March 17, 2026 | View in browser.

Greetings!


Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀 It's your lucky week—from dances to exhibitions, there's an activity for everyone to enjoy at the Park. Plus, with Spring Break just around the corner, there's still time to register your kids for a Spring Break Camp that provides fun-filled artistic exploration!


Saturday morning, tune in to an online ACO Artist Discussion with Adjoa Jackson Burrowes, a mixed media artist working across printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Saturday is also the last day to visit New Everything, New by artist Winston W. Harris in the Park View Gallery. Closing Sunday is Vicky Perry's Secret Life of Flowers in the Stone Tower Gallery and Critical Ground: Art and Environmental Justice, a group show by members of the Washington Sculptors Group. Be sure to catch these exhibitions before they close!


Check out two performances this Saturday! Celebrate J.S. Bach’s 341st birthday with the Washington Conservatory of Music OFFSITE at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The afternoon includes an informal recital, a festive sight-reading party, and of course, cake! Then, back at the Park join the Puppet Co. for a Puppet Slam: March Madness event for adult audiences (18+). Getcha head in the puppet game for an evening of "sports, puppets, and insanity!"


It's a great week for dancing! March Dance Madness continues with a spectacular lineup of social dances. We hope you'll come have a ball with us at the Park 🏀! This Sunday, we're offering a multi-dance discount at the door for the Cajun/Zydeco dance, Ballroom dance, and Contra dance. Show proof of purchase for one of these three dances and receive a discounted ticket price to attend another one!


This Wednesday's Dance for PD® class (Dance for Parkinson's Disease) will be taught by our very own Emily Crews, Dance and Events Program Director at the Park, who was recently trained as a Dance for PD® instructor. These classes are free for participants, care partners, and family members thanks to the generous support of pilot program donors. Sign up is encouraged, but walk-ins are also accepted.


Our second Salsa & Bachata y más! will take place this Friday! We'll start the evening off with beginner lessons in Salsa & Bachata taught by instructors Amber Logan and Kat Boroday followed by open dancing with DJ Sidekick. This series meets on the third Friday of the month in the Ballroom Back Room, open to all levels of experience. Expect friendly faces and effortless connection!


Join us for a Sunday afternoon  Cajun/Zydeco dance to live music by Rose & The Bros, a powerhouse ensemble rooted in southern dance tradition. The band has a distinctive rhythmic presence which is based in the Louisiana sound, with additional Reggae and melodic drum tones. We'll start off the afternoon with a beginner-friendly dance lesson led by Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou (free with the price of admission!). 


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

SPRING/SUMMER

CLASSES & CAMPS

Register Today!



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

Featured

Dance for PD®

March 18 | 2:30pm - 3:45pm | Arcade Building Classrooms 202 & 203


In collaboration with Dance for PD® (Parkinson's Disease), the Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a pilot 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. This week's class will be taught by our very own Emily Crews, Dance and Events Program Director at the Park, who was recently trained as a Dance for PD® instructor.

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

SALSA & BACHATA Y MÁS!

March 20 | 7:30pm - 11:30pm | Ballroom Back Room


Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture presents Salsa & Bachata y más!, a NEW dance series, combining our Back Room Salsa Nights and Bachata y más dances into one dance! Come experience sizzling hot Salsa and the magic of all styles of Bachata in this special night of Latin Dance. 

Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>

ACO Artist Discussion with Adjoa Jackson Burrowes

March 21 | 10:30am - 11:30am | ONLINE


Join us for an online discussion with Adjoa Jackson Burrowes, a mixed media artist working across printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Every other Saturday, tune into Stone Tower Studio's Art Clinic Online (ACO) to be a part of dialog between local artists with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and art making styles.

Learn More & Meeting Link >>

DanceFit: Shake Your Soul

March 21 | 11:15am - 12:15pm | Hall of Mirrors


Experience the JOY of dance through Shake Your Soul, 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! Due to capacity, a limited number of registrations will be available in advance and at the door. Please bring shoes that have not been worn outside, as street shoes are not allowed on the dance studio floor.

Learn More >> | Register >>

Bach Birthday Bash

March 21 | 4:00pm | OFFSITE: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer


Come celebrate J.S. Bach’s 341st birthday with the Washington Conservatory of Music during our Bach Birthday Bash! On March 21, at 4 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda, we’ll gather for an informal recital, a festive sight-reading party, and of course, cake! 

