⭐ FEATURED THIS WEEK
MOM PROM — CARING FOR LIFE'S 13TH ANNUAL
Friday, May 8 | 6:00 PM 📍 Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center, Waldorf 💵 Tickets required
Thirteen years in, and Mom Prom is still one of the most fun nights this county has to offer. This is the ladies-only (21+) event where you dust off the sparkly dress, gather your crew, and spend a Friday night exactly like you deserve to: with a DJ, dancing, dinner, desserts, a cash bar, and a silent auction. A Prom Queen gets crowned. Memories get made. It genuinely never gets old.
What makes it even better is what it's for. Proceeds benefit the Center for Children, a Charles County nonprofit that prevents and treats child abuse. So you're not just going out, you're doing something good while you do it.
The timing couldn't be better, either. Mother's Day weekend starts Friday night, and this is a way to celebrate before the Sunday obligations kick in. Grab your girlfriends, buy the ticket, and show up in something sparkly.
🌸 COMMUNITY & SEASONAL PICKS
Charles County is blooming. Get out there.
🍓 SHLAGEL FARMS STRAWBERRY PICKING SEASON
All week, open daily 📍 12850 Shlagel Rd, Waldorf | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 💵 Free admission, pay per flat
Strawberry season is officially here, and Shlagel Farms is the place to be. This Charles County family farm has been doing this for over 100 years, and May is peak picking season. Come with the kids, come with a friend, come alone with your thoughts and a flat of berries, there is no wrong way to do it. Check their Facebook page (@Shlagelfarms) for daily field conditions before you head out, because the best rows go fast.
🙏 TEACHER & NURSE APPRECIATION: FREE MEAL AT RUCCI'S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Wednesday, May 6 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM 📍 Rucci's Italian Kitchen & Grille, 10579 Theodore Green Blvd, White Plains 💵 Free meal up to $15 with valid work ID (dine-in purchase required)
If you're a teacher or a nurse, Rucci's wants to buy you lunch (or dinner). Bring your valid work ID for a complimentary meal up to $15 during National Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week. It's a small thing, but it's a nice thing, and Rucci's in White Plains is worth a visit anyway.
🎬 SUMMER SUNSET CINEMA
Saturday, May 9 | Dusk (gates open approx. 1 hour prior) 📍 The Shops at Waldorf Center 💵 Free
Outdoor movie nights are back at The Shops at Waldorf, and the first one of the season kicks off Saturday. Bring your own chairs and blankets, show up around dusk, and enjoy a family-friendly film under the sky. No alcohol allowed on site. Rain date is the following Saturday if needed. Free, local, easy, and a really nice way to spend a Saturday night with the kids.
🌮 CINCO DE MAYO / TACO TUESDAY AT PAINT N SIP
Tuesday, May 5 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Paint N Sip, 11110 Mall Cir, Waldorf 💵 $25
Paint N Sip is celebrating their 2-year anniversary with a Cinco de Mayo edition, a little salsa, a little painting, and a whole lot of fun. $25, two hours, good vibes. Easy Tuesday night plan if you've been meaning to try this spot.
🎵 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
From Latin rhythms to Go-Go, the week has layers.
🎷 JAM & PAINT: DIMITRI NASSAR QUARTET LIVE AT PAINT N SIP
Friday, May 8 | 7:00 PM 📍 Paint N Sip, 11110 Mall Cir, Waldorf (inside St. Charles Towne Center Mall) 💵 $55 (includes appetizers and art supplies)
This is the Mother's Day weekend event for the person in your life who loves jazz and a good canvas. The Dimitri Nassar Quartet performs live while you paint, appetizers are included, and the whole thing is set up to be a real night out rather than just another paint class. $55 covers everything. Bring your person, or honestly just bring yourself.
🥁 PRE-MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH FT. PUSH PLAY
Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Shark Bar and Seafood House, Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 $33
Kick off Mother's Day weekend with a brunch and live music from Push Play at Shark Bar. Good food, good vibes, the kind of morning that actually feels like a celebration. $33 a ticket, Saturday at 9am, and no, that is not too early for this.
🎺 RITMO CACHÉ: CSM LATIN MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Wednesday, May 6 | 7:30 PM 📍 Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater, CSM La Plata Campus, 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata 💵 See link for tickets
CSM's Latin music ensemble brings infectious rhythm and energy to a Wednesday night on campus. If you've never caught one of CSM's arts performances, this is a great entry point, close to home, live music, and genuinely good.
