MCPS has shared that starting Saturday, February 1, free tickets will be available for the 11th annual MCPS Dance Showcase, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, at James Hubert Blake High School (300 Norwood Rd. Silver Spring, MD). In the event of snow, the showcase will be postponed to Monday, February 10.
By Ben Shlesinger, MCS Panda Correspondent
Xiao Qi Ji, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian left the National Zoo more than a year ago, and ursine admirers were left wondering when or if pandas would ever return. Well, on Friday, Bao Li (male) and Qing Bao (female), a pair of three-year old pandas, make their public debut (more photos below).
MCPS recently spotlighted Max Nguyen, a junior at Wootton High School in Rockville, who has garnered widespread attention for his remarkable rendition of “Stick Season,” a song by musician Noah Kahan. The performance was highlighted by Kahan himself as a story on his Instagram story, which boasts over 2 million followers.
Westfield Montgomery Mall at 7101 Democracy Blvd in Bethesda will host Lunar New Year Celebrations in partnership with the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) on January 25th and February 8th from 11 AM to 3 PM, featuring cultural performances, arts and crafts, a dragon parade, and guest appearances by Netflix’s Love is Blind DC stars Taylor Krause and Garrett Josemans (January 25 only).
The City of Gaithersburg is presenting its inaugural Gaithersburg Film Festival. “Celebrating the City’s rich diversity. Recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, this festival reflects that spirit by promoting a vibrant array of cultures, identities, and perspectives.”
Pike & Rose is launching PIKEkids– Monthly Kids’ Activities at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda. “Bring the little ones and enjoy a day of creativity and connection. There is something new every to enjoy on the last Saturday of every month.”
Are fellow parents feeling the pressure of having to schedule an entire summer’s worth of camp six months in advance? Well, if that sounds like you then you might want to check out Planuary. The PTA at Oakland Terrace Elementary School is holding its first annual summer camp fair on Sunday, January 19 from 9-12.
The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts & Recreation Corporation (G-PARC) Arts & Culture Alliance, in conjunction with the City of Gaithersburg’s Stormwater Management Program & Cultural Events & Services Division, have announced the 2025 Storm Drain Art Contest, designed to bring attention to the importance of protecting our Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“Beverly Hills, 90210” was a wildly popular television series that debuted in 1990, influencing pop culture by portraying the lives of affluent teenagers in Southern California, tackling issues such as relationships, identity, and social challenges. The show was created by Montgomery County native Darren Star and it was almost called Potomac 20854.
On January 20, 2023 The Give A Hoot Comedy Club opened in Gaithersburg (16143 Shady Grove Rd.), making it the first full-time comedy club in Montgomery County. It began with a mission “Comedy For the Community”, raising money for non-profit organizations in the county through comedy. The club, which was founded by Irwin Weinstein, Ken Watter and Courtland Shaffer-Kelly, raised over $30,000 for local non-profits in 2024 (video of the experience can be seen below).