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Greetings!
It's hard to believe, but the holidays are fast approaching! The Park's holiday season of events kicks off this Saturday with the opening of our Holiday Art Show & Sale, the perfect place to start your holiday shopping, plus our first annual Light Up the Carousel celebration. More festive fun is just around the corner, with holiday classes & workshops, children's theater performances, seasonal shopping, and more!
Gather at the Park with family & friends at 6pm on Saturday as we Light Up the Carousel with NBC4's Tommy McFly! Our 105-year-old Dentzel carousel will be illuminated with a stunning display of twinkling lights to welcome the holiday season. Enjoy a free hot apple cider and grab a bite to eat from Saté (Indonesian Food Truck) as we kick off our Light Up the Holidays season of holiday events and end-of-year giving. Plus, take your own holiday photographs inside the carousel ($25 suggested donation, no carousel rides)—it's the perfect photo-op for that holiday card family picture!
After the carousel lighting, we hope you'll join us for the opening reception of our annual Holiday Art Show & Sale in the Partnership Galleries. Enjoy light refreshments as you browse & buy works by local artists and leave with one-of-a kind gifts for loved ones—or for yourself! From handcrafted jewelry & wearable art, to paintings & prints, to holiday ornaments & cards, there's something for everyone at this seasonal show!
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.
This Sunday, in collaboration with Dancing by the Bayou, the Partnership presents a Cajun dance to live music from Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole. Led by fiddle player Dennis Stroughmatt, L'Esprit Creole brings you the sights, stories, and sounds of French Creole music from The Illinois Country. We'll start off with a 30-minute Cajun dance lesson (included with the price of admission), followed by dancing with the band. Get ready for an afternoon of fun in the Bumper Car Pavilion, with overhead radiant heaters that will keep us toasty warm even if the weather is chilly!
In addition to the Cajun Dance, we've got a full week of dancing at the Park! Ballroom Time presents their Fourth Annual Fall Ball in the historic Spanish Ballroom on Saturday evening. This special Ballroom Dance Gala starts off with a beginner lesson in Foxtrot, followed by dancing to live music from the 20-musician Unforgettable Big Band. Other dances include a Viennese Waltz Workshop with DanceSport Endurance and a Waltz Dance with Waltz Time. Sunday's Sarau de Samba with EducArte will feature special guest singer Heitor Presser, with Brazilian food available from The Churrasco. Dance for PD® (Dance for Parkinson's Disease) continues, with free classes meeting each Wednesday in the Arcade Building. DanceFit Saturday morning drop-in classes are underway with two types of dance and two time options, including DanceFit: Shake Your Soul and DanceFit: Line Dancing.
Beyond the Holiday Art Show & Sale, art enthusiasts can also visit the Yellow Barn Gallery to view a weekend exhibition by Ann Schlesinger, open Saturday & Sunday only! Plus. tune in Saturday morning to an ACO Artist Discussion with Francine Haskins, a mixed media fiber artist specializing in soft sculpture dolls and quilts.
This Saturday, the Puppet Co. presents a whimsical, one-day performance: Traveling Menagerie of Mythical Beasts & Magical Creatures. Step right up and see the majestic Phoenix! Observe with awe a Dragon, right before your very eyes! Gaze in wonder at a Gryphon! But do not make eye contact with the Basilisk, lest you perish on the spot!
Enjoy two free OFFSITE performances with Glen Echo Park resident music programs! Washington Revels Heritage Voices will lead songs celebrating freedom, justice, and community Saturday evening at Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk (OFFSITE at Rosemary Hills Elementary School). Also Saturday evening, the Washington Conservatory of Music kicks off their Faculty Chamber Music Series with a performance by Esther Tonea Soprano and Madeline Jarzembak, Harp (OFFSITE at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer).
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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As we approach the end of the year, now is the time to plan your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA and/or other retirement accounts before the December 31 deadline. Did you know you can satisfy your RMD requirement by donating to the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture? This is known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), and it's a great way to support us! If you have any questions, please email development@glenechopark.org. Thank you for your generosity! |
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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. |
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FALL/WINTER
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Register Today!
Visit our website for information on registering. Learn more >>
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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!
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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 WORKSHOP with DanceSport Endurance
November 14 | 2:30pm - 5:00pm | Spanish Ballroom
Learn the basics of social Viennese Waltz in this workshop with Todd and Migle of DanceSport Endurance 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 >> | Purchase Tickets >>
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FOURTH ANNUAL FALL BALL with Ballroom Time
November 14 | 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Spanish Ballroom
Ballroom Time presents the Fourth Annual FALL BALL in the Spanish Ballroom on Saturday evening, November 14, 2026. A beginner lesson in Foxtrot will take place at 7:00pm. The 20-musician Unforgettable Big Band from York, Pennsylvania will play music from 8:00 to 11:00pm. The music covers a variety of ballroom dance styles: Slow Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and more. During the evening, there will be a mixer and optional line dancing whenever a Samba plays. Suggested attire is "Cocktail Fancy."
Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>
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SARAU DE SAMBA with EducArte
November 15 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Ballroom Back Room
Co-presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership and EducArte, Sarau de Samba is an authentic samba de mesa or samba de roda (jam session). The event features a dynamic ensemble of musicians and dancers, showcasing everything from Golden Age samba classics and choro to modern pagode and high-energy carnival beats. We kick off with a beginner-friendly dance lesson, so everyone can join the fun—no partner nor experience required. This month's Sarau de Samba will feature special guest singer Heitor Presser, and The Churrasco will sell feijoada to give us the energy we need to dance all afternoon!
Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>
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WALTZ DANCE with Waltz Time
November 15 | 2:45pm - 6:00pm | Spanish Ballroom
Enjoy an afternoon with waltzing and more in the Spanish Ballroom. Live music by Larry Unger and Friends with Larry Unger (guitar, banjo), Elke Baker (fiddle), Ralph Gordon (bass). Beginner Social Waltz lesson starts at 2:45pm, included with admission. No partner required, participants are encouraged to rotate so everyone can learn and practice the moves. Live music for dancing - waltz mostly, with polka, schottische, tango, swing and more - from 3:30pm - 6:00pm.
Learn More >> | Purchase Tickets >>
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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: LINE DANCING | VIENNESE WALTZ WORKSHOP with DanceSport Endurance | BALLROOM DANCE* with Ballroom Time (Fourth Annual Fall Ball) | CAJUN DANCE with Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole | SARAU DE SAMBA* with EducArte | WALTZ DANCE* with Waltz 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 >>
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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 >>
| | | | | | 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 | | |
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Encaustic & Mixed Media Painting Workshop
November 15 (one day) | Sunday @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Arcade Building Rooms 202 & 203
Painting and collage with wax, fusing, carving, and experimenting with techniques. Bring wood support (cut to size; max 14”). Option: Up-cycle art (drawings, prints, photos). Supply fee ($35) payable to instructor. All skill levels.
More info: marcieplusart@gmail.com. Minimum age 16. 1 session.
Learn More & Register >>
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Super Soldering Workshop
November 21 (one day) | Saturday @ 10:30am - 4:30pm | SilverWorks Studio 2
Improve your soldering skills exponentially with this deep dive into making solder connections. Different types of soldering (pick, sweat, pre…) will be explored while producing a project. Soldering strategies will be discussed. Must have completed Beginning Silversmithing or equivalent. Material fee based on current market.
More info: silverworksglenechopark.com. Minimum age 13. 1 session.
Learn More & Register >>
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Visual Journaling: Creativity Workshop
November 21 (one day) | Saturday @ 1:00pm - 4:00pm | ONLINE
Spark your creativity in this lively, hands-on workshop using basic art materials, guided conversation, and eight playful visual journaling exercises. Explore memory, imagination, observation, narrative, and experimental drawing approaches while building confidence and connecting with others. Leave inspired with fresh ideas, new techniques, and a unique collection of journal pages. All levels.
More info: renee.sandell@gmail.com; reneesandellart.com. Minimum age 18. 1 session.
Learn More & Register >>
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See Children’s Programs section below for Featured Children & Teen Classes and Workshops.
Children's Classes >>
| | | The Partnership Galleries will be closed for installation until Saturday, November 14. | |
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Holiday Art Show & Sale
November 14, 2026 - January 10, 2027
With so many unique gifts, the Holiday Art Show & Sale is a great place to shop for everyone on your holiday list!
RSVP for the Opening Reception >>
RSVPs preferred, not required. There is no check-in at this event.
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Let your child spark their creativity and develop their artistic skills in a fun, non-competitive environment!
Learn More About Children's Classes >>
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Mythical Clay Dragons and Beasts (Ages 6 - 12)
Begins November 16 | Mondays @ 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Crystal Pool Studio
Learn the basic techniques of hand building clay pieces while sharing stories of wonderful beasts from the cultures of Egypt, China and Medieval Europe. With this inspiration, the young artists’ vision will expand to create their own special creatures. Supply fee of $20 payable to the instructor.
More info: 301.980.1538; andrle@youngcreativespirit.org. 4 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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Parent-Child Watercolor & Ink Nature Studies Workshop (Ages 8-12)
November 21 (one day) | Saturday @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Arcade Building Room 201
Explore the magic of watercolor and ink by painting natural objects like leaves, flowers, or feathers. Experiment with washes, fine line details, and even a little splashy abstraction. A great way to slow down and observe the world together! All materials included. Tuition covers one parent/guardian and child pair.
More info: emma.p.stevenson@gmail.com. 1 session.
Learn More & Register >>
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Cornhusk Dolls: A Parent & Child Holiday Workshop (Ages 5-12)
November 22 (one day) | Sunday @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Crystal Pool Studio
A parent/child workshop. Both native and colonial Americans used cornhusks to create beautiful doll forms. Parent and child will learn several traditional ways to create their unique dolls. Perfect for holiday gifts! Tuition covers one adult/child pair. Supply fee of $20 payable to the instructor at the workshop. Additional participant registration is $50 tuition 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 >>
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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 >>
| | | 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. | | | | |
