NHRA Inaugural Potomac Nationals
Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 | Spectator gates open Friday at 10:00 AM | 📍 Maryland International Raceway, 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, MD (~30 min from Waldorf) | 💰 Tickets via AXS.com
This one is history. The NHRA Potomac Nationals comes to Maryland International Raceway for the very first time this weekend, and it's the real deal: Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Stock, and more competing on one of the fastest tracks on the East Coast. This isn't a local warm-up race. This is a full NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event, 30 minutes from Waldorf.
MIR has been a Southern Maryland institution for decades, and landing an official NHRA series stop is a genuinely big deal for the whole region. If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like when a Top Fuel car launches off the line, this is your weekend. Spectator gates open Friday at 10 AM, and racing runs through Sunday.
Grab tickets through AXS.com ahead of time. Inaugural year, major series, right in our backyard. Worth the drive.
🏡 Community & Seasonal Picks
Memorial Day weekend in Charles County goes hard. Here's what to do with it.
🏳️🌈 4th Annual PrEP for Pride: LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival
Saturday, May 30 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 📍 4545 Crain Hwy, White Plains, MD | 💰 Free
Hosted by the Charles County Department of Health, this festival is a full Saturday afternoon: live entertainment, guest speakers, community resource tables, food trucks, and vendors. Open to all community members, allies, and loved ones. Fourth year running and it keeps growing. Family-friendly, free to attend, and genuinely one of the better community events the county puts on each year.
⚾ Southern Maryland Blue Crabs vs. Staten Island FerryHawks
Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 | Friday first pitch at 6:35 PM | Sat/Sun times TBD — check website | 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 7500 Blue Crabs Blvd, Waldorf, MD | 💰 See link
The Blue Crabs are home all Memorial Day weekend. Friday night brings post-game fireworks right after the 6:35 PM first pitch. Saturday supports a local nonprofit with a portion of proceeds. Sunday kids run the bases after the game and grab player autographs. Game times for Saturday and Sunday are still TBD as of this writing, so check the website before you go. One of the best ways to spend a holiday weekend in Charles County.
🌸 Annual MD Mother of the Year Event
Sunday, May 31 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 📍 2932 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $28
The Maryland Association of American Mothers holds its annual fundraising event honoring outstanding mothers in the community. A meaningful Sunday afternoon celebrating the women who make Charles County stronger. Worth knowing about if this kind of event is your thing.
☕ Welcome to The Friendship Flow
Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 📍 Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $28
Think speed dating, but for friendship. Guided questions, real conversations, and genuine connections all in the cozy setting of the Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge. If you're new to the area, looking to expand your circle, or just tired of only knowing your coworkers, this is a genuinely good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Come curious, leave connected.
🎶 Live Music & Nightlife
Late nights and laughs. Your holiday weekend just got a little longer.
😂 May Comedy Connection @ Grace's Event Center
Saturday, May 30 | 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM | 📍 Grace's Event Center, 4045 Renner Rd, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $28
MrKcomedy and Grace's Event Center are hosting a comedy night in Waldorf this Saturday. If you need a solid reason to get out of the house after dark, three and a half hours of laughs at $28 a ticket is a pretty good one. A fun Saturday night option that doesn't require a hike to DC.
🎭 Reaction & Drama Squad
Saturday, May 30 – Sunday, May 31 | 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM | 📍 Shark Bar and Seafood House, Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $17
An evening of live reactions, drama, and nonstop energy at Shark Bar on Crain Hwy. The kind of late-night event where the vibe is the whole point. $17 to get in, runs both Saturday and Sunday night. If you're already out after the Blue Crabs game or comedy show, this is your next stop.
Monday May 25:
2:00pm – The Hometown Band – Port Tobacco Restaurant – Port Tobacco MD
Monday May 26:
6:00pm – River Rock Band – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
🎨 Arts, Wellness & Creative Experiences
Make something, feel something, try something new. This week has options.
🎭 Port Tobacco Players: "Lend Me a Soprano" — Closing Weekend
Friday, May 29 at 8 PM | Saturday, May 30 at 8 PM | Sunday, May 31 at 3 PM | 📍 Port Tobacco Players Theater, 508 Charles Street, La Plata, MD | 💰 $18 adults | $15 seniors (60+), youth (through high school), and military
This is the final weekend for Ken Ludwig's comedy "Lend Me a Soprano" at Port Tobacco Players. Set in 1934 Cleveland, it follows the chaos that erupts when a world-famous soprano's jealous husband goes off script and one determined assistant has to hold the whole show together. Three performances left. If you've been meaning to go, this is it.
