Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Lunchtime Lecture, Historical D.C. Black School
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Director of the D.C. Summer School Kimberly Springer will share the Black history of D.C. public education.

Pocket Moxie: A Happenstance Vaudeville with Happenstance Theater
2026-02-06 19:00 - 20:15, 2026-02-07 19:00 - 20:15
A light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the Great Age of Vaudeville, an immensely popular theatre from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, comprised of specialty acts, song, and dance. Happenstance Theater’s five versatile players breathe new life into classic old routines from a ventriloquist’s dummy to a magic act that goes awry, from novelty songs and a musical saw to waiters juggling meatballs, all with full live foley sound effects. This show teems with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. This family-friendly show has something for everyone!

Fri., Feb. 6, 7 pm Tickets

Sat., Feb. 7, 7 pm Tickets

Message Session VI- Community
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00
Message is not your typical concert series. It is an oasis where local artists find their voice and share their stories. Here, music transcends mere entertainment–it becomes personal. Local talent takes center stage. These are the musicians who play at the neighborhood cafes, scribble lyrics on napkins, and dream big. They’re not chasing fame, they’re chasing connection. From soulful ballads to introspective rap, their performances resonate with authenticity. Every Message event is unrepeatable, no two shows are alike; each carries a unique message. The audience sits close enough to see the artist’s fingertips on the strings and feel the raw emotion in every lyric. This is an event for anyone seeking refuge from the noise, who craves more than a passive concert experience.

Alternative Income Streams for Artists
2026-02-07 13:00 - 16:00
Explore diverse revenue opportunities beyond traditional sales, including licensing, commissions, teaching, digital platforms, and passive income strategies.

Black History Month with Brent Birckhead, Saxophone
2026-02-07 14:00 - 15:30
Celebrate Black History Month with an unforgettable music matinee featuring award-winning saxophonist Brent Birckhead and his sextet. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the most riveting young improvisers in New York,” Birckhead blends tradition and innovation, drawing from jazz, soul, and activism. A Howard University alumnus, he has performed with legends like Lauryn Hill, Nas, and George Duke. Experience his powerful sound and storytelling, showcasing the depth of African American musical heritage. Don’t miss this special tribute—an afternoon of history, culture, and soul-stirring jazz!

Film Screening: Amazing Grace
2026-02-07 14:00 - 17:00
“Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin assembled a choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, in 1972 to record her live album, Amazing Grace. Footage of this remarkable gospel concert was shelved for decades over technical and legal issues; it was finally edited and released to critical acclaim in 2018. This is a must-see documentary for Aretha Franklin fans.

George Washington Carver & Friends with Bright Star Touring Theatre
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-10 11:15 - 12:15
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades K-5. Black History heroes laid the groundwork for some of the most amazing discoveries of the modern era, especially regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Hosted by the incredible scientist, George Washington Carver, who invented thousands of uses for the lowly peanut, this Bright Star Touring show introduces students to other great scientists, entrepreneurs, and groundbreakers from Black History. Meet Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and more! Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Groups of 20+ can call 301-277-1710 for Group Sales or fill out the online request form.

10 am Tickets

11:15 am Tickets

Improv 6-week Class
2026-02-10 18:30 - 19:30
Learn the art of improvisation, also known as ‘Silly make ‘em ups!’ Excellent for developing social skills, collaboration skills, and communication skills. Practice accepting other people’s ideas and adding some of your own, speaking specially, paying attention to what you are doing, etc. thorough exercises and short form Improv games.

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

Black History Month Book and Film Discussion: Erasure and American Fiction - Part 2
2026-02-10 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.

Daryl Davis Trio
2026-02-11 14:00 - 15:30
In honor of Black History Month, musician, author, and lecturer Daryl Davis will present a concert of the Roots of American Popular Music consisting of Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz, and Rock’n’Roll composed by Black musicians as performed by The Daryl Davis Trio.

Listening Room Presents Proverbs Reggae Band
2026-02-13 20:00 - 22:00
A D.C.-based reggae group that maintains the authentic sound of Rasta Roots Reggae while spreading messages of social consciousness and spiritual wisdom.

Unshrink My Heart
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:00
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making Shrinky Dink charms and keepsakes! Watch your designs magically shrink into mini masterpieces—perfect for jewelry, keychains, or heartfelt gifts.

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)
2026-02-14 14:00 - 16:00
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am is an artful and intimate meditation on the legendary Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author that examines her life, her works, and the powerful themes she has confronted throughout her literary career. The documentary collects written and graphic work from the history of Black life in America, seeking to fill in the gaps in the master narrative of American history.

Teen Performance Ensemble Auditions
2026-02-15 15:00 - 17:00
Attention teen actors! The Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation Arts & Cultural Heritage Division seeks ten talented teens, ages 16 and up, to join the 2026 Teen Performance Ensemble Summer Tour. The ensemble performs a one-act play, directed by professional theater artists, for children enrolled in M-NCPPC’s Summer Camps.

