Dallas Black Dance Theatre (Weekend)
2027-04-25 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Celebrating their 50-year anniversary, Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) continues to mesmerize audiences with its spellbinding performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. Founded in 1976, DBDT is the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas. The ensemble, a contemporary modern dance company, consists of experienced, full-time dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, ethnic, and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers. Their repertoire includes works by Alvin Ailey, Elisa Monte, Milton Myers, Asadata Dafora, Matthew Rushing, Christopher L. Huggins, Twyla Tharp, and others.

Sat., Apr. 24, 2 pm Tickets

Sat., Apr. 24, 7 pm Tickets

Sun., Apr. 25, 4 pm Tickets

Please Note: This program has multiple dates and showtimes. Please double-check your selection carefully before purchasing. All Publick Playhouse ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

The Sweater Set
2027-04-30 20:00 - 22:00
Warm, harmony-rich, and deeply heartfelt, award-winning folk duo The Sweater Set—Maureen Andary and Sara Curtin—invite audiences into their joyful friendship through soaring soprano-alto vocals and original songs. Longtime D.C. favorites praised as “charming” by The Washington Post, they have toured internationally and shared stages with Dar Williams, Aoife O’Donovan, and Michelle Shocked. At Montpelier Arts Center, they appear in a rare, full-band performance with bassist Nicole Saphos and drummer Ele Rubenstein, offering fuller, more expansive arrangements of their beloved music.

Watkins Park Farmers Market
2027-05-01 10:00 - 14:00, 2027-05-08 10:00 - 14:00, 2027-05-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2027-05-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2027-05-29 10:00 - 14:00, 2027-06-05 10:00 - 14:00
Come support new growers, explore the fields, and take home something delicious at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park.

Every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, from late May to mid-November, you can shop fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers grown on-site by ten emerging farm businesses. Expect nutrient‑dense, culturally relevant, all‑natural produce!

DIRECTIONS: Once inside Watkins Regional Park, follow signs for the Urban Farm Incubator and park inside the black deer fence.

The Urban Farm Incubator hosts ten beginner farm businesses growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. The Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park is a collaboration among ECO City Farms, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Prince George’s Food Equity Council (FEC), The Capital Market, and M-NCPPC, Department of Recreation, Prince George’s County.

This event is held at 601 Watkins Park Drive

For more info, visit https://www.ecoffshoots.org/urban-farm-incubator or email urbanfarmincubator@gmail.com

Paper Flower Sculptures
2027-05-01 13:00 - 15:00
Create bold and beautiful paper flowers using sculptural techniques. Families will leave with everlasting blooms perfect for decorating or gifting.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
2027-05-01 13:00 - 16:00
Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at our annual AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration. Enjoy a vibrant afternoon filled with delicious cuisine, engaging activities, art, and live performances. This dynamic event offers something for all ages, bringing people together to honor and experience the richness of AANHPI cultures.

Bao Yen Nguyen - Public Reception
2027-05-01 14:00 - 16:00
Working in mixed media on canvas, Bao Yen Nguyen reflects on the beauty of being Vietnamese‑American through a deeply personal and cultural lens. Drawing from personal memory, photographic transfer, and cultural inheritance, her work examines how identity is shaped across generations, geography, and memory. Existing between two worlds, Nguyen navigates the quiet tensions and harmonies of heritage and assimilation, drawing attention to the nuances that define lived experience.

When It Rains, Flowers Grow by Britnee Scott - Public Reception
2027-05-01 14:00 - 16:00
Britnee Scott’s playful mixed media paintings affirm the enduring power of love over violence. Through vibrant compositions, she reveals how, even in spaces of conflict, the transformation of pain into creativity allows beauty and culture to not only endure but thrive.

A Tribute to the Music of KEM, Maxwell, and D’Angelo
2027-05-01 20:00
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the soulful sounds and timeless hits of the legendary artists KEM, Maxwell, and D’Angelo, brought to life by the exceptional Brencore Allstars. For years, their music has inspired and captivated audiences around the world, and this concert promises to capture that same passion and artistry live on stage. If their music speaks to you, be sure to secure your tickets early before this special night sells out.

