Sunday, Oct 25 | 3:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 The Pavilion at Weatherly Farm, Newburg 💵 $50 general / $150 VIP ($100 non-alcohol VIP)

🔗 Get tickets

The Charles County Chamber's 2026 SoMD Savor the Flavor is a Sunday afternoon of eating your way through Southern Maryland, right on the banks of the Potomac. Local chefs and restaurants bring their best dishes, food trucks hand out samples, and there's a farmers market table, a live band, a DJ and an outdoor cigar lounge.

General admission is $50 and gets you in with food samples, but seating isn't guaranteed and drinks are separate (an unlimited drink package is another $50). VIP is $150 and adds reserved seating, an open bar wristband, the VIP Culinary Experience and lounge, a gift bag and a sunset photo. There's a $100 non-alcohol VIP ticket too.

If you've never been to Weatherly, the view alone is worth the drive to Newburg. Go hungry, wear shoes you can stand in, and plan to stay for sunset.

Trunks, tours, 5Ks and a whole lot of candy. Halloween weekend arrived early.

Heads up: the La Plata High School Athletic Boosters' Wicked Warrior 5K, planned for Saturday morning, has been canceled. Event page

Saturday, Oct 24 | Car show 1:00 p.m., fall fest 2:00–6:00 p.m. 📍 Shops at Waldorf Center, 3003 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free to attend, $25 to show a car

🔗 Event details

Two events in one parking lot. DMV Rods & Classics Car Club brings the classic cars and hands out over 100 awards, then the 8th annual Spooky Fall Fest kicks in with trick-or-treating at the stores, a petting zoo, glow, craft and selfie stations, and a magic show at 6. Attendees don't need tickets. Past years drew 8,000+ people, so get there early for parking.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. 📍 Chaney Enterprises, 12165 Acton Ln, Waldorf 💵 $60 adults / $25 under 12

🔗 Get tickets

Chaney's 47th Annual Bull Roast is the all-you-can-eat move this weekend. Your ticket covers unlimited pit-roasted BBQ, freshly shucked oysters, desserts, beer and wine, plus a petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses and pumpkin chuckin'. Proceeds go to Chaney Cares partners including Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club, and you can buy at the gate.

Friday–Saturday, Oct 23–24 | Gates 6:00–7:30 p.m. 📍 Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, Waldorf 💵 $15 ages 13+ / $3 ages 5–12 / under 5 free

🔗 Event details

Evening tours of Halloween the way the 1800s did it. One theme digs into the Victorian obsession with séances and talking boards, and the other covers the rootwork and protective folk traditions kept by the enslaved community who lived on the property. Tickets are sold on site that night only, no advance sales, and the gates close at 7:30.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 9:00 a.m. start (pickup 8:00) 📍 Fisherman's Field, Cobb Island 💵 $50 + $4 fee

🔗 Register here

The 4th annual Crab Trot loops the whole Cobb Island perimeter, and this year it's a pirate takeover, so dress the part. Note the race starts at 9, not 8. The after-party starts at 10:30 across four spots (The Scuttlebutt, Capt. John's, The Cove and Pier House) with a free drink at each, and runners under 21 get free ice cream.

Saturday, Oct 24 | Runners 8:00 a.m., walkers and kids 8:30 📍 Indian Head Rail Trail (eastern end), White Plains 💵 $54 5K / $75.20 with shirt / $32.80 kids fun run

🔗 Register here

The first-ever New Hope 5K raises money for a local nonprofit that helps families with food and clothing. Runners go first, walkers and the Kids Fun Run follow, and church groups and teams are welcome. Registration closes at 7:59 a.m. race day.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 8:30 a.m.–noon 📍 Village Green Park, Indian Head 💵 $40

🔗 Register here

Twenty-one years in, this walk goes from the Village Green pavilion out to the waterfront boardwalk and back. Every walker gets a medal, lanyard and bib, the first 75 get a T-shirt, and there are vendors, music and raffle baskets. Can't make it Saturday? The virtual option runs all October.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 8:00–11:00 a.m. 📍 Atlantic Kayak Company, Mattingly Park, Indian Head 💵 $30 (reduced from $65)

🔗 Book here

Master Naturalist Gabi Zabel of Southern Maryland Audubon leads a tandem kayak trip looking for bald eagles and waterfowl along Mattawoman Creek. The price just dropped from $65 to $30, which is a steal for three hours on the water. Bring binoculars, water and a field guide, and book the 10/24 Birding with Gabi tour through Atlantic Kayak.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 1:00–8:00 p.m. (train museum stop 1:00–3:00) 📍 Downtown La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Event details · Train Station Museum stop

Downtown La Plata businesses hand out free treats, just look for the orange and black balloons out front. Swing by the La Plata Train Station Museum between 1 and 3 for goodies and a little railroad history. Kids need an adult with them, and costumes are the whole point.

