Saturday–Sunday, Nov 7–8 | Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 📍 Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairground Rd, La Plata 💵 $35 Sat / $25 Sun / $55 weekend, kids 12 and under free, $5 more at the gate

🔗 Get tickets

VikingsCon 2026 turns the fairgrounds into a full Viking-themed fan convention, and it bills itself as the only one in the country dedicated to fans of the History show Vikings as well as Viking history and culture. If you've ever wanted a reason to leave the house in a horned helmet, this is your weekend.

Pre-sale tickets are $35 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday or $55 for the full weekend, and kids 12 and under get in free. Buy ahead, because tickets cost $5 more at the gate. The Berserker VIP is $90 and gets you 30 minutes of early entry both days, a VIP line, priority seating at panels and one free admission to the Viking Feast. There's also a $65 Ragnarok Encampment add-on for overnight camping on Saturday, but every camper still needs a Saturday admission pass. Refunds aren't offered inside 60 days of the event, so pick your ticket carefully.

Veterans, history and a free health clinic. Your county is doing a lot this week.

Sunday, Nov 8 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 Charles Street to La Plata Town Hall, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 LINK NEEDED: Event details

The annual parade honoring veterans rolls down Charles Street and La Grange Avenue and ends at Town Hall. This year's version adds an expanded area with food and activities, so plan to stay a while after the last float goes by.

Saturday, Nov 7, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sunday, Nov 8, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 📍 St. Charles High School, 5305 Piney Church Rd, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Charles County Public Schools is hosting a two-day, free clinic for the whole family. Services may include blood pressure checks, diabetes education, dental screenings, flu shots and sports physicals. Vision exams are by appointment only, for ages 5 and up, and they're limited to households within federal poverty guidelines with no insurance that covers vision, though kids on Medicaid or MCHP qualify. Register through the event page, or email [email protected] with questions.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, 2 Garrett Ave, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

The Banneker-Douglas-Tubman Museum is asking neighbors to weigh in on dignity, reburial and memorialization. Your input will shape the museum's report on the repatriation of three individuals to Port Tobacco. It's a listening session, so come ready to share a perspective, not just hear one.

Thursday–Sunday, Nov 5–8 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 📍 Stagg Hall, 8450 Commerce St, Port Tobacco 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Guided tours of Historic Port Tobacco Village cover one of Maryland's oldest towns, with stories about early settlers and colonial life. Four days of tours makes this an easy one to fit in, and November is a nice time to walk it.

Saturday–Sunday, Nov 7–8 | 12:00–3:45 p.m. (last tour starts 3:45) 📍 Historic Rich Hill, 9135 Bel Alton Newtown Rd, Bel Alton 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Rich Hill is open on weekends through the first weekend in December, with tours running from noon until the last one at 3:45. Pair it with Port Tobacco and you've got a whole history weekend in the county.

Saturday, Nov 7 and Sunday, Nov 8 | 10:00 a.m. 📍 Mallows Bay Park Kayak Launch, 1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy 💵 See link, reserve with Atlantic Kayak Company

🔗 Saturday details | Sunday details

A late-season Atlantic Kayak Company paddle at Mallows Bay, which is a pretty distinctive place to be on the water on a fall morning. Reservations are required, and you'll want to confirm the price, itinerary and return time when you book, either online or at 301-292-6455.

Wednesday–Sunday, Nov 4–8 📍 Maryland International Raceway, 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

The Import vs. Domestic World Cup Finals bring the drag racing crowd to Budds Creek for a multi-day run. Local shop Sleeper Tuning is sending its Skyline-and-Supra-style S14 for its fourth year. Check the link for gate times and ticket pricing before you head down.

Thursday, Nov 5 | Time 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 📍 See Chamber listing 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

The Charles County Chamber calendar lists a Veterans & Community Job Fair on Thursday, with a Veterans & Federal Workforce Job Fair on the calendar through Friday. Details are thin on the Chamber's calendar, so confirm the time and location before you go.

