Greetings!
Summer is coming to a close, but the fun doesn't stop at Glen Echo Park! There are still two weekends left to grab a ride on our historic Dentzel carousel before it closes for the 2025 season, with the last rides of the year during Echo Arts Festival on Sunday, September 28. Save the date for this FREE fall celebration of visual and performing arts at the Park. But before we move into the fall festivities, we've got a full week of events at the Park to fill you in on!
This weekend brings a Latin Dance celebration to the Park, with two Partnership-presented dances. Friday night, enjoy a sizzling evening of Salsa with a Back Room Salsa Night. Then we'll be right back in the Ballroom Back Room Saturday evening for the magic of Bachata y más! Each dance kicks off with a beginner lesson, so you'll be showing off your moves in no time, no matter your experience level. Praline will be open for both dances, selling beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. The dancing will be hot, but we'll be cool all night in the air-conditioned Ballroom Back Room!
Start your Saturday off with some mindful movement by trying a DanceFit: Shake Your Soul class! You can drop into any or all of these morning dance fitness classes. Register early for an early bird discount or grab a 10 Class Package to save!
Check out programming presented by the Park's various Visual Arts Studios & Galleries! Ashton Reeder, Artist-in-Residence at Photoworks, presents an artist talk on Saturday morning, Planetary Computation: Fusing Photography with Research. Also Saturday morning, you can tune in to an online Artist Discussion with Elaine Wilson, presented by Stone Tower Studio's Art Clinic Online (ACO). Plus, be sure to stop by the Yellow Barn Gallery to view Mostly Drawing, an exhibition by Ken Conley, open this Saturday and Sunday only! The artist will host a reception with live music Saturday evening and a Gallery Talk Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy a modern dance performance in the historic Spanish Ballroom! Saturday afternoon, Word Dance Theater presents A Bouquet of Summer Dances, celebrating the last days of summer with uplifting dance. The performance begins with classic, lyrical dances choreographed by Isadora Duncan (1877-1927), founder of modern dance, concluding with new choreography using the technique and philosophy of Duncan.
Sunday morning, we're offering our second Sensory-Friendly Day at the Dentzel carousel, adjusting the riding experience (11am - 1pm) to enhance the carousel's accessibility and enjoyment for all riders. We'll be gathering feedback from attendees to continue to improve the rider experience.
Sunday evening, enjoy a free concert presented by the Washington Conservatory of Music (WCM), OFFSITE at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Internationally acclaimed pianist and WCM Faculty member Chengcheng Yao will perform works by French composer Maurice Rave, in honor of his 150th anniversary.
Read on for more about these and 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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Help us reach our goal! We only need $3,500 more in support of FREE programs at Glen Echo Park! | | | |
FALL/WINTER
CLASSES
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! | | | | |
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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Especial Milonga with Tipica Messiez
September 21 | 8:00pm - midnight | Spanish Ballroom
Tango Brillante DC and Glen Echo Park join forces to present the most wonderful tango event of the fall in the historic Spanish Ballroom! Tango Brillante has invited the orchestra Tipica Messiez to make their Especial Milonga one you will never forget. Do not miss the opportunity to dance to the live tangos that these eight musicians and their singer will perform. At the start, a 45 minute beginner lesson will be included. Early Bird sales have ended, but reserved tickets are still available for $65 ($5 coupon for Praline included!) by calling or texting to 240-861-6651 or 240-428-4591. Tickets are $75 at the door.
Learn More >>
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Latin Dance Weekend
September 19 & 20 | Ballroom Back Room
See "Featured" above for more information about Back Room Salsa Night on Friday and Bachata y más (Bachata & more) on Saturday.
Learn More >>
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THIS WEEK: AT-A-GLANCE
International Folk Dance* with Dancing Planet | Blues Dance* with Capital Blues | Back Room Salsa Night Dance* | Contra Dance and Occasional Squares* with Friday Night Dancers | DanceFit: Shake Your Soul | Modern Dance Performance
"A Bouquet of Summer Dances" with Word Dance Theater | Contra Dance Calling Workshop Series with Folklore Society of Greater Washington | Bachata y más (Bachata & more) Dance* | Swing Dance* with Gottaswing | Waltz Dance* with Waltz Time | Special Tango/Milonga Dance* in the Spanish Ballroom with Orquestra Tipica Messiez and Tango Brillante
*Includes beginner lesson & social dance
Partnership-presented social dance or class
Dance class (no social dance)
View the full dance calendar >>
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| | | 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 | | |
Charcoal Drawing from Photos Workshop
September 27 & 28 | Saturday & Sunday @ 2:00pm - 6:00pm (two days) | ONLINE
Create a black and white masterpiece in this energetic and satisfying workshop! Students use photographs of their choice to draw luminous and impressive compositions. Discussions and demos on composition, value, and charcoal application. All skill levels.
More info: m.taber.thomas@gmail.com. Minimum age 13. 2 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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Discover Silversmithing 1 Workshop
October 2 & 3 | Thursday & Friday @ 10:30am - 1:30pm (two days) | SilverWorks Studio 1
A fun filled introduction into the basics of the fine art of silversmithing. Learn how to use a torch, soldering, sawing, and hammering plus other texture techniques. Students will complete 4-5 pieces of finished Sterling Silver jewelry. No experience necessary. Follow up workshop is Discover Silversmithing 2. Material fee $35.
More info: silverworksglenechopark.com. Minimum age 13. 2 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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| Ride the Dentzel carousel |
$2.00 per ride | $5.00 for an all-day pass
Join us for a ride on one of the greater Washington area’s true treasures! Tickets are available for purchase in person at the box office across from the carousel and online. It's a piece of art you can ride!
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Exploring Acrylic Paint (Ages 8-12)
Begins September 30 | 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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Deco Arts Toddler Class (Ages 18 months - 3 years)
Begins October 7 | Tuesdays @ 9:45am - 11:00am | Crystal Pool Studio
Introduce your toddler to the world of art in this fun and interactive morning class! Each week, young artists will engage in sensory play, group art activities, and simple projects that spark creativity and curiosity. Caregivers are encouraged to stay and create alongside their little ones, fostering bonding and learning through play. This class is designed to develop early motor skills and an appreciation for the creative process. Tuition covers one parent/guardian and child pair.
More info: emma.p.stevenson@gmail.com. 3 sessions.
Learn More & Register >>
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Praline Cafe
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 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. | | | | |