CAMP, known for its unique shop/play hybrid rotating themed experience in physical locations across the country, is coming to Tysons (1961 Chain Bridge Rd.) starting this December. The experience, which is inspired by the film Encanto and created in collaboration with Disney, will transport families into the beloved world of the movie. Behind CAMP’s signature Magic Door at its New York location families enjoyed:

Inspired by the vibrancy of the film, the Disney Encanto x CAMP Exclusive Capsule Collection is also available for purchase today at camp.com/disney-encanto-shop nationwide. The must-have pieces include Isabela and Mirabel inspired Twirl Skirts and matching embellished sweatshirts, character-based tees, hats, and bags that can be customized with detailed chain stitching, colorful felt patches, whimsical rickrack trimmings and more. Make your very own here.


Per Montgomery County: The Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, a showcase of creative marching art preceding a day of food, fun and entertainment, will return to Downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Oct. 15. The parade annually features exhibits that can be pushed, pulled, carried, worn or performed—but none that is powered by motors of any kind.

The parade, which starts at 10 a.m., traditionally has bands, dance groups, artists and large floats that march around the Wheaton Triangle Business District and finish at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza at 2424 Reedie Dr. in Wheaton. Entries in the parade can be organized by groups of all kinds, and in some cases, by individuals.


The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has received over $11 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation to support the creation of the new “National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe” exhibition. The exhibition will illuminate how the development of new and more precise tools transformed humankind’s understanding of the origin, content and fate of the universe. It is anticipated to open in 2026 and is part of the museum’s ongoing transformation of its galleries at its flagship building in Washington, D.C.

“We are very appreciative of the National Science Foundation’s generous support of the transformed ‘Discovering Our Universe’ exhibition,” said Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the museum. “NSF was one of the original supporters of the museum’s prior version of this exhibition, the ‘Explore the Universe’ gallery, which opened in 2001. With NSF’s support, this new exhibition will play a critical role in educating the public about the science of astronomy.”


The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 with special programs, film screenings and an all-ages festival highlighting Hispanic history, culture and stories. The month of festivities will be followed by the museum’s annual el Día de los Muertos event Thursday, Nov. 2. Featuring a video and music installation by artists MasPaz and Guache, the event also will include crafts, performances and culinary treats. Admission for the festival is free.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Portrait Gallery will collaborate with its friends at the bilingual children’s book publisher Lil’ Libros, who will return to the museum for the second co-hosted Fotos & Recuerdos Festival. The afternoon event is for all ages and will take place in the museum’s Kogod Courtyard and surrounding galleries from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to join gallery tours, story times, book signings with Lil’ Libros authors, live performances and crafts workshops inspired by the Lil’ Libros book series “The Life of / La vida de,” which features Latinx sitters from the Portrait Gallery’s collection. The Washington Ballet will also be attending to lead a story time and salsa and bomba workshop. This program received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino. NPR is the media partner.


The Block Party hosted by REWILD, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 24th, from 11am to 3pm, has been postponed until Sunday, October 1st (same time).

Cabin John Village is set to transform a central stretch into a luxurious urban escape curated by REWILD. Since it’s the end of summer, we’ve chosen a Block Party Theme! The event seeks to offer residents of Potomac, Rockville, and North Bethesda a unique blend of botanical ambiance, gourmet indulgence, art, and activities for all ages. Key Highlights:


Per Montgomery County: Governor Wes Moore today announced a record investment in Maryland arts organizations through the state’s Arts Relief initiative. Through $40 million in supplemental funding added to the Maryland State Arts Council’s annual appropriation of $28.9 million in FY23, this record investment is helping arts organizations cope with the lasting financial impacts of the pandemic, spurring arts projects and employment in all 24 Maryland jurisdictions, and has elevated Maryland to second in the nation in per capita spending on the arts in FY23.

“Even as the world continues to reopen, we know that many arts organizations are finding it difficult to return to pre-pandemic audience levels. The same is true for artists, who are still getting back on their feet after recent challenges,” said Gov. Moore. “Thanks to this historic investment, which illustrates how much we value a strong creative economy, our arts ecosystem is poised to thrive in the coming years.”


Per Imagination Stage: Imagination Stage, the metro DC region’s largest professional theatre for young audiences and leader in positive youth development through the arts, is hosting the Arts for All! Children’s Fest on October 21 from 10:00-1:00 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The festival is a FREE, fun, hands-on celebration of performing and visual arts especially for children ages 1-8. Four DMV arts organizations are partnering and leading lively workshops.

 


Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to vote on a new art installation that will be featured at Gene Lynch Urban Park in downtown Silver Spring.  The park was officially opened to the public this summer. In January 2023, a Call for Artists was issued inviting artists to submit their qualifications and examples of their work. A panel shortlisted four artists to prepare site-specific concepts for public art that would complement the park’s green space, trees, and pergola structure. The finalists were selected out of more than 100 submissions and the winner will be selected through public voting.

“Gene Lynch Urban Park is a very high-profile, high-foot traffic area in downtown Silver Spring,” said Montgomery Parks Project Manager Linda Komes. “We had so many great submissions, and it was tough to narrow down the finalists. We hope everyone will take the time to vote for their favorite.” Voting is open to the public. Only one vote per person may be submitted. The design that receives the most votes will be selected as the winner. In the event of a tie, Montgomery Parks’ art selection panel will determine the winning artwork.


The Takoma Park Folk Festival takes place this Sunday, September 10th from 10:30am until 6:30pm at Takoma Park Middle School (schedule available below, pinch and expand). The mission of the Takoma Park Folk Festival, Inc. is to present a free annual folk festival in Takoma Park each September that celebrates the arts and the Takoma Park-Silver Spring community.  The event, which is held rain or shine, presents six stages of music, a juried crafts show, international food, community nonprofit tables, and children’s games and activities.  The Festival offers free shuttle buses (with wheelchair accessibility) to the Takoma Metro station.

All roads will remain open with limited access to the Takoma Park Middle School.  Motorists are urged to use caution and drive slowly – there will be heavy pedestrian traffic expected on Piney Branch Road. No parking from Piney Branch to Grant to Holly Avenue Parking is limited to residential side streets. Spaces will be reserved for handicapped parking, vendors, festival staff members, musicians & artists.


Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to a ceremony naming the newest mural at Brookside Gardens. The celebration will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at Brookside Gardens Underlook/Harry Dewey Terrace 1800 Glenallen Ave. in Wheaton, MD 20902 (in case of inclement weather the program will be held in the Visitor Center).

The new artwork was painted this summer by Afro-Cuban artist Osbel Susman-Peña.  Entitled “Where Dreams Live/ Donde Viven los Sueños,” the dynamic artwork is in the Brookside Gardens Underlook, adjacent to the Aquatic Garden. The mural is a memorial to the late Betsy Thomas, past president of the Friends of Brookside Gardens.  


View More Stories