⭐ FEATURED THIS WEEK
TRIOFEST 2026: WINE, BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 1 | 11:00 AM 📍 Charles County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata 💵 Ticketed, see link
The fairgrounds turn into one big tasting table on Saturday. TrioFest brings local and regional wineries, craft breweries, and food vendors together for an afternoon of sampling your way through Southern Maryland and a good bit of the region beyond it. Live music runs through the day, and there's enough open space that you're not fighting anybody for a spot to sit.
Entry is timed, so buy ahead instead of showing up and hoping. The fairgrounds also have the easiest parking of any big event in this county, which counts for a lot on a hot August Saturday. Wear something breathable and bring a chair or a blanket if you plan to stay a while.
If you've been waiting for the one social afternoon of the summer worth actually planning around, this is it. Bring a designated driver, bring the friend who likes to try things, and pace yourself early.
🏘️ COMMUNITY & SEASONAL PICKS
The county is closing out July loud and starting August even louder.
⚾ SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS: SIX-GAME HOMESTAND VS. LANCASTER
Tuesday, July 28 – Sunday, August 2 | 6:35 PM nightly, 11:05 AM Wednesday 📍 Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr, Waldorf 💵 Around $12–$18
Six straight home games in one week, which is about as good as summer gets at Regency. Wednesday's first pitch is 11:05 AM for the Business Person's Special, so if you can swing a long lunch, that's your move. Weekend home dates usually mean fireworks, so stay after the last out. Promo nights and single game pricing are on the schedule page.
🎉 COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY AT BILLINGSLEY
Friday, July 31 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Billingsley Community Center, 10069 Billingsley Road, White Plains 💵 Free
Charles County Rec is closing out National Park and Recreation Month with a full block party, and it costs you nothing. Yard games, music, sports, and cool treats for whoever shows up. No pre-registration and no ticket, just pull up with the family.
🥂 MIMOSAS & MIXERS: SATURDAY SINGLES BRUNCH SOCIAL
Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 PM 📍 Babes Boys Tavern, Waldorf 💵 Free to attend | Food and drinks separate
A singles brunch mixer with no cover and no pressure. Show up, grab a seat, order what you want, and talk to people. If you're new to the area or your circle has gotten a little small, this is an easy low-stakes way to start fixing that.
🎬 SUMMER SUNSET CINEMA: CHRISTMAS IN JULY (PLUS VENDOR TABLES)
Saturday, August 1 | Vendors from 4:00 PM, movie at 7:30 PM 📍 The Shops at Waldorf Center, 2983 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free to attend | Vendor tables $55
Christmas in July, screening on the first of August, which is exactly the kind of thing that makes it fun. Local vendor tables open in the late afternoon so you can browse before the sun drops, then the movie starts around dusk with gates open about an hour prior. Bring your own chairs and blankets. No alcohol allowed.
📜 ONE MONTH LATER: THOMAS STONE AND THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY
Sunday, August 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Thomas Stone National Historic Site, 6655 Rose Hill Rd, Port Tobacco 💵 Free
Exactly 250 years to the day, Park Ranger David Lassman walks through how and when Thomas Stone actually signed the Declaration of Independence, and how his fellow Marylanders reacted to it. An anniversary like that hits different when it happened right here in Charles County. The site is open 10 AM to 4 PM with guided house tours at 10:30 and noon, so you can make a whole afternoon of it.
🎵 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Gospel, rock, and a Navy band walk into a weekend.
🎶 LA PLATA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: NAVY BAND CRUISERS
Friday, July 31 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 The Lawn at Town Hall, 305 Queen Anne St, La Plata 💵 Free
The Cruisers are a La Plata favorite for a reason, bringing a jazzy contemporary set that works whether you're paying close attention or half asleep in a lawn chair. Pack a blanket, chairs, and a cooler, and go light on the glass. Food vendors are on site, it's free, and it runs rain or shine unless the weather gets genuinely ugly.
🙌 DMV PINK & PURPLE GOSPEL EXPLOSION
Saturday, August 1 | 12:00 PM 📍 Lamont's Entertainment Complex, Indian Head 💵 See link for tickets
Voices from across the DMV come together for an afternoon of gospel that does not do quiet. Expect big performances and a crowd that's glad you came. Worth the drive down to Indian Head if you want your Saturday to start on a high note.
🎸 SOCIAL AT APEHANGER'S
Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2 📍 Apehangers, 9100 Crain Hwy, Bel Alton 💵 Free
Social is a party rock band built from seasoned Southern Maryland and Virginia Beach musicians, and they play like people who have done this a while. Free to get in, two nights on Crain Highway, and a dance floor that stays busy. Check the link for set times.
