Though the buzz of the holidays is winding down, there’s no need to stay cooped up inside all winter. Whether you need a night out with friends, or you’re looking to better get to know your community, there are plenty of events going on this month in Southern Maryland. Here are some of the best ones to check out:

Afternoon Tea: Chris Vadala & The Rick Whitehead Trio

When: Wed, Jan 9, 2019 | 2:00 – 3:00PM

Where: Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, MD

Cost: $18 per person

 

This week, you can catch some talented musicians at the Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center in Fort Washington. On Wednesday afternoon, Chris Vadala & The Rick Whitehead Trio will be performing for their Afternoon Tea event. Expect an enjoyable afternoon of jazz music performed by some standout internationally-recognized musicians.

The Spirit of Innovation & Freedom

When: Sat, Jan 12, 2019 | 5:30 – 8:00PM

Where: Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Rd., Lexington Park, MD

Cost: $15 for members, $25 for non-members

 

This coming weekend, mark your calendar for this event in Lexington Park at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Their “Spirit of Innovation & Freedom” event is one that will educate visitors about the deep connection between the art of improvisational jazz and the innovation of aviation research and engineering. Grammy-winning jazz musicians from The Spirit of Jazz & Democracy (SJD) will be speaking with Pierre Sprey and Matt Scassero about how improvisation has played an important role in the evolution of both music and aerospace technology. Afterward, master musicians Paul Murphy on drums and Larry Willis on piano will perform a completely improvised concert, inviting guest performances by poet Jere Carroll and drummer Dominic Fragman. The evening will kick off with refreshments from Enso Kitchen and a preview of a new Tiny House exhibit as well as displayed artwork from several notable artists.

Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “The Snow Queen”

When: Sat, Jan 12, 2019 | 11:00AM – 12:30PM and 1:00 – 2:30PM

Where: Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, MD

Cost: $5 per person

 

If you’re looking for a family-friendly event to enjoy this weekend, check out the Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “The Snow Queen” production on Saturday. There are two showings to choose from to experience this classic fairy-tale production. In this exciting show, you’ll experience the illustrative re-telling from a group of hobgoblins who will take along you on the journey of a little girl on a quest to find her best friend. You can buy your tickets online to secure your spot.

Charles County’s Largest Indoor Snowball Battle

When: Fri, Jan 18, 2019 | 6:30 – 08:30PM

Where: Theodore G. Davis Middle School, Waldorf, MD

Cost: Resident Fee: $5, Non-Resident: $6, At the Door: $8

 

This month, kids can experience the fun of a snowball fight in an indoor setting. At Charles County’s Largest Indoor Snowball Battle, they’ll provide over 1,000 indoor soft snowballs for a night of fun inside the community center gym at Theodore G. Davis Middle School. This event is great for kids age 4-10 accompanies by an adult, and tickets include a light snack.

MLK Days 2019

When: Sat, Jan 19 – Mon Jan 21, 2019 | 11:00AM – 4:00PM

Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center, 13480 Dowell Rd.,

Cost: Free admission

 

On MLK weekend, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center has a bunch of great activities to help families celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During their three-day event, they’ll have art-inspired experiences inspired by King’s nonviolent philosophy. One such activity is “Celebrating Community: A Public Art Project”, where kids can take part in a public art project with visiting artist Pinkie Strothers and learn more about her nostalgic exhibition, “Childhood Memories”. In the Murray Arts Building, they’ll have their “Tent of Many Colors” activity, with a community coloring tent with all the materials needed to take part in some therapeutic coloring. Other exhibits and art-making activities will also be available, so make sure to take advantage of this fun free event.

 

Paint & Dine In Southern Maryland – Sambine Events

When: Sat, Jan 26, 2019 | 8:00PM – 12:00AM

Where: Middleton Hall Waldorf, 4045 Renner Rd., Saint Charles, MD

Cost: $50 per person, 21+

 

If you enjoy good food and creative fun, this event is for you. At Sambine Events’ Paint & Dine in Southern Maryland event, adults can paint, eat, and sip, guided by an art instructor and with all art supplies provided. They’ll also have music and a cash bar at this event. Make sure to buy your tickets online by January 15th as they will not be selling them at the door. This is a 21+ event.

 

This time of year, with the weather growing greyer and chillier, it can be tempting to stay at home. These events make for great motivation to get out of the house and enjoy your local community. Whether you want an event your whole family can enjoy together or a night out with a friend or two, there are plenty of activities to explore in the area this month.