April 2-27
“Bad Books”
This original play is having its world premiere at the Round House Theatre in Bethesda as part of the National Capital New Play Festival. When a mother meets with a librarian to ask why her teenage son has been given a controversial book, chaos ensues as ideals clash and the discussion spirals out of control. Tickets start at $50.
roundhousetheatre.org
April 3
Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards
Lyricists and songwriters from all over the DMV come together for this exciting night of live performances and awards. Finalists perform their original compositions for a panel of judges, who select several winners at the end of the night. It’s a great opportunity to discover up-and-coming local artists. Tickets start at $20.
strathmore.org
April 6
Sketching Memories: A Mother/Daughter Portrait Night
This event is a unique way for mothers and daughters to spend some “girl time” together. Aimed at mothers with teenage daughters, the event sees participants creating portraits of each other using a variety of provided art supplies. The reveal of the end product is meant to encourage discussion and bonding. Tickets are $50 per parent/child pair.
thehennessyshouse.com
April 10
Itzhak Perlman: “In the Fiddler’s House”
World-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman brings his klezmer-inspired music to the Strathmore at this one-night-only concert. It’s a live version of his Emmy Award-winning PBS special “Great Performances: In the Fiddler’s House,” which premiered in 1995 but still captivates audiences 30 years later. Tickets start at $28.
strathmore.org
April 11
Rockville International Night
Rockville was ranked as the eighth most ethnically diverse city in the United States by WalletHub in 2023. International Night highlights and celebrates the area’s diversity and rich cultural history with dancing, displays of traditional clothing and a menu of food from across many different cultures. This is a free event.
rockvillemd.gov/1965/International-Night
April 13
American Patchwork Quartet
American Patchwork Quartet brings together four musicians across diverse backgrounds to reimagine American Roots Music with a twist, consisting of a Grammy-winning folk guitarist, a Hindustani classical vocalist, a Japanese-American jazz bassist and an African American jazz drummer. Tickets start at $10.
mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/cac/
April 13, May 10
Sarau de Samba at Glen Echo Park
Sarau de Samba is a monthly tradition where guests can enjoy and dance
to samba music performed by local Brazilian musicians. Each session starts with a dance lesson for beginners, so even newcomers to samba dance can participate. Attendees can even bring their own instruments and play along with the live band. Tickets are $15.
educarteinc.org
April 25-27, May 2-4
Rockville Little Theatre Presents “The Foreigner”
When the owners of a fishing lodge in Georgia take in a guest who they don’t think understands English, they speak openly around him about everything they’re thinking. But this guest isn’t from an exotic country, but from England — and chaos ensues when they discover when he understands all the drama and scandals discussed in front of him. This classic Jeremy Shue comedy will be performed at the Bender JCC. Tickets start at $20.
fscottfitzgerald.showare.com
April 26
Montgomery County GreenFest
The largest environmental festival in Montgomery County will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! Join a variety of community partners for live performances, an electric vehicle show and educational displays on how we can protect the world around us. This is a free event.
montgomerycountygreenfest.org
April 27
Rockville Science Day
The 34th annual Rockville Science Day aims to promote STEM learning among families, as well as showcase the work of the Rockville Science Center. There will be educational exhibits on science and technology, as well as demonstrations and activities that attendees can take part in. Food will be available for purchase. This is a free event.
rockvillesciencecenter.org
May 3
Bomba y Plena en el Museo 2025
Celebrate Puerto Rican culture at this music festival hosted by the Sandy Spring Museum, mainly focusing on Afro-Puerto Rican genres Plena and Bomba. The ensemble music group Boricua y de Mayagüez will be performing during the event, which will also include workshops focusing on maraca making, Bomba dancing and more. Ticket prices TBA.
sandyspringmuseum.org
May 9
The String Queens
Musical trio The String Queens perform songs ranging from Jazz Age classics to Billboard Hot 100 hits, all using string instruments. They’re staples of the DMV’s jazz scene and have performed at events like the 2021 presidential inauguration and Wimbledon. Tickets start at $23.
montgomerycollege.edu/events/robert-e-parilla-performing-arts-center/index.html
May 16
“Over My Head, I Hear Music in the Air”: A Celebration of Bernice Johnson Reagon
Bernice Johnson Reagon was a founding member of the Freedom Singers, a civil rights activist and an accomplished composer. While she passed in summer 2024, this event brings together musicians, poets and scholars who were inspired by her work to perform it and honor her memory. Presented by Wise Reagon Arts and Strathmore. Tickets start at $28.
strathmore.org
May 17
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Calling all bookworms, this event is for you! This annual celebration is set to feature over 100 authors across genres who will be participating in panels, Q&As and book signings. The event also includes writing workshops, a book sale and activities for children. This is a free event.
gaithersburgbookfestival.org
