September 16, 2025 | View in browser.

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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Featured

Back Room Salsa Nights

September 19 | 7:30pm - 11:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Join us for a sizzling hot night of Salsa in the air-conditioned Ballroom Back Room! We'll start at 7:30pm with a one-hour beginner lesson (free with the price of admission) followed by dancing with a DJ from 8:30-11pm. No need to bring a partner. All levels welcome, ages 18+! Save the date: Back Room Salsa Nights are always on the third Friday of the month!

Purchase Tickets >>

Artist talk: Planetary Computation: Fusing Photography with Research

September 20 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Photoworks


Ashton Reeder, the 2025 Artist-in-Residence at Photoworks presents an artist talk in conjunction with his current exhibition Planetary Computation. Planetary Computation explores how photography, layered with research, can reveal hidden infrastructures shaping our world. The presentation fuses image-making with data, mapping the unseen forces of technology, environment, and human impact.

Learn More >>

ACO Artist Discussion with Elaine Wilson

September 20 | 10:30am - 11:30am | ONLINE


Join us for an online discussion with artist Elaine Wilson. Wilson’s direct, light-filled landscapes reveal the specific nature of a place through repeated encounters with a site. She values slow looking to discover what is going on there and to find its unexpected lyricism. She often chooses sites related to issues of displacement, disruption and inequity.

Learn More & Meeting Link >>

DanceFit: Shake Your Soul

September 20 | 11:15am - 12:15pm | Ballroom Back Room


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 through a dance repertoire set to world music. Absolutely no dance experience is needed to experience this body mind connection. This class is appropriate for all levels and welcomes all movers and music lovers.

Learn More & Register >>

A Bouquet of Summer Dances

September 20 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Spanish Ballroom


Join Word Dance Theater at the iconic Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park for a delightful celebration of the last days of summer. Enjoy uplifting dances performed by professional dancers, beautiful music, and all within the elegance of this historic venue. Make it a full day, bring the kids and take a spin on the famous Glen Echo carousel!

Purchase Tickets >>

Bachata y más (Bachata & more)

September 20 | 7:30pm - midnight | Ballroom Back Room


Come experience the magic of Bachata and discover why it's the dance that's sweeping the world. Bachata, a playful Latin dance originating from the Dominican Republic, is known for its hip movements, footwork, and close partner interaction. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner. Beer, wine, soft drinks "y más" available onsite at Praline cafe.

Purchase Tickets >>

Ken Conley Mostly Drawing

September 20 & 21 | 11:00pm – 5;00pm | Yellow Barn Gallery


Visit the Yellow Barn Gallery to view recent work by Yellow Barn instructor Ken Conley. Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm, enjoy an artist reception with live music. On Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, check out a Gallery Talk.

Learn More About Yellow Barn Weekend Exhibitions >>

Sensory-Friendly Day at the Dentzel carousel

September 21 | 11:00am -1:00pm | Dentzel carousel


Ride the Dentzel carousel on a sensory-friendly day with: 

  • No lights
  • Recorded music at a lower volume
  • Slower AND shorter rides
  • More time between rides, allowing extra time to get on and off the carousel and to get settled and accustomed to the carousel

Doors will open at 10:45am, 15 minutes before regular opening time, allowing time to walk around the carousel, touch the animals, and get familiar with the setting. 

Learn More >>

Chengcheng Yao Recital: RAVEL 150

September 21 | 5:00pm | OFFSITE: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer


Washington Conservatory of Music (WCM) presents a recital with internationally acclaimed pianist and WCM faculty member Chengcheng Yao, honoring the 150th anniversary of French composer Maurice Ravel. Known for her poetic expression and virtuosic clarity, Yao brings Ravel’s genius to life with a program that showcases the composer’s rich textures, emotional nuance, and Impressionist brilliance.

Learn More >>

PRIVATE RENTALS

at Glen Echo Park

Now Booking 2025 & 2026!

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

Upcoming

Echo Arts Festival

September 28 | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Throughout the Park


The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is pleased to present the fourth annual Echo Arts Festival: a fall celebration of the visual & performing arts! Join us for an interactive showcase of all the park's offerings across several disciplines of art, as well as the final day of the 2025 carousel season.

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

Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal

October 3 | 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Rusty Sal returns to the Bumper Car Pavilion for a Honky Tonk Dance! 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 an all-star cast of Baltimore Americana musicians, featuring Alex Lacquement (bass), EJ Shaull-Thompson (drums), Lucas Chohany (guitar), and Letitia VanSant (vocals). No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner.

Purchase Tickets >>

Bumper Car Squares

October 9 | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for square dancing in the Bumper Car Pavilion! Choose from two lessons offered free with the price of admission: Intro to Square Dancing with the evening's caller, or Intro to Flatfoot Dancing taught by a member of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. After the lesson, caller Janine Smith will lead a rousing square dance along with live music by Critton Hollow. There won't be a band break so get ready for uninterrupted square dance fun!

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

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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! 


UPCOMING DATES: September 19 Back Room Salsa Night, September 20 Bachata y más, October 3 Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal, October 9 Bumper Car Squares


To volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@glenechopark.org.

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

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 >>

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 >>

CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES

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

Learn More About Children's Classes >>

Exhibitions & Galleries

Popcorn Gallery >>

The Art of the Art Clinic Online

August 1 - September 28

Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm - 6pm

Stone Tower Gallery >>

Dominie Nash

Once and Again

August 1 - September 28

Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm - 6pm

Park View Gallery >>

Mak Dehejia

Tranquil Vistas

August 1 - September 27

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm

Lauri Hafvenstein: Magic Staircase

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

Learn More >>

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

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

Photoworks >> Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Artist-in-Residence, Ashton Reeder's Planetary Computation. September 13 - October 19

Artist Talk: Saturday, September 20, 10am - 11:30am

The Sculpture Studio >> Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 11am - 2pm

or by appointment, nizetteb@gmail.com

SilverWorks Gallery >> Thursday - Sunday 11am - 5pm

Stone Tower Studio >> Saturday & Sunday 11am - 5pm or by appointment,

301.634.5379

Yellow Barn Gallery >> Saturday & Sunday 11pm - 5pm

Ken Conley's Mostly Drawing, September 20 & 21

Reception with live music: Saturday, September 20, 5pm - 7pm

Gallery Talk: Sunday, September 21, 2pm - 4pm

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 >>

Not Your Mother’s Goose!

October 3 - November 2 | Adventure Theatre MTC


A high-energy, laugh-out-loud romp through Gooseville, where nursery rhymes come to life—and fall apart in the most delightful way! Full of clever wordplay, wild schemes, magical mishaps, and heartwarming lessons about friendship and community, Not Your Mother’s Goose! is a fast-paced theatrical adventure that turns childhood classics upside down—and right-side up again. 

Purchase Tickets >>

Ingrid and Mollie present: Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure

October 18 - November 3 | the Puppet Co.


When Jennie the cat 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 >>

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!

CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES

Learn More About Children's Classes >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 11am - 5pm on weekdays, 9am - 5pm on weekends.

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

Book a Visit >>


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: 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 >>

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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.