Line dancing three nights running, live music at the library, and a big Saturday night.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Swan Point Yacht and Country Club, 11550 Swan Point Blvd, Issue 💵 See link

🔗 Facebook event, see link for full details

Brand new to line dancing or already a pro, everybody's welcome. You'll learn three dances during the evening, with open dancing between the lessons.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Fiesta Cancun, 3610 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Cowboy hats, boots and a little line dancing at Fiesta Cancun. Free to get in, so it's a low-pressure way to try the boots-on look before the weekend.

Friday, Nov 6 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

The Sidleys, billed as the "First Family of DC Rock," play a free after-hours set at the library. Live rock in a library is a great date-night idea nobody thought of until now.

Friday, Nov 6 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Paint N Sip, 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf 💵 Free to dance, paint for a fee

🔗 Event details

Ashley and Kia host free line dancing every Friday night at the St. Charles Towne Center. You can dance for free and add painting if you want, and if you bring your own drinks, the BYO policy is 21+.

Tuesday, Nov 3 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Bar 919 (Red Lounge), 2736 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

This one runs every Tuesday, with three tacos for $6 and $8 cocktails and shots. It's a decent plan if Election Day has you needing to be around other people.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 8:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. 📍 The Shark Bar, 2056 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 $39.19-$642.09, ticket tiers

🔗 Get tickets

Devin the Dude and Backyard Band keep the night going at the official after party. The price range is wide because the upper tiers are VIP-style packages, so check which one you're buying.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 8:30 p.m. 📍 Ollie's 2 Bar & Grill, 6970 Hawthorne Rd, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Facebook event, see link for full details

A Saturday night out at Ollie's in La Plata. The listing is light on specifics, so check the Facebook event for what's on the schedule.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. 📍 Lamont's Entertainment Complex, 4400 Livingston Rd, Indian Head 💵 $39.19-$44.52

🔗 Get tickets

A five-hour late-night party from DMV ENT at Lamont's. Tickets are no-refund, so be sure of your plans before you buy.

Saturday, Nov 7 | Time TBD 📍 Waldorf Elks Lodge #2421, 2210 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Event details

A ticketed lodge event with food, water, soda and select beer included. The price and start time aren't published, so ask the lodge before you go.

Paint it, knit it, stretch it, or watch a school full of kids tackle Oscar Wilde.

Tuesday, Nov 3 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. 📍 AR Workshop La Plata, 317 Charles St, La Plata 💵 From $27

🔗 Reserve your spot

You freehand patterns and colors onto a reusable glass wine bottle, then turn it into décor with twinkle lights or colored sand. No artistic skill needed, the studio has an on-site bar so outside drinks aren't allowed, and you can bring your own food.

Wednesday, Nov 4 | 5:30 p.m. (per AR Workshop's schedule) 📍 AR Workshop La Plata, 317 Charles St, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

A hands-on textured art workshop that ends with a framed piece you made yourself. The schedule lists a one-hour time slot for a workshop billed as a three-hour experience, so confirm the length with AR Workshop at 301-752-9315 before you go.

Tuesday, Nov 3 | 4:30 p.m. 📍 CSM La Plata Campus, Learning Resource Center, Writing Center (Room 211) 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

The College of Southern Maryland's writer series brings author John Mohr to the Writing Center to talk about how he works. A good one for anyone with a half-finished manuscript in a drawer.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 2:30 p.m. 📍 CSM La Plata Campus, Fine Arts Building Lobby, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

CSM opens its latest gallery show with a reception for artist George Lorio and his exhibit "Concerns," held in the Fine Arts Building lobby. It's a quiet afternoon outing if you like meeting the artist.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 Paint N Sip, 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf 💵 See link

🔗 Get tickets

Dancing is optional and painting is guaranteed. Hear your song, move if you feel like it, and leave with a canvas you actually made. The host says the point is good vibes, not skill.

Thu–Fri, Nov 5–6 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Sat, Nov 7 | 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 📍 North Point High School, 2500 Davis Rd, Waldorf 💵 See link

🔗 Get tickets

North Point students stage Oscar Wilde's classic comedy, with four performances across the weekend including a Saturday matinee. Wilde's wit holds up, and a school production is a cheap, good-hearted night out. Check the ticket page for pricing.

