SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Happy New Year! Whether you’re kicking off 2026 with a beachside moon howl, creative workshops or a family game of bingo, the first full week of January offers a fresh start full of local fun. From fruitcake tosses and book clubs to Pokémon socials, there’s something for every age and interest across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.
To have your upcoming event featured, please enter your event information on our Events Calendar.
THINGS TO DO IN CALVERT COUNTY
First Fossil Friday! on Jan. 2 (1 to 4:30 p.m.), at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Bring your fossil finds from Calvert Cliffs or other local sites to be identified by experts. Identification is free; ticket required for museum exhibits.
Dungeons & Dragons on Jan. 3 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), at Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick, MD – Join a Dungeon Master to learn and play the magical world of D&D with pre-made characters in this beginner-friendly RPG session. Free admission; registration required.
Fruitcake Toss on Jan. 3 (4 to 5 p.m.), at Mully’s Taproom, 141 Schooner Lane, Prince Frederick, MD – Channel your post-holiday energy by tossing a fruitcake for distance and a chance to win beer-themed prizes. Fruitcake provided or bring your own. Free admission.
Beach Full Moon Hike on Jan. 3 (4:30 to 6 p.m.), at Flag Ponds Nature Park, 1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, Lusby, MD – Evening hike to the beach to view the first full moon of the year with naturalist Gene Groshon. Not stroller-friendly. Ticket required.
Community Moon Howl on Jan. 3 (5 p.m.), at North Beach Boardwalk, 9023 Bay Avenue, North Beach, MD – Celebrate the first full moon of the year with a group howl on the bay, led by costumed pack leaders. Come dressed for fun with glow sticks, LED gear, and moon-themed flair. Free admission.
Tween Night: Balloon Olympics on Jan. 7 (6–7 p.m.), at Calvert Library Southern Branch, 13920 H.G. Trueman Rd, Solomons, MD – Tweens ages 8–12 are invited to play balloon-based games and enjoy fun activities during this themed night of friendly competition. Free admission; registration required.
Tea and True Tales: Code Name Hélène on Jan. 7 (2 to 3 p.m.), at Calvert Library Southern Branch, 13920 H.G. Trueman Road, Solomons, MD – Enjoy tea and treats while discussing Ariel Lawhon’s gripping World War II novel based on the real-life exploits of spy Nancy Wake. Free admission; registration required.
Gaming Gathering – Pokémon Social on Jan. 8 (4:45 to 5:45 p.m.), at Northeast Community Center, 4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach, MD – Kids ages 6 to 12 can connect with fellow gamers, share Pokémon cards, and chat about their favorite games like Minecraft and Roblox. Free admission; preregistration encouraged.
Cooking with Cast Iron on Jan. 8 (6 to 8 p.m.), at No Thyme to Cook, 14624 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons, MD – Learn how to cook and care for cast iron cookware in this chef-led demo, complete with tastings. Ticket required.
For more Calvert County events, visit the Calvert County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN CHARLES COUNTY
R&B Paint and Sip Series on Jan. 3 (7 to 11 p.m.), at Lamont’s Entertainment Complex, 4400 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD – DJ Chopp sets the soundtrack for a fun night of painting, sipping, and singing along at this energetic R&B-themed paint and sip experience. Ticket required.
Repack the Backpack on Jan. 3 (10 a.m. to noon), at CCDSS Lobby, 200 Kent Avenue, La Plata, MD – A school supply refresh hosted by the Charles County Department of Social Services to help students head back to school stocked and ready. Limit 2 bags if student is not present. Free admission. No registration required.
Epiphany Celebration with the Three Kings on Jan. 3 (10 a.m. to noon), at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 100 Village St, Waldorf, MD – Camels, music, treats, and meet-and-greets with the Three Kings highlight this family-friendly celebration. Children can present letters and enjoy free activities. Free admission.
Faithful Kreations Showcase on Jan. 3 (2 to 5 p.m.), at Waldorf Elks Lodge #2421, 2210 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf, MD – Meet the planners behind Faithful Kreations, LLC and explore services for birthdays, weddings, retirements, baby showers, and more. Free food, light refreshments, and vendor displays in catering, rentals, décor, and photography. Free admission; RSVP requested at 301-848-9117.
