News - FAQ List Quick

RIVERDALE, Md. – Celebrate the end of summer with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Throughout August, residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of free and low-cost, family-friendly events, including outdoor concerts and movies, teen events and more!

Upcoming Events

Wine and Jazz at Marietta

Saturday, August 1, 1-5 pm

Marietta Historic Site & Museum

5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, MD

Celebrate African American jazz heritage with local popular musicians at the Marietta Historic Site & Museum. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the event will include a traditional African drum performance to honor the roots of American jazz. Visit food and craft vendors and shop at the Farmers Market. Stroll through the booths of local Maryland wineries and sample their delicious wines.

Outtabounds Teen Fest 2026 | FREE

Saturday, August 8, 5-10 pm

Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC)

13601 Missouri Avenue, Brandywine, MD

Celebrate the end of the summer in a fun and unforgettable way! Enjoy a night packed with music, good vibes, live DJs, basketball, and special guests.

Rock the Boat Teen Cruise

Tuesday, August 11, 4:30-10:30 pm

End-of-Summer Back-to-School Dinner Cruise! Dress to impress in your finest formal attire and dance the night away aboard a dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy great food, a live DJ, and an unforgettable evening celebrating the end of summer and the start of a new school year. Space is limited. No jeans allowed.

Park Police Community Day | FREE

Wednesday, August 12, 5-8 pm

Watkins Regional Park

301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

Meet the officers who help keep parks safe while enjoying interactive demonstrations, emergency vehicles, games, and family-friendly activities, and more.

Concerts at Cosca | FREE

Thursday, August 13 & August 27, 6-8 pm

Cosca Regional Park

11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD

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.

50^th Anniversary of Roots with Chris Haley

Saturday, August 15, 2026, 11 am-1 pm

Riversdale Historic Site & Museum

4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD

Join Riversdale Historic Site & Museum for the 50th anniversary of Alex Haley’s Roots to explore its legacy with Haley family member Chris Haley. In an intimate conversation with a moderator, questions from the audience will be welcome.

Voices of Fairwood | FREE

Sunday, August 16, 1-6 pm

Fairwood Community Park

12390 Fairwood Parkway, Bowie, MD

Celebrate R&B music with performances by Geno Marriott & the Spirit of Jazz, Julius Rosenwood, Mia Samone, and Autumn Labella. This event is free and suitable for all ages.

Gather on the Green: Go-Go on the Green | FREE

Thursday, August 20, 5-8 pm

Concord Historic Site

800 Walker Mill Road, Capitol Heights, MD

Happy 90th birthday to DMV legend Chuck Brown! For the final installment of Concord Historic Site’s Summer Concert Series, in partnership with the Go-Go Museum & Café, we’re turning up the volume in honor of go-go music: its pioneers, its cultural power, and its enduring heartbeat in the region. Join us for an electrifying evening of rhythm, community, and celebration featuring high-energy performances by New Impressions and Next Generation Krank!

About the Department

With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit pgparks.com.

M-NCPPC Temporarily Closes Outdoor Facilities Due to Poor Air Quality

RIVERDALE, MD – July 17, 2026 – Due to continued poor air quality affecting the region, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, has temporarily closed select outdoor facilities and suspended certain outdoor operations to help protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, participants, and employees.

The Department continues to closely monitor air quality conditions and remains committed to reopening facilities and resuming normal operations as soon as conditions safely allow.

Facility, Program, and Event Updates

The following facilities, programs, and events are canceled, closed, or modified for Friday, July 17, due to poor air quality:

• All outdoor aquatic facilities and splash parks – Closed
• All athletic fields and artificial turf fields – Closed
• All golf courses – Closed at 1 pm
• Trap & Skeet Center – Closed at 1 pm
• “Screen on the Green” at Riversdale House Museum – Rescheduled to Friday, July 24
• Wonderful World of Wizards at Watkins Regional Park – Closing at 3 pm
• Youth Safe Summer Soccer League games at Woodmore Town Centre Park and Walker Mill Regional Park – Canceled
• Summer Movie Night and Come Out and Play at Accokeek Neighborhood Park – Canceled

Residents are encouraged to visit pgparks.com or sign up for PGParks Alerts for the latest information regarding facility operations, program updates, and weather-related impacts.

Indoor Recreation and Cooling Options

Residents looking to stay active while avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure are encouraged to visit M-NCPPC’s indoor recreation and aquatic facilities or other air-conditioned public spaces, where available.

For facility locations, hours, and availability, visit pgparks.com.

Air Quality Safety Tips

To reduce exposure to unhealthy air, residents are encouraged to:

• Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
• Move recreational activities indoors whenever possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed if advised by local officials.
• Stay hydrated and remain in air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
• Watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or irritation of the eyes and throat.
• Individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should follow guidance from their healthcare provider and keep necessary medications readily available.

Children, older adults, and individuals with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are especially encouraged to remain indoors until air quality improves.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we respond to these conditions. The Department remains committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone who visits our parks and facilities.

For the latest updates, facility information, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com.

About the Department

With more than 30,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreational amenities, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides award-winning parks, programs, and facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Through innovative leadership, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to community, the Department offers exceptional recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Formula 2040 Plan, the Department continues to invest in parks, facilities, and programs that will serve Prince George’s County for generations to come. Learn more at pgparks.com.

RIVERDALE, MD – July 17, 2026 – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, encourages residents, visitors, and employees to take precautions as poor air quality continues to impact the region.

Individuals, particularly children, older adults, and those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity and monitor local air quality conditions throughout the day. The Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed to help protect the health and safety of the community.

Cooling Centers and Indoor Recreation

Residents are encouraged to seek air-conditioned spaces during periods of poor air quality. Designated cooling centers and M-NCPPC indoor recreational and aquatic facilities offer opportunities to stay cool while reducing exposure to unhealthy outdoor air.

For locations, hours, and availability, check pgparks.com.

Air Quality Safety Tips

To help reduce exposure to unhealthy air conditions, residents are encouraged to:

• Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially during periods when air quality is unhealthy.
• Move activities indoors whenever possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed if advised by local officials.
• If spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks and pay attention to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or irritation of the eyes and throat.
• Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions should keep prescribed medications readily available and follow guidance from their healthcare provider.

Residents should also continue to stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

Outdoor Recreation Advisory

During periods of poor air quality, residents are encouraged to postpone or limit visits to outdoor recreational amenities, including:

• Parks and trails
• Outdoor courts (tennis, pickleball, and basketball)
• Playgrounds
• Golf courses
• Picnic pavilions
• Campgrounds
• Trap & Skeet Center
• Old Maryland Farm
• Athletic fields and other outdoor recreational facilities

Residents are encouraged to check on older adults, young children, and others who may be more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.

We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these conditions together. Stay informed, stay safe, and continue to Live More, Play More responsibly.

For updates, facility information, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com.

About the Department

With more than 30,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreational amenities, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides award-winning parks, programs, and facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Through innovative leadership, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to community, the Department offers exceptional recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Formula 2040 Plan, the Department continues to invest in parks, facilities, and programs that will serve Prince George’s County for generations to come. Learn more at pgparks.com.