⭐ FEATURED THIS WEEK
BACK TO SCHOOL FIESTA WITH COMMISSIONER DR. AMANDA STEWART
Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM 📍 New Sports and Wellness Complex parking lot, 11170 Mall Circle, Waldorf 💵 Free
This is the 12th year of the Fiesta and it's the single most useful thing happening in the county this week. Free school supplies for the first 350 K-12 students who show up. No pre-registration, no paperwork, no hoops.
It's a drive-through setup in the parking lot, so you don't even have to get the kids out of the car. Things start at 10 a.m., and that 350 number is a real number, so earlier is better than later.
Here's the part I keep thinking about. This is one of five back to school drives happening across Charles County in a single week. Gospel Union in Bryans Road is giving away filled clear book bags. Yah'den is doing a giveaway on Festival Way Sunday. The Jamaur Law Foundation built a whole pool party around it. Nobody coordinated that. People just decided to show up for families at the same time.
If your student needs supplies, go. If they don't, tell somebody whose does.
🏘️ COMMUNITY & SEASONAL PICKS
Back to school season hit all at once, and your neighbors organized.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT WITH COMMISSIONER THOMASINA O. COATES
Tuesday, August 4 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Bensville Park, 6980 Bensville Road, White Plains 💵 Free
National Night Out is that once-a-year block party where the whole neighborhood and the first responders end up in the same field eating the same food. Commissioner Coates is hosting the District 2 gathering at Bensville Park. Bring the kids, meet the people who answer when you call, and stay for the part where you actually talk to your neighbors.
DC ROLLER DERBY'S DOUBLE DECADE DOUBLE HEADER
Saturday, August 8 | 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, doors at 11:00 AM 📍 Capital Clubhouse, 3033 Waldorf Market Pl, Waldorf 💵 $27.04
DC Roller Derby is turning 20 and they're celebrating it in Waldorf with a double header alongside the Virginia Roller Derby Network. If you've never seen live derby, it's fast, it's loud, and it's genuinely fun to watch. Bring your own chair because seating is limited. You can also upgrade your ticket for a vintage DC Rollergirls tee from one of the legacy teams while they last.
YOUNG ADULT KICKBALL GAME 2026, HOSTED BY THE GARDEN
Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 The Garden, 6025 Radio Station Rd, La Plata 💵 Free
Fifth year running for The Garden's kickball takeover, and calling it a game undersells it. There's music, there's food, there's the specific energy of grown adults rediscovering how competitive they are about kickball. Open to ages 14 through millennial, which is the best age range I've ever seen written on a flyer. Grab your crew.
GII BACKYARD BOOGIE RIDE DAY
Saturday, August 8 | 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr, Waldorf 💵 Free
Getting It In Cyclists is putting on a ride day with routes from 20 miles all the way up to 101, so whether you're a casual weekend rider or the person who owns actual cycling shoes, there's a distance for you. They're collecting backpacks and school supplies for local students at the same time, so bring something if you can.
3RD ANNUAL "SPLASH INTO SUCCESS" BACK-TO-SCHOOL POOL PARTY
Saturday, August 8 | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM 📍 Hampshire Neighborhood Pool, Waldorf 💵 Free
The Jamaur Law Foundation figured out that the best way to send kids back to school is to let them swim until dark first. Four hours of pool, music, and community, completely free. This is the third year and it keeps growing.
GOSPEL UNION CHURCH OF CHRIST BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE
Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 7380 Gospel Union Rd, Bryans Road 💵 Free
Free clear book bags already filled with supplies, which handles two problems at once since most schools require the clear bags now anyway. It's a one hour window, so set a reminder. Open to families in the surrounding community.
YAH'DEN BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE 2026
Sunday, August 9 | 12:00 PM 📍 2925 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free
If Saturday gets away from you, Sunday has you covered. Free school supplies, giveaways, and family activities right in the middle of Waldorf. A low key way to close out the weekend with the last of the shopping handled.
