⭐ FEATURED THIS WEEK
Lend Me a Soprano, Port Tobacco Players
Friday, May 15 at 8:00 PM | Saturday, May 16 at 8:00 PM | Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 PM
📍 Port Tobacco Players Theater, 508 Charles Street, La Plata, MD
💵 $18 adults | $15 seniors (60+), youth through high school, and military with ID
Port Tobacco Players just opened something really fun. "Lend Me a Soprano" is set in 1934 and follows the chaos that erupts when a world-class opera soprano arrives for a one-night-only performance, late, with a jealous husband in tow. It's a farce, it moves fast, and it's the kind of show that has you laughing out loud in a way you don't always expect from a night out in La Plata.
Three chances to catch it this weekend. Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, Sunday matinee at 3pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors, youth through high school, and military with ID. This is a local theater company doing genuinely good work and they deserve a full house.
🌸 COMMUNITY & SEASONAL PICKS
Big week. Big moments. Right here at home.
🌸 CSM 67th Spring Commencement
Friday, May 15 | 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
📍 PE Building, College of Southern Maryland, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata, MD
💵 Free to attend
Nearly 1,200 candidates for degrees and certificates walk this Friday across three ceremonies. Liberal Arts in the morning, STEM and Professional Studies in the afternoon, Health Sciences in the evening. If someone you love is crossing that stage, this is their moment. If not, it's still worth knowing that your community just added a lot of new graduates to the mix. Go Seahawks.
🎉 Southern Maryland Blue Crabs vs. Hagerstown Flying Boxcars
Tuesday, May 12 at 6:35 PM (single game)
Friday, May 15 at 6:35 PM | Saturday, May 16 at 6:30 PM | Sunday, May 17 TBD
📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf, MD
💵 Tickets vary
Five chances to catch live baseball this week. The Crabs are home Tuesday night for a solo game, then host the Flying Boxcars again for a full three-game home series starting Friday. May is one of the busiest home months of the season, which means the stadium is lively and the vibe is right. Grab peanuts, bring the kids, and let yourself have a Tuesday night.
🎊 MD Two Fifty: Speaker Peter Michael
Sunday, May 17 at 2:00 PM
📍 Port Tobacco Courthouse, 8430 Commerce St, Port Tobacco, MD
💵 Free
Charles County is turning 250 and this Sunday's program at the historic Port Tobacco Courthouse honors local hero John Hanson, who served as the first President of the United States under the Continental Congress. Speaker Peter Michael leads the commemoration. Free to attend, open to the public, and genuinely worth knowing about if you care about the history of the place you live.
🎊 Asia's Annual Community Day Season Opener
Sunday, May 17 at 12:00 PM
📍 The Shops at Waldorf Center, 3000 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD
💵 Cost TBD, check link for details
A beloved local tradition is back for another season. Asia's Annual Community Day is all about good energy, neighborhood connection, and just showing up for the people around you. Cost details are still TBD, so check the link before you head out, but mark it on your calendar now.
🚗 Classic Car Show with DMV Rods & Classics Car Club
Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Judging until 1pm, Awards at 2pm)
📍 The Shops at Waldorf Center, Waldorf, MD
💵 Free to attend | $25 per car to enter
99 trophies, live DJ, food trucks, and some seriously beautiful rides. Free to walk around and take it all in. If you want to enter your car in competition, it's $25. Pair it with a lap through the Pop-Up & Grow market happening at the same location for a full Saturday morning out.
🎵 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
From live instruments to 90s throwbacks, the weekend has layers.
🎵 Charles County Youth Orchestra, Spring Concert
Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 PM
📍 Thomas Stone High School, 3785 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf, MD
💵 Cost TBD, verify before attending
Local young musicians take the stage for the Youth Orchestra's annual spring concert. This is one of those afternoon events that's genuinely delightful, free or low cost, and a wonderful way to wrap up a full weekend. Bring the family, support homegrown talent, and plan to be pleasantly surprised.