💦 BRILLIANT 2ND ANNUAL POOL PARTY (21+)
Saturday, August 1 | 4:00 PM 📍 Bryans Road 💵 See link for tickets
A grown folks pool party with music, drinks, and a social crowd. This one is 21 and up, so plan accordingly. The exact address and the dress code are on the ticket page, so read before you roll up.
🎤 DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS + JOE COX
Sunday, August 2 | 12:00 PM Joe Cox | 2:00 PM Doc Marten & The Flannels 📍 Waldorf Jaycees Center, 3090 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 See link
Two acts, one easy Sunday afternoon. Joe Cox opens around noon and Doc Marten & The Flannels take over at two, and the Jaycees Center crowd is always a good time. Check the link for cover.
🎵 FIRST SUNDAYS GOSPEL KARAOKE BUFFET EXPERIENCE
Sunday, August 2 | 3:00 PM 📍 Graces Event Center, Waldorf 💵 $2
Gospel karaoke and a Sunday buffet for two dollars. Sing if you want to, eat if you don't, either way you're getting your money's worth. It runs monthly and it's one of the friendliest rooms in Waldorf.
🎨 ARTS, WELLNESS & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Ride a trail, decorate a cake, or watch Elle Woods take the stage.
🚴🏾♀️ 10 & TEA FRIDAYS WITH BLACK GIRLS DO BIKE SOMD
Friday, July 31 | Meet 9:30 AM, roll out 10:00 AM 📍 Clarity Coffee House, 4175 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head 💵 Free
Black Girls Do Bike SOMD takes an easy ride down the Indian Head Rail Trail, then heads back to Clarity for coffee, tea, and pastries. No pace expectations and no pressure, and the mileage is whatever feels good that morning. Park in the back of the coffee house. If your Fridays are free, this is a good habit to pick up.
🖤 CRUEL SUMMER TATTOO ARTS FESTIVAL
Friday, July 31 | 1:00 PM, runs through the weekend 📍 3090 Crain Hwy, Waldorf 💵 Day passes from $28
Artists, vendors, contests, and live entertainment across a full weekend of tattoo and body art. You don't have to be getting work done to enjoy walking through it. Day passes start at $28 and the full weekend schedule is on the event page.
💅 LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL AT PORT TOBACCO PLAYERS
Friday, July 31 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM 📍 Port Tobacco Players, 508 Charles St, La Plata 💵 $21.50
Elle Woods hits the La Plata stage, and Port Tobacco Players consistently punches above what you'd expect from community theater. Big numbers, fast pacing, and a story that holds up better than people give it credit for. Twenty one fifty for a night out you'll actually talk about afterward.
🌸 SPC REST & ROSÉ PICNIC
Saturday, August 1 | 4:00 PM 📍 THE SPACE at LB Innovations Collective, Waldorf 💵 See link
An afternoon built around slowing down, with picnic setup, rosé, and good company. If August is already looking heavy on your calendar, this is a nice way to start it soft. Check the link for what's included.
🍰 UNCORKED: A WINE GLASS CAKE DECORATING EXPERIENCE
Saturday, August 1 | 7:00 PM 📍 11850 Park Waldorf Ln, Suite 109, Waldorf 💵 $145
You decorate a wine glass themed cake and sip while you do it. Supplies and instruction are included, so all you bring is your hands and your patience. It's the priciest thing on this week's list, but it's a real date night or girls' night, not just another paint class.
👨👩👧 KIDS & FAMILY
Summer's winding down, so here's a week's worth of ways to wear them out.
🧁 TEEN SUMMER BAKING EXPERIENCE AT THE BAKER'S LAB
Monday, July 27 | 9:00 AM 📍 The Baker's Lab, 11850 Park Waldorf Ln, Suite 109, Waldorf 💵 See link
A dessert-focused baking session built for teens, with real kitchen skills and something to take home at the end. Good for the kid who's bored of the pool and needs something to be proud of. Age range, pricing, and registration are on the event page.
🏅 BABY OLYMPICS
Tuesday, July 28 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📍 La Plata Branch, Charles County Public Library 💵 Free
Movement, games, and a whole lot of giggling for the smallest athletes and whoever brought them. It's free, it's drop-in friendly, and you'll probably meet a few other parents while you're there.
🎪 SUMMER KIDS SHOWS ON THE CONCERT LAWN
Tuesday, July 28 & Thursday, July 30 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 📍 The Lawn at Town Hall, 305 Queen Anne St, La Plata 💵 Free
Free outdoor performances with music, magic, dance, fitness, and puppetry, aimed at preschool and elementary-aged kids. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and toddler or baby tents are welcome. Best part: the splash pad opens for water play at 11 AM, so the whole morning basically plans itself.
