October 6, 2026 | View in browser.

 
 

Greetings!


Looking for a creative activity this fall? Stop by Glen Echo Park to catch a children's theater show, attend a social dance, visit a gallery, or take a class. Let's connect with the arts this autumn!


Tomorrow night, enjoy a free concert with the Washington Conservatory Jazz Players OFFSITE at American Legion Post 139. This evening performance features saxophonist and ensemble leader Marty Nau (WCM Saxophone and Clarinet Faculty), jazz pianist Robert Redd (WCM Jazz Piano Faculty), and upright bassist Tommy Cecil.


Glen Echo Park is your dance partner! This weekend, dance your way into a Ballroom Dance with Ballroom Time on Sunday. Dance for PD® (Dance for Parkinson's Disease) continues, with free classes meeting each Wednesday in the Arcade Building. Plus, DanceFit Saturday morning drop-in classes are underway with DanceFit: Shake Your Soul at 9:30am and DanceFit: Folk Dances of India at 11:15am.


This weekend also brings two new exhibitions to the Park. Saturday evening, the Photoworks Gallery hosts an Opening Reception and Gallery Talk for Mary West Quin's Evidence of Grace. In the Yellow Barn Gallery, visit a weekend exhibition by artists L. Oblitas, F. Latapie, and A. Covindassamy, open Saturday and Sunday only.


Saturday morning, check out an ACO Artist Discussion with Alex and Olmsted (Alex Vernon and Sarah Olmsted Thomas), an internationally acclaimed puppet theater and filmmaking company based in Baltimore. Presented by Stone Tower Studio, the Art Clinic Online creates dialogue, relationships, and community among artists working in the DMV area. 


History hikes are back! Saturday morning, you can join a Park Ranger for National Parks Along the Potomac: a four-mile guided history hike starting at our Carousel and stopping at the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Union Arch Bridge, and Clara Barton House.


Montgomery History presents a free anniversary bash for Montgomery County this Saturday in the Spanish Ballroom. Enjoy games, music, dancing, cake, and light refreshments to celebrate 250 years of our county. With special guests Ben Franklin, members of the Old Line Fife and Drum Corps, and the Washington Revels, this is one party 250 years in the making!


Read on for more details about these events plus other happenings this week, including upcoming classes, exhibitions, and social dances. We can't wait to see you at the Park soon, and as always, we appreciate your support!

 
 
 

October 8 is Donor Advised Fund Day, a national giving day created to help donors put their Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) to work for causes they care about.


We are so grateful that many of you choose to support us through your DAFs. If you hold a DAF, you might consider making a gift on October 8, when thousands of donors unite in support of nonprofits close to their hearts. If you have any questions about how to make a grant to us through your DAF, please email development@glenechopark.org. Thank you for supporting us on Donor Advised Fund Day, October 8.

 
 
 

Support our year-end fundraising campaign by sponsoring a match! This opportunity is open to companies and individuals, and starts at $400. Your match supports the Park you love while incentivizing donors! Email development@glenechopark.org for more information. 

 
 
 

Featured

 

Dance for PD®

October 7 | 2:30pm - 3:45pm | Arcade Building (Rooms 202 & 203)


In collaboration with Dance for PD® (Parkinson's Disease), the Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a Dance for PD® class series. Registration is not required, participants can drop in to class anytime. These classes are free for participants, care partners, and family members thanks to the generous support of the program's donors.

Learn More >> | Sign Up (Preferred, not required) >>

Washington Conservatory Jazz Players: An Evening of Jazz

October 7 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | OFFSITE: American Legion Post 139


The Washington Conservatory of Music is proud to present An Evening of Jazz with the Washington Conservatory Jazz Players! This evening features saxophonist and ensemble leader Marty Nau (WCM Saxophone and Clarinet Faculty), jazz pianist Robert Redd (WCM Jazz Piano Faculty), and upright bassist Tommy Cecil.

Learn More >>

DanceFit: Shake Your Soul

October 10 | 9:30am - 10:30am | Ballroom Back Room


Experience the JOY of dance through Shake Your Soul with instructor Katy Baytosh, a dynamic movement practice that energizes your body, relaxes your nervous system, and awakens your soul. Drop-in to a class, pre-register, or consider buying a 10 class package to save on your favorite fitness series! Absolutely no dance experience is needed to experience this body mind connection. 

Learn More >> | Register >>

National Parks Along the Potomac

October 10 | 9:30am | Dentzel carousel


Join a Park Ranger for a four mile, guided circuit hike through Glen Echo Park, along the C&O Canal National Historical Park and MacArthur Boulevard to Clara Barton National Historic Site. Meeting at the Dentzel carousel. Please note, this hike is for the physically fit walker, with some elevation changes and sections of uneven trail.