The 58th Annual Laurel Art Guild Juried Exhibition - Public Reception & Awards
2027-05-02 13:00 - 15:00
This annual exhibition, organized by the Laurel Art Guild, is juried by a regional professional and shows works by artists ages 18 and older in the Washington, D.C., area. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, photographs, wall-hung sculptures, collages, and more. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, along with three merit awards. Get involved and enjoy the support and camaraderie of your fellow local artists. More information is available at laurelartguild.org.

Adrienne Vodraska: Company of Plants
2027-05-05 - 2027-06-20
This exhibition of acrylic paintings reflects Adrienne Vodraska’s deep respect for the abundance, resilience, and quiet beauty of plant life. Working primarily from direct observation, she spends countless hours in meadows, prairies, gardens, and woodland edges, often during moments of seasonal transition. Rather than focusing on individual plants or flowers, she focuses on entire ecosystems. The intentional absence of human presence allows the natural world to emerge as the central subject and protagonist.

Lunchtime Listening with DC Mariachi Group, Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
2027-05-05 11:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the bold, joyful sound of the DC Mariachi Group! Featuring some of the area’s finest mariachi musicians, the group brings lively performances rooted in traditional repertory, including rancheras, boleros, sones, huapangos, polkas, cumbias, and more. Steeped in the rich heritage of mariachi music, their sound captures the passion, rhythm, and cultural pride that defines this festive occasion. Join us for an energetic Cinco de Mayo celebration filled with spirited melodies, dynamic performances, and the timeless joy of Mexican musical tradition.

Zachary Smith and the Mardi Gras Kings
2027-05-05 14:00
Formed in 1992, Zachary Smith and the Mardi Gras Kings have developed a reputation as the East Coast’s premier “Louisiana variety band”—capable of playing authentic New Orleans jazz, zydeco, Cajun, street parade, and Louisiana-style funk. The four-piece group has carved out a niche as a fun and exciting ensemble capable of entertaining audiences of all ages.

First Fridays Listening Room: Season Finale
2027-05-07 20:00 - 22:00
Join us for the grand finale of our 2026-2027 season! This culminating performance marks the end of a remarkable year of Sonic Fusion, celebrating the diverse cultural heartbeat and innovative musical spirit of our region.

Artisans in Bloom
2027-05-08 11:00 - 16:00
Celebrate the season of renewal with a curated selection of handcrafted jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and more. As artists open their studios across the Gateway Arts District, stop by Brentwood Arts Exchange to discover fresh, inspired works by local makers.

DuPont Brass
2027-05-08 19:30 - 21:00
Get ready for an electrifying evening with DuPont Brass, the DMV’s brass-driven supergroup redefining live music. From humble beginnings busking in Metro stations to nationwide tours and collaborations with ESPN, Sesame Street, and the NFL, DuPont Brass fuses jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and soul into their signature “Eclectic Soul.” This ten-piece powerhouse blends brass, rhythm, and vocals to create immersive, high-energy performances. With influences ranging from The Roots to Earth, Wind & Fire, their live shows are an unstoppable celebration of groove, artistry, and collective creativity. Come move, sing, and feel the music pulse through every note. Please Note: All Publick Playhouse ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Dan Navarro
2027-05-14 20:00 - 22:00
With a career spanning decades, Dan Navarro is a renowned songwriter whose work has been recorded by artists including Jackson Browne, Keb’ Mo’, and Pat Benatar (“We Belong”). A gifted singer and storyteller with a rich baritone voice, he is also a voice actor featured in major films such as Disney’s Encanto. Currently touring in support of his album Horizon Line, Navarro delivers songs of emotional depth, insight, and genuine human connection.

Kyungeun Katy Lee
2027-05-16 15:00 - 16:00
Soprano Kyungeun Katy Lee hails from South Korea and is a student in the Maryland Opera Studio. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Maryland, her extensive repertoire includes Adele in Die Fledermaus, Susanna in Le nozze de Figaro, and many more. Lee has performed professionally and competitively to high praise and was awarded Second Prize in the 37th Annual Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition. Lee highlights both lyrical and dramatic moments, sharing diverse musical expressions and emotions in an engaging concert experience.

