SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Southern Maryland has no shortage of free events this week, with activities for kids, families, and adults taking place across the region. From free Lowe’s workshops for children and Martin Luther King Jr. Day programs to a free DJ Gas$ event in Dunkirk, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the winter months. Stay warm, get out, and plan your fun across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties using the list below.
To have your upcoming event featured, please enter your event information on our Events Calendar.
THINGS TO DO IN CALVERT COUNTY
MLK Days: A 3-Day Community Art Event at Annmarie Sculpture Garden on Jan. 17–19 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.), at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD – A free, hands-on community art experience inviting visitors of all ages to collaborate with visiting artist Felicia Reed, observe wet-felting techniques, and help create a felted flower for a collaborative Bouquet for MLK honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of Beloved Community. Free admission; donations accepted.
Annual Seed Swap on Jan. 17 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.), at Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, 4100 5th Street, North Beach, MD – A free community event offering gardeners the chance to share and collect seeds, exchange gardening tips, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. Native, vegetable, herb, annual, and perennial seeds welcome; no registration required. Free admission.
3rd Annual Mully’s Chili Cookoff on Jan. 17 (3:30 p.m.), at Mully’s Brewery, 141 Schooner Lane, Suite 15, Prince Frederick, MD – A community chili cookoff inviting attendees to taste and vote on homemade chili, with categories including best named chili, spiciest chili, best chili made using beer, and best overall. Free tickets are required to enter a chili, but not to attend and sample. Free admission.
DJ Gas$ Live Vibe on Jan. 17 (6–8 p.m.), at Fresco Studios, 10579 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, MD – A free 18+ DJ night featuring music, dancing, and community vibes in a welcoming, adults-only setting. Food and drink available next door. Free admission, RVSP HERE.
An Edgar Allan Poe Exclusive with Leonardtown Books on Jan. 17 (6–8 p.m.), at No Thyme to Cook, 14624 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – An exclusive evening celebrating the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, featuring curated selections from Leonardtown Books and a Poe-inspired dinner prepared by No Thyme to Cook chefs. Tickets required.
Black Watermen & Oystermen of the Chesapeake on Jan. 19 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – A history-focused program highlighting the stories of Black oystermen and watermen of the Chesapeake Bay, including oyster types, traditional packing-house work, and a hands-on oyster craft activity. Included with museum admission.
Job Seeker Resources – MD Dept. of Labor on Jan. 21 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), at Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, Meeting Room East, 4100 5th Street, North Beach, MD – An in-person resource session hosted by Skillbuilders featuring Maryland Department of Labor Veterans Services, offering employment-related support and community service information for job seekers. Free admission; registration required.
Indoor Snowball Fight on Jan. 21 (4–5 p.m.), at Northeast Community Center, 4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD – Join Calvert County Parks & Recreation for an indoor snowball battle where kids bring the energy, and snacks are provided. Free admission, registration required.
For more Calvert County events, visit the Calvert County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN CHARLES COUNTY
Dome Movies on Jan. 17, at James E. Richmond Science Center, 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD – Fulldome movie screenings include One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at 9:30 a.m. and Life of Trees at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with each show featuring a short seasonal planetarium presentation and access to interactive exhibits before showtime. Tickets required.
Auditions: Into the Woods on Jan. 17 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata, MD – Auditions for the College of Southern Maryland production of Into the Woods, with additional audition dates available on Jan. 20 and Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.; performers should prepare a 1–2 minute comedic monologue and 32 bars of a song and choose one audition date to attend.
Kids Workshop: Washing Machine Bank on Jan. 17 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), at Lowe’s Home Improvement, 2525 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD – A free, hands-on kids workshop where participants build a washing machine–themed coin bank, designed to encourage creativity and basic building skills. Free admission; registration required.