Friday, Nov 6 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. 📍 AR Workshop La Plata, 317 Charles St, La Plata 💵 From $99, ages 15+

🔗 Reserve your spot

In three hours you make a chunky knit throw about 40 by 50 inches, with step-by-step help and no experience or tools needed. You pick your yarn colors when you arrive, first come first served, so get there early if you have your heart set on a shade. Bring your own snacks, but outside drinks aren't allowed because of the on-site bar.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. 📍 Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge (library partner event) 💵 Free, wait list

🔗 Join the wait list

You make a felt bookmark while listening to the first hour of Madeline Miller's "The Song of Achilles." It's full right now, but the wait list is open.

Friday, Nov 6 | 8:00 p.m. 📍 Lela Belles Studio of Dance, 11850 Park Waldorf Ln #110, Waldorf 💵 $23.18

🔗 Get tickets

Feel-good stretches paired with controlled strengthening to build flexibility and mobility. A late Friday class is a solid way to unwind after the week.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. 📍 Joyful Studio, 115A La Grange Ave, Suite 103, La Plata 💵 $44.52

🔗 Get tickets

Choose a piece, paint it and take it home. It's a relaxed monthly session for kids, teens and adults, which makes it a fair family option too.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 11:45 a.m. 📍 8105 Annapolis Woods Rd, Welcome 💵 $12.51

🔗 Get tickets

A women's event unpacking the baggage, blessings and breakthroughs of the women of the Bible. It's one of the lowest-priced tickets of the week.

Sunday, Nov 8 | 3:00 p.m. 📍 The Space by LBI Collective, 2901 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 $54.13-$86.14, ticket tiers

🔗 Get tickets

A cozy, sweatpants-and-chill self-care afternoon hosted by Samantha Leigh Aesthetics. Sunday is made for this kind of thing, so wear the comfy clothes.

Friday–Sunday (ongoing) | 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 📍 Mattawoman Creek Art Center, 5565 Upham Pl, Marbury (Smallwood State Park) 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Nine women, nine visions, one exhibition inside Smallwood State Park. The center is open Friday through Sunday and by appointment for private groups, so it's an easy add to a park visit.

Crowns, turkeys and a home opener. Keep the little ones busy Saturday.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 2:00 p.m. 📍 Paint N Sip, 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf 💵 $28.52

🔗 Get tickets

Kids build their own crown at this party meant to encourage young ladies. It's a fun, hands-on afternoon.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Farmer Sharon introduces kids to the surprising world of turkeys, which is perfectly timed with Thanksgiving three weeks out. Register ahead since spots go quickly.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. 📍 Epic Sportsplex, 10735 Demarr Rd, White Plains 💵 $10.38

🔗 Get tickets

This is the DC Crank's 2026-27 American Basketball Association home opener against the Vermont Coyotes. At about $10 a seat, it's an inexpensive way to see pro-level hoops close to home, and refunds are open up to seven days before.

The libraries are closed Tuesday, but the rest of the week is full of free, useful stuff.

Monday, Nov 2 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, Waldorf 💵 Free, wait list

🔗 Join the wait list

Tweens explore the world of energy with the RoboMasterminds crew. It's currently full, so join the wait list if you want a shot.

Tuesday, Nov 3 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 Virtual 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Asha Frost talks about "Reclaiming Your Inner Wisdom: Sacred Indigenous Teachings" in the library's virtual author series. It's online, so it works even on a day the buildings are closed.

Wednesday, Nov 4 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Classic bingo with prizes, on a weekday morning. A fun excuse to get out of the house.

Wednesday, Nov 4 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free, wait list

🔗 Join the wait list

The monthly STEM Club for kids this time builds circuits out of playdough. It's full, but the wait list is open.

Wednesday, Nov 4 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Judge H. James (Jay) West walks you through what to expect if you're called for jury duty. Better than finding out the hard way.

