BY NAOMI HARRIS — School is still weeks away, the weather is warm, and the sunscreen is in the bag. With so much to do around the Hyattsville area, both kids and parents have a number of fun options to enjoy this summer. Here’s a list of activities take part in throughout the summery months.
Have a summer event to add to this list? Email webmaster@hyattsvillelife.com.
A Hyattsville tradition, the Summer Jam Series, is back and hosting great talents like before. The nightly events also offers a selection of food, beer and wine garden, a moon bounce and Mandy the Clown. It is free of charge and a fun way to celebrate the weekend. Check out the website to see the schedule of musicians set to perform.
Location: Municipal Building at 4310 Gallatin Street
Date: Aug. 14, Sept. 11 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
The City of Hyattsville recently announced the return production of Romeo & Juliet by the Prince George’s Summer Shakespeare Festival. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and baskets for a picnic to see the beloved and tragic love story. The performance is scheduled for a number of local areas but the team will host a show at Magruder Park so check out the website for more dates.
Location: Magruder Park 40th Avenue & Hamilton Street
Date: July 24 (7:30 p.m.)
National Night Out Against Crime
The City of Hyattsville is participating in the National Night Out Against Crime again this year, along with 15,000 other events. According to the city, the event “connects neighbors and promotes police-community partnerships.” The event is free an includes moonbounces, a DJ, free snow cones and cotton candy, K-9 demonstrations, Mandy the Clown, face paining, crafts, Arrow Bicycle bike safety course (bring your bike!), and a Take Back the Night walk through the neighborhood.
Location: Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson Street
Date: Aug. 4 (6 to 9 p.m.)
What sounds better than a family picnic with sounds of local talent for entertainment? This summer Jazz on the Lawn, located in Riverdale, will host three jazz sessions for free and people are welcome to bring blankets and food. It is open to all ages so feel free to bring family or friends for a night of jazz.
Location: Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park 20737
Date: July 25, Aug. 15 (7 to 8 p.m.)
Second Saturdays Music Showcase
Hyattsville’s Music Showcase takes place on the second Saturday of each month. Three different musical acts perform short sets as you sip your favorite locally roasted coffee. The event is free, but donations to the musicians are welcomed.
Location: Vigilante Coffee, 4327 Gallatin Street
Date: the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m.
The market not only changed location this year but brought on more vendors for the summer session. There is no better way to celebrate the summer then enjoying a fresh selection of food, from fruits and vegetables to lemonade and pies. The Market will also host health screenings so make sure to check the website or the Facebook page for more details.
Location: 3799 East West Highway
Date: Until Sept. 29 (3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays)
The Riverdale Farmers Market offers a variety of options for local and fresh food, from fruits and vegetables to European styled goods. The Market also hosts talented musicians, artisans and even wine tastings.
Location: Town Center Market
Date: Year-round (Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m.)
The Annual Hyattsville Downtown Arts Festival
See over 70 exhibiting artists, enjoy live entertainment on three stages, and eat some great food on the happening streets of Hyattsville.
Location: Intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Jefferson Street
Date: Sept. 19 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
The Sunset Movie Series at Heurich Park is a great way to enjoy the remaining time of summer. Feel free to bring your blankets in preparation to watch a movie on the big screen with no charge. For more details check out the Facebook account.
Location: Heurich Park
Date: September 4, September 18, October 2, October 16
The Peter Pan Club is dedicated to pre-schoolers and offers hands on activities and storytime for children under the age of five. It is hosted the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at the College Park Aviation Museum. What’s better than some museum fun for your child?
Location: 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 20740
Date: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month (10:30 a.m.)
Capital Fringe is a popular festival that lasts for 22 days and holds nearly every artistic endeavor possible, ranging from theater, dance, visual art amongst other events. The festival is not just open to harboring a creative space for artists but will be held throughout D.C. from neighborhoods and theaters to stores. Prices and age limitations vary so make sure to check the website for more information.
Location: D.C. (specific to event)
Date: Until Aug. 2
Since 1995 Vans Warped Tour has been a major music festival platform for new and established artists throughout the summer. According to their website, the festival helped introduce artists like Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy and Blink 182 to fans. The tour hosts over 70 artists on nine different stages and has become a icon for skate and punk rock culture. It is open to all ages and the price ranges from $38 to $45.
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Date: July 18 (doors open at 11 a.m.)
