4TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL EXPO & CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR
Saturday, July 18 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍 Capital Clubhouse, 3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf 💰 FREE
If you only make it to one thing this week, make it this. The National Black Cultural Information Trust is bringing a full day of music, arts and crafts, storytelling, and children's book authors to the Capital Clubhouse, and the whole thing is free.
Grammy-nominated entertainer Culture Queen is on emcee duty, so the energy will be high and very kid-friendly. Between the live performances, the makers, and the authors, it's the kind of event that's easy to spend the whole day at.
Bring the family, bring a little book money, and plan to stay a while. This is one of the standout free events of the whole month.
🏘️ COMMUNITY & SEASONAL PICKS
Baseball's back home, and Saturday brings a cultural expo and not one but two car shows.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS VS. CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS
Tuesday, July 14 to Sunday, July 19 | Game times vary (Tue 6:35 PM, Wed 11:05 AM, Thu 6:35 PM, weekend evenings) 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr., Waldorf 💰 Tickets from ~$12
The Crabs are back in town for six games against the Charleston Dirty Birds. There's a kids' play area, bumper boats, and the grassy lawn for the little ones, plus theme nights all week. Cheap, easy, and a classic Southern Maryland summer night. Check the schedule for each night's promotion.
4TH ANNUAL ALL CARS SHOW: DMJ CORVETTE CLUB
Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 AM 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr., Waldorf 💰 See link
The DMJ Corvette Club takes over the stadium lot for a morning of shine, with all cars, trucks, and bikes welcome. Come admire the rides, talk shop with fellow gearheads, and enjoy an easy Saturday morning out.
3RD ANNUAL CAR SHOW (RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL)
Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 AM 📍 9400 Irving Rd., Bel Alton 💰 See link
The car show that got rained out in April is finally happening down in Bel Alton. A laid-back morning of classic and custom rides for enthusiasts and families alike. If two car shows in one day is your idea of a good Saturday, you're covered.
🎵 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Five Go-Go bands, a line dance floor, and an all-white party on the water. Saturday night has range.
WE WANT ALL THE SMOKE (GO-GO CONCERT & CAR SHOW)
Saturday, July 18 | 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM 📍 Lamont's Entertainment Complex, Indian Head 💰 See link
Five Go-Go bands on one stage plus a car show, all with that cookout energy Lamont's does so well. This is Southern Maryland's signature sound turned all the way up for an afternoon that runs right into evening. If you love Go-Go, this is your Saturday.
DEAD HEAT
Saturday, July 18 | 5:00 PM 📍 109 Post Office Rd., Waldorf 💰 See link
A live show landing in Waldorf on Saturday evening. Details on the lineup are on the ticket page, so check the link if you want the full picture before you go.
LINE DANCE NIGHT @ GRACE'S EVENT CENTER
Saturday, July 18 | 7:00 PM 📍 Grace's Event Center, 4045 Renner Rd., Waldorf 💰 See link
Pull on your dancing shoes for a night of line dancing and good vibes. Beginners and seasoned steppers are all welcome on the floor, so don't overthink it, just show up ready to move.
ALL WHITE PARTY FEAT. PASTOR TROY
Saturday, July 18 | 9:30 PM 📍 12445 Rock Point Rd., Newburg 💰 See link
Break out your best all-white look for a late-night party headlined by Pastor Troy down in Newburg. It's a 21+ night of music and dancing on the water side of the county. Wristband to the grown folks who want to close out Saturday right.
🎨 ARTS, WELLNESS & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Make ice cream, make a wreath, throw some punches, or slow down over a puzzle. It's National Ice Cream Month, after all.
THE BAKER'S LAB: ICE CREAM COOKIE SANDWICH LAB
Saturday, July 18 | 12:00 PM 📍 5-12 Dessert, Waldorf 💰 See link
A hands-on session where you build and then eat your own ice cream cookie sandwiches. Sweet, cold, and exactly right for a July afternoon. Great for kids and for adults who never grew out of their sweet tooth.
