day’s soulful voice and emotional depth. From her iconic hits like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child” to lesser-known gems, this tribute promises to be a heartfelt celebration of one of jazz’s greatest voices. Don’t miss this chance to honor Billie Holiday’s enduring legacy and immerse yourself in the beauty of her music.

THE FINAL ROUND. WE’RE BACK WITH OUR LAST DAY PARTY OF 2025 AT THE PLAZA STAGE @ NATIONALS PARK! We are so proud to present the DMV’s Authentic Multicultural Experience at our home team’s baseball stadium, come enjoy DC’s best Day Party with music from Central & South America, The Caribbean, Africa, and DC/Maryland/Virginia.

DJ Set by: Pedro Night

Hosted by: Waltero

THIS OUTDOOR EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE! NO DRESS CODE. MUST BE 21+ TO ENTER. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS.

Get ready for another exciting National Dance Day celebration! Join us for FREE classes, performances, and more engaging activities for all ages.

Join Community Crisis Services, Inc. at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW!

All patrons must be 18 or older, unless accompanied by an adult.

Music is storytelling, and some of the best stories have been told through centuries-old traditional folk songs. On their new album ‘Northern Sky’, The Wellermen have given this rich traditional musical history a new sound, hoping to continue to captivate millions of fans around the world. It helps that The Wellermen’s four members all bring their respective experience and perspectives to the table. The fact that they’re from different corners of the world really adds something to the music – there’s something romantic about the way the members have to go on a voyage to see each other.

Conan Gray has emerged as one of the most influential and acclaimed pop stars and songwriters of his generation. After selling out venues around the world during Found Heaven on Tour in 2024 – including legendary rooms like Madison Square Garden in New York, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and Wembley Arena in London – Conan Gray returns to the stage in 2025 with The Wishbone Pajama Show, his first performances in support of his surprise fourth studio album, Wishbone.

By Erica Smith

A staged reading directed by Rocky Nunzio

A girl that suffers from terrible nightmare’s befriends a boy that can remove dreams. Unfortunately her nightmares are so vivid that removing them causes him physical pain. Reuniting as adults the two must reconcile the care they have for one another as well as the question “what do you do when you can’t help but harm the one person that can help you?”

Join us for a FREE film screening in the Justice Forum at the REACH.

Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa, aka the Black Panther, who returns home to his native land of Wakanda to take his rightful place as its king and protector.

Chamber groups from across the School of Music present an annual recital to collect donations for the College Park Community Food Bank. This year's benefit performance features the University of Maryland Brass Trio and Brass Quintet.

This event is a live performance that will also be livestreamed.

Click here for more information.

Kathleen Edwards is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for blending country-rock and folk music with introspective lyrics. She debuted in 2003 with "Failer" and has since released four more studio albums, including the critically acclaimed "Total Freedom" in 2020. Edwards has received multiple Juno Award nominations and is a SOCAN Songwriting Prize winner. She temporarily stepped away from music to open a coffee shop called "Quitters" before returning to recording and touring. 

Los Ángeles Azules are a Mexican musical group that plays the cumbia sonidera genre, which is a cumbia subgenre using the accordion and synthesizers. This results in a fusion of the sounds of cumbia from the 1950-1970s with those of 1990s-style electronic music. (Wikipedia)

Go green with your creativity! Nature provides an abundance of materials and inspiration for making art. Participants will enjoy hands-on nature craft activities. Every session focuses on a different nature theme.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 2: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 9: Fruits of the Fall

• Sept 16: Hispanic Heritage

• Sept 23: Fall Blooms

• Sept 30: Aractober

• Oct 7: Fall Colors

• Oct 14: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

• Oct 21: Migrating Monarchs

• Oct 28: Dia de los Muertos Marigolds

• Nov 4: Leaf mandals

• Nov 11: Gourds & Indigenous Culture

• Nov 18: Gratitude Arrangements

• Nov 25: Wild Turkeys

Come join us on the lawn for our Fall Concert Series 2025 where we will highlight different bands throughout the series and don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair and a picnic dinner!

This concert will showcase Downtown Tumbao.

Vocalist William “Smooth” Wardlaw breathes new life into the timeless love ballads of the legendary Luther Vandross. Smooth’s tribute perfectly captures Luther’s silky vocals and rich sound; you won’t want to miss this must-see performance! The band infuses the stage with vibrant energy and outstanding showmanship, ensuring you will be left wanting more.

For Ages 60 & better

About the Event

Humor, Hope, and the Humanities: Why Creativity Matters 

For more than 25 years, Peter Sagal has made sense of the news of the day—one laugh at a time—as host of NPR’s popular weekly news quiz “Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!” This fall, ARHU Dean Stephanie Shonekan sits down with the quick-witted host for a timely and essential conversation.