To register, email: kevin_patti@nps.gov

Learn More about NPS Park History Tours >>

ACO Artist Discussion with Alex and Olmsted

October 10 | 10:30am - 11:30am | ONLINE


Alex and Olmsted (Alex Vernon and Sarah Olmsted Thomas) is an internationally acclaimed puppet theater and filmmaking company based in Baltimore, Maryland. They have toured original shows in France, Portugal, Italy, South Korea, Germany, Denmark, and Canada. 

Learn More & Meeting Link >>

Party Like it's 1776 with Montgomery History

October 10 | 11:00am - 4:00pm | Spanish Ballroom


You’re invited to an anniversary bash for Montgomery County! We’ll have games, music, dancing, cake, and light refreshments to celebrate 250 years of our county. With special guests Ben Franklin, members of the Old Line Fife and Drum Corps, and the Washington Revels, this is one party 250 years in the making. 

Learn More >> | RSVP >>

DanceFit: Folk Dances of India

October 10 | 11:15am - 12:15pm | Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio


In this class, participants will have the opportunity to learn about and experience three folk dances from India. They include Bhangra (energetic dance from the state of Punjab), Garba (circle dance from the state of Gujarat), and Dandiya Raas (stick dance from the state of Gujarat). These dances have historically been done in community during special events and festivals. Join Smita Khatri for a joyous exploration of these dance styles.

Learn More >> | Register >>

Opening Reception & Gallery Talk: Evidence of Grace

October 10 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Photoworks Gallery


Mary West Quin's exhibition Evidence of Grace is on view in the Photoworks Gallery October 10 - November 15, 2026, with an Opening Reception and Gallery Talk Saturday, October 10. In this show, orchids, butterflies, and the rhythm of the human heart become points of contemplation, as the artist finds within them connections between the scientific, the societal, and the sacred.

Learn More >>

Exhibition by L. Oblitas, F. Latapie, A. Covindassamy

October 10 & 11 | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Yellow Barn Gallery


Visit the Yellow Barn Gallery to view an exhibition by artists L. Oblitas, F. Latapie, A. Covindassamy. From early spring through late winter, the Yellow Barn Gallery presents exhibitions showcasing local artists.

Learn More About Yellow Barn Weekend Exhibitions >>

 
 

FALL/WINTER

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Register Today!



Visit our website for information on registering. Learn more >>

 
 
 

Upcoming

 

Zydeco Dance with Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express

October 15 | 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for a Zydeco dance to live music by Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express! Horace Trahan returns to the Bumper Car Pavilion for a Zydeco Dance! A world renowned Cajun and Zydeco artist, Horace is respected for his ability to pull an accordion and belt out vocals that will give you chills. Enjoy a beginner Zydeco dance lesson (free with the price of admission) with Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou.

Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>

Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal

October 16 | 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for a dance lesson in two-step followed by an evening of dancing to live music! A sure-fire good time for lovers of classic country, Rusty Sal is made up of all-star cast of Baltimore Americana musicians, with the groove provided by upright bassist Alex Lacquement and drummer EJ Shaull-Thompson, the twang comes from the lead guitar work of Lucas Chohany, and sky high Dolly Parton-esque vocals from singer Letitia VanSant top it all off.

Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>

4P's DC Reunion Concert with The Sean Fleming Band

October 23 | 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for 4P's DC Reunion Concert with The Sean Fleming Band! Co-presented by The Irish Inn and the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture, enjoy an evening of live Irish music and more with musicians Sean Fleming, Steve Holley, Justin Jordan, and Bruce Gordon. Beer and wine will be available for purchase onsite.

Purchase Tickets >>

Fall Frolic

October 31 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Throughout the Park


Join us for some Halloween fun at Glen Echo Park with fall arts and crafts, Trick-or-Treating at resident art studios and galleries, a costume contest, and more! We focus on the arts-y & crafts-y more than the scary, but we love to see all the costumes—even the scary ones!

Learn More >> | RSVP (Preferred, not required) >>

 

PRIVATE RENTALS

at Glen Echo Park

Host your next corporate gathering, wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, birthday celebration, retirement party, or family reunion at Glen Echo Park!

 

Social Dance

 

Our fun and affordable social dances are open to the public with no prior experience or partner required. When we say we offer something for everyone, we're not kidding! Styles range from folk, blues, and contra to waltz, swing, tango and ballroom ... and more!


New dancers are always welcome, and a pre-dance, introductory lesson is included with admission. Most dances feature live music by renowned local and national bands.

