Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Basic Birding 101
2025-11-22 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Grab your binoculars or borrow a pair from us and join our park naturalist for a birdwatching adventure! Learn how to identify them by their field marks and see why birdwatching is a beloved hobby worldwide. Come and enjoy the beauty of nature with us!

Insect Investigations!
2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:00
Does your child love bugs, critters, and the great outdoors? This hands-on program dives into the fascinating world of insects and their role in our environment. Kids will explore insect life cycles, body parts, communication, and incredible adaptations—plus get up close with live and preserved specimens using microscopes, magnifying glasses, and other cool science tools.

Includes a short nature hike to search for insects in their natural habitat

Hands-on science activities & exploration

Choose your bug team and race to the finish in our exciting bug races!

Regional Textile Showcase & Artists’ Boutique
2025-11-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-01 10:00 - 16:00 and 1 more date
Enjoy viewing a variety of fiber mediums by textile artists, contemporary and traditional – quilts, rug hooking, felting, embroidery, needlepoint, crocheting, beading, and more. You can vote for your favorite piece! Are you a fiber artist? Participate and enter your creation! The artists’ boutique is back by popular for interesting gifts! Support local artisans/crafters.

Ages 5+. Free, donations welcomed. Reservations recommended but not required. Drop-ins welcomed!

Saturday STEAM Hour
2025-11-22 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. No registration required.

Animal Encounters at Mount Rainier
2025-11-22 11:00 - 12:00
Get up close with our resident critters in this hands-on animal experience! Join us at Mount Rainier Nature Center to meet our resident animal ambassadors and discover what makes each species unique.

The registration button will take you to Parks Direct. If a listed date is not yet available for registration, then check Parks Direct at a later time.

Upcoming Dates:

November 22: Fall Mammal Behavior

Power Athletics Season 7- Building Legends
2025-11-22 11:00 - 12:00
Cheerleading Showcase. https://www.powerathleticsmd.com/

Event contact: 240-619-5416, info@powerathleticsmd.com

General Ticket Pricing:

Advance Ticket Price- $25 plus service fees per ticket

Day of Event Ticket Price- $35 plus service fees per ticket

VIP Ticket Pricing:

Advance VIP Ticket Pricing- $45 plus service fees per ticket

Day of Event VIP Ticket Price- $60 plus service fees per ticket

Coast Into Thanksgiving
2025-11-22 13:00 - 15:00
Create festive mosaic coasters just in time for holiday gatherings! Learn the basics of mosaic design while crafting functional and beautiful coasters that will add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table.

Darren Smith: Human/Nature - Public Reception
2025-11-22 14:00 - 16:00
* This exhibition runs Nov. 17, 2025–Jan. 10, 2026, with a public reception on Sat., Nov. 22. *

As a species, our unbridled exploitation of nature’s finite resources leads us to the brink of environmental catastrophe. We have never been so separated from nature, from the essential rhythms and flows which have sustained us. When did we lose our connection, and can we get it back? Walking in the woods, our blood pressure drops, stress hormones decrease, and our breathing eases. We belong. Human/Nature is a project to show how we are reflected in nature. I shoot photos of natural subjects, cut the prints into little pieces, and create collages of human faces and eyes. If we can see ourselves in nature, made from it rather than conquering it, perhaps we can start to heal our relationship and support a more sustainable future.

Harmony Hall Arts Center: Instructor and Student Exhibition - Public Reception
2025-11-22 14:00 - 16:00
* This exhibition runs Nov. 17, 2025–Jan. 10, 2026, with a public reception on Sat., Nov. 22. *

Harmony Hall’s talented art students and instructors—spanning various ages, experience levels, and artistic disciplines—will showcase their creativity in this vibrant, multidisciplinary exhibition. The Main Gallery will feature diverse works, from watercolor and acrylic paintings that evolve from initial sketches to final works. Additionally, hand-built, wheel-thrown, and Japanese Raku ceramics will be showcased. This exhibition celebrates the dedication and artistic growth of more than 20 artists and their instructors, offering a diverse display of their hard work and passion.

Taylor Made All-Stars Presents: The T8keover
2025-11-22 16:00 - 19:00
Cheerleading Showcase

http://www.taylormadeallstars.com/

Event contact: 301-375-0006, info@taylormadeallstars.com

General Ticket Pricing:

Advance Ticket Price- 11/1-11/21 $35 plus service fees per ticket

Day of Event Ticket Price- $40 plus service fees per ticket

VIP Ticket Pricing:

Advance VIP Ticket Pricing- $50 plus service fees per ticket

Day of Event VIP Ticket Price- NO VIP ticket sales on the day of the event

Trot for a Turkey
2025-11-22 18:00 - 20:00
Registration Available starting September 1

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Winter Festival of Lights!

For more than 30 years, visitors to the annual Winter Festival of Lights have been dazzled by twinkling light displays as they drove through Watkins Regional Park. This year, register to walk or run through the almost three-mile course and see the dazzling displays up close. Your registration fee will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.