🎶 SOUTHERN MARYLAND CONCERT BAND SPRING CONCERT
Saturday, May 9 | 7:30 PM 📍 Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater, CSM La Plata Campus, La Plata 💵 See link for tickets
Directed by David Monk and made up of community musicians and CSM students, the Southern Maryland Concert Band delivers their spring concert Saturday night. SMCB is a beloved fixture on the local arts scene and always puts on a clean, crowd-pleasing show. Perfect Saturday night out before Mother's Day Sunday.
🎉 MOTHERS DAY FT. BACKYARD BAND
Sunday, May 10 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Shark Bar and Seafood House, Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 $39
Close out Mother's Day with live Go-Go from Backyard Band at Shark Bar. If Mom loves to move, this is the Sunday plan. $39, 6 to 10pm, bring the whole crew.
🎂 TWAIN'S TAURUS BIRTHDAY BASH
Saturday, May 9 | 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM 📍 Shark Bar and Seafood House, Waldorf 💵 $23
After the brunch crowd clears out, Shark Bar shifts gears for the night. Live Go-Go from TOB and XIB, good food, good company, and a late-night energy that's earned for a Saturday. $23 at the door.
🍽️ MOTHER'S DAY KARAOKE BRUNCH
Sunday, May 10 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Grace's Event Center, Waldorf 💵 $24
Buffet brunch, DJ Supaman, karaoke, a 360-degree photo booth, and an afternoon designed to celebrate Mom in the most fun way possible. $24, Sunday 3 to 6pm. If Mom loves to sing, this is the move.
🎨 ARTS, WELLNESS & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Make something. Try something. Feel something.
🖼️ CSM STUDENT JURIED ART EXHIBITION — LAST DAYS!
Monday–Thursday, May 4–7 | Gallery hours (check CSM website) 📍 Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery, CSM La Plata Campus 💵 Free and open to the public
This is closing Thursday, so if you've been meaning to go, this week is your last chance. CSM's Annual Student Juried Art Exhibition features painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and graphic design, all selected through a juried process. Free, open to the public, and one of Charles County's most underrated stops. Don't let Thursday come and go without making it out.
💃 CSM SPRING DANCE CONCERT: "UNSPOKEN WORDS"
Tuesday, May 5 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater, CSM La Plata Campus 💵 $5
CSM's Dance Ensemble presents "Unspoken Words," an evening of original choreography inspired by quotes from dance legends, all built around the idea that the body says what words cannot. $5 a ticket, Tuesday night, right here at home. This is genuinely a great deal for what you're getting.
🎹 CSM STUDENT HONORS RECITALS
Wednesday, May 6 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 CSM La Plata Campus 💵 Free
CSM's top music students, nominated by their instructors, take the stage Wednesday afternoon. Classical, instrumental, vocal, expect a varied program and a genuinely impressive hour or two. Free, afternoon, easy to add to a Wednesday.
🤲 WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER MIME CONCERT
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 PM 📍 3770 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf 💵 See link for details
The Washington DC Chapter presents a mime concert Saturday afternoon, a performance art form that's expressive, skilled, and often deeply moving. Not your average Saturday afternoon. If you've never seen mime done well, this is a good one to check out.
🍽️ MOTHER'S DAY DINNER THEATRE: MIRACLES, SIGNS, AND WONDERS
Saturday, May 9 | 4:00 PM 📍 Liberty Christian Church, Waldorf 💵 See link for pricing
Celebrate Mom early with a dinner theatre evening at Liberty Christian Church. An inspiring stage production paired with a full dinner, it's a meaningful way to honor the women in your life before Mother's Day Sunday arrives.
🎂 PEARLS, PETALS & PROSECCO: MOTHER'S DAY CAKE + CUPCAKE DECORATING EXPERIENCE
Friday, May 8 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 The Baker's Lab at 5-12 Dessert, 11850 Park Waldorf Ln Suite 109, Waldorf 💵 $135
An elevated Friday night experience right here in Waldorf. Chef Tai guides you through creating a Mother's Day Cake and Cupcake Bento Gift Box in a soft-florals, pearls-and-prosecco atmosphere. You leave with something beautiful and something delicious. $135 includes everything. Whether you're surprising someone or treating yourself, this is a Friday night worth booking.
