FAQ List Quick

Celebrate the Season! Holiday Fun Begins this November with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County

From cultural celebrations to family activities, enjoy free and affordable events all November long

RIVERDALE, Md. – Kick off the holiday season with free and low-cost events by M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County this November. From dazzling light displays and cultural celebrations to family-friendly performances and community gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Upcoming events include:

Concord Emancipation Day Celebration – FREE

Saturday, November 1, 12 noon-5 pm

Concord Historic Site

8000 Walker Mill Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Celebrate heritage, resilience, and the progress of African Americans from enslavement through emancipation and beyond. The Concord Emancipation Day Celebration will feature live music and performances by The Kim Michelle Experience, hands-on history craft demonstrations, heritage farming workshops, kids & family zone, classic and custom car showcase, food trucks, and more.

Jug Bay Run/Walk for Wildlife

Saturday, November 1, 9-11 am

Patuxent River Park

16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

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.

Sly & The Family Stone Tribute

Saturday, November 8, 8 pm

Publick Playhouse

5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD 20784

Enjoy a live tribute to Sly & The Family Stone, the iconic American funk band from the 1960s and ‘70s. The tribute features Gold Soul Movement, a collective of DMV-based artists celebrating soul music’s timeless, genre-blending power. For all ages.

Annual Choreographer’s Showcase

Saturday, November 15, 7 pm

Publick Playhouse

5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD 20784

Celebrate the best of choreography in the DMV with a stunning lineup of emerging and established artists. Experience groundbreaking performances that will inspire and captivate. Stay after the show for an exclusive talk-back with the choreographers.

Trot for a Turkey

Saturday, November 22, 6-8 pm

Watkins Regional Park

301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Winter Festival of Lights! The almost 3-mile course will feature dazzling light displays. The registration feed will provide families in need with a holiday turkey.

Bikes and Lights

Sunday, November 23, 5-7 pm

Watkins Regional Park

301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

Enjoy the unique experience of riding your bike through the Winter Festival of Lights. Experience dazzling scenes celebrating the magic of the holiday season.

For more information about upcoming M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation events, visit pgparks.com.

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.
Extended Closure at the indoor pool at Allentown Splash, Tennis & Fitness Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 24, 2025

COMMUNITY MESSAGE

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County regrets to inform the community that due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the reopening of the indoor pool at Allentown Splash, Tennis & Fitness Park has been extended to Monday, November 10, 2025.

We understand the inconvenience this extended closure may cause and recognize the important role the Allentown aquatic facility plays in our community. Please be assured that our team is working diligently to address the challenges and to ensure the facility is safe and fully ready to serve our patrons in the upcoming reopening.

Registered participants in the courses affected will receive a 50% refund of the full course fee for the one-week delay. Aquatic spin classes will be fully canceled; participants will receive a full refund and are invited to use the fitness center at no cost during their regularly scheduled class times.

During the closure, we invite our seniors ages 60 & better to use the Allentown fitness room FREE of charge, Monday – Friday from 9 am – 12 noon, to continue pursuing their health and wellness goals.

We also encourage you to explore our nearby M-NCPPC aquatic facilities.
- Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center
- Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC)
To learn more about these locations and additional aquatic facilities, please visit pgparks.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email allentownpool@pgparks.com

We deeply value your continued support and patience, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is open for History, Culture, Nature, and More!
Free recreational opportunities are available during the federal government shutdown

RIVERDALE, Md. – In support of the community impacted by the federal government shutdown, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announced today that admission fees to all Department museums and rental fees for bikes and kayaks at waterfront parks will be waived. This initiative provides residents and visitors with access to affordable recreational and educational opportunities just minutes from the nation’s capital.

“During this government shutdown, we know many of our residents are facing challenges and uncertainty. The Department of Parks and Recreation wants you to know – we stand with you,” said Darius A. Stanton, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “Our parks, trails, museums, and community centers are open and ready for the community to enjoy. These spaces offer more than just recreation – they are places of wellness, reflection, family connection, and community.”

The Department invites the public to explore its 10 historic sites and museums and experience the available tours, which share powerful stories of freedom and faith, labor and love, resistance and persistence, and wonder and joy:
- College Park Aviation Museum & Airport (the world’s oldest continuously operating airport)
- Riversdale House Museum
- Marietta House Museum
- Darnall’s Chance House Museum
- Montpelier House Museum
- Surratt House Museum
- Ridgeley Rosenwald School
- Columbia Air Center (first African American-owned and operated airfield)
- North Hampton Slave Quarters
In addition, the Department’s three nature centers and farm connect visitors to wildlife with more than 150 animals, including a bald eagle, snakes, insects, birds, and more:
- Watkins Nature Center
- Clearwater Nature Center
- Mount Rainier Nature Center
For outdoor recreation, two waterfront parks offer opportunities to kayak along the Patuxent and Anacostia Rivers, as well as hike and bike on more than 50 miles of natural surface trails.
- Bladensburg Waterfront Park
- Patuxent River Park
With free access to these historic sites, museums, nature centers, and parks, the Department reaffirms its commitment to supporting the community during challenging times. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Prince George’s County. For more information, including hours of operation and program details, visit pgparks.com.

About the Department

With over 28,000 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.

###

News - FAQ List Quick

Celebrate the Season! Holiday Fun Begins this November with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County

Extended Closure at the indoor pool at Allentown Splash, Tennis & Fitness Park

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is open for History, Culture, Nature, and More!

Free recreational opportunities are available during the federal government shutdown

Related News