Community Events

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center has partnered with the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter (MD) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to host this year's event at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza on Monday, January 19, 2026, Participate in service projects that will benefit people and communities in Montgomery County. Participants will also have the chance to engage with local non-profit organizations to learn about opportunities to give back throughout the year. 

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To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Pi Zeta Chapter will host a Day of Service Volunteer Site at Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center in Rockville, Maryland.

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Join Montgomery Parks & Eyes of Paint Branch in celebrating MLK Day through at a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife.

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The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

How do you go from idea to creation? In this multidisciplinary workshop, Little Miss Perfect creator Joriah Kwamé won't focus on talent or inspiration, but rather the sequences of creative and practical decisions that carry a project from idea to completion. Through a brief lecture, real-world examples, and behind-the-scenes case studies of professional work, Kwamé introduces a ten-step framework designed to help writers, composers, and producers work smarter, move projects forward with clarity, and build a more sustainable creative practice. Whether you’ve had scribbles in a drawer for years or are trying to break out in the industry, this masterclass will help you rethink how creative work actually gets made.

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The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

We’ll review numerous potential human-caused and naturally occurring hazards within Montgomery County, discuss ways to limit your exposure to those hazards, and go over the key steps of what you can do to be better prepared for any hazard. The goal of this presentation is to ensure all Montgomery County residents have relevant and accurate information so they can make timely decisions when responding to emergency or unplanned events.

Register Here or call 240-800-3745

About Washington Metro Oasis: Our mission is to empower adults ages 50+ to lead active, healthy, and enriched lives through a unique mix of lifelong learning, social, health, and volunteer programs. You’ll find the full schedule of classes on our website, https://washington-metro.oasisnet.org OR you can contact us at 240-800-3745 or washingtonmetro@oasisnet.org to request a printed catalog.

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

The Triangle Club of Princeton University is pleased to invite you to the Washington, DC
area tour stop of our 135th student-written musical comedy, Aisle Be Damned!

Aisle Be Damned! will play the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring,
MD for one night only on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM. An onsite reception will
follow. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up. More information and tickets are available
online at www.TriangleShow.com/tickets.

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

Breakthrough T1D Greater DC Metro Chapter, formerly JDRF, announces its 2026 Community Summit Bethesda. The reimagined community-based event brings together members of the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community to celebrate, educate, and fundraise for T1D research. Featured special guests include Breakthrough T1D’s Chief Global Advocacy Officer, Lynn Starr and a member of Breakthrough T1D’s International Board of Directors, Claudia Graham.

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Ready to roll like a pro?

Join Chef Thomas for a fun, hands-on sushi-making experience designed especially for beginners! In this interactive class, you’ll learn to make sushi rolls from scratch—from preparing sushi rice and selecting fresh ingredients to mastering the art of rolling. Chef Thomas will guide you step-by-step with easy-to-follow techniques that make creating professional-quality rolls approachable and exciting.

What You Will Learn:

You’ll learn how to prepare sushi rice, slice ingredients with proper knife techniques, cure fish for safe consumption, and create classic maki rolls, inside-out rolls, and hand rolls. You’ll finish with a beautifully plated sushi selection made from your own creations and gain confidence to recreate the techniques at home.

No Experience Necessary:

Whether you're looking for a unique date night, a family-friendly activity, or a fun way to bond with friends or coworkers, this class offers the perfect mix of culinary education, creativity, and social connection. All tools and ingredients are provided!

Our classes are designed to be fun and accessible for everyone, whether you're a sushi enthusiast or a first-timer trying something new. Your station will be fully prepped with supplies, making this an easy and engaging activity for team building, social events, or date night.

Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early to Check In:

You will be seated with your booking party. Guests in the same booking will work together throughout the class by sharing ingredients and equipment. Drinks are available for purchase from the venue and are not included in the ticket price. Outside beverages are not permitted.

Purchase Tickets

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This competition invites local D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2026.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, Associate Professor in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after February 26, 1996 may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Apply Here

If you have any questions about the competition, please reach out to jliu@bethesda.org.

Do your estate planning papers still hold up? In this session, we’ll review the three must-have documents everyone needs—why each one matters, what can go wrong if you don’t have them, and how to tell if yours are current and valid. You’ll also learn the best ways to store them and share copies with the right people.