LOVE JONES EVENTZ: FIRST FRIDAYS FISH FRY NETWORKING EXPERIENCE
Friday, August 7 | Evening 📍 Graces Event Center, Waldorf 💵 See link
Fish fry and networking is a combination that shouldn't work as well as it does. Good food, good people, and none of the stiffness of a regular networking event. If you've been meaning to meet more local business folks, this is a much easier room to walk into than most.
THE BLUEPRINT: BIBLES & BUSINESS
Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 3261 Old Washington Rd, Suite 2031, Waldorf 💵 $61
A four hour Saturday intensive for people who feel called to build something in the marketplace and want to ground it in scripture first. The premise is that the vision usually arrives all at once and overwhelming, and what's missing is the blueprint. Worth a look if you're in that early messy stage of an idea.
🎵 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
R&B, rock covers, hand dancing, and a free lawn concert. Take your pick.
CIGARS & SUNDRESSES: SUNSHINE ANDERSON LIVE
Saturday, August 8 | 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Lamont's Entertainment Complex, 4400 Livingston Rd, Indian Head 💵 See link
Sunshine Anderson is performing in Indian Head. If you were anywhere near a radio in 2001 you already know exactly which song you're about to hear live. This is a six hour day party with Positive Vybz on the setup, cigars, and a dress code you'll want to take seriously. Easily the biggest live music draw in the county this week.
TWELVE21 PRESENTS: SUNSET & SOUL FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 8 | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Bena Farm, 4615 Bryantown Road, Waldorf 💵 See link
Soul music on a farm at golden hour. That's the whole pitch and it's a good one. Four hours of chill vibes as the sun goes down over Bryantown Road, which is about as far from a crowded venue as you can get and still be in Waldorf.
FIRST FRIDAY ALL WHITE HAND DANCE AT GRACES EVENT CENTER
Friday, August 7 | Evening 📍 Graces Event Center, 4045 Renner Rd, Waldorf 💵 See link
Hand dancing is a DMV institution and this is the monthly all white edition, with a fish fry attached. All skill levels welcome, which in hand dance circles usually means somebody will teach you if you ask. Break out the whites.
GOODBYE VIENNA
Friday, August 7 | 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM 📍 Ollie's Bar & Grill, 6970 Hawthorne Rd, La Plata 💵 See link
They're back for round two at Ollie's with a set built entirely out of 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits. Four solid hours, so pace yourself. If you want a Friday night that requires zero planning and zero dress code, this is it.
SHAKE THE ROOM BAND
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 | Multiple times 📍 Apehangers, 9100 Crain Hwy, Bel Alton 💵 See link
Shake The Room is back at Apehangers for two nights of rock covers, heavy on the 90s and 2000s with some classic party tracks mixed in. Apehangers is exactly the kind of place this band belongs in. Check the link for set times.
UCB AT SHARK BAR
Saturday, August 8 | Evening 📍 Shark Bar & Seafood House, Crain Highway, Waldorf 💵 See link
Live entertainment at Shark Bar, which has quietly become one of the more reliable Saturday night spots in Waldorf. Music, drinks, seafood. Not complicated.
LIBRARY AFTER HOURS: LIVE MUSIC WITH KEVPOWE THANG
Friday, August 7 | 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, 10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf 💵 Free
The library is staying open past closing time for a live set from local band KevPowe Thang. A free concert inside a library is not something I expected to type this week, but CCPL keeps doing things like this and I keep being glad about it.
LA PLATA FRIDAY NIGHT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Friday, August 7 | Evening 📍 Town Hall Concert Lawn, 305 Queen Anne St, La Plata 💵 Free
The most dependable free night out in Charles County, still going strong through August. Bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring somebody. The lawn fills up but there's always room.
🎨 ARTS, WELLNESS & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Ride it out, paint it out, or build something with your hands this week.
