🚦 Featured This Week

🛣️ Safe Streets Teen Summit Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium Parking Lot, Waldorf 💲 Free (registration encouraged) 🔗 Register on Eventbrite

If you've got a teen — or a soon-to-be teen driver — clear your calendar for this one.

Hosted by Green Light Driving Academy, this is not another sit-down lecture about driving safety. It's a full hands-on experience: a distracted driving simulator (texting-while-driving, but make it real), a "sharing the road with trucks" demo with actual blind spot lessons, a First Responder Zone where teens meet local fire, police, and EMS up close, food trucks, vendors, and a Future Driver Zone for the younger siblings.

Teens sign a Safe Streets pledge, take photos at the backdrop, and leave with information that could genuinely save their life. Pre-registered attendees get priority check-in and a free Safe Streets tote bag (while they last).

Whether your kid is studying for the permit, fresh-licensed, or already been driving for a couple years this matters. Bring them. Bring their friends. Tell another parent.

⚾ Community & Seasonal Picks

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Home Series vs. High Point

April 28 – May 3 | Various Times (Wed Apr 29 is a 10:35 AM day game!) 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 💲 Tickets vary 🔗 bluecrabsbaseball.com

If you've been waiting for a sign to get to a Blue Crabs game… this is it. A full week of home games means multiple chances to catch the action, and that Wednesday morning game is a rare midweek vibe if your schedule allows. Easy, local, and one of those Waldorf staples we don't talk about enough.

🏇 LaCasa's 4th Annual Kentucky Derby Experience Saturday, May 2 | 3:00 PM 📍 LaCasa of Waldorf 💲 See link 🔗 Tickets on Eventbrite

This is one of those "you either show up dressed or you missed the point" events. Derby hats, drinks, and a crowd that actually commits to the theme. If you've been before, you already know — if not, this is your year to fix that.

🏃 Word & Spirit 5K Walk/Run Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM 📍 Charlotte Hall Veterans Home 💲 See link 🔗 Register on Eventbrite

A meaningful way to start your Saturday. Whether you're running or just walking with intention, this one hits different with the setting and the purpose behind it. Good energy, good cause, solid community turnout.

🛍️ 17th Annual Port Tobacco Market Day Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Historic Port Tobacco Village 💲 Free 🔗 Explore Charles County

If you like farmers markets but wish they had more character, this is your spot. Local crafters, plants, antiques, and that historic Port Tobacco backdrop that makes it feel like a whole experience, not just a quick stop.

🏁 Crates at the Creek – American All-Star Series Saturday, May 2 | 7:30 PM 📍 Potomac Speedway, Mechanicsville 💲 $27 🔗 Get tickets

Loud, fast, and honestly one of the most underrated nights out around here. Even if you're not "into racing," the energy alone makes it worth it. Bring ear protection if you've got kids and prepare for dirt flying.

💐 Mother's Day Dinner Experience Saturday, May 2 | 7:00 PM 📍 Waldorf 💲 $90–$190 🔗 Event details

If you're trying to actually do something nice for Mom this year (not last-minute flowers), this is a full experience. Three-course dinner, open bar, DJ… it's giving "we planned ahead."

🍾 R&BC Brunch Party Saturday, May 2 | 12:00 PM 📍 Martinis Lounge, Waldorf 💲 $66 🔗 Event details

This is not your quiet brunch. R&B, champagne bottles, and a "dress like you mean it" crowd. If you've been needing a day party with real energy, this is it.

🎨 Arts, Wellness & Creative Experiences

🎨 CSM Student Art Exhibition (Ongoing) Through May 6 | Gallery Hours 📍 CSM La Plata Campus 💲 Free 🔗 CSM Arts

Hidden gem alert. This exhibit is packed with local talent and it's one of those low-key things you'll be glad you checked out. Easy, free, and surprisingly impressive.

🎨 Ladies Night! Paint & Crafts Wednesday, April 29 | 4:00 PM 📍 RallyPoint Games, Hughesville 💲 See link 🔗 Event details

Grab the crew and head over to RallyPoint for a paint-by-numbers + crafts night. Mid-week, low-pressure, and the kind of plan that's just enough to break up the work week without overdoing it.

🍸 Cocktail & Mocktail Lounge: Sapori & Sangria Thursday, April 30 | 7:00 PM 📍 Startender Academy, Waldorf 💲 See link 🔗 Eventbrite

Whether you sip or you don't, this one's a fun way to play around with new flavors in an actual lounge setting. Intimate, classy, and a different kind of Thursday night plan.

🌊 Cocktails & Creativity at The Scuttlebutt Tuesday, April 28 | 3:00 PM 📍 The Scuttlebutt, Cobb Island 💲 See link 🔗 Event details

Crafting + Potomac River views = the kind of Tuesday that feels like a mini getaway. Cobb Island is a whole vibe of its own, if you've never made the drive, let this be your reason.