🧶 THE JUDE HOUSE RESOURCE & CRAFT FAIR
Friday, May 8 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 9400 Irving Rd, Bel Alton 💵 Free admission
Handmade goods, local makers, and community resources all in one place out in Bel Alton Friday. Free to browse, worth the drive if you like a good craft fair and want to find something a little different for Mother's Day weekend.
🪚 AR WORKSHOP LA PLATA — THREE EVENTS THIS WEEK
📍 317 Charles St, La Plata
Wednesday, May 6 | 6–9 PM — You Pick All Wood Workshop ($39) — Register here
Friday, May 8 | 6–9 PM — Swap ARt Framed Sign for 2 ($99) — Register here — a fun date night option where you both build a piece you can swap seasonally
Saturday, May 9 | 11 AM–2 PM — Wood and Canvas Family Workshop ($39) — Register here
AR Workshop is a great low-key option for a creative afternoon or evening. The Friday Swap ARt date night is especially well-timed for Mother's Day weekend, and the Saturday family workshop is a good morning activity before everything else kicks off.
👗 WHEN MOTHERS WERE DAUGHTERS: DRESS YOUR ERA THROWBACK EXPERIENCE
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM 📍 The Green Coterie, Waldorf 💵 $45–$70
Dress the era you actually lived, show up for old-school games, music, and a room full of women who remember who they were before life got serious. This one is for the moms who need permission to have fun. $45–$70, Saturday afternoon, and it genuinely looks like a great time.
👨👩👧 KIDS & FAMILY
Keep the little ones busy, in the best way.
👑 THE ROYAL BALL — DAUGHTERS OF DESTINY
Saturday, May 9 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 5005 Dorchester Cir, Waldorf 💵 $12
Daughters of Destiny invites families to a Mother's Day Royal Ball where the whole family is welcome to come dressed in their finest. Little ones come as princesses and princes, moms are honored as queens, and the afternoon is all about celebrating her. $12 a ticket, 1 to 5pm Saturday. This one is genuinely sweet and a great way to mark the weekend with kids in tow.
🍰 CELEBRATE MOM CUPCAKE DECORATING EXPERIENCE — KIDS & TEENS
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM 📍 The Baker's Lab at 5-12 Dessert, 11850 Park Waldorf Ln Suite 109, Waldorf 💵 $60
Chef Tai's Baker's Lab is running a kids and teens edition of their Mother's Day decorating experience Saturday afternoon. Your kid leaves with a beautiful decorated gift for Mom, and Mom leaves with proof her kid loves her. One hour and fifteen minutes, $60, and a genuinely memorable way to spend a Saturday before Mother's Day.
🎉 KID'S NIGHT OUT: COCOTASTIC FIESTA AT MY GYM WALDORF
Saturday, May 9 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 My Gym of Waldorf 💵 $49 (ages 3.5–12)
Need a few hours Saturday night while you're out celebrating? My Gym is running a Cinco de Mayo-themed Kids Night Out with crafts, games, Coco-inspired activities, a taco bar, and a movie. Ages 3.5 to 12, $49, 6pm to 9:30pm. Drop them off knowing they're happy and busy while you go enjoy your evening.
☕ MOTHER'S DAY TEA — MOMS & LITTLES
Multiple dates 📍 Chick-fil-A, La Plata 💵 $23
A sweet afternoon tea with light refreshments where moms and their little ones make a beauty bracelet together. Low-key, meaningful, and a nice way to make the holiday feel special without a big production. Multiple dates available, check the link for timing.
📚 LIBRARY & LEARNING
Your library is doing more than you think.
📋 LAW 101: WILLS AND ESTATES
Wednesday, May 6 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Charles County Public Library — Waldorf West Branch, 10405 O'Donnell Place 💵 Free
Attorneys Robert Burke and Nasheia Smith are hosting a free, practical workshop on wills and estate law Wednesday evening. They'll define key terms, break down how estate law actually works, and walk you through what you need to know to set up a will. This is one of those events where you'll leave genuinely more prepared for real life. Free, one hour, no excuses.