Drawing on Sagal’s unique experience interviewing everyone from politicians and comedians to cultural icons, they’ll explore why boundless creativity matters now more than ever and why humor works with the humanities to generate hope in difficult times. Together, they'll examine how creativity, empathy, and transformative thinking are absolutely necessary as we all seek to navigate uncertainty and build a meaningful future.

Co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Humanities and Arts for All.

Don't miss this meaningful conversation about why laughter, creativity, and critical thinking matter for all of us.

Called “one of the most exciting names in instrumental rock” by Guitar World Magazine, Lari Basilio is a Brazilian guitarist, songwriter, and producer.

The Postgame Summer Concert Series concludes with Multi-award-winning Country singer-songwriter Riley Green.

Green has been captivating Country music fans since his 2018 self-titled EP with Big Machine Label Group. Named ACM’s New Artist of the Year in 2020, he boasts three #1 hits and eight chart-reaching singles. His collaborations with Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, and Justin Moore highlight his versatility in the Country music scene. A former MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, Green recently wrapped his headlining Ain’t My Last Rodeo tour, continuing to charm fans with his authentic, no-gimmick sound.

Dr. Sylvia Traymore Morrison is a celebrated comedienne impressionist. Originally from Washington, DC, Sylvia is the first renowned African American Female Impressionist in the history of this country. Her career/reputation is legendary and if you have had the pleasure of watching her perform, you fully understand.

Stunning songstress Hazel Mitchell-Bell is one of D.C.’s first ladies of jazz. Working closely with pianist and music director Vince Evans, she performs and records with orchestras, big bands, and smaller ensembles, stoking the fires of the D.C. jazz scene. Mitchell-Bell’s vocal influences include Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, and Phyllis Hyman.

Don't miss Marisela, the beloved Queen of Latin Pop, on her 2025 tour! Experience her timeless hits and captivating performance live.

Get into the fall spirit at Old Maryland Farm! Enjoy a day packed with family friendly farm activities, pick out a pumpkin perfect for carving and stroll through the farm to find unique, handmade goods from local makers, artists, and farmers.

Whether you’re shopping local, stopping by to say hello to our farm animals, or just soaking up the fall vibes, there’s something for everyone! Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit – we can’t wait to see you there!

General Admission Tickets Include:

• Samples of different wines from vendors, varying from dry to sweet to fruit wine, and a souvenir stemless wine glass

• Samples of beer & cider from various breweries

• Live music from 12 noon-5 pm

• Food & shopping from over 20 local vendors and artisans

• Full bottle sales available at applicable vendors

Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month and join us for an unforgettable festival featuring Latina pioneers in aviation and a cultural celebration! Enjoy demos & children’s activities, food, community art, bilingual story time, author meet & greets, and giveaways while supplies last.

Schedule of events:

* 11:00 AM – Festival begins & activities open
* 11:15 AM – Authors fly-In (weather-permitting)
* 12:45–1:45 PM – Live musical performance by Latin9 Orchestra
* 2:00 PM – Festival concludes; activities continue in gallery

Food from Napa Grill & Cocineros will be available for purchase on-site throughout the day.

Join M-NCPPC Archaeology and Montpelier House Museum for a commemoration highlighting how archaeological discoveries can facilitate discussions on the lasting legacies of enslavement in Prince George’s County.

• WALK the indoor and outdoor spaces where the enslaved at Montpelier lived, worked, and loved.

• LEARN how archaeology can interpret the lives of underrepresented people in history.

• LISTEN to the stories and experiences of the lasting impacts of enslavement on today’s society.

• ENGAGE with us fireside for reflections of the day.

A collaboration with Rola Z

Get ready for an unforgettable night of belly laughs, confessions, and hilarious moments from the lives of some of the funniest comedians in the DMV and NYC. Featuring Joe Marshall, Brittany Hunter, Rola Z, with Ali Sultan as headliner.

The NSO’s 95th season bursts to life with the sensational Yuja Wang in Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, a powerhouse work for Wang to flaunt her “scintillating pianism” (New York Classical Review). The evening also shines a spotlight on American voices with works by Copland and Carlos Simon, plus Largo from Dvořak’s “New World” Symphony, more. A perfect night for newcomers and longtime NSO fans alike!

With Medium Build, and Soma

Joe Clair and Friends presents the Bangin’ in Bowie Comedy Series, this month featuring special guests Huggy Lowdown, Laughing Lenny, and Sean Larkin! Plus, there will be live music by Sound of the City, featuring Precious Joubert and DJ Two Tone Jones, and food by Sides BBQ and Catering!