Sunday Movie Day on Jan. 18 (11 a.m.–1 p.m.), at Blended Bakery, 4840 Strauss Ave., Indian Head, MD– A cozy, family-friendly movie morning featuring a free showing of Inside Out 2 with complimentary popcorn, plus an optional build-your-own pancake breakfast buffet. Pajamas encouraged. Free admission; optional breakfast buffet available for purchase.
31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 19 (9 a.m.–12 p.m.), at North Point High School, 2500 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD – A community-centered gathering hosted by the Charles County NAACP honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring keynote remarks, special presentations, and musical selections focused on unity, justice, and service. Tickets required.
MLK Day Open Play on Jan. 19 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), at Southern Maryland Paintball, 11272 Edge Hill Road, Newburg, MD – The field will be open for MLK Day with free entry, including a rental gun and mask with the purchase of 400 paintballs. Free admission with required paintball purchase.
MLK Day Children’s Book Reading on Jan. 19 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), at InstaCare Event Center, 10579 Middleport Lane, White Plains, MD – A free, family-friendly program presented by the National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc., featuring storytelling, a book fair, and arts and crafts designed to introduce children to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values through age-appropriate activities and creative engagement. Free admission; RSVP appreciated.
Mother-Daughter Class on Jan. 20 (6–7:15 p.m.), at CCSO Headquarters, 6915 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD – A free Teen Court class designed to build connection and self-confidence through movement, meditation, yoga, and creative self-expression. Open to minors accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free admission, registration required.
Jazz Night at The Charles on Jan. 21 (7–9 p.m.), at The Charles Restaurant & Bar, 417 Charles Street, La Plata, MD – A live jazz evening featuring Ricardo L. Abbot and the NBAF Quartet, part of the restaurant’s weekly Wednesday night music series. Free admission.
For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN St. MARY’S COUNTY
New Year’s Sock Hop with DJ Big Tony on Jan. 16 (1–3 p.m.), at Northern Senior Activity Center, 29655 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD – A retro-themed afternoon dance welcoming 2026, featuring DJ Big Tony, ’50s-inspired attire, music, light refreshments, and a door prize drawing. Free admission; registration required.
FNM!!! Friday Night Magic at Swords and Spoons on Jan. 16 (6–10 p.m.), at Swords and Spoons, 22599 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 126, California, MD – A weekly Friday night gathering to play Magic: The Gathering, featuring Commander play and occasional draft nights in a casual, community-focused setting. Tickets required.
Sip & Paint Night @ Port of Leonardtown Winery on Jan. 16 (6:15 p.m.), at Port of Leonardtown Winery, 23190 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD – A guided winter-themed sip-and-paint experience with all materials included, step-by-step instruction, and a glass of wine or seasonal beverage, designed for all skill levels. Tickets required.
Kids Workshop: Washing Machine Bank on Jan. 17 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), at Lowe’s Home Improvement, 45075 Worth Avenue, California, MD – A free, in-store kids workshop featuring a guided craft project to build a washing machine–style coin bank, with materials provided while supplies last. Free admission; registration required.
Meet & Greet and Oyster Scald with Greg Kolarik on Jan. 17 (1–3 p.m.), at The Potomac Gardens, 20254 Colton Point Road, Coltons Point, MD – A community meet-and-greet and oyster scald featuring county commissioner presidential candidate Greg Kolarik, focused on local issues and community conversation. Free admission.
Stranger Things Trivia Night on Jan. 19 (6:30–8 p.m.), at The Brass Tap, 44940 St. Andrews Church Road, Suite A, California, MD – A themed trivia night testing fans’ knowledge of the hit series Stranger Things. Costumes encouraged but not required — just don’t get stuck in the Upside Down! Free admission.
21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration on Jan. 19 (6:30–10 a.m.), at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Campus Center–Great Room, 47600 Mill Field Drive, St. Mary’s City, MD – A campus-wide prayer celebration held under the theme Lighting the Way: Faith, Hope & Action, open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public, featuring a breakfast, keynote remarks, and a community donation drive benefiting local food pantries and service organizations. Tickets required.