GOLDEN TURKEY SPONSOR

Be part of a select group supporting a worthy cause for those in need during the holiday season. With your sponsorship of $500 or more, your logo will be prominently displayed on hundreds of commemorative event shirts. More importantly, your support will truly make a difference.

For information, call the Park Ranger office at 301-627-7755.

Festival of Lights: Bikes and Lights
2025-11-23 17:00 - 19:00
Come experience the Winter Festival of Lights on your bike and enjoy enchanting displays that celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

26th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show
2025-11-28 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-29 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-30 12:00 - 17:00
Join the tradition and visit the Gingerbread House Contest and Show held at Darnall’s Chance House Museum. See a dazzling display of gingerbread creations that reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Prince George’s County, Maryland. This year’s entries will celebrate the local landmarks, architecture, stories, and traditions that showcase the unique heritage of Prince George’s County.

Festival of Lights
2025-11-28 17:00 - 2026-01-01 21:30
From the comfort of your own car, bring the family to experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights!

Online Ticketing
$15 per car
Car Only – Online sales end daily at 4pm
Contact for more information: 301-218-6700/wsoinfo@pgparks.com
BUY TICKETS

Gate Tickets
$20 per car
Gate closes promptly at 9:30 pm at the 202 Entrance
All other vehicles (Vans, Minibus, bus, limos, etc.) – $75

Hayrides
$10 per person
All ages
Hayrides are available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday ONLY
Time Slots: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
Due to HIGH demand, no refunds, cancellations, or rescheduling
Arrive 45 minutes to one hour prior to reservation (weekends have long wait times)
Five people per family max (if more than five, you must register two families)
BUY TICKETS

PLEASE NOTE:

Park closes daily at 4 pm and General Admission Gate closes at 9:30 pm nightly

Online ticket sales end daily at 4 pm

No refunds on ALL ticket sales (General Admissions at the gate or online and Holiday Hayride tickets)

To enhance your experience, please have online tickets printed and visit us on weekdays; weekends have longer wait times!

PLEASE DONATE CANNED GOODS OR NON PERISHABLES TO A PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FAMILY IN NEED!

The Sound of Music Sing-Along (1965)
2025-11-29 14:00 - 17:00
The Sound of Music is a beloved musical film directed by Robert Wise, featuring enchanting music by Richard Rodgers and heartfelt lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, it tells the inspiring story of Maria, a young novice at an abbey in Salzburg, who becomes the governess to the von Trapp family. With her joyful spirit and love for music, Maria brings happiness and harmony to their lives. Come and sing along to your favorite songs from this timeless classic, and immerse yourself in the heartwarming tale of love, family, and music.

Elevating Voices of Indigenous Cultures: The Pre-banning
2025-11-29 14:00 - 17:00
American Indian Guest Speakers Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, Historian and Cultural Ambassador of the Pocomoke Indian Nation, and Rico Newman, Choptico Band of Piscataway Conoy Elder.

Shop Small, Support Local: Small Business Saturday
2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00
Get into the holiday spirit and shop small on Small Business Saturday 2025! The Brentwood Arts Exchange Artisan Shop is your destination for unique, handcrafted gifts that make the season special. From jewelry and ceramics to textiles and home décor, every purchase directly supports local artisans. Enjoy 20% off all artisan shop purchases!

Make a day of it with artist meet-and-greets, complimentary gift wrapping, and a festive shopping experience. Start your holiday shopping with thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the creative talent that makes our community shine.

Shop local, spread holiday cheer, and celebrate the season with us!

Lunchtime Listening with Stan Cooper, Guitar
2025-12-03 11:00 - 13:00
Experience the unstoppable groove of Stanley Cooper–Holiday Edition! D.C.’s own Stanley Cooper has rocked stages with legends like Jimmy Sommers, Bobby Lyle, Marcus Johnson, and Stephanie Mills—and now, he’s bringing his electrifying guitar skills to a holiday-themed celebration. Influenced by greats like Wes Montgomery and Wah Wah Watson, Stanley blends jazz, funk, and soul into a pure magic sound. Feel the festive spirit as he sets the stage on fire with his signature style and infectious energy. Don’t miss this soulful holiday concert—get ready to groove and celebrate the season in style.

Lunchtime Lecture: Carter G. Woodson turns 150
2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:00
Celebrate the life of the Father of Black History Month! In honor of Carter G. Woodson’s sesquicentennial, join Barbara Dunn of ASALH, for this presentation on Woodson’s life, as an author, historian, and journalist.

Holiday Leftovers Reimagined Cooking Demonstration
2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:00
Don’t let your holiday leftovers go to waste! In this cooking demonstration, learn how to transform traditional holiday leftovers into healthy, new meals the whole family will love. Registration required. All ages welcome; FREE