Register Here or call 240-800-3745

About Washington Metro Oasis: Our mission is to empower adults ages 50+ to lead active, healthy, and enriched lives through a unique mix of lifelong learning, social, health, and volunteer programs. You’ll find the full schedule of classes on our website, https://washington-metro.oasisnet.org OR you can contact us at 240-800-3745 or washingtonmetro@oasisnet.org to request a printed catalog.

Blast off with us on Tuesday, January 28th from 6:30–8:00 PM at Kentlands Mansion as we celebrate National LEGO Day! Sip on yummy hot tea while building your very own LEGO space shuttle or astronaut. It's the perfect night to imagine, create, and have fun together in a cozy setting. Plus, you'll get to take home your awesome LEGO creation as a keepsake from this out-of-this-world adventure!

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Experience the sounds of crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes & more. Relax, either seated or laying, and transcend into a magical soundscape sprinkled with silence. Leave feeling refreshed and renewed! Please bring a yoga mat to lay on and any item that will make you more comfortable and relaxed (Ex: pillow, blanket, etc.)

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Heartfelt Pocket Guide for Self-Kindness

Turns out, being nice to yourself is more radical than you think. You're not going soft. You're treating yourself like you'd treat a friend—with understanding, not judgment.

The problem? We're fluent in self-criticism and rather rusty when it comes to self-kindness.

In this creativity-mindfulness workshop, you'll create a personalized pocket guide for self-kindness. Led by artist and coach Suzanne Wright, you'll experiment with selfull creativity practices as you build your go-to gizmo—ready to ground you, reframe those noisy critical gremlins, and gently remind you that you're human. Best part? It doubles as a valentine to yourself.

Along the way, you'll engage your senses with chocolate tasting and other samplings from Locals Farm Market. These aren't just treats—they're deliberate practices that help your brain and body lock in self-compassion as something you can actually feel, not just think about.

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Brew up some creativity with Skie Art Lounge at Kentlands Mansion! In this fun and hands-on class, you'll use coffee instead of paint to craft your own beautiful, sepia-toned masterpiece. No experience necessary.

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Join a fun and playful workshop where you will create paper artwork, inspired by trees in winter. You will use hundreds of kinds of paper gathered from all over the world, and with those papers, create a textured and unique work of art. You will rip, cut, manipulate, and glue layers of paper to an 8” x 10” canvas. Supplies will be provided.

Minimum age 14; age 10 and up if accompanied by an adult. More info: RonniJolles.com; RonniJolles@gmail.com.

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Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song "Little Miss Perfect," which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids are under a lot of pressure. Just ask Noelle, who has lived up to expectations of perfection her whole life, even as she's attempted to blend in as one of the few Black students at a predominantly white school. But now it's senior year, and a scholarship to Howard University is within her reach —if she can demonstrate leadership skills. With an irresistible mix of hip-hop, showtunes, and pop sounds, Little Miss Perfect distills Noelle's journey as she seeks to escape her small Midwestern town. Joriah's hit songs "Little Miss Perfect" and "Ordinary" feature prominently, and you'll be humming the new numbers - like "Black Girl Magic," "Malaya's Words," and "Legendary" by the time the curtain falls.

In association with Straighten Your Crown Productions, Inc.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
Music Supervisor & Music Director Patrick B. Phillips
Choreography by Chloe O. Davis
Directed by Zhailon Levingston

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Get ready to mingle and make something truly delightful! In this hands-on class, you'll create your own luxurious, all-natural sugar scrub—perfect for silky-soft skin and Valentine's Day pampering. Choose from romantic scents like exotic rose, creamy vanilla, or chocolate. Customize your blend with natural ingredients, and take home your beautifully packaged scrub to gift (or keep for yourself!). No experience needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and a love for personal care. Ages 13+

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Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song "Little Miss Perfect," which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids are under a lot of pressure. Just ask Noelle, who has lived up to expectations of perfection her whole life, even as she's attempted to blend in as one of the few Black students at a predominantly white school. But now it's senior year, and a scholarship to Howard University is within her reach —if she can demonstrate leadership skills. With an irresistible mix of hip-hop, showtunes, and pop sounds, Little Miss Perfect distills Noelle's journey as she seeks to escape her small Midwestern town. Joriah's hit songs "Little Miss Perfect" and "Ordinary" feature prominently, and you'll be humming the new numbers - like "Black Girl Magic," "Malaya's Words," and "Legendary" by the time the curtain falls.