💬 BECOMING: COMMUNICATION ISN'T A CUSS WORD
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Waldorf West Library, Waldorf 💵 $30
A faith-centered workshop designed for women who know they're in a season of becoming but need the space, clarity, and community to step into it. Guided reflection, conversation, prayer, and connection, $30 and held right at the Waldorf West Library. If this is your season, this one's worth showing up for.
🏛️ Local Government & Civic Meetings
Primary season is here. Your county is making decisions. Here's where to show up.
🗳️ CHARLES COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, May 4 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, 10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf 💵 Free
Primary season is here and the school board race matters. This is your chance to hear directly from the candidates running for the Charles County Board of Education before you vote, on school resources, curriculum, student support, and the future of CCPS. Hosted by the Charles County Democratic Central Committee, and open to all community members.
🏛️ BOARD OF CHARLES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS — REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, May 5 | 9:00 AM 📍 Charles County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St, La Plata (also livestreamed) 💵 Free / Public
The Board of Commissioners holds their regular weekly session Tuesday morning. Open to the public and streamed online. Check the county calendar to confirm if there's a public comment period this session.
📋 U.S. CONGRESS DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE FORUM
Wednesday, May 6 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Village Green Pavilion, Indian Head 💵 Free
The Charles County Chamber of Commerce hosts a business-focused forum for candidates running in Maryland's 5th Congressional District. The conversation will center on how federal policy shapes local economic development and small business sustainability. A strong week to pay attention if you care about who's going to Congress from this area.
📺 How to Watch
Many county meetings are streamed live or recorded on CCGTV.
Agendas, links, and recordings are posted here:
👉Here
🛍️ SHOP LOCAL
🥕 Farmers Markets: Spring produce season is here. Get into it.
🌿 La Plata Farmers Market 📅 Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (through Nov 28) 📅 Wednesdays | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (through Aug 29) 📍 La Plata, MD 🔗 Visit the market
Running strong since 1978. The Wednesday market is now in full swing for the season. Add it to the weekly routine.
🌿 Canopy Curbside Cravings (NEW this season) 📅 Saturdays | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Apr 11 – Nov 28) 📍 Bryans Road Ace Hardware, Route 210 & Livingston Rd
🌿 Bryans Road Farmers Market (Opens May 3) 📅 Sundays | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (May 3 – Oct 25) 📍 Bryans Road Ace Hardware, Route 210 & Livingston Rd
🧠 Quick Reminders
🍓 Shlagel Farms is open daily through May, 10am–5pm, check Facebook for daily field conditions before you go
🖼️ CSM Student Art Exhibition closes Thursday — free, open to the public, don't miss it
💃 "Unspoken Words" dance concert at CSM is Tuesday night — $5 a ticket, genuinely one of the best deals of the week
🗳️ BOE Candidate Forum is Monday night at Waldorf West Library — primary season, show up
🎉 Mom Prom is Friday — 13 years strong, benefits the Center for Children, get your tickets now
🎬 Summer Sunset Cinema at The Shops at Waldorf is Saturday — bring chairs and blankets, totally free
👑 The Royal Ball is Saturday 1–5pm — $12 for the whole family, come dressed royal
🥁 Backyard Band at Shark Bar on Mother's Day Sunday — close out the holiday with live Go-Go
📋 Law 101: Wills and Estates at the library Wednesday evening — free, one hour, incredibly useful
🏪 Coming Soon / Newly Opened
🥘 CARIB FUSIONS RESTAURANT — GRAND OPENING
📍 4451 Crain Hwy, White Plains (former Cool Runnings location)
Jamaican and Guyanese fusion food is coming to White Plains this weekend. Carib Fusions opens May 8–10 at the old Cool Runnings spot on Crain Highway, and the vibe they're putting out is "real flavor, real culture, real love, cooked with passion." Worth a visit this weekend.
Know a hidden local business?
You can nominate one for a future issue → Here
How are you spending Mother's Day this weekend?
Before you go.
If you make it out to anything this week, Mom Prom, the strawberry farm, a brunch, the dance concert at CSM, hit reply and tell me how it went. That kind of feedback is literally what makes this list better every week. And if you know a mom who'd love this newsletter in her inbox, forward it her way.
That's the week. Happy Mother's Day to every mom in Charles County. 🧡
From one local to another 🧡
— Candace