FEATURED DANCES

BALLROOM DANCE with Ballroom Time

October 11 | 2:45pm - 6:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Ballroom Time presents a ballroom dance in the Ballroom Back Room on Sunday afternoon, October 11, 2026. A beginner lesson in Ballroom-style Tango will take place at 2:45pm. Music by DJ Broomtime (our volunteers) from 3:30pm until 6:00pm.

Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>


View upcoming Ballroom Workshops >>

 
 

THIS WEEK: AT-A-GLANCE


DANCE FOR PD® | FOLK DANCE* with Dancing Planet | BLUES DANCE* with Capital Blues | CONTRA DANCE & OCCASIONAL SQUARES* with Friday Night Dancers | BALBOA DANCE* with Gottaswing | DANCEFIT: SHAKE YOUR SOUL | DANCEFIT: FOLK DANCES OF INDIA | SWING DANCE* with Gottaswing | BARN DANCE* with Folklore Society of Greater Washington | BALLROOM DANCE* with Ballroom Time | TANGO DANCE* with Tango Brillante


*Includes beginner lesson & social dance


KEY:

bold = Partnership-presented social dance or class/workshop

italics = Dance class/workshop (no social dance)

underline= Free for all ages or free for kids

View the full dance calendar >>

 

Want to dance for FREE?

Volunteer for Partnership Dances!

We need volunteers at many of our dances! Volunteer for one hour, to either help set up or break down for a dance or event, and gain free admission to the dance or event! To volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@glenechopark.org | Learn More >>

 

Classes & Workshops

 

Glen Echo Park is your go-to place for classes & camps in visual arts, dance, music, and more! We offer a wide array of classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults, as well as camps for children & teens. We also present nature & aquatic life programs for kids.

 

FEATURED ADULT & TEEN CLASSES

Wooly Sheep Needle Felting Workshop

October 21 (one day) | Wednesday @ 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Arcade Building Room 201


Join us in making some fun and fuzzy needle felted sheep! Needle felting uses a barbed “needle” to felt loose wool into any shape you want. The samples are about 2” in height. Instructor will provide take-home kits, with all tools and materials needed. This class is designed for participants of all levels, from absolute beginners to experienced makers. Due to the nature of the craft, hand dexterity is required. $25 materials fee due at workshop.

More info: ShannonWestrum@gmail.com; Jessewestrum@gmail.com. Minimum age 14. 1 session.

Learn More & Register >>

Josephine Knot Basket Workshop

October 22 (one day) | Thursdays @ 10:00am - 4:00pm | Arcade Building Rooms 202 & 203


Discover the art of traditional weaving in this hands-on workshop. You’ll be guided through the process of creating a Knot Basket from start to finish, blending timeless

craftsmanship with practical utility. Learn the techniques to build a sturdy, beautiful basket from the top down. These baskets feature an elegant design and versatile size (approximately 10” wide x 8” deep). This workshop is designed for weavers of all levels, from absolute beginners to experienced makers. Due to the nature of the craft, hand dexterity is required. We provide all tools and materials – just bring yourself! $25 materials fee due at workshop.

More info: ShannonWestrum@gmail.com; Jessewestrum@gmail.com. Minimum age 14. 1 session.

Learn More & Register >>

Appalachian Clogging

Begins October 23 | Fridays @ 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Join Footworks’ Director, Marsha Searle, for a class rooted in the rich traditions of the Appalachian Mountains with this uniquely American percussive dance. No prior knowledge required. Skill level: Beginning/Intermediate. Leather soled shoes recommended. After Clogging, you can head right over to the Contra Dance with the Friday Night Dancers, where you can show off your new steps!

More Info: office@footworks.org. Minimum age 15. 3 sessions. 

Learn More & Register >>

Business of Art 2.0: Scaling Your Creative Career Workshop

October 23 (one day) | Friday @ 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Arcade Building Room 303


This advanced workshop is tailored for established artists who have a website, have sold work, and are ready to become more confident, organized, and strategic in the business side of their practice. In this hands-on session, the artist will develop a realistic financial plan, identify profitable revenue streams, strengthen bookkeeping habits, and review contracts. Sales strategies, creating artful products, and building a personalized year-end plan to maximize the holiday season will also be examined.

More info: jen@jkb-art.com. Minimum age 18. 1 session. 

Learn More & Register >>

CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES

See Children’s Programs section below for Featured Children & Teen Classes and Workshops.

