News - FAQ List Quick

FAQ List Quick

December 6, 2024
  • M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Honors and Celebrates African American History and Resilience with 2025 Juneteenth Festival

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is proud to host the 2025 Juneteenth Festival, a vibrant celebration of history, art and culture, on Saturday, June 14 from 12 noon to 5 pm at Watkins Regional Park (301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774)

    This free, family-friendly event commemorates Juneteenth, the historic day when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States learned of their freedom in 1865. Today, the festival is a joyous community celebration featuring food, music, art, and opportunities to reflect on the rich culture and achievements of African Americans.

    “The Department of Parks and Recreation has an unwavering commitment to recognizing and uplifting Black voices. We’ve been celebrating Juneteenth for 20 years and look forward to continuing this important tradition,” said Dr. Dennis Doster, director of the Black History Program for M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “We welcome everyone to come together in the spirit of unity, education, and celebration.”

    The community is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a day filled with live entertainment, cultural activities, food, shopping, historical exhibits, and more.

    Festival Highlights:

    • Live entertainment by: CeCe Peniston, Junkyard Band, Brencore All Stars, and Soul Messengerz
    • History and art activities
    • Children’s activities
    • Art and food Vendors
    • Interactive history and art exhibits

    To learn more about the 2025 Juneteenth Festival and the Department’s year-long Black History Month program, visit pgparks.com/event_list/juneteenth-festival-2025.

    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.

  • Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces Summer Arts in the Parks

    Free Outdoor Performances Across Prince George’s County All Summer Long

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is excited to announce the return of Summer Arts in the Parks, a series of FREE outdoor performances taking place at parks and Department facilities throughout Prince George’s County. From live music and theatrical performances to family movie nights, this summer-long celebration offers something for everyone to enjoy under the stars.

    Upcoming Performances:  

    Voices of Fairwood

    June 8, June 29, July 20, August 17, September 28 | Fairwood Community Park

    FREE | All Ages

    Fairwood Park comes alive this summer with FREE outdoor concerts. Established in 2013 as the Fairwood Arts Festival, this summer tradition had grown into one of the most anticipated performing arts events in Prince George’s County. This year’s performances – with R&B, soul, jazz, funk, GoGo, and more – have expanded to embrace the multicultural nature of the county, with each concert themed to celebrate the cultural impact of African American music in the county.

    Shakespeare in the Parks

    June 15 – July 6, 2025 | Various Locations

    FREE | All Ages

    Set in the festive world of an Italian Carnival, this energetic production brims the masquerades, mistaken identities, and delightful farce. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy the magic of the Bard under the stars.

    Summer Concerts at Cosca

    June 18, July 17, July 31, & August 14 |Cosca Regional Park  

    FREE | All Ages

    Groove to live R&B, soul, funk, GoGo, and more! This year’s concert series shines a spotlight on local artists and brings the community together for an evening of live music, dancing, and fun. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and picnic, and enjoy a night out in the park.

    Summer Concert Series at Riversdale

    May 28, June 11 & June 25| Riversdale House Museum

    FREE | All Ages

    Enjoy live music on the beautiful lawn of the historic Riversdale House Museum. Perfect for a family outing, these concerts invite guests to bring a lawn chair and picnic dinner for a relaxing summer evening filled with music and community.

    Runway Rhythms

    Saturday, June 28, July 26 & August 30 | College Park Aviation Museum

    FREE | All Ages

    Tap your toes and dance to the rhythm during the Runway Rhythms summer concert series, held in the courtyard of the College Park Aviation Museum. This year’s exciting lineup includes Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance Ensemble, 123 Andres, and Seth Kibel & The Klextet. These performances celebrate cultural diversity and are fun for all ages.

    Summer Movie Nights

    June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8 | Various Locations

    FREE | All Ages

    Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax with your favorite family films under the starts. Each event kicks off at 6 pm with games, activities, and free popcorn. Movies begin at 7 pm. Featured films includes Shark Take, Lilo & Stitch: The Movie and Madagascar.

    For a full schedule of dates, times, and locations visit pgparks.com. Performances are subject to cancellation due to weather emergencies. Be prepared for storms and other emergencies this summer. Stay updated and prepared through PGParks Alert, M-NCPPC’s free weather and emergency notification services.

  • Dive into Summer! The 2025 Summer Pool Season at M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County begins Memorial Day Weekend

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County outdoor aquatic facilities will officially open for the 2025 summer season, beginning on Saturday, May 24 at 12 pm and will operate on weekend schedule through June 19th. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, residents and visitors are invited to dive into summer fun at the seven outdoor pools and splash parks throughout the county.

    From lap swimming and swim lessons to splash pads and family play areas, the Department offers safe, affordable, and family-friendly aquatic fun all summer long. General admission for resident adults is $6 and $5 for youth and seniors. In addition to outdoor slides, activities, and other opportunities, the Department also offers state-of-the-art indoor aquatic facilities that provide swimming instruction, water safety education, fitness classes, open swim, and recreational play opportunities year-round.

    “The Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is proud to offer welcoming spaces where families can cool off, connect, and create lasting memories this summer,” said Adrienne Harris Moore, Division Chief with the Aquatics and Athletic Facilities Division. “

    Outdoor Aquatic Facilities:

    Summer Outdoor Pool Operating Hours:

    • Mondays: 12 pm – 3 pm | 3:30 pm – 8 pm
    • Tuesdays: 12 pm – 3 pm | 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    • Wednesdays:12 pm – 3 pm | 3:30 pm – 8 pm
    • Thursdays: 12 pm – 3 pm | 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    • Fridays: 12 pm – 3 pm | 3:30 pm – 8 pm
    • Saturdays: 12 pm – 3 pm | 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm 

    *Outdoor Pools will begin daily operations on Thursday, June 19, 2025, with special holiday hours of 12 pm – 4 pm in observance of Juneteenth.

    Outdoor pools are very popular and tend to reach capacity early in the weekend sessions. To secure a spot it is encouraged for guests to make an online reservation at pgparks.com. Reservations can be made up to 10 days in advance and include a discounted admission fee. For complete pool schedules, admission details, and safety guidelines, please visit pgparks.com.