Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Heart Smart Cooking Demonstration
2026-02-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Explore new recipes that are smart for your heart health! During this session, you will learn how to prepare recipes that are heart-healthy and packed with fiber to keep you fuller for longer. Registration required. All ages welcome. FREE

Lunchtime Lecture, Historical D.C. Black School - Canceled
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
This event has been canceled

Director of the D.C. Summer School Kimberly Springer will share the Black history of D.C. public education.

Lunchtime Listening with Muneer Nasser, Trumpet
2026-02-04 11:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Black History Month with the soulful fusion of Memphis blues, New York fire, and D.C. flavor with the Muneer Nasser Quintet. A master trumpeter, composer, and jazz historian, Nasser brings his deep-rooted passion for jazz to the stage. His latest album, Blue House Session, is a vibrant mix of blues, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and timeless jazz energy. Celebrate Black History Month with an electrifying performance that honors the past while igniting the future of jazz. Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of music. Celebrate history. Experience the music.

Black History Month Book and Film Discussion: Erasure and American Fiction - Part 1
2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
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.

Fit & Strong (Tuesdays)
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-03 08:00 - 17:00
Are you looking for a class to improve exercise frequency, increase strength, and help with goal setting to promote overall health? Join us for Fit & Strong, a program that combines aerobics, stretching, balance, strength, endurance exercises, and health education to promote healthy behavior changes.

Black History Month Exhibition - Open Reception
2026-02-01 14:00 - 17:00
* This exhibition runs Jan. 26–Mar. 7, with a public reception on Sun., Feb. 1. *

Black History Month 2026 Exhibition

Black County, Black History: Preserving, Promoting, and Protecting Black History in Prince George’s County

Exhibition Dates: Monday, January 26 – Saturday, March 7, 2026

Opening Reception: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2–5 pm (RSVP at blackhistory@pgparks.com)

All ages, FREE

Harmony Hall Arts Center

Black History Month formally began in 1926 with “Negro History Week,” established by historian Carter G. Woodson, a founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). And almost from the beginning, black educators in Prince George’s County were participating in the celebration. By the closing decades of the twentieth century, these educators had been joined by an ever-expanding corps of individuals, community organizations, and governmental units, all dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting black history in the county through a variety of efforts. This exhibition details the history of these efforts, chronicling the past, present, and future of this work in Prince George’s County.

This exhibition is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program. For additional information, email blackhistory@pgparks.com or call 240-264-3415.

To RSVP for the opening reception, email blackhistory@pgparks.com.

Qrcky: Bereft of Color - Public Reception
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00
* This exhibition runs Jan. 31–Mar. 7, with a public reception on Sun., Feb. 1. *

Qrcky’s artistic endeavors delve into the interplay between the sensibilities of the Black diaspora and the urban landscapes they inhabit. While the artist draws inspiration from esteemed artists such as Kara Walker and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Qrcky also profoundly influences the surrounding world. Qrcky is captivated by the sensations of movement, the deconstruction and reassembly of surfaces, and the intricate processes of forgetting and remembering that shape our collective consciousness. The artist’s creations profoundly reflect his identity, heritage, and the encompassing tapestry of culture that envelops him.

Seed Swap Festival
2026-01-31 11:00 - 15:00
Join M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Anacostia Watershed Society, & Mount Rainier Public Library to celebrate National Seed Swap Day. Exchange seeds with your neighbors and meet local organizations as you prepare for spring and diversify your garden!

Activities:

Children’s Story Time: 11:30 am-12 noonCraft: 12 noon-12:30 pmWinter Seed Starting: 1-3 pm

Patricia Phillips Bowden: Travel Collaged and Painted
2026-01-31 10:00 - 2026-03-08 17:00
* This exhibition runs Jan. 31–Mar. 8, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *

Primarily an oil painter, Patricia Phillips Bowden discovered a renewed interest in exploring paper, collage, and mixed media during the pandemic. She finds beauty in the old, the worn, and the rusty, and hopes to capture that elegance in her work. As an artist, she strives to maintain a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity toward this fascinating place we call Earth.