🎓 2026 Senior Cap & Crown: Creative Experience
Thursday, May 28 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 📍 The Space by LBI Collective, 2901 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD | 💰 See link
Before graduation day, seniors can personalize their caps at this styled event by Bee Inspired Studio, with rhinestones, embellishments, lettering, and guided support all provided. Photo backdrop for cap reveal photos, light refreshments included. A really sweet pre-graduation moment for the Class of 2026 and their families.
💃 Paint N Sip: Hand Dance Paint Night
Thursday, May 28 | 6:00 PM | 📍 Paint N Sip, St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf, MD | 💰 From $25
Instructor Regina blends DC-style hand dancing right into a guided painting session. You move, you paint, you leave with a canvas and a story. A genuinely fun Thursday night if you want something different than dinner and a couch.
🎨 Mother & Me: Sip & Paint
Saturday, May 30 | 12:00 PM | 📍 Paint N Sip, St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf, MD | 💰 From $60.54
A belated Mother's Day treat: bring your mom or your kids for a paired painting session where you each work on matching canvases while sipping and making something you'll actually want to keep. Supplies included. A genuinely nice way to spend a Saturday morning together.
🕯️ Sip & Pour: A Candle Making Workshop
Sunday, May 31 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 📍 S.P. Studio, 154 Smallwood Village Center, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $55 | 21+ with valid ID
Mix your own scents and pour a custom luxury coconut-soy candle at S.P. Studio in Waldorf. Complimentary drinks and snacks included, all materials provided, and the setup is photo-ready. You leave with a full-size candle worth $25+. A solid Self-Care Sunday option, bring friends or show up solo. Class starts on time, 15-minute grace period.
🔮 Sound & Stillness: A Restorative Sound Healing Experience
Sunday, May 31 | 1:30 PM | 📍 The Green Coterie Healing Lounge, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $30 (space intentionally limited)
Sound & Stillness is a monthly sound healing experience held on the last Sunday of each month at The Green Coterie in Waldorf. You'll be guided into relaxation and then immersed in crystal singing bowls and other sound instruments, with zero-gravity chairs, mats, pillows, and eye masks all provided. Designed for busy weeks, first-timers, and anyone who needs a genuine pause before Monday starts up again. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket if you want one.
👜 Wine & Design: Custom Bag Edition
Sunday, May 31 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 📍 Joyful Studios, 115A La Grange Avenue #103, La Plata, MD | 💰 $99.99
Sip wine, enjoy a sweet treat, and design a custom oversized fanny pack at Joyful Studios in La Plata. Hosted by Customsbydonyelle. Bring friends or roll in solo. Good vibes, good craft, solid Sunday afternoon.
🌱 Plant & Paint Event
Multiple dates — check Eventbrite for sessions this week | 📍 Joyful Studios, La Plata, MD | 💰 $49
Plant something, paint something, and take both home. All supplies included, you leave with your own potted plant and a painted pot to go with it. A relaxed, hands-on creative session at Joyful Studios in La Plata. Check the link for which sessions fall this week.
👗 Divine Divas Models: "Divas in Paris" Fashion Show
Sunday, May 31 | Starts at 4:00 PM | 📍 1302 Smallwood Drive, Waldorf, MD | 💰 See link | Dress code: BLACK AND WHITE
Divine Divas Models brings Parisian runway energy to Waldorf. High fashion, fierce walks, and an audience dress code of black and white. Every step tells a story. Come ready to be amazed and dressed accordingly.
👨👩👧 Kids & Family
Keep the little ones busy in the best way this Memorial Day weekend.
🏀 Moonbounce Monday: Chick-fil-A & Play at My Gym
Monday, May 25 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 📍 My Gym of Waldorf, Waldorf, MD | 💰 $49
School's out for Memorial Day and My Gym has you covered. This drop-off event for kids ages 3.5 to 12 packs in a full afternoon of activities, a moonbounce, and a Chick-fil-A kids meal (5-count nuggets, fruit cup, and juice pouch). A solid option if you need a few hours on Monday while CCPL and most spots are closed.
🔬 STEM Club: Zipline Challenge
Tuesday, May 26 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, Charles County Public Library, 50 Village St, Waldorf, MD | 💰 Free (registration required)
Kids take on the Zipline Challenge at this month's STEM Club at P.D. Brown Library, engineering a working zipline model using real science and physics principles. Hands-on, free, and genuinely fun. Spots fill fast, register before they're gone.
🎨 Parent & Me Paint Date
Multiple dates — check Eventbrite for sessions this week | 📍 Joyful Studios, La Plata, MD | 💰 $71
A painting adventure for caregivers and their kids, side by side. You each get a pre-drawn canvas and work through it together, painting your way through a matching set. A low-pressure, creative afternoon at Joyful Studios in La Plata. Check the link for which sessions are available this week.
📚 Library & Learning
CCPL is closed Monday for Memorial Day, then it's full steam ahead Tuesday through Saturday.