Adam Sandler needs no introduction, he has found enormous success as an actor, producer, musician, and writer.  His last tours in 2022 and 2023  were sold out.  The 2024 Netflix special Adam Sandler: Love You  was filmed over two days in sold-out concerts in Los Angeles. 100% Fresh, which was Sandler’s first comedy special in twenty years, was released by Netflix in 2018. Warner Bros Records also released the audio companions for both the Adam Sandler: I Love You special and 100% Fresh. On screen, audiences can see Sandler in the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2 streaming on Netflix on July 25 and the upcoming Noah Baumbach film, Jay Kelly  this fall. 

Following successful sold-out performances in 2022 and 2023, critically acclaimed comedian Adam Sandler announces his new tour – the You’re My Best Friend Tour.

With Nolan Taylor

We’ve spent 10 years raising this “kid”... with plenty of help from the fam. To celebrate the album hitting double digits, we’re heading out on the road this fall for our All in the Family: 10 Years of Men Amongst Mountains tour. Come and join the party for the album that grew up with all of us.

The 85 South Comedy Show features three of the boldest, wildest and most hilarious comedians to ever travel the interstate that shares its name.

Hours: 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm (one-hour timed sessions)

Calling all troop leaders! Looking for a fun, hands-on learning experience for your scouts? Join us for Scout Day at Dinosaur Park — a unique, one-hour program where your troop will explore Maryland’s prehistoric past and help uncover real fossils!

Scouts will:

• Discover the major dinosaurs that once roamed Maryland

• Work alongside Dinosaur Park staff and volunteers

• Contribute to real scientific research in the fossil-rich bone bed!

Click here for event details.

Feedel Band is a Washington, DC-based Ethio-jazz group blending ’60s R&B, funk, and jazz with traditional Ethiopian music. Formed in 2010 by keyboardist Araya Woldichael, the band includes top Ethiopian musicians: saxophonist Moges Habte, bassist Al Seged Kebede, drummer Mikias Abebayehu, guitarist Kaleb Tesgen, trombonist Ben Hall, krarist Minale Bezu, and drummer Joseph Kenneth. They’ve performed with Ethiopian legends like Tilahun Gessesse and Aster Aweke, including on Aster’s recent “Ewedihalehu” U.S. tour. Feedel draws inspiration from iconic bands like Walias, Ibex, and Mulatu Astatke, while crafting original music with a modern twist. Saxophonist Moges appears on the acclaimed Éthiopiques Volume 13, and bassist Al Seged’s grooves feature on music by Tilahun and Aster. Their latest album, Ethiopian Ocean, produced by Woldichael, highlights their fresh take on Ethio-jazz. “Feedel” means “letter” in Amharic—a fitting name for a band rewriting the language of Ethiopian music.

Coyaba Dance Theater, founded in 1997 by Sylvia Soumah, is a West African dance and music company based in Washington, D.C. Their mission is to present both traditional and contemporary West African dance and music, focusing on diverse ethnic groups and humanitarian themes within West African culture. They perform throughout the year, showcasing their work at venues like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and internationally. 

TolumiDE (pronounced toe-lu-mee-day) is an award-winning Nigerian-Canadian singer and songwriter known for her unique ‘Suya Soul’ sound—a rich blend of Afropop, R&B, gospel, reggae, and jazz. Celebrated by Soul Tracks for her “classic R&B vibe with African percussive trimmings,” her music explores themes of love, life, and cultural identity. Born and raised in Lagos, TolumiDE developed her musical talent in church choirs and her school’s Yorùbá dance troupe. Her artistry flourished in Canada during her Fine Arts studies, where she joined an all-female dancehall reggae band before launching her solo career. With albums like My Love, Specialty, and her acoustic EP Mama Sunshine, TolumiDE has earned praise both at home and abroad. She proudly represents the Afropolitan spirit, crafting music that bridges African rhythms with soulful melodies. Her single Throwback climbed to #3 on the Global Top Independent airplay charts, and she was named Best R&B Female Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. TolumiDE continues to inspire audiences across Africa and the diaspora with vibrant sounds that celebrate heritage and connection.

KanKouran West African Dance Company, founded by Artistic Director Assane Konte and the late Abdou Kounta, is a renowned organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional West African culture through dance and music. For over four decades, the company has been a cornerstone for dancers, students, and musicians, fostering community and artistic excellence. KanKouran’s performers, hailing from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, work to introduce the essence of traditional African dancing and drumming to audiences. 

Since its inception in 2018, Celebrate Africa has become a beloved county tradition—growing into one of the region’s most spirited celebrations of African identity and pride. The festival not only recognizes the strength and beauty of the African diaspora but also creates a welcoming, family-friendly space for cultural exchange, music, food, and art.

