Saturday, Oct 10 | 7:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Fairgrounds, 8434 Fairground Rd, La Plata 💵 $10 discounted presale, limited quantity

This is the one to build your Saturday night around. Bull riding, barrel racing, spectator bull hockey and a rodeo clown take over the Charles County Fairgrounds, and you do not see that lineup in La Plata every weekend. It is a family-friendly kind of wild, so bring the kids.

Come early if you can. Western-themed vendors are set up before the show, and there is a children's sheep riding area. The organizers are offering a limited batch of discounted presale tickets at $10, and you can grab them on the Stampede Bull Riding website. The fairgrounds calendar lists the rodeo as Oct 9-10 while the event listing shows Saturday night at 7, so confirm Friday before you plan around it.

Gate times and parking were not posted when we checked, so leave yourself a little buffer on the way in.

🔗 Get the details

🔗 Presale tickets at Stampede Bull Riding

Your county is doing something this week, and Saturday is doing about nine somethings.

Through Sunday, Oct 18 | Dawn to dusk 📍 Downtown La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Learn more

Local businesses and residents have dressed up scarecrows all over downtown, and now it is your job to pick a favorite. Take a stroll, snap a photo or two, and cast your vote before voting closes Oct 18.

Thursday, Oct 8 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Pier House, Newburg 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Every Thursday at the Pier House on Cobb Island Road, you can grab a team and toss some bags by the water. Casual players and cornhole regulars are both welcome, and the top teams walk away with prizes.

Friday, Oct 9 to Monday, Oct 19 📍 CCSO District 1 Station, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Teen Court is collecting hygiene supplies for local schools to hand out to students and families. Easy one to knock out on your way through La Plata, and it runs for more than a week.

Friday-Sunday, Oct 9-11 | 7:30-10:00 p.m. 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr, Waldorf 💵 From $25, timed online tickets, ages 12+ recommended

🔗 Get tickets

The Blue Crabs stadium turns into a haunted compound for the season opener, with roaming actors, a haunted house covering about 30,000 square feet and themed areas that include a demonic church asylum. Tickets are sold online in timed slots, and the organizers recommend it for ages 12 and up, so this is not a stroller outing. The midway usually has food, a bonfire and axe throwing, though not every activity runs every night. Weather can close it, and tickets roll over to another open night if that happens.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 6:30 a.m. volunteer check-in 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Volunteer sign-up

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's brings neighbors out to support care and research. This link is for day-of volunteers, so if you want to walk instead of work a station, check the Alzheimer's Association page.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 📍 La Plata Train Station Museum, 101 Kent Ave, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Step back in time and explore La Plata's history at the train station museum opening. Worth a look if you have ever wondered how this town got its start.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 12:00 p.m. 📍 Indian Head Moose Lodge 1712, 11 Moose Lodge Way, Indian Head 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

VFW Post 7461 and the Indian Head Moose Lodge host a day of friendly competition with teams repping the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. It is the VFW Day of Service, so bring the family and cheer for your branch.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 1:00 p.m. 📍 Old Fisherman's Field, Cobb Island 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Dress up in your best witchy gear and hit the water by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Costumes are encouraged and creativity is celebrated, so go big.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 2:00-5:00 p.m. 📍 BoonDoggie Farm, 13215 Edelen Rd, Waldorf 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

Unlimited asado and authentic Argentine flavors, served up at a farm gathering. Come hungry, it is built for second plates.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 4:00 p.m. 📍 10400 Griffith Ln, Waldorf area 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

An intimate evening on the farm with locally inspired food and good company. This one is for people who like a long table and slow conversation.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 5:00-8:00 p.m. 📍 Bliss in the Barn, 11770 Charles St, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

A farm-to-table dinner in a rustic historic tobacco barn, showcasing some of Southern Maryland's best local food. It also benefits the nonprofit Veterans Bloom, so your dinner does double duty.

Karaoke, brews, comedy and a Tuesday night taco party. Pick your volume.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Bar 919, Waldorf 💵 See link

🔗 Tickets on Eventbrite

Tacos, happy hour and a night party vibe on a Tuesday. A solid excuse to skip cooking.

Saturday nights | Check venue for times 📍 Ollie's Bar & Grill, La Plata 💵 See venue

🔗Ollie's lineup

Midnight Sunsets played Ollie's last Saturday, and the bar keeps live music on the weekend calendar. Confirm who is playing Oct 10 with the venue before you head over.