Sunday Funday Bingo on Jan. 4 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), at Blended Bakery, 4840 Strauss Ave, Indian Head, MD – Wrap up winter break with a family-friendly bingo day featuring multiple themed sessions: music bingo at 11 a.m., standard bingo at 12 p.m., and trivia bingo at 1 p.m. RSVP encouraged. Free admission.
Glass Wine/Decorative Bottle Painting at AR Workshop La Plata on Jan. 6 (5 to 6:30 p.m.), at AR Workshop La Plata, 317 Charles St, La Plata, MD – Enjoy a creative evening painting wine bottles or decorative glass with friends at this guided DIY workshop. Seats are limited to 12 participants. Ticket required.
Book Bite: Reading Through the Decades – 1920s on Jan. 7 (2 to 3 p.m.), at Potomac Branch Library, 3225 Ruth B. Swann Dr, Indian Head, MD – Teens ages 12–18 are invited to discuss books set during the 1920s and create a themed craft inspired by the era. Ticket required.
Public Skate at Capital Clubhouse is ongoing (various session times), at Capital Clubhouse, 3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf, MD – Enjoy family-friendly open skate times with rental skates available and group rates for parties of 15 or more. Skaters of all ages welcome; no hockey sticks, pucks, jumps, or spins allowed. Ticket required.
For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN St. MARY’S COUNTY
Old Jail Museum First Friday on Jan. 2 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), at The Old Jail Museum, 41625 Courthouse Dr, Leonardtown, MD – Tour this historic landmark and enjoy free exhibits and local history as part of Leonardtown’s First Fridays celebration. Free admission.
Arts and Crafts Day for All on Jan. 3 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), at Lexington Park Library, 21677 FDR Blvd., Lexington Park, MD – All ages are invited to explore a variety of art mediums, including acrylic and watercolor paint, drawing, diamond art, Perler beads, and more. Drop in to try something new! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free admission.
Family Skate on Jan. 4 (2 to 5 p.m.), at Leonard Hall Recreation Center, 23145 Leonard Hall Dr, Leonardtown, MD – Ring in the new year with roller skating fun for all ages hosted by St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks. Ticket required.
Hololive Card Game Tournament on. Jan. 6 (6 to 9 p.m.), at Swords and Spoons, 22599 MacArthur Blvd Ste 126, California, MD – Compete in the Hololive card game with exclusive promo prizes and store credit. Beginners welcome; organizers will offer quick refreshers. Ticket required.
Men’s Night: “As Iron Sharpens Iron – Trusting God in the Process!!!” on Jan. 7 (7 p.m.), at First Missionary Baptist Church, 46370 Pegg Lane, Lexington Park, MD – Hosted by Pastor Roderick W. McClanahan with guest preacher Rev. Alfred Wright Jr., this in-person and virtual gathering welcomes all men and women for a night of faith and fellowship. Free admission; virtual access available.
Get Back on Track After the Holidays on Jan. 7 (12:45 p.m.) and Jan. 8 (6 p.m.), at Garvey Senior Activity Center, 23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown, MD – Join nutritionist Donna Taggert for an informative presentation focused on post-holiday wellness tips and healthy habits. Free admission; registration required.
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 2nd
5:00pm – Jack Allen – Greene Turtle Sports Bar – California MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Snellman’s Store & Shuck Shack – Hollywood MD
5:30pm – Joe Parsons – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
6:00pm – Joe Cox – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
6:00pm – Ryan Forrester – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Dillion Bodiford – The Local – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – Shane Graham – O’Gannigan’s Irish Pub – Prince Frederick MD
Saturday – January 3rd
2:00pm – Kurt Schlesinger – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
6:00pm – Shane Graham – Pax River Ale House – Lexington Park MD
6:00pm – Mixed Business – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Doc Lohn – The Local – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – James Cornett – The Brass Tap – California MD
8:00pm – South Creek – Buckets Bar & Grill – Lusby MD
8:00pm – Taboo – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
9:00pm – HydraFX – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
Sunday – January 4th
2:00pm – Gabriel Heisey – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
2:00pm – High Fidelity Bluegrass – Elks Lodge # 2620 – Prince Frederick MD
Monday – January 5th
6:00pm – Open Mic w/ Will Benthal – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
Tuesday – January 6th
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Mike Trujillo – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
Wednesday – January 7th
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!
