Bethesda Row
🌱Spring Is Teasing Us — And We're Not Mad About It
It felt a little like spring this week — and if you managed to avoid the mud, they were perfect days to get out and try something new. Sometimes all we need is a small seasonal shift to push us out the door and remind us just how many opportunities there are to explore in Potomac, Bethesda, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
We were especially encouraged to hear from The Good Week reader Elizabeth G., who shared: “I now view your weekly newsletter and am up to speed with all the latest happenings in my area. So far, I have signed up for a class, joined a book club, and reached out to volunteer as an usher.”
That’s exactly why we created The Good Week — to uncover more of the fun (and meaning) in our own backyard. If you’ve tried something new because of this newsletter, we’d truly love to hear about it. Reach out anytime at [email protected]
Thanks for helping to spread the word about The Good Week. ✉️ Got this from a friend? Sign up here.
✨ THIS WEEK’S TOP PICKS
The week’s standouts — art, film nostalgia, and a hands-on cooking experience. Details below.
🎭 Gallery Openings at Glen Echo
Three new exhibitions, one walkable arts campus. Environmental sculpture, bold florals, and contemporary painting — free and easy to make a night of it.
🎬 Stand By Me — 40 Years Later
A big-screen showing followed by a live reunion with the cast. Film, memory, and behind-the-scenes stories at Strathmore.
🍝 Cooking Class: Italian American Cuisine
Hands-on instruction with Chef Paula, ending in a four-course meal. Learn it, plate it, eat it.
🎭 SEE
Openings, performances, and gatherings that make the week feel fuller
Glen Echo
🖼️ Make a Night of It: Gallery Openings at Glen Echo
Feb 21, 6–8 pm | Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo
If you haven’t wandered Glen Echo in a while, this is a good reason to go. Three new exhibitions open across the Popcorn Gallery, Stone Tower Gallery, and Park View Gallery, giving you the chance to drift from room to room inside the park’s historic former trolley-era buildings. On view: Critical Ground: Art and Environmental Justice from the Washington Sculptors Group, exploring art’s role in environmental advocacy; Secret Life of Flowers by Vicky Perry, which reimagines botanical forms in unexpected ways; and New Everything, New by Winston W. Harris, featuring layered contemporary works that play with color and structure. Free.
→ Plan your visit
🎨 Meet the Artists: Local Voices at Strathmore Mansion
Feb 21, 10:30 AM & 1:30 pm | Strathmore Mansion, N. Bethesda
Kensington-based Compass Atelier brings its Master Artist Program Thesis Exhibition to Strathmore Mansion this month — and on February 21, two local painters share the stories behind their work. Bethesda artist Janet Shatz creates vibrant oil portraits celebrating women’s confidence and individuality. Perry Chapman, a regional painter and former Dutch art historian, captures intimate interiors and landscapes shaped by light, reflection, and time. Free and open to the public.
→ Plan your visit
🎬 Stand By Me — 40 Years Later
March 14, 7:30 pm | The Music Center at Strathmore, N. Bethesda
Revisit one of the most beloved coming-of-age films of a generation — then hear from the stars who lived it. Strathmore presents a big-screen showing of Stand By Me, followed by a live conversation and reunion with Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and Wil Wheaton. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on River Phoenix, and a night that feels equal parts nostalgia and shared memory. $28–$195.
→ Get tickets
🍷 TASTE
Ten days, dozens of restaurants, zero excuses — Bethesda Restaurant Week starts today and we have feelings about it.
🍽️ Bethesda Restaurant Week Starts TODAY
Today – March 1 | Various delicious locations around Bethesda
Round up a few friends and pick a cuisine you’ve never tried (or haven’t had in years). For ten days, Bethesda restaurants are offering $10, $20, and $35 prix-fixe menus—making it surprisingly easy to say yes to Ukrainian dumplings, Peruvian plates, ramen nights, taco spreads, oysters, or a classic French lunch. Make a reservation, text the group chat, and try somewhere new.
→ Explore participating restaurants [Bethesda Urban Partnership]
🍝 Cooking Class: Italian American Cuisine
Spend the evening mastering Italian American comfort classics in this hands-on class led by Chef Paula (a L’Academie de Cuisine grad and former executive chef). You’ll learn how to fry chicken Milanese to golden perfection, build a bright arugula salad with lemon-Parmesan vinaigrette, and explore the techniques behind these crowd-pleasing dishes. The 2-hour class includes a full four-course meal. $89 per person.
→ Reserve your spot
🍺 Small-Batch Beer Night with Elder Pine
Feb 26, 7–9 pm | Whelan’s Beer & Wine, Potomac
One of Maryland’s most respected craft breweries is back in Potomac. Join Elder Pine for a guided tasting of six rotating releases — thoughtful, creative beers with real personality. Seats are limited to 26, which means this one will feel more like a private tasting than a crowded event. $30.