Qrcky: Bereft of Color
2026-01-31 - 2026-03-07

Meal Prep: Cook Once, Eat All Week Cooking Demonstration
2026-01-29 18:00 - 19:00
Get a head start on your wellness goals in the new year! Join us for a virtual cooking demonstration and discover how to prepare nutritious meals for the entire week, so you can avoid the hassle of cooking every day. Registration required. All ages welcome; FREE

Black History Month Exhibition
2026-01-26 - 2026-03-07
Black History Month 2026 Exhibition

Black County, Black History: Preserving, Promoting, and Protecting Black History in Prince George’s County

Exhibition Dates: Monday, January 26 – Saturday, March 7, 2026

Opening Reception: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2–5 pm (RSVP at blackhistory@pgparks.com)

All ages, FREE

Harmony Hall Arts Center

Black History Month formally began in 1926 with “Negro History Week,” established by historian Carter G. Woodson, a founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). And almost from the beginning, black educators in Prince George’s County were participating in the celebration. By the closing decades of the twentieth century, these educators had been joined by an ever-expanding corps of individuals, community organizations, and governmental units, all dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting black history in the county through a variety of efforts. This exhibition details the history of these efforts, chronicling the past, present, and future of this work in Prince George’s County.

This exhibition is curated by the M-NCPPC Black History Program. For additional information, email blackhistory@pgparks.com or call 240-264-3415.

To RSVP for the opening reception, email blackhistory@pgparks.com.

Mame Ndiaye: Glimpses of Heaven - Opening Reception
2026-01-24 17:00 - 20:00
* This exhibition runs Jan. 20-Mar. 14, with an Opening Reception on Sat., Jan. 24 and an Artist & Curator Talk on Sat., Feb. 21. *

In Glimpses of Heaven, Mame Ndiaye invites viewers into a dazzling world of mixed media works that sparkle with vibrancy and imagination. Using glitter as a central medium, Ndiaye creates otherworldly pieces that evoke a sense of transcendence and wonder. Each artwork is a luminous exploration of light, color, and texture, offering fleeting moments of beauty that transport viewers into a dreamlike space. Through Glimpses of Heaven, Ndiaye captures the ephemeral nature of joy and the magic found in the simplest, most radiant elements of life.

Genuine - Opening Reception
2026-01-24 17:00 - 20:00 | Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Bowie, MD, 20721, United States
This exhibition runs Jan. 20–Mar. 14, with a public reception on Sat., Jan. 24 and an artist and curator talk on Sat., Feb. 21.

Curated by Asha Elana Casey in honor of Black History Month, Genuine celebrates the depth, resilience, and authenticity of Black artistic expression. Featuring works by Lionel Frazier White III, Khaleelah Harris, Jessica Valoris, and Desmond Beach, this exhibition explores themes of identity, heritage, and truth through a range of materials and perspectives. Genuine highlights the power of storytelling and cultural reflection, offering a compelling tribute to the legacy and future of Black artistry.

Runway Rhythms featuring Riverdale Chamber Music: Peter and the Wolf Multilingual Family Concert
2026-01-24 15:00 - 16:30
NOTICE: The Sunday, January 25 Peter and the Wolf Family Chamber Concert has been moved to Saturday, January 24 due to weather. Please contact the museum with any questions.

Join us for a fun, multilingual family concert with the Riverdale Chamber Music Woodwind Quintet! Enjoy the thrilling adventure of Peter and the Wolf, brought to life through classical music. This concert is specially crafted for families and children, offering a vibrant, interactive experience that transcends language barriers. Enjoy refreshments and meet the musicians after the performance. Register in advance to secure your spot! Walk-in spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Includes museum admission.

Adaptive Tennis Try-It Clinic
2026-01-24 14:30 - 16:30 | Junior Tennis Champions Center, 5200 Campus Dr, College Park, MD, 20740, United States
Join us for a fun and inclusive day on the courts! We welcome the whole family-as well as all ability and experience levels-to discover the joy of tennis. This event is designed for people with disabilities in partnership with the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC).

Enjoy adaptive games, beginner-friendly instruction, and a supportive community atmosphere as we introduce tennis to everyone—no experience or equipment required!

Register for this Program

STEAM Hour
2026-01-24 10:30 - 11:30
Join our educators at this hands-on activity table where creativity takes flight! Perfect for budding engineers and aviation enthusiasts, this interactive program allows visitors to design and build their own creations. Whether you’re constructing airplanes, airports, or inventing something entirely new, Saturday STEAM Hour encourages you to dream big and bring your ideas to life. Drop in anytime during the hour for an opportunity to explore the wonders of aviation through play. This program is ideal for learners ages 6-12 and is FREE with museum admission.

Therapeutic Recreation Presents: Parents' Night Out
2026-01-23 18:30 - 20:45 | Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Bowie, MD, 20721, United States
We’re excited to invite you to Parents’ Night Out! This program provides a safe, inclusive, fun, and engaging environment for children while allowing parents to enjoy a well-deserved break. Parents will have the opportunity to drop off their kids and enjoy an evening off.Register and leave your kids with us for a fun-filled evening, activities include a movie, popcorn, pizza, and fun! The ratio for this program is 1:4. This program is inclusive and designed for residents with disabilities and their siblings.