In association with Straighten Your Crown Productions, Inc.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
Music Supervisor & Music Director Patrick B. Phillips
Choreography by Chloe O. Davis
Directed by Zhailon Levingston

Event Page

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by getting your hands into clay and creating something truly one-of-a-kind. Join us for a playful, relaxed handbuilding ceramics class where you’ll shape functional and decorative pieces using simple, approachable techniques—no experience required.

During this three-hour class, you’ll learn how to handbuild mugs, vases, and other clay objects using slab, coil, and pinch methods. Whether you come solo, with a friend, a partner, or family members, this class is designed for all ages and skill levels. The focus is on creativity, experimentation, and enjoying the process of making.

You’ll create your pieces during class, choose from a selection of glazes, and your instructor will take care of firing them. Finished work will be ready for pickup approximately two weeks later—perfect as a keepsake or a handmade gift from the heart.

All materials provided. No prior art experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to play.

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Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song "Little Miss Perfect," which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids are under a lot of pressure. Just ask Noelle, who has lived up to expectations of perfection her whole life, even as she's attempted to blend in as one of the few Black students at a predominantly white school. But now it's senior year, and a scholarship to Howard University is within her reach —if she can demonstrate leadership skills. With an irresistible mix of hip-hop, showtunes, and pop sounds, Little Miss Perfect distills Noelle's journey as she seeks to escape her small Midwestern town. Joriah's hit songs "Little Miss Perfect" and "Ordinary" feature prominently, and you'll be humming the new numbers - like "Black Girl Magic," "Malaya's Words," and "Legendary" by the time the curtain falls.

In association with Straighten Your Crown Productions, Inc.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
Music Supervisor & Music Director Patrick B. Phillips
Choreography by Chloe O. Davis
Directed by Zhailon Levingston

Event Page

Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song "Little Miss Perfect," which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids are under a lot of pressure. Just ask Noelle, who has lived up to expectations of perfection her whole life, even as she's attempted to blend in as one of the few Black students at a predominantly white school. But now it's senior year, and a scholarship to Howard University is within her reach —if she can demonstrate leadership skills. With an irresistible mix of hip-hop, showtunes, and pop sounds, Little Miss Perfect distills Noelle's journey as she seeks to escape her small Midwestern town. Joriah's hit songs "Little Miss Perfect" and "Ordinary" feature prominently, and you'll be humming the new numbers - like "Black Girl Magic," "Malaya's Words," and "Legendary" by the time the curtain falls.

In association with Straighten Your Crown Productions, Inc.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
Music Supervisor & Music Director Patrick B. Phillips
Choreography by Chloe O. Davis
Directed by Zhailon Levingston

Event Page

Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song "Little Miss Perfect," which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids are under a lot of pressure. Just ask Noelle, who has lived up to expectations of perfection her whole life, even as she's attempted to blend in as one of the few Black students at a predominantly white school. But now it's senior year, and a scholarship to Howard University is within her reach —if she can demonstrate leadership skills. With an irresistible mix of hip-hop, showtunes, and pop sounds, Little Miss Perfect distills Noelle's journey as she seeks to escape her small Midwestern town. Joriah's hit songs "Little Miss Perfect" and "Ordinary" feature prominently, and you'll be humming the new numbers - like "Black Girl Magic," "Malaya's Words," and "Legendary" by the time the curtain falls.

In association with Straighten Your Crown Productions, Inc.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
Music Supervisor & Music Director Patrick B. Phillips
Choreography by Chloe O. Davis
Directed by Zhailon Levingston

Event Page

Joriah Kwamé became a viral TikTok star with his song "Little Miss Perfect," which garnered millions of views and launched this new musical with Broadway aspirations. High school kids are under a lot of pressure. Just ask Noelle, who has lived up to expectations of perfection her whole life, even as she's attempted to blend in as one of the few Black students at a predominantly white school. But now it's senior year, and a scholarship to Howard University is within her reach —if she can demonstrate leadership skills. With an irresistible mix of hip-hop, showtunes, and pop sounds, Little Miss Perfect distills Noelle's journey as she seeks to escape her small Midwestern town. Joriah's hit songs "Little Miss Perfect" and "Ordinary" feature prominently, and you'll be humming the new numbers - like "Black Girl Magic," "Malaya's Words," and "Legendary" by the time the curtain falls.

In association with Straighten Your Crown Productions, Inc.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joriah Kwamé
Music Supervisor & Music Director Patrick B. Phillips
Choreography by Chloe O. Davis
Directed by Zhailon Levingston

Event Page