10 & TEA FRIDAYS WITH BLACK GIRLS DO BIKE SOMD
Friday, August 7 | Meet 9:30 AM, roll out 10:00 AM 📍 Clarity Coffee House, 4175 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head 💵 Free
An easy morning ride down the Indian Head Rail Trail with no pace expectations and no pressure, followed by coffee and pastries back at Clarity. The organizer says the raspberry coffee cake has her whole heart, which is the kind of detail that tells you what this ride is really about. Park in the back of the coffee house. Mileage varies because they ride what feels good.
PIECE BY PIECE: A PUZZLE FACE-OFF
Sunday, August 9 | Time on link 📍 The Green Coterie, 3438 Rockefeller Ct, Waldorf 💵 See link
Competitive puzzling with tea, at Waldorf's coziest wellness lounge. Come with a partner or come alone and get matched up. The Green Coterie is one of those spaces more people should know about, and this is a low stakes excuse to finally walk in.
WINE & DESIGN BAG EVENT
Sunday, August 9 | Time on link 📍 Joyful Studio, La Plata 💵 See link
Build a bag that nobody else will have, with refreshments, music, and a room full of women doing the same thing. Sunday afternoon in La Plata, no crafting experience required.
CHILD JUNKBAG PARTY
Saturday, August 8 | Time on link 📍 Paint N' Sip, St. Charles Towne Center, 11110 Mall Cir, Waldorf 💵 See link
The junkbag trend has officially reached the kids, and honestly they'll be better at it than we are. Purse and patches are included, so your student walks out with a bag they designed themselves. Good timing right before school starts.
UNPLUG AND UNWIND: MINI MASTERPIECES
Tuesday, August 4 | 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 📍 Potomac Branch Library, 3225 Ruth B. Swann Dr, Indian Head 💵 Free
Put the phone down and paint something small. It's an adults only evening program and it's free, which is a rare combination. There may be a wait list, so register early rather than showing up hopeful.
👨👩👧 KIDS & FAMILY
The library is carrying this week, and there's a free movie under the stars.
SUMMER SUNSET CINEMA: THE MARIO GALAXY MOVIE
Saturday, August 8 | Gates around 6:00 PM, movie at dusk 📍 Shops at Waldorf Center, 2952 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free
A free outdoor showing of the Mario Galaxy movie on Festival Way. Gates open about an hour before dusk, so get there early if you want a decent spot. Bring chairs and blankets, leave the alcohol at home, and know there's a rain date one week out if the weather turns.
ROMEO & JULIET WITH THE CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Tuesday, August 4 | Education tent 7:00 PM, curtain 7:30 PM 📍 Potomac Branch Library, 3225 Ruth B. Swann Dr, Indian Head 💵 Free
Professional Shakespeare, outdoors, free, in Indian Head. This is an 18th century American staging of the play and it's part of the Summer Learning Challenge. Get there by 7 for the education tent if you have a kid who's about to read this in school. Bring a chair or a blanket.
COLLECTOR OF THE IMPOSSIBLE: MAGIC SHOW WITH PETER WOOD
Thursday, August 6 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 📍 Potomac Branch Library, 3225 Ruth B. Swann Dr, Indian Head 💵 Free
Magician Peter Wood is bringing a full family magic show to the Potomac Branch. All ages, free, and exactly the right length for kids who lose interest at the 61 minute mark.
LA PLATA SUMMER KIDS SHOWS
Tuesday, August 4 and select Tuesday and Thursday mornings | 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM 📍 Town Hall Concert Lawn, 305 Queen Anne St, La Plata 💵 Free
Music, magic, dance, fitness, and puppetry on the Town Hall lawn, aimed at preschool and elementary ages. Forty five minutes is the perfect length and it's outside, which means you can let them run afterward.
SENSORY FRIENDLY DAY AT IDLEWILDE FARM
Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 📍 Idlewilde Farm, La Plata 💵 Free
Idlewilde is partnering with Accessibility Bridge for a low stimulation farm day built for people with sensory sensitivities and the families and friends who come with them. Three hours, free, and designed so nobody has to explain themselves at the gate. This is the kind of thing that makes a place feel like home.
📚 LIBRARY & LEARNING
Bingo, anime, an author talk, and real help for veterans. All free.