Keith Washington
2027-05-22 19:30 - 21:00, 2027-05-23 16:00 - 17:30
GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer Keith Washington captivates the Playhouse stage with his smooth and romantic vocals. The accomplished singer and actor, known for roles on TV’s General Hospital and Martin, rose to prominence in the early 1990s with his debut album Make Time for Love and his signature hit “Kissing You.” His timeless ballads and soulful presence continue to captivate audiences across the nation; don’t miss this chance to see him in the intimate setting of the Publick Playhouse. Please Note: All Publick Playhouse ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Sat., May 22, 2027, 7:30 pm Tickets

Sun., May 23, 2027, 4 pm Tickets

Shirley Jones and The Jones Girls
2027-05-22 20:00
Celebrate a spectacular evening of classic soul with Shirley Jones and The Jones Girls. Led by the legendary Shirley Jones, this performance brings to life the smooth harmonies and timeless hits that helped define an era of R&B. With their signature blend of elegance, emotion, and uplifting energy, The Jones Girls continue to captivate audiences with music that feels as fresh and meaningful today as ever. With elegance, warmth, and unmistakable soul, this concert becomes more than a performance—it’s a shared experience, inviting audience members to sway, reflect, and reconnect with music that speaks directly to the heart.

Lunchtime Listening with Groove Spot, Season Finale
2027-06-02 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for a fun and festive finale that sends the season out in style. It’s time to get down with the one and only Groove Spot Band and Show, playing all those funk and disco favorites from the golden 1970s era. Bringing their Studio 54 party vibes wherever they go, it’s “Studio SAARC” right here in Brandywine. Donna Summer, KC and the Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge, Chic, and more. So don’t forget your boogie shoes… and let’s groove!

Julie Polt: Favorite Things
2027-06-05 - 2027-07-03
In Favorite Things, Julie Polt approaches art as a space for exploration, play, and therapy. Working primarily in printmaking and mixed media, Polt builds layered compositions through meditative mark-making and occasional text elements that trace emotional response to her inner and outer worlds. Embracing experimentation with new inks, eco-friendly materials, and varied processes, the work invites viewers into a quietly expressive, intuitive experience.

Ronna Traylor: Dragonfly Wings: The Beauty of Fractured Planes
2027-06-07 - 2027-07-24
Dragonfly Wings: The Beauty of Fractured Planes presents the work of Alexandria-based artist Ronna Traylor, a watercolor and mixed media artist who draws inspiration from fleeting moments of light, reflection, and structure found in everyday life. Transforming these observations into layered visual studies, Traylor’s recent series focuses on the delicate yet resilient form of dragonfly wings. Wings are rendered in watercolor with accents of gouache and gel pen. Inspired by both macrophotography and imagination, the works explore themes of fragility and strength through fractured, luminous planes, capturing the transformation of a passing image into a lasting work of art.

George Lorio: Concerns
2027-06-07 - 2027-08-14
Concerns presents George Lorio’s sculptures, which use social engagement to spark dialogue around ecological loss, particularly deforestation and climate decline. While the works may initially suggest a trompe l’œil quality, their intent is not illusion but to draw viewers into deeper reflection. Through abstracted interpretations of trees, stumps, and logs, Lorio explores cycles of growth, decay, and renewal observed in nature. Installed as interconnected forms, these sculptural works highlight the essential role of trees in sustaining environmental balance: capturing carbon, producing oxygen, and mitigating climate impact. All the while, they are underscoring the important consequences of their loss. His works are an antidote to the contemporary land development that focuses more for denuding the landscape of trees in favor of barren parking lots and massive concrete and glass structures.

The 46th Annual Invitational Sculpture Exhibition
2027-06-11 - 2027-08-02
For 46 years, the Montpelier Arts Center has been proud to showcase the work of sculptors from throughout the region. The 46th annual Invitational Sculpture Exhibition will take place in the Main Gallery. To register for the Artist Talk/Luncheon, please email MontpelierArts@pgparks.com or call 301-377-7800 by Mon., Jun. 7, 2027.