THE BAKER'S LAB: ARTISAN ICE CREAM EXPERIENCE
Saturday, July 18 | 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 5-12 Dessert, Waldorf 💰 $75
The grown-up version of the cookie lab. With Chef Tai, you'll learn the fundamentals of small-batch ice cream, then churn and customize your own flavor with premium mix-ins and toppings. You leave with a handcrafted pint that's actually yours. A fun date idea or a treat with your girls.
PRETTYTOUGH: KNOCKOUT BURN SERIES
Saturday, July 18 | 1:00 PM 📍 3480 Catterton Pl., Waldorf 💰 See link
A boxing-inspired fitness burn built for women who want to sweat, get strong, and actually have fun doing it. All levels are welcome, so bring water and your game face.
CRAFT & LISTEN: DIY BEADED KEYCHAINS
Tuesday, July 14 | 5:00 PM 📍 Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge, Waldorf 💰 FREE (registration requested)
The library takes over the cozy Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge for a relaxed evening of making beaded keychains while you sip and chat. A lovely, low-key way to unwind midweek, and it won't cost you a thing.
CRAFTER'S CORNER: RADICAL RAG WREATHS
Wednesday, July 15 | 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, 10405 O'Donnell Pl., Waldorf 💰 FREE
Turn a pile of fabric scraps into a charming rag wreath at this adult craft night. Materials are provided, so all you need to bring is a little creativity.
PIECE BY PIECE
Sunday, July 19 | 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 The Green Coterie, Waldorf 💰 $35
An afternoon of puzzles, tea, and quiet connection at The Green Coterie. There's no competition and no rush, just the simple satisfaction of building something alongside someone else. Come with a friend or come solo, either way you've got a seat at the table.
👨👩👧 KIDS & FAMILY
Robots, reptiles, bubble paint, and the National Aquarium. The library is earning its keep this week.
SPHERO INDIE: MYSTERY PROGRAMMING STEM FUN
Tuesday, July 14 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💰 FREE
Kids get hands-on with Sphero robots for a morning of coding and STEM play. It's a fun, screen-light way to sneak in some problem-solving before summer melts everyone's brains.
REPTILE WORLD
Tuesday, July 14 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 Charles County Public Library 💰 FREE
Come face to face with scaly, slithery friends in this live-animal program that's a summer favorite. Educational, a little thrilling, and perfect for curious kids who love a good creepy-crawly.
TWEEN CRAFT CLUB: BUBBLE PAINTING
Tuesday, July 14 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, 50 Village St., Waldorf 💰 FREE
Tweens get to make gloriously messy bubble-painted art. A creative, giggly evening built for the older-kid crowd who are too cool for story time but still love to make a mess.
AQUARIUM ANCESTORS WITH THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Thursday, July 16 | Time TBD, check the link 📍 Charles County Public Library 💰 FREE
The National Aquarium comes to Charles County to explore the creatures and stories beneath the water's surface. An engaging science program the whole family can enjoy together.
📚 LIBRARY & LEARNING
A crime-novel author talk, teen money skills, Korean cooking, and a cannabis roundtable. Your library contains multitudes.
BEHIND THE STORY: AUTHOR TALK WITH KARIN SLAUGHTER (VIRTUAL)
Tuesday, July 14 | Time TBD, check the link 📍 Online via CCPL 💰 FREE
The library's virtual author series welcomes bestselling crime novelist Karin Slaughter for a conversation about her work. Register through the library to get the link, then tune in from your couch.
INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR TEENS
Tuesday, July 14 | Time TBD, check the link 📍 Charles County Public Library 💰 FREE
Teens learn the money basics, budgeting, saving, and smart spending, with the University of Maryland Extension. Practical skills made approachable, and honestly the kind of thing we all wish we'd learned earlier.
KOREAN CUISINE WITH THE KOREAN AMERICAN CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION
Wednesday, July 15 | Time TBD, check the link 📍 Charles County Public Library 💰 FREE
A hands-on cultural program exploring Korean food and traditions, part of the Summer Learning Challenge. A tasty way to travel a little without leaving the county.