Wednesday, Nov 4 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Got a business idea and no idea where to start? The Southern Maryland Small Business Development Center covers how to turn it into reality.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 10:45–11:45 a.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

The La Plata Branch has gone to the dogs, in the best way. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, Nov 5 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Zen Creative Wellness leads a family-focused workshop on being happier and healthier together. All ages are welcome.

Friday, Nov 6 | 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register for 2 p.m. | Register for 3 p.m.

Teens and adults decorate harvest-themed accents with swirling water-marbled color using the art of hydrodipping. It runs twice, so pick the time that works.

Friday, Nov 6 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Games, prizes and great company, open to all ages. Bingo, but make it a Friday afternoon.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 📍 Kanto Games, library partner event 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Fans of Arcane can dive into a one-shot Dungeons and Dragons adventure through the depths of Zaun. It's open to teens and adults and run in person at Kanto Games.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 2:00–4:30 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

November is National Novel Writing Month, and this silent write-in is a good place to get your Great American Novel started. Teens and adults are welcome.

Sunday, Nov 8 | 10:00 a.m. 📍 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf 💵 $108.55

🔗 Get tickets

Startender Academy's bartending school covers all the basics you need to begin a bartending career. At just over $100 it's a real career step more than a fun night out.

Your county is making decisions this week. Here's where to show up.

Monday, Nov 2 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

The Planning Commission meets Monday evening in a hybrid format, so you can attend in person or join remotely. The county calendar listing has the agenda.

Tuesday, Nov 3 | All day 📍 Charles County Government and every Charles County Public Library branch 💵 Free

🔗 County closure details | Library closure details

County government offices are closed Tuesday, and so are all CCPL locations, in observance of Election Day. Plan any library returns and county errands for another day.

Wednesday, Nov 4 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

The Animal Matters Hearing Board meets Wednesday evening. The county calendar listing has the agenda.

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.

Support the people who make this place feel like home. Saturday is gift-hunting day.

Saturday–Sunday, Nov 7–8 | Midday to 6:00 p.m. (Eventbrite shows Saturday from 10) 📍 The Shops at Waldorf Center, 2925 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free to shop

🔗 Event details

This indoor vendor market runs every weekend, with local makers and entrepreneurs designing their own spaces. You don't need a ticket to shop, and family-friendly performances and classes are planned during market hours. Pets are out unless they're tagged service animals.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 📍 Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 100 Village St, Waldorf 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Vendors sell household items, jewelry and gifts, and there's an Attic Treasures section, a silent auction and a snack bar. It starts early, so the best treasures go early too.

Saturday, Nov 7 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 📍 St. James' Episcopal Church, 7 Potomac Ave, Indian Head 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Homemade crafts, a bake sale and raffles, plus free photos with Santa. The listing doesn't mention an admission price, so it looks like a walk-right-in kind of bazaar, but confirm with the church.

Sunday, Nov 8 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 📍 Hughesville Firehouse, 15245 Prince Frederick Rd, Hughesville 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

A free community shopping event with many vendors, hosted through SMECO's community calendar. Easy to pair with the Salute to Veterans Parade on a Sunday drive.

🗳️ Election Day is Tuesday, and county offices and every library branch are closed

🪓 VikingsCon tickets cost $5 more at the gate, and kids 12 and under are free

🩺 Vision exams at the Community Health Clinic are by appointment only

🛶 RATS-A-FIRE at Mallows Bay requires a reservation with Atlantic Kayak Company

🧶 Cozy Fridays at AR Workshop is ages 15 and up, and yarn colors are first come first served

🎟️ Camouflage Affair tickets are no-refund

🛒 Pop-Up & Grow is free to shop, but pets aren't allowed unless they're service animals

🏘️ US The Indian Head Veterans Day Ceremony is Monday, Nov 9 at 11 a.m. at the Village Green Pavilion

You can nominate one for a future issue → Here

Before you go,

If you hit VikingsCon, the veterans parade or the health clinic, hit reply and tell me how it went. Send me photos of the best Viking outfits too. And if you know about an event the calendars missed, I want to hear about it before next week's issue.

That's the week.

From one local to another

— Candace