🎶 Flash Back to the 90s ft. TCB
Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 PM (runs until 3:00 AM)
📍 Shark Bar and Seafood House, Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD
💵 $28
If you've been looking for an excuse to dust off your denim jacket, TCB is spinning all the 90s classics live and loud at Shark Bar this Saturday. Doors at 9pm, music until 3am. This one goes late, so plan accordingly and grab your crew early. Pure nostalgia, no apologies.
🎸 CIVIL UNREST, AWA Live Pro Wrestling
Saturday, May 16 | 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
📍 109 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD
💵 $17 to $25
AWA live professional wrestling is back in Waldorf. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for something unexpected to do on a Saturday night, this one delivers. Tickets start at $17 and runs three hours.
🎨 ARTS, WELLNESS & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Make something. Try something. Get out of the house.
🎨 Hand Dance Paint Night at Paint N Sip
Thursday, May 14 | Evening, time TBD, check Eventbrite for exact time
📍 Paint N Sip, St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf, MD
💵 See link for ticket pricing
Week two of four in this series and it combines hand dancing technique with painting your own canvas. That's a genuinely unusual combo, which is exactly what makes it worth trying. Date night, girls night, solo outing, whatever works for you. Register online to lock in your spot before it fills.
🌿 Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage, Charles County Tour
Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
📍 Various locations throughout Charles County (starting area near 9205 Marshall Corner Rd, Pomfret, MD)
💵 $52
This self-guided tour gives you access to exclusive properties in Charles County that are only open on this one day each year. Private homes, historic gardens, places you've driven past and wondered about. If you're into architecture, horticulture, or just being nosy about beautiful spaces (same), this is your Saturday. Runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather and go anyway.
🌸 RCC Women of Power "Girl, I See YOU!" Conference
Friday, May 15 (doors at 7:00 PM) and Saturday, May 16 (doors at 9:30 AM)
📍 Soteria Christian Center, Waldorf, MD
💵 $81
A two-day women's empowerment conference with speakers, connection, and community. Doors open Friday night at 7pm for the evening session, Saturday programming starts at 9:30am. If this speaks to you, check Eventbrite for the full lineup and details before registering.
🎨 Painting in the Park (Lupus Awareness Event)
Saturday, May 16 | 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Gilbert Run Park, Charlotte Hall, MD
💵 $12
An outdoor painting event at Gilbert Run Park in its second year, put on in conjunction with Lambda Sigma Sigma Lupus Sorority. Twelve dollars for three hours of painting outside in May? That's a good deal and a good cause. Pack sunscreen.
🧀 Charcuterie Board Class
Saturday, May 16 | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
📍 Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire and EMS Co 7, Indian Head, MD
💵 $70 per person
For $70 you get all the ingredients, step-by-step instruction, and a reusable wooden board to take home loaded with your finished creation. Snacks and drinks available to purchase. Perfect girls' day, date idea, or mother-daughter outing, and it supports the local fire and EMS company while you're at it.
☕ Clarity in Bloom: Spring Tea Social
Sunday, May 17 | 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
📍 Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge, Waldorf, MD
💵 $33
Afternoon tea, a charcuterie board, unlimited tea selections, and a dress code that calls for your best fascinator. Seats are limited and this one will fill. If you need a charming reason to get dressed up on a Sunday afternoon, here it is. Book early.
🍽️ An Elevated Dining Etiquette Course
Sunday, May 17 | 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
📍 Daffodil Events Southern Maryland, Waldorf, MD
💵 $28
Proper table manners, American and Continental dining styles, and how to carry yourself at everything from a casual dinner to a formal business lunch. If this is a gap in your repertoire (most people's, to be fair), this is a low-cost and genuinely useful two hours. Register ahead of time.
👨👩👧 KIDS & FAMILY
Keep the little ones busy in the best possible way.
📖 CCPL Weekly Storytime Programs
Monday through Thursday, May 11 to 14
📍 Various CCPL branches: Waldorf West (Mon), Potomac (Tue), P.D. Brown Memorial (Wed), La Plata (Thu)
💵 Free
Toddler Time and Cuddle Time at four different branches this week, one each day Monday through Thursday. All programs start around 9:30am with Story Time following at 10am. Free, no ticket needed. Just check the library calendar before you head out since schedules can shift.