Friday, Oct 23 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 Connect Church, 19 Irongate Dr, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Decorated trunks and candy in a safe, church-run setting built for kids and their families. An easy Friday-night costume test run before the big weekend.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. 📍 Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 305 Smallwood Dr, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Decorated trunks plus games, free food and a free book giveaway, which is a nice touch. A good Sunday-afternoon stop if Saturday wore everybody out.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. 📍 Bensville Park, White Plains 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

The county's mobile rec team throws a free fall party with vendors, face painting, a DJ, food trucks, crafts, a costume contest and safe trick-or-treating. They're also giving away Halloween costumes collected in a donation drive, so if your kid's costume is still a question mark, go.

Sunday, Oct 25 | Noon–3:00 p.m. 📍 The Rock Community Church, 27 Industrial Park Dr, Waldorf 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

An afternoon of food, fellowship and fall activities with Pastor D.A. Mason and the Rock family. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 5K 3:00 p.m., haunted trail 5:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 North Point High School, 2500 Davis Rd, Waldorf 💵 5K $25 (includes trail) / trail only $20 online, more at the gate

🔗 Register here

Run the cross-country course, then walk the quarter-mile Trail of Lost Runners Past through the woods behind the school. It's recommended for middle schoolers and up, and they offer Low Scare necklaces for anyone who wants the actors to go easy. Proceeds go to North Point Track & Field.

Open daily through Oct 31 📍 Zekiah Farms, 5235 Bryantown Rd, Waldorf 💵 $9 presale / $10 at the gate / under 3 free

🔗 Get tickets

Three mazes this year: an easy sorghum maze that's shorter than corn (great for little legs), a hay bale maze and a barrier maze, with Revolutionary War trivia about Charles County along the way. Your ticket also covers the hayride, corn pit, grain bin basketball and a goat walk. Presale gets you straight to the maze without waiting in the shop line.

Select nights through Nov 1 | Gates 7:30 p.m. 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 💵 From $15

🔗 Get tickets

A 30,000-square-foot haunt at the Blue Crabs ballpark with roaming actors and themed areas. Tickets are sold in 30-minute time slots and it's recommended for ages 12 and up, with strobe effects. Check the calendar on the ticket site for which nights it's open this week before you go.

Saturday–Sunday, Oct 24–25 | Noon–4:00 p.m. (last tour 3:45) 📍 Historic Rich Hill, Bel Alton 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Weekend tours of the historic Rich Hill house run every Saturday and Sunday through the first weekend of December. A quiet, low-key alternative if candy crowds aren't your thing.

Saturday, Oct 24–Friday, Oct 30 📍 Food trucks at locations across Charles County 💵 Free to attend, food priced per truck

🔗 Event details

The county's weeklong salute to its food trucks starts Saturday. Follow the participating trucks around the county all week and use it as your excuse to skip cooking.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 📍 CSM Regional Hughesville Campus, HS Courtyard 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Games, a costume contest, Kona Ice, Pizza Hotline and the Dunkin' Cruiser in the campus courtyard. It's run through CSM and seems geared toward students, so check the listing before you show up.

Thursday, Oct 22 | All day 📍 Swan Point Yacht & Country Club, Issue 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Golfers, firefighters and supporters hit the course at Swan Point to raise money for burn survivors and their families. Registration and sponsorship details hadn't been posted on the foundation's site yet, so check before you plan your day off.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 📍 Global Salvation Network, 4125 Gateway Blvd, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Free medical care, health screenings and medications, with everyone welcome. Worth passing along to anyone you know who's been putting off a checkup.

Friday, Oct 23 | 8:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m. 📍 Global Salvation Network, 4125 Gateway Blvd, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

An overnight gathering of worship, healing and prayer that runs from 8 p.m. until 4 in the morning. Come for an hour or stay for the long haul.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 📍 3050 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Register here

Brunch first, then an hour on the buying process from contract to close, with one-on-one appointments after. It's aimed at first-time buyers, 55+ buyers and anyone eyeing new construction.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 CHOBAS African Kitchen, 3240 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free–$108.55 (ticket tiers)

🔗 Get tickets

Local business networking over African cuisine. Ticket tiers run from free up to about $108, so check the page to see what each one includes before you pick.