Friday, Oct 9 | 3:00 p.m. 📍 Apehanger's Bar & Grill, Bel Alton 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Apehanger's in Bel Alton hosts a karaoke birthday bash for anyone with an October birthday and the friends who love them. It is a 3 p.m. start, so this one is an early-evening warm-up, not a late night. Pick your song now so you are not stuck with whatever is left.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 3:00 p.m. 📍 Apehanger's Bar & Grill, 9100 Crain Hwy, Bel Alton 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

Handcrafted brews, bites and live music from Wes Ryce & The Vice, all in one fall afternoon in Bel Alton. Bring friends or make it a date.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 4:00 p.m. 📍 Lamonts Nightclub, 4400 Livingston Rd, Waldorf area 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

A grown-folks party to kick off the season with good vibes and good company.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 6:30 p.m. 📍 Grace's Event Center, 4045 Renner Rd, Waldorf 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

Huggy Lowdown headlines with comedians from Comedy Central and BET Comedy. Bring your laugh, you will need it.

Make something, learn something, or dance in a room full of friendly strangers.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | 5:00 p.m. 📍 Idlewilde Farm, 8710 Idlewilde Farm Pl, La Plata 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

Learn the basics of crochet in a relaxed farm setting. No experience needed, just a willingness to tangle some yarn.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. 📍 Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge, 12540 Mattawoman Dr, Waldorf 💵 Free, wait list

🔗 Join the wait list

The library takes its show on the road to Cup of Sugar for a photomontage session, with the first hour of an audiobook playing while you cut and paste. Spots are on a wait list, so get on it early.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 6915 Crain Hwy, La Plata 💵 See link

🔗 Tickets on Eventbrite

A wellness session focused on keeping your brain and body in good shape. A good midweek reset.

Wednesday, Oct 7 | 7:00 p.m. 📍 Port Tobacco Players, 508 Charles St, La Plata 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

A community screening at the Port Tobacco Players' theater in La Plata. Nice excuse to see the inside of that building if you have not been.

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

🔗 Get tickets

Exactly what it sounds like, dancing optional and painting guaranteed. Hear your song, move if you want to, and leave with a canvas you actually made.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 12:00 p.m. 📍 Cup of Sugar Tea Lounge, 12540 Mattawoman Dr, Waldorf 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

A chill book signing about turning tough times into your true calling. Grab a tea, meet the author and maybe leave with a signed copy.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 5:00-8:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center, 90 Post Office Rd, Waldorf 💵 $40, couples discount applied at checkout

🔗 Register here

Kick off with an instructor-led salsa lesson, then dance the night away with popular food and mocktails. Come solo, with a partner or with a friend. For couples, add both to the cart and the discount applies at the end.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 5:00 p.m. 📍 St. Mary's Bryantown Catholic School, 13735 Notre Dame Pl, Bryantown 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

Bingo night with designer handbags as the prizes. Higher stakes than your usual church-hall bingo, in the best way.

Sunday, Oct 11 | 10:00 a.m. 📍 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

A beginner bartending class covering the basics you need to get started behind the bar.

Ducks on a runway, ninja courses and live owls. The little ones are covered.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Details here

Smoky Bear stops by the library to teach families how to help prevent wildfires and protect our forests. Good one for curious little ones.

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

🔗 Register here

Tweens and teens dress their rubber ducks to impress. Yes, there is a runway.

Thursday, Oct 8 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. 📍 Chick-fil-A La Plata, 911 Washington Ave, La Plata 💵 See link, ticketed

🔗 Get tickets

A "Boots & Bows" evening for dads, grandpas, uncles and other father figures to dance, laugh and make memories with their daughters. Line dancing is on the menu.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 7:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 📍 Gilbert Run Park, 13140 Charles St, Charlotte Hall 💵 $15, teams of one adult 21+ and one child 6-15

🔗 Register here

A grown-up and a kid team up to catch the biggest and the most bluegill, crappie and bass, with special awards for trout and catfish. Two age divisions keep it fair, bank and boat anglers compete separately, and each adult can only fish with one child. Register through the county rec portal, and bring the kid who still asks if fish have feelings.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 📍 Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, 2745 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf 💵 $10

🔗 Register here

This one is built so people with and without disabilities can compete side by side, which is rare and worth celebrating. Expect obstacle courses, trampoline challenges, races and rope climbing, with awards for every competitor and extra recognition for division winners. Charles County Recreation, Parks & Tourism runs it, so registration goes through the county portal.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 1:00-3:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Details here

American Girl turns 40 this fall, and the library is celebrating with an afternoon of garden party fun. Bring the doll, bring the kid, bring the friend.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Details here

Preschoolers and kids are invited to a fairy tale ball with crafts. Dress-up encouraged.