$20 per child, plus $15 per additional sibling

Register for this Event

Scholarship Power Hour: Essay Edits & Application Submission
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:30
Find scholarships. Polish essays. Hit submit.

Hands-on scholarship search with guided strategies. Build and expand your personal tracker and submission calendar.

Update Scholarship Tracker with at least one submission

Scholarship Essay Editing Checklist

Scholarship Submission Calendar

Register Today! Visit pgparksdirect.com and enter “HBCU Money Guide” in the search box or search the Activity Code: 20673-175F

M-NCPPC Teen Cotillion
2026-01-21 13:00 - 16:00
Join Us for an Enchanting Evening at the M-NCPPC Annual Teen Cotillion!

Step into an afternoon of elegance and tradition as we celebrate the grace, poise, and charm of our young debutantes and beaus. The Teen Cotillion is more than just an event—it’s a rite of passage, blending timeless customs with modern sophistication.

Guests will enjoy a glamorous evening filled with dancing, fine dining, and memorable moments as we honor the achievements and growth of our participants. The event includes a formal presentation, where each debutante and escort will showcase their newly refined etiquette and social skills, followed by lively entertainment and plenty of photo opportunities.

Highlights of the Evening:

Formal Presentation Ceremony

Ballroom Dancing

Fine Dining and Refreshments

Live Music and Entertainment

Whether you’re joining as a participant, family member, or guest, this magical evening promises to be an unforgettable experience. Dress to impress and be ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

Become a Sponsor!

Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the workshop?

The Teen Cotillion workshop is set to last a total of 16 weeks starting January 8th, 2026 until April 23rd, 2026 with the final dance and ceremony occurring the following Sunday on April 26th at 1pm.

When and where will the workshop take place?

The workshops will take place every Thursday starting January 8th, 2026 at The Marlow Heights Community Center from 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Is attendance mandatory for every workshop?

Attendance every Thursday night is critical! New dances may be taught each night along with important workshops. Dance partners and/ or dance lineups are often coordinated based on height. If one person is missing, it could throw off the entire lineup, which delays advancing the dance routine and instruction. For example, if a dancing Mom/Guardian or Dad/Guardian is absent, the teen participant will not have the opportunity to perfect the routine. While we understand emergencies arise, we strongly encourage you and your Deb/Beau to attend every practice.

Will there be food provided?

YES! Dinner will be provided for dance participants every Thursday night. Dinner will be served from 6:30-7:00 pm, so please be on time. If you or your Deb/Beau have any dietary restrictions, please let a staff person know as soon as possible.

What is the dress code for the workshops?

The dress code unless stated otherwise by the committee will be casual

What do I need to know about the dancing?

Dancing is an integral part of the Teen Cotillion experience. Please be patient with yourself while learning the dance routines and expect changes. Dances can frequently change because of creativity or technical difficulty. This is another reason why dancing parent/guardian should be at practice each week. By the day of the Teen Cotillion, you will have learned the dance routine, and everyone will look beautiful on the dance floor. Another important tip is to practice at home during the week. There is a lot to learn in a limited amount of time during the 16 weeks. So, practicing at home can really pay off.

Is there a fee for being a part of the Teen Cotillion?

Yes, there is a $100 fee for participation in the program.

How much money is my Deb/Beau expected to raise and how can they raise it?

The goal is for each Deb/Beau to raise $1,800 throughout their Teen Cotillion experience. Fundraising can be attained through selling ads for the souvenir book, taking donations, and selling tickets to the final event. If you start the process early, it can easily be achieved.

What are the general responsibilities for a dancing Mom or Dad?

One of the most important responsibilities is to commit to attend every Thursday night dance practice starting January 8th 2026. Your dance nights and times will be on the program calendar. We ask that you help your Deb/Beau with their fundraising efforts, support them, and encourage participation in ALL activities. For the final event of the Teen Cotillion, you will need to purchase/rent a black tuxedo or formal gown.

What if a Mom or Dad is not available to dance in the Teen Cotillion?

We ask that you try to find a permanent replacement if a parent/guardian is not able to make the commitment (i.e. an aunt, uncle, family friend, etc.). It means so much more to the Deb/Beau to be dancing with someone special in their life. If you cannot find someone to fill the position, do not worry! We have volunteer dancers available to assist.