→ Grab a ticket
🥂 A Taste of Two Legends
Mar 7, 6:30 PM | Morton’s The Steakhouse, Bethesda
Nine wines. Five courses. Two iconic wine regions. This guided pairing dinner at Morton’s explores standout bottles from California and Chile, matched with a chef-crafted menu that moves from crab and baked brie to herb-crusted lamb, prime strip, and a salted caramel finale. A winery expert and Morton’s chef lead the evening, offering context behind each pour and plate. $155 per person.
→ Reserve your seat
🚶♀️ DO
There's something about watching Winter Olympians fearlessly hurl themselves down mountains that makes ordinary courage feel very achievable. Here's your moment.
🏃♂️ Bethesda Running Club 5K + Pancakes (!)
Sundays, 9:30 am | 4850 Rugby Ave, Bethesda
Start your Sunday with a 5K loop around NIH, then stick around for coffee and $9.99 endless pancakes at Baruch Café. Whether you run or walk, it’s an easy way to move your body, meet new people, and earn your brunch. Free brew coffee included; toppings extra.
→ Show up and run
💃 Jacki Sorensen’s Aerobic Dance
Tuesdays, Apr 7–June 2, 9–10 AM | Potomac Community Recreation Center, Potomac
Leg warmers optional, enthusiasm required. Fitness pioneer Jacki Sorensen created this choreographed aerobic dance program in the early 1970s — and it’s been getting people moving ever since. Each class blends cardio routines with strength work, flexibility, and floor exercises for a full-body workout that still holds up. Expect upbeat movement, heart-rate monitoring, and just enough retro spirit to make Tuesday mornings feel surprisingly fun. Registration now open. $99 residents / $114 non-residents.
→ Sign up
🌕 Moonlight Hike: C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls
Fri, Feb 27, 8:15–10:15 pm | Meet at Old Anglers Inn, Potomac
Spend your Friday night under the moonlight with a 4-mile group hike along the C&O Canal towpath toward Great Falls. Led by the Capital Hiking Club, this steady, two-hour out-and-back is more peaceful than punishing — just fresh air, good company, and a different view of a familiar trail.
→ Register
🌳 Trees in Winter Hike
Feb 28, 10 am–12 pm | Carderock Recreation Area, Potomac
Prefer your hiking with daylight? This hike may be more your speed. If you’ve ever walked the C&O Canal and wished you knew what you were looking at, this guided hike is for you. Led by the C&O Canal Trust, the walk focuses on identifying trees by bark, buds, and shape — the quiet details that stand out most in winter. Expect a thoughtful, moderately paced morning outdoors with practical knowledge you can carry into every future walk.
→ Register
🎨 TRY
New skills, hands-on workshops, and the kind of creative experiments that are more fun than you'd expect. A little outside your comfort zone, fully worth it.
💃Learn to Ballroom Dance — From Waltz to Cha Cha
Ongoing, The Bethesda Ballroom, Bethesda
If you’ve ever watched Dancing with the Stars and thought, “I wish I could do that,” this is where you start. Private, 45-minute lessons give you one-on-one instruction tailored to your goals — whether that’s mastering a Waltz, preparing for a wedding, or building toward competition. From Tango and Foxtrot to Cha Cha and Swing, all styles and levels are available. Introductory private lesson: $45.
→ Book your introductory private lesson
✍️ So, You Want to Write a Book?
Feb 21, 11 am–1 pm | The Writer’s Center, Bethesda
Have a book idea you’ve been circling for years? This workshop at The Writer’s Center walks you through the essentials of turning that idea into a plan. You’ll explore theme development, structure, voice, drafting, and editing — with guidance on polishing and preparing for publication. Open to writers at any stage, whether you’re just starting or refining a draft. $50 members / $60 non-members.
→ Learn more & register
🌿 Plant Bingo at 7 Locks Brewing
Feb 25, 6:30–8:30 PM, 7 Locks Brewing, Rockville
Bingo night, but make it botanical. Rooting 4 You brings a leafy twist to the classic game — play rounds of bingo while sipping local brews and competing to win live plants and plant-themed prizes. Expect quick plant facts between rounds, a lively crowd, and the chance to head home with something green. $26
→ Grab your ticket
🎨 Klimt Paint & Sip Night
Feb 26, 6–8 pm | Girls Who Paint, Kensington
Create your own “Lady in Gold” inspired by Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele in this guided community paint night. Using acrylics, paint pens, collage, and plenty of gold detail, you’ll learn a bit about the Art Nouveau movement while making something bold and personal. It’s FUN art, not fine art — no pressure, just a creative night out. All supplies provided. $50; BYO drinks and snacks.