3D Layered Papercraft Valentine Cookie Plate on Jan. 21 (5:30 p.m.), at Garvey Senior Activity Center, 23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown, MD – A hands-on Valentine’s Day papercraft workshop where participants create a 3D layered cookie plate using pre-cut paper and mandala-style designs, with all materials provided. Free admission; registration required.
Little Minnows: Lighthouse on Jan. 22 (sessions at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.), at Calvert Marine Museum, Harms Gallery, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – A preschool program for ages 3–5 with an adult, featuring story time and a take-away craft focused on the lighthouse theme; sessions last 25–40 minutes and sign-up is available at the Admissions Desk upon arrival while supplies last. Free with museum admission.
For more St. Mary’s County events, check out the Visit St. Mary’s MD website.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LYNN’S MUSIC LISTINGS
Friday – January 16th
2:00pm – Audra Keeler & Johnny Brown – The Cork Bar – Ocean City MD
4:00pm – Levi Stephens – Truman Vineyard & Winery – Aquasco MD
5:00pm – Chris Dean – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – La Plata MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Snellman’s Store & Shuck Shack – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – JT Horne – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
6:00pm – Ben Connelly – Trifecta Restaurant – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Jack Allen – The Local – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Luskey & Forrester – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:30pm – Mike Mead – Helen’s Cafe – Leonardtown MD
7:00pm – Shane Graham – The Brass Tap – California MD
7:00pm – Brandon Kennedy – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
7:00pm – Monkey Business – Water View Restaurant – Bushwood MD
7:30pm – Scoglio Duo – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
7:30pm – Joe Cox & Trace Haggart – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
8:00pm – Justin Allen – Olde Town Pub – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – Nightcap – Action Lounge & Billiards – Leonardtown MD
9:00pm – Myles Deep Band – 219 Restaurant – Alexandria VA
Saturday – January 17th
12:00pm – Steve Potter Blues Explosion – Bargain Barn – Hughesville MD
2:00pm – Brian Grumbine – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
2:30pm – Nightcap – NOVA Live – Manassas VA
3:00pm – The Motorboat Company – The Scuttlebutt – Cobb Island MD
6:00pm – Greg Barrick – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
6:00pm – Mike Brien Memorial Show – The Taphouse 1637 – California MD
6:00pm – Shawn Gomban – Bluefish Pub – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Byron Ciotter – The Local – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Hot Buttered Elvis – The Potomac Gardens – Coltons Point MD
6:00pm – The Dead Flowers – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
7:00pm – Bert & Shawn Gibson – Neptune’s Seafood Pub – North Beach MD
7:00pm – Girl Crush – Dockside Restaurant – Colonial Beach VA
7:30pm – Bourbon Decay – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
8:00pm – Mariah Jean – Action Lounge & Billiards – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – Justin Crenshaw – Cryer’s Back Road Inn – Leonardtown MD
8:30pm – Elizabeth’s Furnace – Ollie’s Bar & Grill – La Plata MD
9:00pm – Chris Dean & Matt Silkworth – Huntt’s Tavern – Pomfret MD
9:00pm – Shake the Room – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
Sunday – January 18th
2:00pm – Wes Ryce & Moe Owens – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
2:00pm – Richard Wagner – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
3:00pm – Eddie Rogers – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
4:00pm – Dueling Pianos w/ Ronnie – Ollie’s Bar & Grill – La Plata MD
Monday – January 19th
Tuesday – January 20th
5:00pm – Catey Peters – Heritage 485 – Prince Frederick MD
6:00pm – Greg Barrick – Apehangers Bar Grill – Bel Alton MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Mike Trujillo – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
Wednesday – January 21st
12:00pm – Hump Day Band – Cryer’s Back Road Inn – Leonardtown MD
5:00pm – Ryan Forrester – Ketch 22 Restaurant – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Nate Finn – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
6:30pm – Comedy Open Mic – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Steve Nelson – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