Costume contests, country, R&B and a Sunday Funday. Pick your vibe.

Saturday, Oct 24 | Party from 3:00 p.m., contest and Social band 9:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. 📍 Apehangers Bar & Grill, 9100 Crain Hwy, Bel Alton 💵 See link

🔗 Event details · Social at Apehangers

Apehangers is putting real money on the costume contest: $500 for first, $300 for second, $200 for third. The band Social plays 9 to 1, with $6 witches brew and $5 spooky shots. Social is back at Apehangers Sunday too, so you get a second shot at the dance floor.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Apehangers Bar & Grill, Bel Alton 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Country singer Wes Ryce plays a free Tuesday night show. A good way to make a weeknight feel like a weekend.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | Evening into late night 📍 Bar 919, 2736 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free entry

🔗 Event details

Three tacos for $6, $8 cocktails and shots, $7 beers and hookah, every Tuesday. The listing gives both a 6 p.m. and a 7 p.m. start, so plan for the later one.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 6:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Shark Bar & Seafood House, 2056 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free entry

🔗 RSVP here

Hosted by Em Henry with DJ Hefbeats on the music. Wings, calamari, crab cakes and half-dozen oysters run $10 each, and beer is $5. A low-commitment Thursday out.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 8:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. 📍 Lamont's, 4400 Livingston Rd, Indian Head 💵 $23.18

🔗 Get tickets

Birthday-season party presented by BluLogistics, with Coty the Artist & the 4EVER Fam Band headlining and Wise Choice Band also on the bill. Scorpios and Sagittarians, this one's yours.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 8:30 p.m. 📍 Ollie's 2 Bar & Grill, 6970 Hawthorne Rd, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Hard-hitting rock with big vocals and heavy guitar at Ollie's in La Plata. If your Saturday needs more volume, this is it.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 4:00–11:00 p.m. 📍 Shark Bar & Seafood House, Waldorf 💵 From $33.85, VIP and tables up to $625

🔗 Get tickets

AfterHour Productions brings the band Push Play live for a Sunday Funday at Shark Bar. Seven hours of music to close out the weekend.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 The Space by LBI Collective, 2901 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 $65.87–$76.54, 21+

🔗 Get tickets

Anissa Hargrove brings R&B vocals, cocktails and comedian Mike Brooks together for one grown-folks night. It's 21+, parking is free, and refunds close seven days out.

Three stages, two paintbrushes and one carnivorous plant. Make something this week.

Friday–Sunday, Oct 23–25 | 7:30 p.m. Fri & Sat, 3:00 p.m. Sun 📍 Gottfried Theater, CSM La Plata Campus 💵 $10

🔗 Get tickets

A timid flower-shop clerk, a singing carnivorous plant and a whole lot of blood. CSM's Little Shop of Horrors is perfect Halloween-season theater for $10, and it runs again Oct 30–Nov 1 if this weekend is packed. It's recommended for ages 12 and up.

Thursday–Saturday, Oct 22–24 | 6:30 p.m. 📍 La Plata High School, 6035 Radio Station Rd 💵 $5–$10

🔗 Get tickets

La Plata High School Theatre takes on the beauty-salon classic for three nights. Cheap tickets, real heart, and a room full of proud parents cheering.

Friday, Oct 23 | 8:00–9:30 p.m. 📍 Indian Head Center for the Arts, 4185 Indian Head Hwy 💵 $12–$15

🔗 Get tickets

A romantic comedy musical at the Indian Head Center for the Arts, asking whether love lasts when two people barely agree on anything. An easy, affordable date night.

Friday, Oct 23 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. (doors 6:00) 📍 Martinis, 10553 Theodore Green Blvd, White Plains 💵 $45 + fees, 21+

🔗 Get tickets

Artist Donna Robinson walks you through painting a green-faced witch in a purple hat on a 16x20 canvas, with paints and brushes included. Food and drinks are on your own tab at Martinis. Grab a friend and a cocktail.

Friday, Oct 23 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Paint N Sip, St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf 💵 $45–$75

🔗 Get tickets

Believe & Succeed Travel Group hosts a guided painting night for partners and guests, with several paintings to choose from. Price depends on the package you pick.

