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FAQ List Quick

December 6, 2024

  • Celebrate the Start of the Holiday Season: M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces November Events

    RIVERDALE, Md. – The holiday season arrives in Prince George’s County! M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation announces free and low-cost events throughout November. From dazzling light displays and live performances to family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    Upcoming events:

    Rock the Boat – Teen Event!

    Tuesday, November 3, 4:30-10:30 pm

    Set sail aboard the Spirit of Washington for an unforgettable cruise along the Washington, D.C., waterfront! Youth ages twelve to 17 will enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, delicious food, and waterfront views while celebrating the start of a new school year. Transportation is provided. Advance registration required.

    30th Annual Jug Bay Run/Walk for Wildlife

    Saturday, November 7, 9-11 am

    Patuxent River Park

    Register to walk or run and preserve wildlife! Together, the Patuxent River Park and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary comprise over 3,500 acres along the banks of the Patuxent River. The river and its shore are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Proceeds from this event support projects, research, conservation, and education in the Patuxent River watershed.

    Jason Marsalis Quartet with Vanisha Gould

    Saturday, November 7, 8 pm

    Harmony Hall Arts Center

    Enjoy an evening of world-class jazz with a concert starring the Jason Marsalis Quartet, featuring vocalist Vanisha Gould. Rooted in swing, blues, and modern jazz traditions, the quartet delivers a dynamic and deeply expressive performance led by Jason Marsalis’ masterful rhythm and musical insight. The night is elevated further by Vanisha Gould, whose rich tone, storytelling, and effortless phrasing bring warmth and sophistication to every song. Together, they create an intimate yet powerful concert experience that celebrates jazz artistry, spontaneity, and the timeless connection between voice and ensemble. 

    43rd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase: Move Different

    Saturday, November 14, 7-8:30 pm

    Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

    Experience an evening of innovative movement and distinct perspectives at the 43rd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase, featuring contemporary and modern dance works by local emerging and established choreographers, followed by an artist talkback with the choreographers behind the work.

    Trot for a Turkey

    Saturday, November 21, 6-8 pm

    Watkins Regional Park

    Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Festival of Lights! The almost three-mile course will feature dazzling light displays. The registration fee will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.

    Bikes and Lights

    Sunday, November 22, 5-7 pm

    Watkins Regional Park

    Enjoy over 100 new light displays while riding your bike through the Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park. Experience dazzling scenes celebrating the magic of the holiday season. For safety, bike lights and helmets are required. Free for children riding in a tagalong/bike seat/trailer.

    Festival of Lights

    Friday, November 27 through Friday, January 1, 5:30-9:30 pm (open nightly)

    Watkins Regional Park

    The cherished holiday tradition in Prince George’s County celebrates its 40th season this year. Enjoy over five million dazzling lights throughout the three-mile driving trail at Watkins Regional Park. For a unique experience, you can enjoy the light displays aboard a hayride, offering guests a memorable holiday experience.

  • M-NCPPC Highlighted as National Gold Medal Finalist for Parks and Recreation Excellence

    M-NCPPC Recognized Nationally as a Top Four Parks and Recreation Agency

    Prince George’s County, MD — October 1, 2026 — The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), serving Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, has been recognized as a 2026 National Gold Medal Finalist by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA).

    M-NCPPC was recognized in the Class I category, which recognizes agencies serving populations greater than 400,001. The recognition places M-NCPPC among four finalists nationally, highlighting the Commission’s continued commitment to excellence in parks and recreation, innovation, environmental stewardship, quality programming, and meaningful community engagement.

    Established in 1927, M-NCPPC is approaching its centennial in 2027 with nearly a century of service to the residents and communities of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The Commission has earned the National Gold Medal six times, in 1973, 1977, 1983, 1984, 2003, and 2015, making M-NCPPC the only six-time National Gold Medal recipient. This year’s finalist recognition adds another chapter to that longstanding legacy and reflects the continued dedication of the people who plan, protect, maintain, program, and invest in parks and recreation opportunities across the two counties.

    “M-NCPPC is proud to create spaces and programming that inspire connection, equity, and opportunity for all,” said Chair of M-NCPPC, Artie Harris, Montgomery County Planning Board Chair. “We’re honored to be recognized alongside so many outstanding organizations, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and partners who work every day to make a difference in our community.” 

    “Being recognized as a National Gold Medal finalist is a tremendous honor for M-NCPPC and the communities we serve,” said Kevin A. Anderson, Chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “It reflects the strength of our parks and recreation system and the impact it has on communities across the region.”