With live performances from KanKouran West African Dance Company, Feedel Band, TolumiDE, and Coyaba Dance Theater, this year’s festival promises an experience that’s both uplifting and unforgettable. The Celebrate Africa Vendor Village is back and bigger than ever, offering attendees a chance to shop for handcrafted treasures and support local African-owned small businesses.

You’ll also find a delicious array of African cuisine from local food trucks, featuring dishes from across the continent.

Celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee and soprano Erin Morley join pianist Gerald Martin Moore for Golden Age, a luminous recital of Bel Canto gems and early 20th-century French works, marking Vocal Arts DC’s 35th anniversary season and offering a rare preview of their highly anticipated album.

Join us for a FREE film screening in the Justice Forum at the REACH.

One to One: John & Yoko delivers an immersive cinematic experience that brings to life electrifying, never-before-seen material and newly restored footage of John and Yoko’s only full-length concert.

About the Event

David Salness, violin
Sally McLain, violin
James Stern, viola
Eric Kutz, cello

Consisting entirely of UMD School of Music string faculty, Left Bank Quartet returns to the stage with masterworks of both the First and Second Viennese Schools. This program opens with Alban Berg's String Quartet, Op. 3, a tempestuous work that was born from the frustration Berg and his wife, Helene, felt when her father initially forbade the two lovers from seeing each other. The performance concludes with Franz Schubert's final string Quartet in G Major, a work that perfectly captures Schubert's own words: "Whenever I attempted to sing of love, it turned to pain. And again, when I tried to sing of pain, it turned to love."

Born in Uruguay, guitarist Magdalena Duhagon has performed around the world and been hailed for her “refined expressiveness” and “the enchantment of her phrasing and transparent sound” (El Día). She holds a Master’s degree in Music in Guitar Performance and Pedagogy and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory and is a classical guitar professor at American University.

Arturo Sandoval’s musical genius extends beyond the stage and recording studio, encompassing the realm of soundtracks, film scores, and original compositions. His ability to evoke emotion and create captivating musical landscapes has made him a sought-after composer for movies, documentaries, and other visual media.

Beyond his contributions to soundtracks and film scores, Sandoval has showcased his exceptional compositional skills through his original works. His compositions go beyond traditional jazz structures, displaying a range of musical influences and styles. Whether it’s his explorations of Afro-Cuban rhythms, his seamless fusion of jazz and classical elements, or his ability to create emotionally resonant melodies, Sandoval’s compositions are a testament to his artistic depth and innovation

With Chelsea Wolfe

Wardruna is a Norwegian music group formed in 2003 by Einar Selvik along with Gaahl and Lindy-Fay Hella. (Wikipedia)

TOMORROW X TOGETHER—consisting of SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI—established themselves as Gen Z Icons through the compelling soundtrack that represents the common experiences and emotions of today’s generation. The quintet’s 4th Mini Album minisode 2: Thursday’s Child (May 2022 release) debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and charted for 14 weeks, while 5th Mini Album The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION  (January 2023 release) debuted atop the chart. In July 2022, the band became the first K-pop group to perform at LOLLAPALOOZA in Chicago and returned a year later in August 2023 to become the first K-pop group to headline the festival. They have been nominated at prestigious awards, such as the American Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards, and won at the 2022 MTV EMAs (Best Asia Act) and 2023 MTV VMAs (PUSH Performance of the Year). In 2024, TOMORROW X TOGETHER became the first K-pop act to perform 2 consecutive sold-out shows in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. Their 7th mini album The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, cementing the leading band’s legacy as the second K-pop act ever to amass a total of 11 releases on the chart, with six of them reaching the top 5.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters is the name for the rock band fronted by singer-songwriter Elvis Costello. The current lineup features Costello, drummer Pete Thomas, pianist Steve Nieve, and bassist Davey Faragher, with guitarist Charlie Sexton also joining for their recent tours. The band continues to tour and perform, focusing on both Costello's vast catalog and new material, including songs from his 2021 album The Boy Named If.

Global K-pop sensation P1Harmony is bringing their electrifying energy, flawless choreography, and powerhouse vocals to EagleBank Arena this fall!

Dates: Sept 18 @6:30pm and Sept 30 @12pm

The US Civil War is typically understood as a struggle to end slavery and, therefore, one defined along a racial binary. While largely true, this understanding tends to exclude a number of racial and ethnic minorities who also participated in the Civil War. To better understand the experiences of individuals who identified as neither Black nor white, join the Surratt House Museum as we showcase how Latinos dealt with being caught in the middle of the Civil War and how they were seen by those around them.