🧶 Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop Friday, May 1 | 5:30 PM 📍 AR Workshop La Plata 💲 $99 🔗 Register here

No experience needed, just vibes and patience. You leave with a full blanket and the satisfaction of saying "yeah, I made this." Perfect girls night or solo reset.

🌸 Boxes & Blooms Workshop Saturday, May 2 | 1:00 PM 📍 AR Workshop La Plata 💲 $99 🔗 Register here

DIY meets floral arrangement. You'll build a centerpiece and leave feeling like you have your life together (even if just for the day).

🍷 Wine Bottle Painting Night Tuesday, April 28 | 5:30 PM 📍 AR Workshop La Plata 💲 $27 🔗 Register here

A simple, low-pressure creative night. Good for catching up with friends or just getting out the house without overthinking it.

🎶 Live Music & Nightlife

🎤 CSM Chorale & Chamber Choir Concert

Thursday, April 30 | 7:30 PM 📍 CSM La Plata Campus 💲 See site 🔗 CSM Arts

If you enjoy live music that actually makes you sit and listen, this is worth it. A mix of styles and a solid performance every year.

🎉 Golden Era Prom Experience

Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 PM 📍 Lamont's Entertainment Complex, Indian Head 💲 See link 🔗 Tickets on Eventbrite

Grown-up prom — but better. Think R&B classics, dressed-up crowd, and everyone fully leaning into the nostalgia.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids & Family

🎶 STEM Club: Music Note Toss

uesday, April 28 | 5:30 PM 📍 P.D. Brown Library, Waldorf 💲 Free 🔗 Library events

A fun way to sneak learning into play. Kids get hands-on with music + STEM, and honestly just burn some energy in a productive way.

🎨 Parent & Me Paint Date

Friday, May 1 | 5:00 PM 📍 Joyful Studio, La Plata 💲 See link 🔗 Tickets on Eventbrite

One of those core memory kind of activities. Simple, creative, and something both you and your kid will actually enjoy. Tickets are going fast on this one.

📚 Library Corner (CCPL)

💻 CSM Virtual Open House

Wednesday, April 29 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Online 💲 Free 🔗 csmd.edu

If going back to school (or leveling up) has been on your mind, this is the easiest way to explore options without committing to anything yet.

🏛️ Local Government & Civic Meetings

🗳️ Sheriff Candidate Forum

Monday, April 27 | 6:00 PM 📍 Waldorf West Library 💲 Free 🔗 More info

If you care about what's happening locally, this is one of those events that actually matters. Hear directly from candidates before decisions get made.

⚖️ Ethics Commission Meeting

Monday, April 27 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💲 Free / Open to Public 🔗 County calendar

Public meeting, open to anyone who wants to show up. If accountability and how the county runs is your thing, this is on the list.

🏛️ Board of County Commissioners Meeting

Tuesday, April 28 | See county site for time 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💲 Free / Open to Public 🔗 Meeting info

The big one. Decisions that actually shape Charles County happen here. Show up in person or virtually and if you want to speak, sign-up starts 30 minutes before public comment.

📐 Board of Appeals Meeting

Tuesday, April 28 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💲 Free / Open to Public 🔗 County calendar

Zoning and land use appeals. If you've got skin in the game on any local development, you'll want to be in the room.

💵 Public Hearing: FY2027 Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program

Wednesday, April 29 | See county site for time 📍 Charles County Government Building, La Plata 💲 Free / Open to Public 🔗 Meeting info

This is your chance to actually weigh in on how Charles County spends your tax dollars. Sign-up is 30 min before in person, or call (240) 776-6709 the day of to speak virtually.

📺 How to Watch

Many county meetings are streamed live or recorded on CCGTV.
Agendas, links, and recordings are posted here:
👉Here

💡 Worth Knowing

🐾 May Book Club @ Feline Felons Cat Cafe

Friday, May 1 | 7:00 PM 📍 Waldorf 💲 Free 🔗 Event details

Books + cats = instant mood boost. A chill Friday option if you're not trying to be outside all night.

🧠 Quick Reminders

  • 🚦 Safe Streets Teen Summit Saturday — free, hands-on, and a must if you've got a teen driver

  • Blue Crabs are home all week — six games, including a rare Wednesday morning matchup

  • 🌷 Saturday is STACKED — Derby party, prom, brunch, dinner, racing, market day… pace yourself

  • 🗳️ Sheriff Forum Monday night — final candidate forum before the primary

  • 💵 Budget hearing Wednesday — your shot to weigh in on how the county spends your money

🥕 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

Know a hidden local business?

You can nominate one for a future issue → Here

👋 Before You Go

If you actually make it out to something this week and it lives up to the hype (or even surprises you) hit reply and tell me. That's literally how this newsletter gets sharper every week. Your tips, your finds, your "y'all gotta know about this place" moments send them.

And if a friend forwarded you this? Don't be the one missing out next week. Subscribe and stay in the loop.

From one local to another 🤝

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