Discover a weekend of entertainment, learning, and community spirit in Montgomery County, Jan. 31–Feb. 2.
Friday, Jan. 31
Beale Street Puppets Presents Snowflakes
Glen Echo
Beale Street Puppets presents Snowflakes at The Puppet Co. through Feb. 2. Recommended for children 4 and older. Tickets are $16. The show features Jack Frost, Nicicle Icicle the Penguin, Louis Walrus and his Sardine Chorus, and more. The Snowflake Showgirls dance while the Tuxedo Penguins tip their top hats.
When: 10:30 a.m. (Show runs about 40 minutes.)
Where: The Puppet Co., Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Young Artist Award Competition Concert
Gaithersburg
This juried competition for young musicians showcases top prize winners in various categories. The competition is open to vocal and instrumental soloists ages 12 to 18.
When: 7:30–9 p.m.
Where: Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg.
Learn more.
VisArts Exhibit Opening Reception
Rockville
VisArts hosts an opening celebration for new exhibits. Free and open to the public, but an RSVP with a ticket is requested. View solo exhibitions from 2024 Bresler Residents Anna Kroll (Anna Kroll, Kaplan Gallery), nwaọ (nwaọ, Kaplan Gallery), and Kiara Rivera (Entropy, Common Ground Gallery). The VisAbility Art Lab presents work from 2024 in the Concourse Gallery. Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi, the 2024 Gibbs Street Fellow, presents a solo exhibition in the Gibbs Street Gallery.
When: 7–9 p.m.
Where: VisArts artists’ concourse, second floor, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville. (within walking distance from the Rockville Metro station).
Learn more and obtain free ticket.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Celebrate Black History Month with Culture Queen!
Wheaton
Celebrate Black History Month with interactive music, movement, and storytelling by Jessica Smith, aka Culture Queen. Suitable for all ages. No tickets or registration required. Free.
When: 11 a.m.—Noon
Where: Wheaton Library Social Hall, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
Learn more.
Lunar New Year Snake Masks
Rockville
Create a felt mask to celebrate the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and creativity. Each participant receives a blank mask to decorate. Suitable for all ages, but young children may need assistance. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $5.
When: Three workshops: 11:30 a.m.—1 p.m.; 1:15—2:45 p.m.; 3—4:30 p.m.
Where: VisArts, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville (within walking distance from the Rockville Metro station).
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Rockville
The City of Rockville marks Lunar New Year with performances, interactive displays, kids’ crafts, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). This event celebrates Rockville’s Asian cultures and offers an educational experience for the whole community. Free.
When: 3–5:30 p.m
Where: Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Rd., Rockville.
Learn more.
Pics in the Park
Boyds
Strike a pose and say cheese! Stop by for a unique photo op at the Discovery Center. Staff will provide fun props and take your photo on instant film—just like the original instant photos (shaking optional). Take home a lasting memory. No registration required; drop in anytime during program hours. Supplies are limited; first come, first served.
When: 2–4 p.m.
Where: Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Dr., Boyds.
Learn more.
Paper Dreams
Bethesda
This whimsical performance brings imagination to life through dance. Suitable for all ages, especially very young children. Runs through Feb. 16. Tickets start at $22.50.
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Girls in STEM: Career Exploration
Rockville
Girls in grades 6–12 explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers and hear from a panel of female STEM professionals. Tickets are $15.
When: 2–4:30 p.m.
Where: Rockville Science Center, 36C Maryland Ave., Rockville.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Chili Cook Off
Laytonsville
Join the second annual chili cook-off at Waredaca. Compete to have your chili crowned the best, or just come to taste and vote while enjoying a craft brew. Email marcus@waredacabrewing.com to enter. The grand prize is an extended family membership for the remainder of the year ($400 value, including 100 free beers).
When: 1–3 p.m.
Where: Waredaca Brewing Company, 4017 Damascus Rd., Laytonsville.
Learn more.