Learn More >>

Puppet Slam: March Madness

March 21 | 7:00pm | the Puppet Co.


Join the Puppet Co. for a March Madness show for adult audiences (18+). Getcha head in the puppet game for an evening of sports, puppets, and insanity! Doors at 6:30pm, the show begins at 7:00pm. Featuring acts by: Sage Cassamas, Schroeder Cherry, Lee Connah,

Isabel Dawson, Jill Kyle-Keith & Katie Quinn, The Lantern Sisters, and more, with Cecilia Cackley and Kara Turner.

Purchase Tickets >>

CAJUN/ZYDECO DANCE with Rose & The Bros

March 22 | 2:30pm - 6:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for a Cajun/Zydeco dance to live music by Rose & The Bros, a powerhouse ensemble rooted in southern dance tradition. The band has a distinctive rhythmic presence which is based in the Louisiana sound, with additional Reggae and melodic drum tones. Free dance lesson included with admission, led by Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou.

Learn More >> Purchase Tickets >>

PRIVATE RENTALS

Now Booking 2026 & 2027

Special Discount for Select Summer 2026 Dates

Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park

Planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or birthday celebration in Summer 2026? Many great dates are still available! Book a private rental in the Bumper Car Pavilion any available date between July 1, 2026 - August 31, 2026 and mention the code [Summer2026] to receive $250 off. View the Venue Availability Calendar >>

The Bumper Car Pavilion must be booked by 

May 1, 2026 to receive the discount.

Upcoming

BUMPER CAR SQUARES

April 5 | 2:45pm - 5:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for Sunday afternoon square dancing at the Park! We'll start out with a square dance intro lesson for all skill levels from 2:45pm - 3:00pm. Then, caller Dakota Karper leads a rousing square dance invigorated by music from the William Brauneis Trio (William Brauneis - fiddle, Jonathan Vocke - guitar/banjo, & Dan Klingsberg - bass). The band will play from 3:00pm - 5:30pm so get ready for square dancing fun that still gets you home early. No need to worry about the weather! The Bumper Car Pavilion has industrial fans and overhead radiant heaters, ready for rain or shine, hot or cold.

Learn More >> Purchase Tickets >>

HONKY TONK DANCE with Kiti Gartner & The Drifting Valentines

April 17 | 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Two step the night away at a Honky Tonk Dance with Kiti Gartner & the Drifting Valentines, a band out of Washington DC who play western swing, rockabilly, old country and some jump blues! A free dance lesson is included with admission, led by Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou.

Learn More >> Purchase Tickets >>

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

CONTRA DANCE with Dancing Planet

March 22 | 2:30pm - 6:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Enjoy a fabulous afternoon of contra dancing in the temperature-controlled Ballroom Back Room, presented by Dancing Planet. Melissa Chatham will call to the inspired music of Crow, Morrison, and Gordon: TJ Crow (mandolin, fiddle), Owen Morrison (guitar, feet), and Ralph Gordon (bass).

Learn More >> 

BALLROOM DANCE with Ballroom Time

March 22 | 2:45pm - 6:00pm | Spanish Ballroom


Ballroom Time presents a ballroom dance in the Spanish Ballroom on Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2026. Guest instructors Paul and Diane McRoberts will give a beginner lesson in Foxtrot at 2:45pm. Night & Day Band will then play music covering a variety of dance styles from 3:30pm until 6:00pm. The afternoon will feature a mixer and some Samba line dancing.

Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>

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 | SALSA & BACHATA Y MÁS! | DANCEFIT: SHAKE YOUR SOUL | CONTRA DANCE* with Dancing Planet | CAJUN/ZYDECO DANCE* with Rose & The Bros | 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)



View the full dance calendar >>

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

Intermediate/Advanced Irish Flute and Tin Whistle

Begins March 25 | Wednesdays @ 7:0pm - 8:00pm | Washington Conservatory of Music


Combined class for advanced beginning players. Some basic knowledge of the instrument, fingering, simple scales, and simple tunes is required. Explore the rich mostly aural tradition of Irish music and expand your repertoire. Irish tunes learned by ear: jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas. Learn about fingering, ornamentation, breath control, intonation, basic repertoire and listening recommendations. Bring Irish flute or tin whistle in key of D and recording device.