Friday, Oct 23 | 5:00–6:30 p.m. 📍 Joyful Studio, 115A La Grange Ave, La Plata 💵 $44.52

🔗 Book here

Pick a ceramic piece and paint it however you want with acrylics, and you take it home the same day since there's no kiln firing. It's self-guided with a studio host, and it works for kids, teens and adults.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 Idlewilde Farm, 8710 Idlewilde Farm Pl, La Plata 💵 $17.85

🔗 Get tickets

Taylor Jane Darbie keeps her crochet series going at a La Plata farm, working through the basics. It's under $20, and a great excuse to finally learn the scarf-making skill before winter.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 Arise Behavioral Health, 2670 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Free art afternoon for adults 50 and up, no experience needed. Supplies, light refreshments and lunch are all included, and space is limited. The listing shows two suite numbers, so check the page for the right door.

Wednesday, Oct 21 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free, registration closed

🔗 Event details

Adults bring their own photos, stickers and mementos to build a keepsake scrapbook. Registration has closed, so this one's only worth a look if you already signed up. It comes back every other month.

Saturday, Oct 24 | Noon–4:00 p.m. 📍 The Square, St. Charles Towne Center (2nd floor), Waldorf 💵 Free entry

🔗 Event details

Dr. Chichi Nwajei hosts an afternoon on domestic violence awareness, breast cancer awareness, wellness, beauty and networking. Entry and parking are free, and the dress code is a touch of pink or purple.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 Serendipity Bridal and Events, 304 Charles St, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 RSVP here

After-hours gown shopping for mothers of the bride and groom, with refreshments, stylist help and discounts. If there's a wedding on your calendar, this beats shopping on a Saturday.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. 📍 The Green Coterie, 3438 Rockefeller Ct, Waldorf 💵 $30 + fees

🔗 Book here

An hour of crystal singing bowls while you lie back in a zero-gravity chair, with mats and eye masks provided. No experience needed, just wear something comfortable. Space is intentionally small.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 2:00–6:00 p.m. 📍 3410 Livingston Rd, Indian Head 💵 $55.20

🔗 Get tickets

The Order of the Eastern Star, Marjorie T. Lancaster Chapter No. 84, hosts a dressed-up afternoon tea that supports the chapter's charity work. Parking is free.

Opens Tuesday, Oct 20 (runs through Dec 11) 📍 Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery, CSM La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

A new exhibition by George Lorio opens at CSM's campus gallery and stays up into December. Mark Nov 5 at 2:30 p.m. for the free gallery talk.

Fridays–Sundays, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (through Nov 14) 📍 Mattawoman Creek Art Center, Smallwood State Park, Marbury 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Nine Women, Nine Visions is a group show by nine women artists at the art center inside Smallwood State Park. Pair it with a fall walk in the park.

Wands, robots, Nerf battles and a parents' night out. Your kids are booked.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Melwood Recreation Center, Nanjemoy 💵 See link, registration required

🔗 Register here

Pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating, an outdoor movie, a glow dance party and a vendor market where some sellers are people with disabilities. There's no parking at the center, so you park off-site and ride a shuttle, and registrants get the lot locations by email the week before.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 5:30–9:00 p.m. 📍 Elite Gymnastics, 2745 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf 💵 $25 residents / $30 non-residents

🔗 Register here

A parents' night out for ages 5 to 13. Kids get Halloween games, crafts, gymnastics, two slices of pizza and a juice box, and you get three and a half hours to yourself. There were 48 spots left when we checked.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 10:30 a.m.–noon 📍 Gilbert Run Park, Charlotte Hall 💵 $20 residents / $25 non-residents

🔗 Register here

Ages 3 to 12 carve a pumpkin and build a scarecrow, with the pumpkin, tools and straw included. Bring an old shirt, pants and a pillowcase for the scarecrow. Online registration only, no walk-ins.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 📍 SPARKS Waldorf Learning Center, 11885 Holly Ln, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

A trunk-or-treat built so kids can enjoy Halloween at their own pace. Costumes are optional and you can arrive anytime in the two-hour window, which takes a lot of pressure off.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Fairgrounds parking lot, Bel Alton 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Foam-dart battles for ages 7 and up, with check-in at 11:30 and the first game at noon. Bring your own blaster and eye protection (ammo is provided), sign the online waiver first, and come in costume for candy and the costume contest. Under 16 needs an adult.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 📍 Charles County Fairgrounds Show Ring Building, La Plata 💵 $5

🔗 Event details

Local roller derby for five bucks. The 301 Derby Dames' annual Halloween scrimmage is loud, fast and a great first taste of derby for kids.