    Darius A. Stanton, Director, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, added: “Being named a National Gold Medal finalist reflects the dedication of our staff and their commitment to serving our communities every day. We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on helping our communities Live More, Play More.” 

    “Being recognized as a Gold Medal Award finalist is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners who provide exceptional programs and facilities,” said Miti Figueredo, Director of Montgomery Parks. “We’re proud to be recognized among the nation’s leading park systems and grateful to everyone who helps make Montgomery Parks a place where our community can thrive.” 

    The National Gold Medal Finalist designation recognizes M-NCPPC’s continued commitment to excellence in parks and recreation management, including long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and innovative programming. M-NCPPC’s bi-county structure brings together the expertise and resources of Montgomery Parks and the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County to serve communities across the region.

    The 2026 National Gold Medal finalists competed in the Class I category alongside Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. Baltimore City Recreation and Parks was named the 2026 Class I Grand Plaque recipient during the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

    About the Department

    With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.

  • M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Announces October Events

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County will host a series of free and low-cost events throughout October, offering residents and visitors opportunities to celebrate the fall season with family-friendly festivals, cultural programs, arts events, and Halloween-themed activities.

    Upcoming events:

    Fall Farm Festival | Free

    Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10 am-3 pm

    Old Maryland Farm (Watkins Regional Park)

    Celebrate the season at Old Maryland Farm’s annual Fall Farm Festival! Enjoy a day of fall family fun with a pumpkin patch, farm-themed games, hands-on activities, friendly farm animals, local vendors, and delicious food. Whether you’re racing hobby horses, trying your hand at pumpkin bowling, or exploring the farm, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    Waterfront Art Festival | Free

    Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11 am-4 pm

    Bladensburg Waterfront Park

    Join us at Bladensburg Waterfront Park for a day filled with creativity and inspiration. Explore a variety of artworks from talented local artists, ranging from paintings to jewelry, photography, and sculpture, and everything in between. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art market while enjoying live music and the scenic views of the Anacostia River. Grab tasty food and treats, create some art of your own, or take a relaxing boat tour!

    Through the Dark, the Light Beckons with Dissonance Dance Theatre

    Saturday, October 10, 2026, 7-8:30 pm & Sunday, October 11, 2026, 4-5:30 pm

    Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

    Washington, D.C.’s Dissonance Dance Theatre celebrates its 20th anniversary season at the Publick Playhouse with Through the Dark, the Light Beckons, a powerful evening of movement and meaning rooted in the African American experience. Featuring beloved company repertoire and world premieres by acclaimed choreographer Shawn Short, the program unfolds in three chapters: the pulse and grit of the city’s streets, the fragments of memory that shape us, and the spirit, soul, and sophistication of everyday people.

    Mental Health Resource Fair | Free

    Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10 am-2 pm

    Kentland Community Center

    The Park Police Mental Health Resource Fair features vendors and resources for all ages, including interactive activities such as CPR and Narcan training, line dancing, giveaways, and free groceries to the first 150 families. Special guest speakers will discuss suicide and mental health awareness.

    American Indian Festival | Free

    Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11 am-4 pm

    Patuxent River Park

    The American Indian Festival is a vibrant celebration of Native American culture, heritage, and traditions, offering diverse Native communities a space to honor and share their rich cultural legacy.

    Flights & Frights: Trick or Treat at the Museum

    Saturday, October 24, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm

    College Park Aviation Museum

    Set your Halloween spirits soaring at Flights and Frights at the College Park Aviation Museum! Join us for an evening filled with trick-or-treating in the gallery and spook-tacular games, crafts, and experiments. Come dressed in your favorite costumes and get ready for a high-flying Halloween adventure. Registration required by October 17.

    Magical Night of Wizardry

    Friday, October 30, 2026, 7-8 pm

    Watkins Regional Park

    Enjoy an evening of magic, mystery, and Halloween fun! Magical Night of Wizardry offers enchanted beverages, magical snacks, spellbinding crafts, and a screening of a favorite wizard-inspired film. Brave guests are also invited to journey through the Enchanted Watkins Forest.

    Spooky Good Time  

    Saturday, October 31, 2026, 6-9 pm

    Tucker Road Athletic Complex

    Come dressed in your best costume for this annual Halloween event. Bring your candy bags for a fun night of trick-or-treating. Activities will also include a costume contest, candy, games, pumpkins, a haunted hayride, and a haunted house!

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