🎤 Rhyme Time: Poetry Open Mic
Tuesday, May 26 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 📍 Waldorf West Branch, Charles County Public Library | 💰 Free
Open mic for poets at every level. First-timer or spoken word veteran, Rhyme Time is your space to read, write, and grow. No pressure, no pretense. Just words and a room full of people who get it.
🎲 Board Game Meetup at Pisgah Park
Friday, May 29 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 📍 Pisgah Park, via CCPL Mobile Library Branch | 💰 Free (registration required)
The CCPL Mobile Library rolls up to Pisgah Park with board games and good company on Friday night. All ages welcome. A genuinely fun, low-key start to the holiday weekend, register ahead to hold your spot.
🏛️ Local Government & Civic Meetings
Your county makes decisions whether you show up or not. Here's where to be.
⚖️ Board of Appeals: Hybrid Meeting
Tuesday, May 26 | 6:00 PM | 📍 Charles County Government Building (hybrid: in-person + virtual) | 💰 Free / Open to public
The Board of Appeals hears appeals from decisions made by county departments and boards. Open to the public in person or virtually. Check the link for the agenda and virtual access instructions before attending.
🗣️ Commissioner Patterson (District 4) Town Hall
Friday, May 29 | 6:00 PM | 📍 Charles County (check link for venue) | 💰 Free / Open to public
Commissioner Vice President Ralph E. Patterson II is holding a community town hall for District 4 residents. Bring your questions, concerns, and ideas directly to your elected representative. This kind of direct-access opportunity doesn't come around every week.
🌾 The Value-Added Vantage: Growing Profits, Not Just Crops (SMADC)
Thursday, May 28 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 📍 Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, 15045 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville, MD | 💰 See link
An intensive evening workshop for Southern Maryland farmers looking to build real businesses around their products. Topics cover Maryland cottage food laws, commercial kitchen requirements, brand storytelling, cost analysis, and regional distribution through local farmers' markets. Attendees leave with a draft action plan. Registration fee may apply, check the link.
How to Watch: Can't make it in person? Charles County Government TV (CCGTV) streams most public meetings live and archives them afterward. Check charlescountymd.gov for the viewing schedule.
📺 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
Wednesday, May 28 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 📍 209 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD (behind the Courthouse) | 💰 Free
Fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and handmade goods right in downtown La Plata mid-week. A good reason to take a long lunch on Wednesday.
🥦 La Plata Farmers Market: Saturday
Saturday, May 30 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 📍 209 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD (behind the Courthouse) | 💰 Free
The Saturday market runs April through November with farm-fresh eggs, artisan goods, seasonal produce, and local makers. Easy to pair with a coffee downtown for a solid Saturday morning before the weekend really kicks in.
🛒 Shops at Waldorf Center Farmers Market
Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 📍 Shops at Waldorf Center, 3003 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD (near CAVA) | 💰 Free
Waldorf's weekly Saturday market runs through mid-November. Local honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, soaps, flowers, and local makers. Free to browse, no registration needed. Easy to add before or after other Saturday plans.
What's your Memorial Day weekend move?
⚡ Quick Reminders
🎆 Blue Crabs Friday night has post-game fireworks. First pitch at 6:35 PM at Regency Furniture Stadium.
🏎️ NHRA Potomac Nationals is this weekend at MIR, the inaugural year. Spectator gates open Friday at 10 AM.
🏳️🌈 PrEP for Pride Festival is Saturday, free, family-friendly, 12 to 5 PM on Crain Hwy in White Plains.
📚 CCPL is CLOSED Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day. My Gym Waldorf has a drop-off Moonbounce event if you need a Monday plan for the kids.
🎭 "Lend Me a Soprano" closes at Port Tobacco Players this weekend, Fri/Sat at 8 PM, Sunday at 3 PM.
😂 Late-night comedy at Grace's Event Center on Saturday at 8 PM, $28, MrKcomedy headlining.
🔮 Sound & Stillness sound healing at The Green Coterie is Sunday at 1:30 PM, space is limited, grab your spot.
☕ The Friendship Flow at Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge is Sunday 3 PM, think speed dating, but for making actual friends.
🎤 Rhyme Time Poetry Open Mic is Tuesday night at Waldorf West Branch. All levels welcome.
🎲 Board Game Meetup at Pisgah Park is Friday night via CCPL Mobile Library. Free, all ages, register ahead.
Know a hidden local business?
You can nominate one for a future issue → Here
That’s it for this week.
Before you go,
There's a lot happening this weekend, and I genuinely want to hear which way you went with it. Did you catch the drag racing? Make it to the Pride festival? Laugh until it hurt at Grace's? Hit reply and let me know. And if you spotted something I missed or have an event to flag for next week's issue, send it my way.
That's the week.
From one local to another
— Candace