🎨 Tote Bag Art Party
Tuesday, May 12 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf, MD
💵 Free (registration required)
Kids paint, draw, and doodle their way to a custom tote bag just in time for summer. Registration is required and each participant needs to sign up separately. A free, fun Tuesday afternoon with something to show for it at the end.
🌟 Community Day at St. Charles High School
Monday, May 18 | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 St. Charles High School, Waldorf, MD
💵 Free
This one lands the day after our usual window but worth flagging now: Charles County Board of Education is hosting Community Day on Monday the 18th, connecting families with support and resources. On offer: immunization clinic, clothing closet, food, haircuts, housing and utility assistance, employment opportunities, kids entertainment, and more. All free. If this is helpful for someone you know, pass it along.
📚 LIBRARY & LEARNING
Your library is doing a lot more than you think this week.
🖋️ Wills & Estate Planning with Loraine Hennessey
Monday, May 11 | 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library
💵 Free (registration required)
Charles County Register of Wills Loraine Hennessey walks through wills, estate administration, probate, and the services offered by the Orphan's Court. If you've been meaning to get your affairs in order and just haven't started, this is a solid two-hour use of a Monday evening. Recommended for ages 18+. Registration required.
💻 Social Security Administration: Disability Benefits
Tuesday, May 12 | 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Virtual
💵 Free
A virtual presentation on Social Security disability benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. If you or someone you care about has questions about what's available, this is a free and easy hour to get real answers.
📚 Morning Bingo Soiree
Wednesday, May 13 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 Charles County Public Library, La Plata Branch, 2 Garrett Ave., La Plata, MD
💵 Free (registration required, ticket needed)
Eight rounds of classic bingo with prizes up for grabs. This popular library event fills up fast, so register before it closes. A fun, low-key way to spend a Wednesday morning and you might walk away with something.
🖋️ Franchising Information Session
Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf, MD
💵 Free
The Southern Maryland Small Business Development Center explains what it actually means to own and operate a franchise, what to research, and what resources exist to help you figure out if it's the right move. A good companion event to the SBA seminar happening earlier that same morning.
🏛️ Local Government & Civic Meetings
Your county is making decisions this week. Here's where to show up.
📋 Board of County Commissioners, Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 | Time TBD, typically morning
📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata, MD
💵 Free, open to the public
The regular weekly commissioners meeting, open to the public. Check the county website for the agenda and any public comment opportunities before heading in.
🏛️ Board of Appeals, Hybrid Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
📍 Charles County Government Building (Blue Room) + Virtual
💵 Free, open to the public
In person and virtual. The Board of Appeals hears cases involving zoning and land use decisions made by citizen-appointed members. Check the county website for how to attend virtually if you can't make it in person.
🗳️ Commissioner Bowling Town Hall: FY2027 Budget
Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00 PM
📍 Hughesville Firehouse, Hughesville, MD
💵 Free, open to all residents
Commissioner Gilbert "B.J." Bowling (D) is hosting a public town hall on the proposed FY2027 budget. This is a direct opportunity to ask questions and share your perspective on how county money is being spent. Open to all Charles County residents.
🗳️ Virtual Candidate Forum, Charles County Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 Virtual
💵 Free
Candidates for Clerk of the Circuit Court, Register of Wills, Judge of the Orphans' Court, and other seats take questions in a forum hosted by the Chamber. Register in advance to get the link. A useful two hours before the election.
🏛️ Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, Virtual
Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
📍 Virtual
💵 Free
The commission reviews exterior changes to locally designated historic landmarks and considers new designations. Public attendance info will be posted with the agenda. Check the link before the meeting night.
📺 How to Watch
Many county meetings are streamed live or recorded on CCGTV.
Agendas, links, and recordings are posted here:
👉Here
🛍️ SHOP LOCAL & POP-UPS
Support the people who make this place feel like home.
