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Greetings!
Welcome to the first weekly newsletter of 2026! We're looking forward to another arts-filled year at Glen Echo Park, bringing you updates about all the upcoming programs that connect you to creativity and community. With social dances, open studios & galleries, children's theater, classes & workshops, FREE special events, and more there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Want to learn more about a specific type of programming at the Park? Update your email list subscription by checking off your areas of interest (Adult & Teen Classes, Children's Classes & Programs, Dance & Music, or Exhibitions & Galleries) to learn more each week about YOUR favorite activities!
This week, keep your body moving and your mind active with an artist discussion, dance opportunities, and more!
In case you missed it before the holidays, we've announced a NEW dance class at the Park. In collaboration with Dance for PD® (Parkinson's Disease), the Partnership will present a pilot Dance for PD® class series, meeting Wednesday afternoons in Arcade Building Classrooms 202 & 203. These classes are free for participants, care partners, and family members thanks to the generous support of pilot program donors. Weekly classes begin tomorrow. Sign up is encouraged, but walk-ins are also accepted.
Saturday morning, check out an online discussion with Sheila Crider, a self-taught contemporary artist whose work spans painting, drawing, fiber, paper, collage, sculpture, and installation. Part of Stone Tower Studio's Art Clinic Online (ACO) series, this discussion promotes dialog between local artists with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and art making styles.
Also on Saturday morning, DanceFit: Line Dancing is a fun weekend workout that teaches the basics of line dancing. Plus, it's flexible! Drop-in to any of our Saturday morning workouts at the door, pre-register in advance to grab the early bird discount, or try the 10-class package!
It's the final week to visit our friend Frosty the Snowman! Closing Sunday, this merry wintertime romp playing at Adventure Theatre MTC is chock-full of chuckles and comic antics.
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!
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FALL/WINTER
CLASSES
Register Today!
| Visit our website for information on registering. Learn more >> | | | | |
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PRIVATE RENTALS
Now Booking 2026 & 2027
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Special Discount for Select 2026 Dates!
Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park
| Planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or birthday celebration in the Spring? Many great dates are still available! Book a private rental in the Bumper Car Pavilion any available date between January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 and mention the code [Spring2026] to receive a 10% discount. View the Venue Availability Calendar >> | The Bumper Car Pavilion must be booked by February 14, 2026 to receive the discount. | | | | | | |
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.
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VIENNESE WALTZ* with Dance Sport Endurance
January 10 | 2:30pm - 5:00pm | Spanish Ballroom
Learn basics of social Viennese Waltz in this workshop with Todd and Migle which includes lessons and supervised and assisted dancing. Schedule: 2:30pm - 2:45pm Warm-up | 2:45pm - 4:15pm Lesson | 4:15pm - 5:00pm Social Viennese Waltz Dancing.
Learn More >>
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BALLROOM DANCE* with Ballroom Time
January 11 | 2:45pm - 6:00pm | Ballroom Back Room
Ballroom Time presents a ballroom dance in the heated Ballroom Back Room on Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2026. A beginner lesson in slow waltz will take place at 2:45pm, followed by dancing to live music by The Janet Paulsen Band from 3:30pm - 4:45pm and dancing to DJ music until 6:00pm.
Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>
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THIS WEEK: AT-A-GLANCE
DANCE FOR PD® | FOLK DANCE* & Chocolate Party with Dancing Planet | BLUES DANCE* with Capital Blues | CONTRA DANCE & OCCASIONAL SQUARES* with Friday Night Dancers| BALBOA* with Gottaswing | DANCEFIT: LINE DANCING | VIENNESE WALTZ* with Dance Sport Endurance | SWING DANCE* with Gottaswing | ZOUK* with District Zouk | BARN DANCE* with Folklore Society of Greater Washington | BALLROOM DANCE* with Ballroom Time | TANGO/MILONGA* 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
View the full dance calendar >>
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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 >>
| | | | | | 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 | | | |
Stone Carving Thursdays 1/15 - 1/29
Begins January 15 | Thursdays @ 11:00am - 1:00pm | Stone Carving Yurt
This relaxed introduction to the basic tools and techniques of three-dimensional stone carving, from roughing out to finishing the stone, is designed for beginners. The instructor works individually with each student, teaching the direct-carving method. Cost of carving stone is payable to the instructor.
More info: 410.903.5474; nizetteb@gmail.com. Minimum age 18. 3 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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Flamenco Dancing with Fans (Pericon)
Begins January 17 | Saturdays @ 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Hall of Mirrors
In this class the student will be introduced to the technique of one of the most beautiful flamenco complements/props, the pericón (flamenco fan). Flamenco dance incorporates many complements/props each with their own technique. This will be the second of a series of classes geared at introducing the flamenco dance student to the most commonly used complements, the technique for their use and a short choreography with it. While some prior experience with flamenco is preferred, this class is suitable for all levels. Some pericones (flamenco fans) will be available to borrow but we recommend you bring your own.
More info: Estela@furia-flamenca.com. Min age 15. 2 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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Working with Clay: The Basics (Ages 6-12)
Begins January 14 | Wednesdays @ 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Crystal Pool Studio
Enjoy an after-school clay class. Explore various techniques of handbuilding clay, including slab, pinch and coil construction. $20 Supplies and firing fee payable to instructor.
More info: 301.980.1538; andrle@youngcreativespirit.org. 5 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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Exploring Acrylic Paint (Ages 8-12)
Begins January 20 | Tuesdays @ 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Crystal Pool Studio
Create beautiful acrylic paintings, learn about different surfaces to paint on, different kinds of brushes, mixing color and painting techniques. We will paint landscapes, still life and abstraction. Supply fee of $20 payable to instructor.
More info: 301.980.1538; andrle@youngcreativespirit.org. 5 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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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 >>
| | | 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. | | | | |