BEHIND THE STORY: AUTHOR TALK WITH PAULA J. JOHNSON
Tuesday, August 4 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 Virtual, CCPL Author Speaker Series 💵 Free
An hour on the legacy of Julia Child's kitchen, virtual so you can listen while you do something else. Good one for teens and adults who like food history or just like Julia Child.
1ST FRIDAY BINGO
Friday, August 7 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, 10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf 💵 Free
Bingo with actual prizes, for adults, in the middle of a Friday afternoon. If you've got a flexible schedule this is a genuinely good hour.
VETERANS RESOURCE VISITS AT LA PLATA
Tuesday, August 4 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 La Plata Branch, 2 Garrett Ave, La Plata 💵 Free
A Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist and a Local Veterans Employment Representative from the Maryland Department of Labor will be there for two hours with benefits and employment resources. No appointment needed. Bring your questions, or send this to a veteran who has some.
🏛️ LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CIVIC MEETINGS
Three meetings, all open to you. This is where the decisions get made.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING (HYBRID)
Monday, August 3 | Time on link 📍 County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St, La Plata, plus virtual 💵 Free and open to the public
The Planning Commission handles development and land use, which is the stuff that quietly reshapes your commute and your property value. Agenda and virtual link are on the listing.
ANIMAL MATTERS HEARING BOARD
Tuesday, August 4 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Commissioners Meeting Room, 200 Baltimore St, La Plata 💵 Free and open to the public
The board hears animal related cases and appeals. Open to the public if you want to see how these get decided.
HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION DISPUTE REVIEW BOARD (HYBRID)
Thursday, August 6 | Time on link 📍 County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St, La Plata, plus virtual 💵 Free and open to the public
If you've ever had a fight with your HOA, this is the board that hears those. Worth knowing exists even if you never need it.
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.
🛍️ SHOP LOCAL & POP-UPS
Peak produce season. Go get your tomatoes before somebody else does.
LA PLATA FARMERS MARKET
Wednesday, August 5 and Saturday, August 8 | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 Charles County Courthouse parking lots, La Plata 💵 Free admission
Twice a week now, and early August is when the produce is at its absolute best. Bonus this week: the CCPL Mobile Library is parked at the Wednesday market with a make your own shell necklace craft.
WALDORF FARMERS MARKET
Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 3003 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free admission
Produce, prepared food, and local makers at Festival Way. Easy Saturday stop, and you can pair it with the outdoor movie at the Shops later that night without leaving the area.
BRYANS ROAD FARMERS MARKET
Saturday, August 8 | Morning 📍 Bryans Road Building Supply Co., Bryans Road 💵 Free admission
The west side market keeps growing. Farmers, food trucks, crafters, and artisans all in one lot. If you're over that way for the Gospel Union drive, it's right there.
🧠 Quick Reminders
🎒 Back to School Fiesta is Saturday at 10 a.m., first 350 students get supplies. Go early.
🚔 National Night Out at Bensville Park Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m., free.
🎤 Sunshine Anderson live in Indian Head Saturday afternoon into the evening.
🎬 Free outdoor movie on Festival Way Saturday. Bring chairs, no alcohol.
🎭 Free Shakespeare at Potomac Branch Tuesday night, curtain at 7:30.
🎸 Free lawn concert in La Plata Friday night, and a free library concert the same night.
🚲 10 & Tea rolls out Friday at 10 a.m. from Clarity Coffee House, no pace pressure.
🐴 Sensory Friendly Day at Idlewilde Farm Saturday morning, free.
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 to the Fiesta or the pool party, reply and tell me how it went. I want to know if the supply drives held up. And if you know about something happening next week that I missed, send it my way, I read every reply.
That's the week.
From one local to another
— Candace
📣Summer Camp Guide
Parents, this one's for you. I just put together a full 2026 Summer Camp Guide, every local camp I could find sorted by age, with prices, dates, and signup links. The free and low-cost ones fill fast, so don't wait on it.