What are the general responsibilities for a non-dancing Mom or Dad?

We ask the non-dancing moms & dads to support their Debs/Beaus fundraising efforts as well as encouraging their participation in trips and Thursday night workshops. You are welcome to stop by to see the progress they are making. For the final event, most non-dancing parents wear formal/semi-formal attire.

How does my Deb/Beau get to practice on Thursday nights?

We provide transportation from various M-NCPPC community centers throughout the county each Thursday night. The transportation coordinators have selected pick-up and drop-off locations that may be convenient for you. Unless otherwise communicated, Debs/Beaus will be picked-up and dropped-off at the same sites,. In addition, you can transport them or they can transport themselves.

Trips/Event Transportation

We will provide transportation to most events/trips. For our out-of-town trips, a charter bus will be utilized. For in-town trips, M-NCPPC vehicles and drivers will be used. If it is required for you to transport your Deb/Beau to an event or pick-u location(s), you will be notified in advance.

Veterans Book Group
2026-01-20 19:00 - 21:00
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

Healthy Comfort Foods Cooking Demonstration
2026-01-20 13:00 - 14:00
Warm up this winter with cozy favorites made healthier! Join us for this cooking demonstration where we’ll show you how to lighten up classic comfort foods. All ages welcome. Registration required; FREE.

Mame Ndiaye: Glimpses of Heaven
2026-01-20 - 2026-03-14

Genuine
2026-01-20 - 2026-03-14
This exhibition runs Jan. 20–Mar. 14, with a public reception on Sat., Jan. 24 and an artist and curator talk on Sat., Feb. 21. *

Curated by Asha Elana Casey in honor of Black History Month, Genuine celebrates the depth, resilience, and authenticity of Black artistic expression. Featuring works by Lionel Frazier White III, Khaleelah Harris, Jessica Valoris, and Desmond Beach, this exhibition explores themes of identity, heritage, and truth through a range of materials and perspectives. Genuine highlights the power of storytelling and cultural reflection, offering a compelling tribute to the legacy and future of Black artistry.

Art Exhibit: Luther Wright: American Dreaming
2026-01-19 - 2026-03-08
* This exhibition runs Jan. 19–Mar. 8, with a public reception on Thu., Feb. 19. *

American Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. This series delves into the nuanced relationship between aspiration and the systemic barriers that persist within our society, particularly emphasizing the American lottery system as a symbol of hope in the Black community.

This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from January 19-March 8, 2026, and can be viewed during regular facility hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Please note that exhibits cannot be viewed when a performance or event is in progress. Before viewing an exhibit, please call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 to check the performance schedule.

Get On Up (2014)
2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00
Get On Up is a biographical film that chronicles the life of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. The movie explores his childhood and his evolution into one of the most influential musicians in history. The film stars an ensemble cast, featuring Chadwick Boseman as Brown, Nelsan Ellis as Bobby Byrd, Dan Aykroyd as Ben Bart, Viola Davis as Susie Brown, Craig Robinson as Maceo Parker, and Octavia Spencer as Aunt Honey.

Dinosaur Park Open House
2026-01-17 12:00 - 16:00
Dinosaur Park Open Houses are a free public program on the first and third Saturday of every month and the second Sunday in the summer. No reservations required. Come join us and learn more about fossils, including the dinosaurs who used to call Maryland home. Guests can expect an orientation and then the opportunity to search the surface of the ground for fossils. No prior registration required. ASL interpretation is offered at each event. All park rules apply (listed below).1. Closed toed shoes required2. No pets or tools allowed inside the fossil site3. Guests cannot cross the rope fence4. There is no digging during this program. All fossils are naturally eroding from the ground5. No running in the fossil site6. No throwing rocks or rolling rocks7. All scientifically important fossils will be kept in trust with the commission to be used for current and future research

Cub Corner
2026-01-17 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a special bilingual reading of Almost Underwear authored by local teacher Jonathan Roth. After the story, kids can get creative by making their own adorable canvas or fabric pals—just like the character in the book! This program is recommended for little learners ages 3-6. FREE with museum admission. Register in advance to secure your spot! Walk-in spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit pgparksdirect.com and register for Activity Code: Cub Corner!

Back in Action: Overcoming Injuries & Returning to Fitness
2026-01-15 11:00 - 12:00
Talk with a licensed physical therapist from MedStar! Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to get back into the gym after a period of inactivity, this event will provide expert guidance on how to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and prevent future setbacks. The session will include a presentation, a Q&A segment, and optional health screenings to assess your current physical condition. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active you! Registration required. Ages 16 & up; FREE