2ND ANNUAL LET'S TALK ABOUT CANNABIS ROUNDTABLE
Wednesday, July 15 | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (doors 10:00 AM) 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💰 $0 to $12.51
A Southern Maryland focus group on cannabis awareness, education, and community wellness. It's an open, casual roundtable to share experiences and learn from your neighbors, with a light breakfast provided. Stay for the whole thing and you're entered in a drawing for a $100 swag bag and gift card.
TEEN GAME NIGHT
Friday, July 17 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💰 FREE
Teens take over the library for board games, video games, and snacks. A relaxed, social way to kick off the weekend that gets them out of the house and off their own screens for a bit.
CHESS LOUNGE
Saturday, July 18 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💰 FREE
Whether you're brand new or you've been playing for years, drop in for friendly chess matches and a little casual coaching. All ages welcome, no partner needed.
🏛️ LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CIVIC MEETINGS
Your county is making decisions this week. Here's where to show up.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING (HYBRID)
Monday, July 13 | 6:00 PM 📍 County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata 💰 FREE / public
The Planning Commission meets to work through land-use and development items. Open to the public in person or virtually if you want to keep tabs on what's being built where.
CHARLES COUNTY BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING
Tuesday, July 14 | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Hybrid (in person + virtual) 💰 FREE / public
The Board of Appeals convenes to hear zoning and land-use cases. Open to the public, so check the county site for the agenda and virtual-access details before the meeting.
BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND SUPERVISORS (HYBRID)
Wednesday, July 15 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 📍 County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata 💰 FREE / public
The Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors holds its regular hybrid meeting. Open to the public in person or online.
BOARD OF FIRE AND RESCUE
Thursday, July 16 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata 💰 FREE / public
The Board of Fire and Rescue meets to handle county fire and EMS business. Open to the public if you want to see how these services get run.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: RETIREMENT INFORMATION (ENGLISH & SPANISH)
Tuesday, July 14 | English 6:30 PM, Spanish (Información de jubilación) 5:00 PM 📍 Charles County Public Library 💰 FREE
Learn how Social Security retirement benefits actually work, straight from the SSA, with sessions offered in both English and Spanish. Helpful for anyone planning ahead or helping a parent figure things out.
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
Two markets, both free to browse. Support the folks who make this place feel like home.
LA PLATA FARMERS MARKET
Wednesday, July 15 & Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 209 Washington Ave. (behind the Courthouse), La Plata 💰 FREE to attend
Twice a week this season, local farmers and makers set up behind the Charles County Courthouse with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade finds. Keep an eye out for the library's Community Color by Number mobile table on market days.
WALDORF FARMERS MARKET
Saturday, July 18 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 2935 Crain Highway (next to Burn Box Pizza), Waldorf 💰 FREE to attend
Fresh produce, local goods, and vendors gather every Saturday through November at the Crain Highway location. Come early for the best pickings, especially with everything in season right now.
🧠 Quick Reminders
🎉 African American Cultural Expo and Children's Book Fair, free, Saturday at the Capital Clubhouse
⚾ Blue Crabs are home all week vs. Charleston, tickets from about $12
🎶 We Want All The Smoke brings five Go-Go bands to Indian Head, Saturday afternoon
🚗 Two car shows Saturday morning: DMJ at the stadium and the rescheduled show in Bel Alton
🍦 Two ice cream labs at 5-12 Dessert, cookie sandwiches at noon and artisan pints at 4
📖 Virtual author talk with Karin Slaughter, Tuesday, free with registration
🦎 Reptile World at the library, Tuesday at 2, free and always a hit with the kids
🤍 All White Party with Pastor Troy in Newburg, Saturday night, 21+
Know a hidden local business?
You can nominate one for a future issue → Here
📣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.
That’s it for this week.
Before you go,
If you make it to the Cultural Expo or catch a Crabs game this week, hit reply and tell me how it went. I'm always hunting for the events I missed, so send me your tips for next week too.
That's the week.
From one local to another
— Candace