More info: Tinaeck@yahoo.com. Minimum age 13. 10 sessions. 

Learn More & Register >>

Elective: The Magic of iPhone Photography 4/7

Begins April 7 | Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm | ONLINE


This class will teach you the amazing capabilities of the camera you always have with you – your iPhone. While you can take the most simple photos with this iPhone/Camera, this class will show and teach you the far more sophisticated features that can take your photos from ordinary to extraordinary!

More info: sue@suebloom.com. Minimum age 16. 4 sessions.

Learn More & Register >>

CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES & CAMPS

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

Learn More About Children's Classes >>

Exhibitions & Galleries

Popcorn Gallery >>

Washington Sculptors Group

Critical Ground: Art and Environmental Justice

February 21 - March 22

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

Stone Tower Gallery >>

Vicky Perry

Secret Life of Flowers

February 21 - March 22

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

Park View Gallery >>

Winston Harris

New Everything, New

February 21 - March 21

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

Lauri Hafvenstein: Magic Staircase

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

Learn More >>

Exhibit your work at the Park!


Glen Echo Park Partnership Galleries requests exhibition proposals from artists and curators for the Popcorn Gallery, Stone Tower Gallery, and Park View Gallery for the calendar year 2027. Exhibition proposals must be submitted by June 5, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

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

Upcoming: 2026 Expressions in Glass, March 14 - April 12

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

Closed for the winter, reopens April 18, 2026.

Photoworks >> Saturday 12:00pm - 4:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm - 4:00pm

EPIPHANY, Annual High School Student Exhibition, March 14 - April 19

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 of the Pantheon, November 15, 2025 - April 26, 2026

Yellow Barn Gallery >>  Saturday 12:00pm - 8:00pm & Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm

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 >>

Freckleface Strawberry The Musical

February 13 - March 29 | Adventure Theatre MTC


Freckleface Strawberry The Musical, based on the beloved New York Times best-selling book by celebrated actress, Julianne Moore, is a fun and touching family musical. Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles! But with the help of her loveable schoolmates, Freckleface learns that everyone is different—and that’s what makes everyone special. 

Purchase Tickets >>

Cinderella

March 7 - April 19, 2026 | the Puppet Co.


Cinderella dreams of rising beyond her circumstances to attend the royal ball. The Puppet Co.’s adaptation of this classic tale features 15 handmade rod puppets! Cinderella highlights the power of hope in this rags-to-riches story with lots of magical transformations.

Purchase Tickets >>

CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES & CAMPS

Learn More About Children's Classes >>

Spring Break Camp (Ages 5-9) Treasure Island- Wednesday

April 1 (one day) | Wednesday @ 9:00am - 3:00pm | Glen Echo Park Aquarium


Seek clues and explore the world as we try to find buried treasure! We will set sail onboard the SS GEPA in search of gold as well as aquatic life. Journey with us to explore a variety of habitats as we play games, take hikes, and create crafts from the treasures we find outdoors. Let’s see where our outdoor treks take us! Supply list provided via email. Tuition includes a $15 non-refundable deposit.

More info: info@GEPAquarium.org or 301.955.6256. 1 session.

Learn More & Register >>

Kids Salsa (Ages 6 – 12)

Begins March 30 | Saturdays @ 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Dancers/Students should wear tennis shoes and socks with gym clothes. This class focuses on the basic moves of salsa, basic step, right turn, and various solo movements called “shines.” Salsa is great exercise, while also very cultural, moves all of the body, and allows for social interaction. At the end the kids will learn a combo they can perform for parents.

More info: Amber.Dawn.Logan@gmail.com. 4 sessions.

Learn More & Register >>

SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Check out these creative Spring Break Camps for Kids & Teens:


Teen Smith | Clay Animation: Camp 1, Camp 2 Fine Arts | Colorful Mixed Media Art | Bay Buddies | Sensational Sharks | Treasure Island | Into the Abyssal Zone Freaky Fish Friday

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.


Book a Visit

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

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

Book a Visit >>


Kids Story Time

Thursdays at 10:30am

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 - midnight

*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.