Children's Classes >>

 

Exhibitions & Galleries

 
 
 

Popcorn Gallery >>

The Deconstructed Cathedral: A Celebration of Cathedral Arts 

Curated and Presented by the Sculpture Studio at Glen Echo Park

October 3 - November 1, 2026

Saturdays & Sundays, 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Stone Tower Gallery >>

Michèle Colburn: The Contours of Remembrance

October 3 - November 1, 2026

Saturdays & Sundays, 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Park View Gallery >>

Asia Anderson & Lizzie Brown

Inherited Threads

October 3 - October 31, 2026

Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Lauri Hafvenstein: Magic Staircase

In the Arcade Building staircase between Popcorn Gallery and the Puppet Co.

Learn More >>

 

Art Glass Center >> Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Glen Echo Pottery Gallery >> Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm

Photoworks >> Thursday: 11:00am - 2:00pm Saturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Mary West Quin, Evidence of Grace, October 10 - November 15, 2026

Opening Reception and Gallery Talk: Saturday, October 10, 4:00pm - 6:00pm 

The Sculpture Studio >> Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 11:00am – 2:00pm

or by appointment, nizetteb@gmail.com

SilverWorks Gallery >> Thursday - Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm

Stone Tower Studio >> Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm or by appointment, 301.634.5379

J. Jordan Bruns, Garden Variety

Yellow Barn Gallery >> Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Exhibition by L. Oblitas, F. Latapie, A. Covindassamy, October 10 & 11, 2026

 

Children's Programs

 

CHILDREN'S THEATER

Tiny Tots

Ongoing | the Puppet Co.


Designed for children 18 months to 4 years old, ongoing Tiny Tots shows offer a viewing atmosphere especially suited for young theatre patrons. All Tiny Tots shows feature: 30 minute runtime, no dark room, no loud noises, and open theater doors.

Purchase Tickets >>

Beatrice Likes the Dark

October 2 - November 1 | Adventure Theatre MTC


From the acclaimed children’s book by April Genevieve Tucholke, Beatrice Likes the Dark is an imaginative production that blends magic, music, shadow play, and heartfelt storytelling in a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection. When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. Overflowing with wonder, humor, and theatrical ingenuity, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a luminous reminder that families—and communities—shine brightest when every voice belongs.

Purchase Tickets >>

Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure

October 3 - November 3 | the Puppet Co.


The Helen Hayes nominated favorite from Ingrid&Mollie returns! When Jennie receives a Halloween card that calls her a scary cat, she feels like she's been put in a box. Does she have to be scary? Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving. Who will Jennie choose to be? This show features cuddly puppets, audience interaction, and all original music. 

Purchase Tickets >>

 

CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES

Let your child spark their creativity and develop their artistic skills in a fun, non-competitive environment!

Learn More About Children's Classes >>

Spooky Spiders, Bats & Spirits - Parent & Child Workshop (Ages 5-12) 

October 18 (one day) | Sunday @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Crystal Pool Studio


What would Halloween be without a few spiders and spirits? Both the parent and child will create long-lasting 3-D characters that hang and crawl to surprise your guests on Halloween. Tuition covers one adult/child pair. $20 supply fee payable to the instructor at the workshop. Additional participant registration is $50 with a $10 supply fee. Please contact the registrar’s office at 301.634.2255 to register an additional participant.

More info: 301.980.1538; andrle@youngcreativespirit.org. 1 session.

Learn More & Register >>

Wheel Teen Tuesday (Ages 13-18)

Begins October 27 | Tuesdays @ 4:00pm - 6:0pm | Large Pottery Yurt


A basic introduction to the potter’s wheel: wedging, centering, throwing and decorating techniques. Glazed and unglazed formats will be explored. Free expression is encouraged in both functional and nonfunctional ware. This class is for students attending Middle and High School and beginners are welcome. Teen classes do not include open studio hours. Tuition includes tools and supplies.

More info: margetgepottery@gmail.com. Minimum age 13. 6 sessions.  

Learn More & Register >>

 
 
 

Glen Echo Park Aquarium


Learn about the creatures that inhabit the Chesapeake Bay and beyond through interactive exhibits, knowledgable educators, and a dynamic space. Timed entry creates a personalized learning environment, guaranteeing an in-depth experience for all who visit.

Learn More >>


Book a Visit

Timed entry daily between 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tickets are $10 per person for all visitors ages 2 & up.


Kids Story Time

Thursdays at 11:00am

Gather in the aquarium to read a few ocean picture books each week! All ages welcome; timed entry is required.

 
 
 

Praline Cafe

Monday - Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

*open for dances and special events beyond these hours*


Stop by Praline, located in the Spanish Ballroom wing closest to the playground, for sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and drinks! More Information >>

 
 
 
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The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and also by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (creativemoco.com). All programs are produced in cooperation with the National Park Service and Montgomery County, Maryland.