→ Reserve your spot
📚 Plot Twisted: A Crafty Book Club
Apr 8, 6–8pm | District DabbleLab, Bethesda
A book club, but make it hands-on. Plot Twisted pairs a thoughtful read with a creative project inspired by the story — think custom bookmarks, painted canvases, or quote art you’ll actually want to keep. The first pick is The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick. Bring your favorite drink, settle in with fellow readers, and leave with both conversation and something you made. $60.
→ Save your spot
🌿FEEL GOOD
Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.
Pura Vida’s Summer Chicken Bowl
🥑 A Feel-Good Bite at Pura Vida
Open daily | Cabin John Village, Potomac
New to Cabin John Village in Potomac and already drawing a crowd, Pura Vida is a Miami-based café focused on fresh, health-forward food—smoothies, açaí bowls, salads, wraps, all-day breakfast, cold-pressed juices, and coffee. They also offer small wellness shots (think ginger, turmeric, immunity blends) if you’re leaning into a reset. Good for a small pause: a smoothie between errands, a quiet breakfast, or a lunch or dinner that doesn’t leave you sluggish.
→ Check it out
💛DO GOOD
Ways to give back, support local causes, and make the week a little brighter for someone else.
🎠 Glen Echo Park in Bloom: Gala in the Park
May 16, 6 pm | Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo
An evening of live music, swing dancing, dinner in the historic Spanish Ballroom, and a spin on the 1921 Dentzel carousel. The celebration begins with a reception and silent auction in the iconic Bumper Car Pavilion and honors The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and artist Carol Barton. Though located within a National Park, Glen Echo receives no federal funding — every ticket helps sustain its arts programs and historic spaces. $350
→ Reserve your seat
🤝 Volunteer with Bethesda Metro Area Village
Ongoing | Bethesda
Looking for a way to get more connected — and make a tangible difference for older neighbors in your neighborhood? BMAV volunteers offer practical support like rides to appointments, light home tasks, friendly check-ins, tech help, and occasional snow removal. You choose when and how you help, responding only to requests that fit your schedule.
→ Learn more & apply
🌅STILL TIME
Earlier picks still ahead — and still worth catching.
🎨 Paint & Sip with Becca — Thu, Feb 19 — a relaxed, guided painting night at Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks with a complimentary drink included.
🧧 Community Lunar New Year Celebration — Sat, Feb 21 — a free, city-hosted celebration at Richard Montgomery High School with performances, cultural activities, and interactive displays.
⛸️ Adult Skating & Hockey at Cabin John — Begins Sat, Feb 21 — beginner-friendly skating and hockey classes at Cabin John Ice Rink inspired by Winter Games energy.
🕯️ Candle & Charm Bar Workshop — Sat, Feb 21 — an afternoon at Hammer & Stain in Rockville creating a custom candle and charm bracelet.
🧘 Yoga & Mindfulness Course for Women — Begins Tue, Feb 24 — a five-week gentle yoga and mindfulness series in Kensington.
📘 Black Hill Bookworms: An Immense World — Thu, Feb 26, 6–7:30 pm — A welcoming book club discussion of Ed Yong’s exploration of animal senses at Black Hill Discovery Center. Free.
🎭 Play In A Day — Sat, Feb 28 — six professional theater companies write, rehearse, and perform brand-new plays in just 24 hours at Imagination Stage, Bethesda.
🧘♀️ Brewery Yoga at Silver Branch — Sat, Feb 28 — an all-levels morning yoga flow followed by a well-earned drink at Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks.
🍽️ MoCo Eats Showcase — Sun, Mar 15 — a county-wide tasting event featuring 100+ restaurants, breweries, wineries, and makers at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
🎭 Bonnie Hammerschlag National Capital New Play Festival — Through Mar 15 — developmental readings and a world premiere at Round House Theatre in Bethesda.
🍷 Wood & Wine: Wooden Wreaths at Oakley Cabin — Sat, Mar 21 — an early spring evening of rustic crafting, cider, and community inside the historic Oakley Cabin.
🕰️ First-Time Fusers Workshop — Sat–Sun, Apr 11–12 — a two-day immersive introduction to fused glass techniques at Glen Echo Park.
🎤 Who’s With Me? — W. Kamau Bell — Fri, Apr 17, 7:30 pm — a sharp, funny new hour from the Emmy Award–winning comedian at Strathmore. $28–$75.
🌟THAT’S THE WEEK
If you stop by any of this week’s spots, let them know you heard about it in The Good Week.
If something landed well—or if we missed a place you think deserves attention—tell us at [email protected].
And if you know someone who’d appreciate a little local intel on Thursdays, forward this along.
See you next week.
✉️ Got this from a friend? Sign up here.
🔍FINE PRINT
If you’re a local business interested in advertising or sponsoring a future issue, reach out to [email protected].
We double-check details, but plans change — confirm before you head out. All outings, reservations, and purchases are at your discretion; The Good Week isn’t responsible for any changes, cancellations, or experiences once you arrive.
View past issues of The Good Week.