This is a FREE event, but registration is required to receive the webinar link. The deadline to register for September 18 is COB September 14. The deadline to register for September 30 is COB September 26.

Go green with your creativity! Nature provides an abundance of materials and inspiration for making art. Participants will enjoy hands-on nature craft activities. Every session focuses on a different nature theme.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 2: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 9: Fruits of the Fall

• Sept 16: Hispanic Heritage

• Sept 23: Fall Blooms

• Sept 30: Aractober

• Oct 7: Fall Colors

• Oct 14: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

• Oct 21: Migrating Monarchs

• Oct 28: Dia de los Muertos Marigolds

• Nov 4: Leaf mandals

• Nov 11: Gourds & Indigenous Culture

• Nov 18: Gratitude Arrangements

• Nov 25: Wild Turkeys

Kick off The Clarice’s silver anniversary with two of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz. Hailed “one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” by Glide Magazine, Christian McBride says, “Brad is justifiably revered as one of the greatest pianists of all time. I’m very proud to have been friends and cohorts with him for almost 35 years. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to New York City in 1989, and it continues to be an uplifting experience every time we play together.” Named “one of our greatest living pianists” by NPR, Brad Mehldau says, “It is a dream come true to play with Christian in this duo setting. Playing with Christian, especially in this configuration, is both joyful and daunting all at once. His level of sophistication and swing, of emotional power and grace, is unsurpassed–not in the least on what he has achieved on his instrument, but also as one of our strongest voices in the music more generally, at the top of his game. I’m so honored to be on stage with him.” This longtime friendship and musical camaraderie has led to various collaborations through the years including the albums MoodSwing (1994),  RoundAgain (2020) and LongGone (2023) with Joshua Redman and Brian Blade; trio tour dates with drummer Marcus Gilmore; and a recent duo performance at the Big Ears Festival that had the crowd utterly captivated.

Starting at 7:00 PM: 25th Anniversary Toast

Join us for a free and festive champagne reception, immediately prior to the performance of Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau, to celebrate The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center’s 25th anniversary season. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and light refreshments as we raise a toast to 25 years of creative excellence—and many more to come!

Dates: Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7 @11am-12pm

Join us down on the farm for a fun and educational session on farm-related topics. Learn about these various topics by participating in hands-on activities with a farmer. A different topic is covered in each session.

Members of the National Symphony Orchestra play an assortment of chamber music.

Featuring Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills.

Music history will be made as four of the most legendary voices in R&B, soul, and pop come together for an unforgettable tour! Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills— each a powerhouse in their own right—will share the stage for the 4 Legends! 1 Stage tour, celebrating decades of iconic music and timeless hits.

Michael Votta, Jr., music director

Join the UMD Wind Orchestra for its 2025–26 season premiere—an exciting exploration of music inspired by nature and the human spirit. Anna Clyne’s Masquerade whirls with the festive spirit of London’s 18th-century pleasure gardens, while Michael Gilbertson’s Lands End evokes the windy, wooded cliffs and shipwreck-strewn shores of San Francisco. Ida Gotskosvky’s Poème du feu celebrates fire as a spring of life and the heart of human achievement, while Karel Husa’s Apotheosis of This Earth presents a much darker view of the human condition. The program concludes with J.S. Bach’s My Jesus, Oh What Anguish, a haunting and poignant expression of sorrow and compassion.

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.

Hours: 12pm & 2pm

Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of Riversdale House Museum in Spanish for Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we interpret the history of the people who lived and worked on this former plantation, from the construction of the house in 1801 to Emancipation in 1864. Visitors will enjoy a facilitated dialogue with tour guides as they are guided through the rooms of the historic house and dependency building. This is a one-hour guided tour. We ask that visitors arrive at the Visitor Center 5-10 minutes ahead of time to get registered.

You don’t need to be Dr. Dolittle to speak to the animals! Meet the nature center’s live animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey! Interacting with animals can boost your mood and promote mental wellness. Learn more about them and their natural habitats. Our animal friends look forward to greeting you.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 7

• Oct 4

• Nov 2

Hours: 12pm & 2pm

Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of Riversdale House Museum in Spanish for Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we interpret the history of the people who lived and worked on this former plantation, from the construction of the house in 1801 to Emancipation in 1864. Visitors will enjoy a facilitated dialogue with tour guides as they are guided through the rooms of the historic house and dependency building. This is a one-hour guided tour. We ask that visitors arrive at the Visitor Center 5-10 minutes ahead of time to get registered.

