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Free outdoor concerts, movies, and performances all summer long

RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is kicking off Arts in the Parks, an exciting series of free outdoor concerts, movies, and performances happening all summer. These family-friendly events bring music, culture, and community fun to M-NCPPC parks and facilities across Prince George’s County, inviting residents to go outside and enjoy the season.

Upcoming Events 

Voices of Fairwood

June 7, June 28, July 19, 4-6 pm & August 16, 1-6 pm

Fairwood Community Park

12390 Fairwood Parkway, Bowie, MD 20720

This summer’s performances – with R&B, soul, jazz, funk, blues, and more – embrace the multicultural nature of Prince George’s. Each concert highlights and celebrates the cultural impact of African American music on our community. June’s concert celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Concerts at Cosca

June 18, July 9, July 23, August 13, & August 27

Cosca Regional Park

11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 20735

The summer concert series at Cosca Regional Park offers free outdoor music to the community all summer long. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and spend time in the park with family, friends, and neighbors. Food vendors will be on-site, and all ages are welcome.

Juneteenth Festival

Saturday, June 13, 12 noon-5 pm

Watkins Regional Park

301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro MD

Bring the whole family for live music, local artists and vendors, history exhibits, kids’ activities, food trucks, and much more! Celebrate freedom, heritage, and community through music, culture, and fun. Feature performances from Rare Essence, Proverbs Reggae Band, Soul in Motion, and Got My Own Sound Band.

Shakespeare in the Parks

June 14-July 5

Throughout parks in Prince George’s & Montgomery County

Enjoy the magic of live theatre in the beauty of the outdoors. This summer’s featured production is As You Like It, one of William Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies. Charming, humorous, and full of heart, As You Like It offers a whimsical celebration of love and laughter perfect for the whole family.

Riversdale Summer Concert Series

May 27, June 10 & June 24

Riversdale Historic Site and House Museum

4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737

Relax on the lawn of the historic Riversdale and enjoy live entertainment. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner.

Gather on the Green

June 18, July 16, August 20

Concord Historic Site & Museum

8000 Walker Mill Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Gather on the Green is a free summer concert series at Concord Historic Site that takes place on the third Thursday of each month. In June, celebrate Black Music Month with the headlining band Black History. You’re invited to the cookout in July for black joy, celebration, and gathering set to the tune of classic cookout songs and line dances. And close out the summer with Go-go on the green, in partnership with the Go-Go Museum & Café, turn up the volume in honor of go-go music.

Drive-in Movies at Prince George’s Stadium

June 12, July 10, August 28, and October 16, gates open at 7 pm

Prince George’s Stadium

4101 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20716

Enjoy free drive-in movies at Prince George’s Stadium all summer long. Plus enjoy free snacks, food trucks, games, and more. This year’s lineup brings your favorite movies, including Black Panther, Hoopers, Respect, and Coco.

For a full schedule of dates, times, and locations, visit pgparks.com. Performances are subject to cancellation due to weather emergencies. Be prepared for storms and other emergencies this summer. Stay updated and prepared through PGParks Alert, M-NCPPC’s free weather and emergency notification services.

RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County will officially open outdoor aquatic facilities for the 2026 summer season, beginning Saturday, May 23. Facilities will operate on weekends only through June 19, 2026, offering residents and visitors the perfect way to kick off Memorial Day weekend with summer fun at eight outdoor pools and splash parks across the county.

The Department’s family-friendly aquatic facilities provide a safe, affordable, and refreshing way to enjoy the summer. General admission for Prince George’s and Montgomery County residents is $6 for adults and $5 for youth and seniors. In addition to outdoor swimming, the Department also offers state-of-the-art indoor aquatic facilities that provide swimming instruction, water safety education, fitness classes, open swim, and recreational play opportunities year-round.

“Our pools are more than just a place to safely swim, they’re where our community comes together, whether you’re swimming laps, relaxing by the water, or watching your children laugh and play,” said Adrienne Harris Moore, Division Chief for the Aquatics and Athletic Facilities Division. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another summer of fun.”

Newest M-NCPPC Pool Opens Memorial Day Weekend

Cross Creek pool in Calverton officially opens its doors to the public this Memorial Day weekend. As the newest addition to the Department’s aquatic offerings, the facility provides drop-in swimming, swim lessons, and rentals for families to enjoy all summer long.

Outdoor Aquatic Facilities:

• Cross Creek Pool: 12806 Bay Hills Drive, Calverton, MD (newest M-NCPPC pool)
• Allentown Splash Park: 7210 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
• Ellen E. Linson Splash Park: 5211 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740
• Glenn Dale Splash Park: 1901 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale, MD 20769
• Hamilton Splash Park: 3901 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
• J. Franklyn Bourne Pool: 6500 Calmos Street, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
• Lane Manor Splash Park: 7601 West Park Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783
• North Barnaby Splash Park: 5000 Wheeler Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Summer outdoor pool operating hours:

• Mondays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm
• Tuesdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm
• Wednesdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-8 pm
• Thursdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm
• Fridays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-8 pm
• Saturdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm 

*Outdoor Pools will begin daily operations on Friday, June 19, 2026, with special holiday hours of 12 noon-4 pm in observance of Juneteenth. Memorial Day and Labor Day Mondays, outdoor pools will offer two sessions, 12 noon-3 pm and 3:30-6:30 pm. Special holiday hours of 12 noon-4 pm in observance of July 4. 

Outdoor pools are very popular and often reach capacity early during the weekend sessions. To secure a spot, guests are encouraged to make an online reservation at pgparks.com. Reservations can be made up to ten days in advance and include a discounted admission fee.

For complete pool schedules, admission details, and safety guidelines, please visit pgparks.com.

RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is selected as a finalist in the 2026 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

The Gold Medal is among the highest honors in the park and recreation industry, recognizing outstanding management and service. M-NCPPC, which includes the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County and Montgomery Parks, is a six-time gold medal recipient. The agency earned this prestigious award in 1973, 1977, 1983, 1984, 2003, and 2015, and was also named a finalist in 2023 and 2025.

“We’re the destination for the nation, and being named a finalist is a testament of our world-class parks and recreation,” said Darryl Barnes, chairman of M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County Planning Board. “We take pride in delivering exceptional experiences for our residents and visitors and set the standard for parks and recreation nationwide.”

“This recognition highlights the dedication and commitment of the staff who serve our communities,” said Artie Harris, vice chair of the M-NCPPC and chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board. “I’m continually inspired by their work and the unique talents and passion they bring to our organization. This honor is truly well deserved.” 

“Being named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award reflects the dedication and passion of our staff, volunteers, and community partners. Together, they work to deliver exceptional parks and programs,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “This recognition underscores our commitment to bringing people together, fostering inclusive park experiences, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and responsibly caring for our natural resources.” 

“This recognition reflects the essential programs and services provided by our staff, who work every day to deliver exceptional parks and recreation experiences to residents across Prince George’s County,” said Darius A. Stanton, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County. “As a six-time gold medal recipient, we are number one in the nation, and it’s an honor to be a finalist and elevate our community on the national stage.”

M-NCPPC is competing for the Gold Medal in the Class I category of parks systems with a population of more than 400,001. Other park and recreation agencies competing for the Class I Gold Medal include Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

The Gold Medal recipient will be announced in September at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.