Sunday, Oct 11 | 1:30-3:00 p.m. 📍 Historic Mt. Aventine, 3452 Ferry Pl, Indian Head 💵 See link

🔗 Event details

The Friends of Chapman State Park bring naturalist Mike Callahan of the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Center to Mt. Aventine for a hands-on look at eagles, owls and more.

Your library is doing more than you think this week, and a few other places are teaching things too.

Monday, Oct 5 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

An adults-only chance to widen your social circle and meet someone new. Low pressure, no awkward icebreakers required.

Mondays, Oct 5-Dec 7 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. 📍 CCSO Headquarters, La Plata 💵 See link, Charles County residents only

🔗 Learn more

The Charles County Sheriff's Office launches a new 10-week program for parents and caregivers of middle schoolers, focused on practical tools and communication skills. Each class builds on the one before it, so plan to attend all ten Monday nights.

Monday, Oct 5 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. 📍 Potomac Branch Library, or online 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Crochet, knit and chat with fellow crafters, beginner or advanced, in person or online.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Details here

Staff from the Maryland Department of Labor explain employment and other resources for veterans. Pass it along to a veteran in your life.

Wednesday, Oct 7 | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Learn more

Get a bird's-eye view of the skilled trades with equipment demos and chats with pros who work right here in Charles County. A good stop for anyone thinking about a career change.

Wednesday, Oct 7 | 2:00-4:30 p.m. 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Learn to weave your own vibrant mini pumpkins in gorgeous velvety colors. Harvest decor you made yourself.

Thursday, Oct 8 | 6:00-7:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Ever wanted to catch a ghost? Teens and adults craft spooky glowing jars just in time for Halloween.

Friday, Oct 9 | 2:00-4:00 p.m. 📍 Waldorf West Branch Library, Waldorf 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

A creative, relaxing art workshop honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.

Saturday, Oct 10 | 10:00-11:00 a.m. 📍 La Plata Branch Library, La Plata 💵 Free, registration required

🔗 Register here

Learn how to ask AI tools better questions, give them context and spot when a result needs more work.

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

Monday, Oct 5 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

This is the board that weighs in on development and land-use proposals, so if you care about what gets built near you, this is where it starts. It is hybrid, so you can attend in person or tune in from the couch.

Tuesday, Oct 6 | Time TBD, check the link 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

The county commissioners are the elected board that passes local laws and sets the budget. The start time and agenda are posted on the county calendar, so check before you go. If you only watch one civic meeting this week, make it this one.

Wednesday, Oct 7 | 6:00 p.m. 📍 Charles County Government 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

The board hears cases tied to animal complaints and appeals in the county. Open to the public, and worth a look if you have a pet-related issue before them or just want to see how it works.

Thursday, Oct 8 | 10:00 a.m. 📍 Charles County Government 💵 Free

🔗 Meeting details

The board that decides on alcohol licenses for Charles County restaurants, bars and stores. If a new spot is trying to open near you, this is where it gets a vote.

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-Sunday, Oct 10-11 | Hours vary, check the link 📍 Shops at Waldorf Center, 2925 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free

🔗 Details here

Local makers and entrepreneurs set up shop at the Shops at Waldorf Center. Hours were listed differently by two sources, so confirm before you go.

Not an event, but worth your time.

Monthly | October issue 💵 Free

🔗 Read the October issue

The county's monthly senior center newsletter is out, with what is happening at the senior centers this month. Good one to forward to a parent or grandparent.

🤠 Stampede Rodeo and Bull Riding is Fri-Sat at the fairgrounds, and showtimes and prices are on the link
💀 Cornstalkers Trail of Terror runs Fri-Sun, 7:30-10 p.m., at Regency Furniture Stadium
🎃 Scarecrow voting in downtown La Plata is free and open through Oct 18
👷 Trade Skills Career Fair is free, Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the stadium
🙌 Speed Friending Monday night needs registration
🧳 Mini Velvet Pumpkin Patch and Glowing Ghost Jars both need registration, so sign up early
🎣 Fishin' Buddies Derby is $15 per team, Saturday morning at Gilbert Run Park
🚂 The La Plata Train Station Museum opens Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

You can nominate one for a future issue → Here

Before you go,

Reply and tell me if you braved the Trail of Terror or got a vote in for your favorite scarecrow. And if you know of an event we missed, send it my way for next week.

That's the week.

From one local to another

— Candace