Join KSAL Empire and MMG Entertainment for “A Big Day Party Southern Soul Concert” at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Dates: Oct 4 & 25 @6pm

Come one, come all to the Surratt House Museum this Halloween season for a descent into the morbid mourning rituals of bygone days! The Civil War made death far more common and only deepened people’s longing for a connection with the spirit world. Together, we shall walk through the house and learn about the ways the living mourned the dead. We will also discuss the ways some people took advantage of those left behind. Additionally, we will explore some of the bizarre customs and surprising ways people used spiritualist practices to strive for social advancements. Register now, if you dare!

With a magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy and accordion, an electrifying stage presence, and captivating original compositions, Symbio is a leading Nordic folk duo.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with the Riversdale House Museum and the Town of Riverdale Park! Join us for a special movie event showcasing Hispanic culture's rich and vibrant stories. Bring your friends and family for a night of unforgettable film and cultural appreciation. Free admission and snacks are provided!

​

Lineup: Keith Urban, Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, Karley Scott Collins

With Dayglow

Twenty One Pilots is an American musical duo from Columbus, Ohio. Initially a band, the group was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist Tyler Joseph along with Nick Thomas and Chris Salih, who both left in 2011. Since their departure, the line-up has consisted of Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun. (Wikipedia)

ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence creates space for teens to confront gun violence by creating new works of theater that will spark critical conversations and inspire meaningful action in communities across the country. Their mission is to promote playwriting as a tool for self-expression and social change, harnessing this generation's spirit of activism and providing a platform for America's playwrights of tomorrow to discover and develop their voices today.

On Mon, Oct 6 across the country, The Clarice will join theaters, schools and community groups for staged readings of six new 10-minute plays by teen writers confronting gun violence, selected by a committee of renowned playwrights out of plays received in a national call for submissions. The plays will be read by students from the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts at Suitland High School.

Go green with your creativity! Nature provides an abundance of materials and inspiration for making art. Participants will enjoy hands-on nature craft activities. Every session focuses on a different nature theme.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 2: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 9: Fruits of the Fall

• Sept 16: Hispanic Heritage

• Sept 23: Fall Blooms

• Sept 30: Aractober

• Oct 7: Fall Colors

• Oct 14: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

• Oct 21: Migrating Monarchs

• Oct 28: Dia de los Muertos Marigolds

• Nov 4: Leaf mandals

• Nov 11: Gourds & Indigenous Culture

• Nov 18: Gratitude Arrangements

• Nov 25: Wild Turkeys

Performances: Aug 10 & Oct 8

With Jhené Aiko^, Summer Walker*, and Bryson Tiller

Chris Brown, a consummate entertainer who has shifted the climate of R&B culture since his eponymous 2005 debut, has sold in excess of 30 million albums worldwide and surpassed over 10 billion audio streams across digital outlets to date. Brown has won more than 125 awards including a Grammy Award for his album F.A.M.E. in 2011 and has amassed over 7.5 billion YouTube views - including over 40 music videos that each have more than 100 million views earning him the title of male artist with the most Vevo certified videos ever and 'Diamond' status from the streaming platform.

Dates: Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14

Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows over a community campfire in the beautiful outdoors! Bring hot dogs, if you’d like! Start new friendships and make family memories.

• Patrons will be notified of weather-related cancellations.

• Please check in at front desk upon arrival.

• Marshmallows and roasting sticks will be provided.

• Feel free to bring your own food and drink (no alcohol).

D.C. rap artist Flex Mathews wants to use art to communicate what’s in his mind, heart, and soul.

This soul singer and ‘musical medicine woman’ duo uses their voices to promote love, healing, and transformation through music.

BravO Bash is back—and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and marking a milestone.

Hosted by the BravO Council, this signature black-tie-optional celebration welcomes BravO members and friends to kick off Washington National Opera’s 70th Anniversary Season in unforgettable style. We’re taking over the stunning Patterson Mansion, one of Dupont Circle’s most iconic private venues, for a night that brings together the best of opera, elegance, and community.

David Neely, music director
Jason Max Ferdinand, music director, UMD Concert Choir

Celebrate 25 years of The Clarice with the UMD Symphony Orchestra’s 2025–26 Season debut, showcasing iconic American composers and American-inspired works!

This performance opens with Leonard Bernstein’s rousing Overture to Candide, a piece equally erratic and whimsical as the novella that inspired it. UMSO is then joined by the UMD Concert Choir, led by Director of Choral Activities Jason Max Ferdinand, for a moving rendition of Robert Nathaniel Dett’s The Chariot Jubilee, a piece widely acknowledged to be the first-ever symphonic work based solely on African American spirituals.