Monday, Oct 19 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Ages 6 to 11 and their grown-ups learn where AI shows up in everyday apps and media. It's part one of a five-part series, but each session stands alone. Register each child separately.

Tuesday, Oct 20, 3:30 p.m. Autumn Hills; Thursday, Oct 22, 2:30 p.m. Harmony at Waldorf and 4:00 p.m. Idlewood 📍 Neighborhood Mobile Library stops 💵 Free

🔗 Autumn Hills stop · Harmony at Waldorf · Idlewood

Find the hidden bat at any CCPL branch this month, scan its QR code and snap a photo. Show your photos at a Mobile Library stop for a reward while supplies last. Stops can cancel for bad weather.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 Potomac Branch Library, Indian Head 💵 Free, wait list only

🔗 Join the wait list

Ages 6 and up build LEGO creations, then code them to move. It's full, but the wait list is open.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 6:00–7:15 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free, wait list only

🔗 Join the wait list

Tweens and teens build LEGO robots and program them on library laptops. Also full, so get on the wait list.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Ages 12 to 18 use AI for brainstorming, writing and visuals, with real talk about originality and using it responsibly. A good one for the teen who's already using it anyway.

Wednesday, Oct 21 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free, no registration

🔗 Event details

Dr. Troy Anthony Anderson of University of Maryland Extension walks teens through business ideas, planning, marketing and money with hands-on projects. Just show up.

Wednesday, Oct 21 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 Potomac Branch Library, Indian Head 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Grades 1 to 3 hear quick teasers for two chapter-book series, then make a themed craft. Perfect for the kid who just finished a series and doesn't know what's next.

Friday, Oct 23 | All day 📍 P.D. Brown Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Find a mini pom-pom mole hidden in the library and trade it in at the desk for an adoption certificate and some Mole Day facts. While supplies last.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Ages 7 to 12 design their own magic wand and talk favorite fantasy books, then pick one to check out. Only 13 seats were left.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Open LEGO building with idea books on hand, best for ages 6 and up. Every builder registers, parents included.

Home buying, CPR, dyslexia science and mahjong. Your library is busy.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Mortgage options, pre-approval, competitive offers and inspections, explained by a working agent. Great for first-time buyers, and 29 seats were open.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 10:00 a.m.–noon 📍 AllCPR Training, 3261 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf 💵 $65

🔗 Register here

Two hours to a Red Cross certificate good for two years, covering CPR for adults, kids and infants plus AED and first aid. Ages 12 and up, free parking.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 12:15–2:45 p.m. 📍 AllCPR Training, Waldorf 💵 $65

🔗 Register here

BLS certification aimed at healthcare workers and students. You have to finish the online portion before you show up, and it doesn't include first aid.

Monday, Oct 19 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Library staff help adults with Microsoft Office, Gmail, typing or your own device. No registration, first come, first served.

Wednesday, Oct 21 | Noon–1:00 p.m. 📍 Online 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

The MD Department of Labor covers the Cottage Food Law, licensing, labeling and basic food safety. If you sell baked goods from home, this lunch hour is worth it.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Online 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

An education attorney, a parent advocate and a dyslexia specialist explain IEPs versus 504 plans and when to bring in an advocate. Made for parents of kids with print disabilities.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 Online 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Dr. Donald Bolger of UMD's College of Education breaks down the brand-new definition of dyslexia, how it's diagnosed and why structured intervention works.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 Online (Zoom) 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

All ages, and families can register once and watch together. Registration closes an hour before start, and the Zoom link lands in your inbox about then.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. 📍 Potomac Branch Library, Indian Head 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

This month's pick is Monica Wood's How to Read a Book. No registration, and you can grab a copy at the branch ahead of time.

Friday, Oct 23 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Basic instruction, then free play, for all ages and skill levels. Only two seats were left when we checked, so move fast.

Friday, Oct 23 | 9:30 a.m.–noon 📍 Waldorf West Library 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Lifestyles of Maryland Foundation offers free showers for neighbors experiencing homelessness, no sign-up needed. The library is closed to the public during these hours, and it repeats Oct 30 and Nov 13.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. 📍 Panera Bread, 3070 Technology Pl, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 RSVP here

Trenace Richardson hosts local farmers and gardeners, and beginners are welcome. The listing also mentions Daffodil Events Center, so confirm the location before you head out.