Rehearsals begin in April 2026, and the tour will take place on weekdays from June 29 to August 7. This is a paid position. For more information, contact Megan.Merchant@pgparks com or call 301-446-3238.

Intermediate Acting 6-week Class
2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:00
This multi-week class builds upon foundational acting skills, focusing on in-depth exploration of techniques, character development, and performance styles; often including scene work, improvisation, and analysis of dramatic texts. Participants should have a basic understanding of acting techniques and principles that the class will focus on refining and expanding.

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

Veterans Book Group
2026-02-17 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

Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00
Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect traces Thurgood Marshall’s life and career from his birth in Baltimore in 1908, through his years at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law, and on to his groundbreaking career as a lawyer championing civil rights. After launching his legal career in Baltimore in 1935, Marshall went on to win 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, most notably the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, which invalidated the “separate but equal” doctrine and ended racial segregation in public schools. In 1967, Marshall became the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement in 1991. Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect includes exclusive interviews with family members, leading historians and authors, and legal experts who offer fresh insights into the life and extraordinary influence of the man who became known as “Mr. Civil Rights.”

Executive produced by Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and MPT Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer Travis Mitchell, the film is produced and directed by Alexis Aggrey, with music by two-time Grammy Award-winning composer Derrick Hodge. “For the first time, audiences will hear Thurgood Marshall tell his own story – in his own words,” said director and producer Alexis Aggrey. “This film is the first to center Marshall’s own voice, drawn from a rare eight-hour oral history. It’s not just a documentary; it’s a conversation with a man whose legal mind reshaped the nation and whose legacy still echoes through our justice system today.”

Note: reservations strongly recommended due to limited seating.This film is not yet rated; Run Time: 1 hour

Sisters With Transistors
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
This documentary celebrates the trailblazing women who revolutionized electronic music. Featuring legends like Wendy Carlos and Suzanne Ciani, Sisters With Transistors showcases how these women shaped the soundscape of the 20th century using modular synthesizers.

Sonic Frontiers Jam Session - Feb.
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
Brentwood Arts Exchange is excited to host ongoing jam sessions featuring a unique, original synth and modular music style. Drop-in musicians of every genre are invited to join and contribute. Bring your instrument, plug in, and be part of the sound!

Annual Black History Month Exhibition - Public Reception
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00
* This exhibition runs Jan. 14–Mar. 1, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *

Celebrate Black History Month with Montpelier Arts Center! This annual exhibition shows the diverse talents of regional artists. Featured artwork will highlight African Americans’ lives, stories, and experiences through painting, drawing, photography, and more.

Emily Springer: The Holds of Legacy - Public Reception
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00
* This exhibition runs Jan. 13–Mar. 1, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *

Emily Springer’s sewn tapestries create a space for reflection and conversation about cultural identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through art. The pieces depict compositions highlighting the generational bonds between Black women. Through their intricate craftsmanship, they are an ode to the historical practice of quilting and its significance to Black culture.

Patricia Phillips Bowden: Travel Collaged and Painted - Public Reception
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00
* 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.

Reimagining Shelter: Exploring Identity and Community through Art and Storytelling
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00
Through art making and storytelling, this workshop aims to redefine shelter as a space of security, warmth, safe space, and family, fostering empathy and understanding. Resident artist Nikki Brooks will lead participants in guided meditation, an art activity, and open conversations about home, neighborhood dynamics, gentrification, and family tradition, sparking deep reflections and meaningful exchanges.

Genuine - Artist & Curator Talk
2026-02-21 14:00 - 16:00
* 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.

Mame Ndiaye: Glimpses of Heaven Artist & Curator Talk
2026-02-21 14:00 - 16:00
* 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.

Voices From the Past: Black Music of the Colonial Period and Forgotten Patriots
2026-02-22 16:00 - 17:00
This riveting, narrated recital takes audience members back to America’s colonial period to explore the music, instruments, voices, and lives of enslaved Africans and forgotten patriots. The music will include period instruments, traditional folk songs, patriotic selections, and Negro spirituals performed by Black musicians. Produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA).

Going the Distance with Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater
2026-02-24 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-24 11:15 - 12:00
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades 1-6. Race to the finish line with two black Olympians who changed history in this original musical play from Discovery Theater! Soaring music and the exhilaration of world-class sports inspire us all to greatness in this vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them overcome childhood illness, infirmity, and poverty to become the world’s fastest man and fastest woman, winning the greatest honor in athletics: the Olympic Gold medal. The John Cornelius II score speaks to the heart and soul of the winner in all of us. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Groups of 20+ can call 301-277-1710 for Group Sales or fill out the online request form.

10 am Tickets

11:15 am Tickets