In partnership with Clarice Presents, UMSO will feature internationally renowned pianist Marc-André Hamelin for George Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Gershwin’s signature style and inspirations come together in a spectacularly catchy piece that demonstrates the full virtuosity of the piano in a true American style: jazz.

The performance concludes with Antonin Dvořák's immortal ninth symphony, “From the New World.” Composed during his time at the National Conservatory in New York, Dvořák was deeply inspired by the folk music of Indigenous and African American communities. The result is a work full of rich stories and motifs that create a vision of the American spirit rarely acknowledged in his time.

Dates: Sep 13, Oct 11 @10:30am-1:30pm

Old Maryland Farm invites you to visit our friendly livestock. Step into our horse barn and meet our majestic residents. Whether you’re a horse or cow enthusiast or just curious, you’ll have the chance to get to know these incredible animals and learn about their care, training, and history.

Look, listen, and learn! Families are invited to an interactive story time at Riversdale featuring a children’s book celebrating Hispanic culture. Children will have the opportunity to create an art craft that will deepen their understanding of the Hispanic community depicted in the book. Join us for this engaging experience!

Join us for a community conversation in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. We will discuss what this month means to our community and the importance of preserving Hispanic cultural traditions. The museum will be open for self-guided tours, providing an opportunity for dialogue about connecting our historic past to our shared future. The event will conclude with a performance by a local Mariachi band.

Matchstick Percussion is a Maryland-based percussion quartet dedicated to new music and expanding the percussion repertoire. Through performance, they aim to promote opportunity for underrepresented artists, bridge the gap in racial and gender inconsistencies, and advocate for equity in the medium through collaborative performances and educational outreach.

The Pan American Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Sergio Buŝlje, brings you an evening of exuberant and seductive tangos with a special appearance by the internationally renowned F-31 Tango Quintet from Medellin, Colombia.

Pianist Marc-André Hamelin, a “performer of near-superhuman technical prowess” (The New York Times), is equally renowned for both the brilliant technique he applies to the great works of the classical repertoire and his adventurous exploration with lesser heard gems from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Hamelin’s Clarice Presents recital begins with one of his signature performance pieces, Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 29. Better known as the “Hammerklavier,” this immensely challenging 45-minute masterpiece is a spectacular showcase for Hamelin's stunning technical skill. Hamelin then moves on to Robert Schumann's underheard nine-movement cycle, Waldszenen, Op. 82. A haunting and robustly romantic journey through a woodland landscape, these nuanced forest scenes offer a mysterious glimpse into the troubled mind of a famed composer nearing the end of his too-short career. The performance concludes with Maurice Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit. This triptych of poetic fables features lyrical passages and profound harmonies. Don’t miss Marc-André Hamelin’s performance with the UMD Symphony Orchestra on October 10.

Go green with your creativity! Nature provides an abundance of materials and inspiration for making art. Participants will enjoy hands-on nature craft activities. Every session focuses on a different nature theme.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 2: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 9: Fruits of the Fall

• Sept 16: Hispanic Heritage

• Sept 23: Fall Blooms

• Sept 30: Aractober

• Oct 7: Fall Colors

• Oct 14: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

• Oct 21: Migrating Monarchs

• Oct 28: Dia de los Muertos Marigolds

• Nov 4: Leaf mandals

• Nov 11: Gourds & Indigenous Culture

• Nov 18: Gratitude Arrangements

• Nov 25: Wild Turkeys

Close out Hispanic Heritage Month with a program that combines science and culture! Riversdale House Museum and Mount Rainier Nature Center are partnering to bring you a program on the fascinating world of microscopy. Learn basic techniques by heading outside and collecting your own samples of study from an outdoor walk. View Latin American herbs through a microscope lens. Get an exclusive microscopic look at a mushroom grown in the mountains in Puerto Rico! 

All aboard for a history-focused boat tour on the beautiful Anacostia River. See the dates below for the focus of each tour:

• Sept 11: Battle of Baltimore

• Oct 16: African Americans in the War of 1812

Performances: Oct 16, 18-19, various hours

The former NSO Music Director returns with an all-Beethoven program brimming with lyricism and energy. Acclaimed violinist Isabelle Faust, whose “sound electrifies” (The New York Times), makes her much-anticipated NSO debut in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Beethoven’s joyous Symphony No. 7, a work Richard Wagner called “the apotheosis of the dance,” makes an electrifying finale.

Life After the Gunshot, Ep. 1 sheds light on the harsh realities of living in Washington, D.C., through the lens of young Black male survivors of community firearm violence. With raw and deeply personal narratives, the documentary follows these young men as they navigate recovery from the physical and psychological trauma of their violent injuries as well as structural violence that preceded their injuries. Emphasizing the critical need for policies and programs addressing both gun violence and mass incarceration, this project amplifies the voices of those too often silenced, advocating for meaningful change through research, intervention and storytelling.