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

Monday, Oct 19 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata (Blue Room) 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

Hybrid meeting with limited in-person seating in the Blue Room. Agendas post on the Planning Commission page.

Tuesday, Oct 20 | Time TBD, check the link 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

The commissioners' October legislative session. The county's session calendar puts public comment at 5 p.m., and the agenda is posted at CharlesCountyMD.gov/CommissionerMeetings.

Wednesday, Oct 21 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

The board that handles electrician licensing meets in a hybrid format. Open to the public.

Wednesday, Oct 21 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. 📍 Commissioners Meeting Room, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

Hearings on animal-related cases in the county. Open to the public.

Thursday, Oct 22 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata (also on Teams) 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

The civilian board that reviews policing matters meets in person and on Microsoft Teams.

One more thing: on Thursday, Oct 22, the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services and the treasury offices close at 11 a.m. for staff training. Pay that bill in the morning. Details

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.

Comics, costumes, farm stands and makers. Support the people who make this place feel like home.

Monday–Saturday, Oct 19–24 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Fri & Sat 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) 📍 La Plata Branch Library (lower level), 2 Garrett Ave 💵 Free to browse

🔗 Event details

The library friends' big used sale keeps going all week, with books, audiobooks, movies and CDs for every age. Every purchase supports the Charles County Public Library, so stock up on fall reads guilt-free.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 📍 Hughesville Bargain Barn, 8275 Old Leonardtown Rd 💵 Free

🔗 Event details

Two historic barns, over 70,000 square feet and about 100 vendors selling toys, comics, trading cards, action figures, records and antiques. Admission and parking are free, costumes are encouraged and kids get free candy. Collectors, clear your Saturday.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 📍 La Plata Farmers Market, La Plata 💵 Cost of your pumpkin, paint supplies provided

🔗 Event details

Buy a pumpkin (or a gourd, or whatever) from one of the market's growers, then sit down and paint it. They supply the paint and hold it somewhere safe to dry while you shop.

Saturday, Oct 24, 11:00 a.m. and Sunday, Oct 25, noon–5:00 p.m. 📍 Glam Dolls, 1302 Smallwood Dr W, Waldorf 💵 Free admission

🔗 Event details

A two-day small-business showcase with a vendor market, panels and workshops, a fashion show and a Youth Entrepreneurship Zone. Family-friendly and free to walk in.

Saturday, Oct 24 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 📍 Shops at Waldorf Center, 2925 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free to shop

🔗 Event details

An indoor market of local makers and small businesses that runs every weekend. Easy to pair with the car show and Spooky Fall Fest next door.

Saturday, Oct 24 | Noon–4:00 p.m. 📍 2985 Shasho Pl, Waldorf 💵 Free, register on Eventbrite

🔗 RSVP here

Free drink samples, DMV vendors, a live DJ and a photo booth, with a wear-your-best-costume theme. It's free, but you need to grab a spot on Eventbrite.

Sunday, Oct 25 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 📍 Ace Hardware lot, 3060 Livingston Rd, Bryans Road 💵 Free to browse

🔗 Event details

Around 39 vendors including Morning Star Bakery, Whitt's Farm and Billy the Beekeeper. Some listings call this the last Sunday of the season and others show dates into December, so go now in case it is.

🍽️ SoMD Savor the Flavor is Sunday 3–8 p.m. at Weatherly Farm, $50 general, $150 VIP

🍖 Chaney's Bull Roast is Saturday 1–4 p.m., $60 adults, $25 under 12, unlimited BBQ and oysters

🛶 Birding by Kayak just dropped from $65 to $30, Saturday 8 a.m. in Indian Head

🌱 Little Shop of Horrors opens Friday at CSM, $10 a ticket

🎃 Free trunk-or-treats: Connect Church Friday, SPARKS and the La Plata trail Saturday, Good Shepherd Sunday

👗 Rec Xpress Fall Festival Sunday is free and gives away donated Halloween costumes

🦀 The Crab Trot starts at 9 a.m., not 8

🚫 The Wicked Warrior 5K at La Plata High is canceled

🏦 County treasury offices close at 11 a.m. Thursday for staff training

You can nominate one for a future issue → Here

Before you go,

If you make it to the Bull Roast, Savor the Flavor, or one of the trunk-or-treats, hit reply and tell me how it was. Send me the good costumes too. And if you know about a Halloween 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