💥 THINGS THAT GO BOOM! WITH MAD SCIENCE OF DC
Wednesday, July 29 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, Waldorf 💵 Free
Hands-on demonstrations and a few loud, satisfying booms courtesy of Mad Science of DC. It's part of the Summer Learning Challenge and these fill up fast, so get there early. Free.
🎒 SMTCCAC HEAD START OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, July 30 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 10515 Theodore Green Blvd, White Plains 💵 Free
If you've got a child between three and five, this is your look inside Head Start: early learning and school readiness, meals and snacks, family engagement, and community resource referrals. Families who were just accepted can tour the facility too. Very few spaces are left and it's first come, first served, so go early in that window.
🦎 REPTILE WORLD
Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📍 Potomac Branch, Charles County Public Library 💵 Free
Live reptiles up close, with a second session running later in the day. Educational for them, mildly nerve-wracking for you, and free for everybody. Show up early if you want a seat near the front.
⭐ CONSTELLATION EXPLORATION
Saturday, August 1 | All day 📍 La Plata Branch, Charles County Public Library 💵 Free
A drop-in, self-guided activity about the night sky and the stories behind the constellations. Come whenever your Saturday allows. Free and easy.
📚 LIBRARY & LEARNING
Two low-key ways to spend an hour learning something.
🧶 HAPPY HOUR CROCHET & KNITTING (HYBRID)
Monday, July 27 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 Potomac Branch and virtual 💵 Free
Bring whatever you're working on, or start something new, and stitch alongside people who will happily help you untangle it. All skill levels welcome and it's as much about the company as the crochet. Join in person at Potomac or online, the virtual option is on the event page.
✏️ MANGA DRAWING WORKSHOP WITH ORION ZANGARA
Friday, July 31 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 La Plata Branch, Charles County Public Library 💵 Free
Professional artist Orion Zangara teaches manga-style drawing technique in this Summer Learning Challenge workshop. Great for teens and for adults who never stopped doodling in the margins. Free, and supplies are provided.
🛍️ SHOP LOCAL & POP-UPS
Two markets, one weekend pop-up, and a good reason to carry cash.
🥕 LA PLATA FARMERS MARKET
Wednesday, July 29 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Overflow lot north of Talbot St (209 Washington Ave), La Plata 💵 Free entry
The midweek market is back downtown with local produce, baked goods, and vendors worth the stop. The CCPL mobile library often parks nearby, which makes it an easy two-for-one morning. Bring cash and a tote.
🍑 WALDORF FARMERS' MARKET
Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Waldorf, see link for location 💵 Free entry
Seasonal produce, homemade jams and specialty foods, plants and flowers, and local artisan goods. Early August is when the good tomatoes and peaches finally show up, so this is a strong week for it. Free to browse.
🛒 POP-UP & GROW WEEKEND MARKET
Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2 | 10:00 AM 📍 2925 Festival Way, Waldorf 💵 Free entry
Small businesses, makers, and food vendors set up near the Festival Way shops both days. It's a good place to find the thing you didn't know you wanted and to put money straight into a neighbor's pocket. Free to walk through.
📰 COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Not an event, but worth having bookmarked.
AUGUST SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER (THE SCOOP)
Monthly 📍 Charles County Department of Aging and Senior Services 💵 Free
The county's monthly senior center publication lays out programs, classes, trips, and meal schedules across the senior centers. If you have a parent or grandparent in the county, this is the one page to bookmark for them. The August issue covers the whole month.
🧠 Quick Reminders
⚾ Blue Crabs are home Tuesday through Sunday, including an 11:05 AM start on Wednesday
🍷 TrioFest is Saturday at the fairgrounds, entry is timed so buy tickets ahead
🎶 Navy Band Cruisers play the La Plata lawn Friday at 7, free, bring chairs
🎉 Community Block Party at Billingsley is Friday 6 to 8, free, no registration needed
🎪 Free Summer Kids Shows Tuesday and Thursday at 10 AM, splash pad opens at 11
📜 Thomas Stone 250th anniversary talk is Sunday at 2, free, tours at 10:30 and noon
💅 Legally Blonde at Port Tobacco Players is Friday at 8, $21.50
🎬 Summer Sunset Cinema is Saturday, vendors at 4 and the movie at 7:30, free
🎒 Head Start Open House is Thursday 12 to 5, first come first served with very few spots
🥕 Two farmers markets this week: La Plata on Wednesday, Waldorf on Saturday
Know a hidden local business?
Got a favorite spot that deserves more love? A new restaurant, boutique, artist, or service that your neighbors should know about?
Submit a nomination → Here
That’s it for this week.
Before you go,
If you make it out to TrioFest or catch the Cruisers on the lawn Friday, hit reply and tell me how it went. I'm always trying to find what I missed, so if you know about something happening next week, send it my way.
That's the week.
From one local to another
— Candace
📣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.