🥕 La Plata Farmers Market
Wednesday, May 13 | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
📍 Downtown La Plata, La Plata, MD
💵 Free to browse
The La Plata market runs twice this week, Wednesday and Saturday, both from 9am to 2pm. Local strawberries, spring vegetables, baked goods, and handmade goods straight from Southern Maryland growers. The Saturday market runs through November, so now's the time to make it a habit.
🌱 Pop-Up & Grow Weekend Vendor Market
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17 | Times TBD, check link
📍 The Shops at Waldorf Center, 2925 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD
💵 Free to browse
Local makers, small businesses, and food trucks fill the Shops at Waldorf Center for both Saturday and Sunday. No ticket, no registration, just show up and shop local. Confirm hours at the link before heading out since they weren't locked in at press time.
🍞 Spring Bazaar at Hughesville Bargain Barn
Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Hughesville Bargain Barn, 8275 Old Leonardtown Rd, Hughesville, MD
💵 Free
A free spring bazaar out at the Bargain Barn in Hughesville. Plenty of vendors, plenty of deals, and out in a part of the county that deserves the trip. Easy Saturday morning errand.
🌾 Bryans Road Farmers Market
Sunday, May 17 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📍 Ace Hardware, 3060 Livingston Road at Route 210, Bryans Road, MD
💵 Free to browse
Back for its 2026 season every Sunday through late October. Local farmers, food trucks, crafters, and artists every week. If you're anywhere near the Indian Head corridor on a Sunday morning, this is an easy habit to build.
How many local events did you discover here first this week?
⚡ QUICK REMINDERS
🎭 Lend Me a Soprano at Port Tobacco Players opens this weekend, Fri and Sat at 8pm, Sun at 3pm, tickets from $15
🎉 CSM Commencement is Friday, free to attend, three ceremonies throughout the day
⚾ Blue Crabs play five home games this week, Tuesday night plus Fri/Sat/Sun at Regency Furniture Stadium
🚗 Classic Car Show at the Shops at Waldorf Center is Saturday, free to watch, live DJ and food trucks included
🌿 Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage is Saturday, $52, self-guided access to exclusive Charles County properties only open this one day
🎨 Painting in the Park at Gilbert Run Park on Saturday is just $12 and benefits Lupus awareness
🧀 Charcuterie Board Class in Indian Head is Saturday 3 to 5pm, $70 includes all ingredients AND a wooden board to take home
☕ Clarity in Bloom Spring Tea at Cup of Sugar is Sunday, $33, and seats are limited so book early
📚 Bingo Soiree at the La Plata Library is Wednesday morning, free, registration required and it fills fast
🌾 Three farmers markets this week: La Plata on Wednesday and Saturday, Bryans Road on Sunday
🏛️ Commissioner Bowling is hosting a public budget town hall Wednesday night in Hughesville, open to all residents
🌟 Charles County is turning 250, and a free commemorative program at the Port Tobacco Courthouse Sunday celebrates local hero John Hanson
🏪 Coming Soon / Newly Opened
CultureVate Creative is now open at 9375 Chesapeake Street, Suite 213 in La Plata. A new creative space worth checking out. Call them at 301-861-9650 for more info.
rootbound farms, llc is putting down roots at 106 St. Mary's Avenue in La Plata. A new local farming operation for the community. Reach them at 301-861-8781.
The Cove at Cobb Island has opened at 12133 Neale Sound Drive on Cobb Island. If you've never made it out to Cobb Island, this might be the reason to finally go. Call 240-419-0120 for details.
Know a hidden local business?
You can nominate one for a future issue → Here
That’s it for this week.
Before you go,
If you make it out to anything this weekend, hit reply and tell me where you went. Especially curious to hear from anyone who catches the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage, makes it to a Blue Crabs game, or has thoughts on "Lend Me a Soprano." That kind of feedback is genuinely how this list keeps getting better, and your tips usually end up in next week's research.
From one local to another 🧡
— Candace