This film is produced by filmmakers Joseph B. Richardson, Jr., PhD (director of PROGRESS at the University of Maryland) and Ché Bullock, CEO of C. Bullock & Associates LLC.

Post-Show Conversation

Join us for a post-show conversation and Q&A immediately following the film screening.

Come explore what your hands can create using natural materials! Connect with sustainable gardening and landscaping, and practice your skills while learning to coexist and nurture the native ecosystem!

Upcoming programs:

• Sept 4: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 19: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Oct 17: Eco-friendly Bird Feeders

• Nov 21: Gratitude Centerpieces

A collaboration with District of Raga

Celebrate the festival of lights with violinist Apoorva Krishna as she unveils her new album, Only Love is Real—a soul-stirring musical journey of light, love, and inner truth.

Performances: 7pm & 9pm

The golden age of jazz is back! For one night only, the most popular big band in the world takes the stage performing timeless hits like “Tuxedo Junction,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Formed in 1956, the Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to tour globally with swingin’ music from the 1930s and 40s paired with modern, Miller-style tunes. 

Performances: Sep 19, Oct 17, Dec 11 @7:30pm

Join the Kreators of the Kreativity Diversity Troupe for an open mic night, full of music, dance and spoken word.

With Zach John King

THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT

Dylan Scott, a Curb Records artist, is a talented singer with a unique southern voice, a songwriter with a youthful spirit, and a caring family man. He has six No. 1 radio hits, including "My Girl," "Nobody," and "New Truck," plus the Top 5 hit "Hooked." He was nominated for Best New Country Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and named one of Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music. His song "Nobody," a tribute to his wife, won a 2021 CMT Music Award. Scott received ACM nominations for New Male Artist of the Year in 2023 and 2024. He also won a GMA Dove Award in 2023 with Jason Crabb for "Good Morning Mercy." With over 4 billion streams, he has toured with big names like Garth Brooks and Luke Bryan. He is now on his headlining Country Till I Die Tour, playing in bigger venues. His new album, Easy Does It, shares stories of heartbreak, true love, and his hometown.

Grammy Award®–nominated R&B singer and actor Tyrese takes the Concert Hall stage for one night only!

Join Riversdale House Museum for a day full of fun activities that your whole family will enjoy and make sure you peak inside the dependency kitchen and see what the Riversdale Kitchen Guild is cooking up! Stay tuned for more details.​

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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.

Progressive hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon brings a celebration of music with his cross-cultural collaborative concert series.

The bandura, a heavy-bodied string instrument native to Ukraine, has many international analogs, including the Turkish oud, the European mandolin, the African banjo and the Venezuelan bandola. In its native country, centuries of historical significance and stacks of original compositions have enshrined the bandura as a national treasure. The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus can trace its beginnings directly to 1902, when ethnographer Hnat Khotkevych formed the first UBC orchestra. A devoted core group of 17 musicians saw the ensemble through World War II, ensuring that the collective would continue to tour under the Chorus umbrella for well over a century. The group's 2025 program, already performed at major concert halls all over the world, is more than just a musical experience; it's a celebration of Ukraine's cultural heritage and resilience filled with captivating music.

Go green with your creativity! Nature provides an abundance of materials and inspiration for making art. Participants will enjoy hands-on nature craft activities. Every session focuses on a different nature theme.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 2: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 9: Fruits of the Fall

• Sept 16: Hispanic Heritage

• Sept 23: Fall Blooms

• Sept 30: Aractober

• Oct 7: Fall Colors

• Oct 14: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

• Oct 21: Migrating Monarchs

• Oct 28: Dia de los Muertos Marigolds

• Nov 4: Leaf mandals

• Nov 11: Gourds & Indigenous Culture

• Nov 18: Gratitude Arrangements

• Nov 25: Wild Turkeys

Go green with your creativity! Nature provides an abundance of materials and inspiration for making art. Participants will enjoy hands-on nature craft activities. Every session focuses on a different nature theme.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sept 2: Polymer Clay Mushrooms

• Sept 9: Fruits of the Fall

• Sept 16: Hispanic Heritage

• Sept 23: Fall Blooms

• Sept 30: Aractober

• Oct 7: Fall Colors

• Oct 14: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

• Oct 21: Migrating Monarchs

• Oct 28: Dia de los Muertos Marigolds

• Nov 4: Leaf mandals

• Nov 11: Gourds & Indigenous Culture

• Nov 18: Gratitude Arrangements

• Nov 25: Wild Turkeys