The Good Week | July 23, 2026

It’s easy to let another summer week slip by doing the same things. This week’s picks make it a little easier to say yes to something different around Bethesda, Potomac, and nearby—and maybe discover a new favorite in the process.

Here's to a good week, close to home.

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Art, music, performances, and a few reasons to spend the evening out.

Settle in for a free evening of live music as eight-piece D.C. band King Soul brings the energy of old-school Southern soul to Glen Echo Park.

The band pairs powerful vocals with a full horn section, original songs, and a few familiar favorites. Dancing is welcome, and beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase. Seating is limited, so bring a folding chair. The concert takes place rain or shine, and RSVPs are preferred but not required. Free.
👉 Plan your evening at Glen Echo Park

Spend Friday evening outside with Rise Band & Show, a lively six-piece party band known for Motown, soul, funk, classic oldies, and jazz.

The free concert takes place at the corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo avenues, with plenty of nearby options for dinner or drinks before, during, or after the music.
👉 Plan your evening in downtown Bethesda [BUP]

Spend the evening with Dilemma Comedy for a fast-moving mix of standup, improv, musical comedy, and trivia led by Weirder Theater.

The lineup features local DMV performers, including musical comedy, guest characters, and audience-driven games. Doors open at 7:30 pm, and tickets include beer, wine, and snacks; guests may also bring their own drinks. Tickets from $17.85
👉 Get tickets for Kensington Comedy Hour

We're excited to introduce another local theater company to The Good Week. Ovations Theatre has been producing ambitious musicals in the region for more than a decade and now calls The Harriet in Gaithersburg home.

Its Summerstock production of The Rocky Horror Show follows Brad and Janet as one unexpected detour leads them into the strange world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. With iconic songs, outrageous characters, campy humor, and plenty of theatrical flair, it's easy to see why this cult classic has remained a fan favorite for decades.
👉 Get tickets for The Rocky Horror Show

Food experiences, tastings, and classes that make the week revolve around something delicious

Stop by Norman’s Farm Market’s weekly pop-up for locally grown fruits and vegetables brought in from its 60-acre farm.

The family-run market has served the Washington area for nearly four decades, growing from roadside produce stands into a regional source for fresh seasonal food. Shoppers can visit the market without joining the CSA, while members can pick up their weekly shares on the plaza near Capital One Bank.
👉 Shop the pop-up market or sign up for Norman’s Farm CSA

Hands-on classes and social activities where you can learn something new or step a little outside your comfort zone.

Spend part of the afternoon watching tournament play or sit down for a game of your own with the Rockville Chess Club.

Open play runs from 4–5:50 pm and welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced players. Rated tournament and ladder games are also available for US Chess Federation members, with chess viewing throughout the afternoon.
👉 Stop by for open play or learn more from the Rockville Chess Club

Bring whatever book you’re currently reading and spend the afternoon with other local book lovers at Silent Book Club of Bethesda.

The gathering includes time to chat about what everyone is reading, followed by reading together in companionable silence. There’s no assigned book and no pressure to finish anything ahead of time—just order a drink, settle in, and enjoy a quieter kind of social event.
👉 Join the group on Meetup for location details

Spend the evening learning the basics of cross-stitch and needlepoint in a relaxed, welcoming studio setting with instructor Evan Cowan.

Designed for beginners and anyone returning to the craft, the workshop covers foundational stitches, pattern reading, and finishing techniques using modern, minimal kits. All materials are included, and BYOB is welcome for evening classes. $70
👉 Sign up for the Cross-Stitch & Needlepoint workshop

Thinking about finally learning how to use your camera beyond auto mode—or finding a more creative way to capture the places, people, and moments around you?

Photoworks is opening registration for its Fall/Winter 2026–27 classes, with beginner options in film, street photography, iPhone photography, studio lighting, night photography, Lightroom, darkroom techniques, printing, and more. Choose from one-day workshops, multiweek classes, and online options designed to help you build confidence and develop your eye.
👉 Explore upcoming classes and register on August 5

Build your painting skills in a six-week class led by Jennifer Lynn Beaudet, an award-winning Washington-area oil painter whose representational work explores figures, still life, and the details of everyday life.

Beaudet has exhibited locally and nationally and completed the three-year Professional Master Artist Program at The Compass Atelier. Her class covers color theory, color mixing, materials, and painting methods in a friendly, supportive studio environment. Designed for beginner and intermediate painters, the course requires no prior experience. Six weeks: $375👉 Register for Color Theory & Painting Fundamentals

Move your body, get outside, and stay active this week.

Kick off your Sunday with a mat Pilates class led by Club Pilates North Bethesda, then reward yourself with brunch and good company at Pinstripes.

The full-body workout is designed to build strength, improve mobility, and leave you feeling energized. Bring your own mat and water, then choose between a class-only ticket with a featured drink or a package that includes brunch afterward. Tickets start at $10.
👉 Reserve your spot for Brunch & Burn

Take your workout outside with a complimentary Pvolve class on the Community Green. Known for its low-impact, functional movement method, Pvolve focuses on building strength, improving mobility, and helping you move better in everyday life.

Reservations are required, and classes will move indoors if needed. Bring water and wear sneakers. Free with registration
👉 Reserve your spot for the Pvolve Outdoor Community Class

See the city from a different perspective on this casual, approximately one-hour group ride sponsored by the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee and organized through Bike Rockville.

The route uses shared-use paths, sidewalks, and quieter streets, and the group rides at the pace of the slowest cyclist. It’s an approachable way to get outside, meet other local riders, and discover more bike-friendly routes around Rockville. Helmets are required.
👉 View ride details and RSVP

Earlier picks still ahead — and still worth catching.

✍️ The Writer’s Center: So You Want to Write a Book? — Thu, July 23, 7–8:30 pm — Learn how to build a strong first chapter.

🎭 Montgomery College: Anything Goes — July 24–Aug. 2 — Cole Porter’s classic musical paired with a pre-show reception and intermission dessert.

🎭 The Puppet Co. Playhouse: Puppet Slam: Summer Lovin’ — Sat, July 25, 7 pm — An adults-only evening of short-form puppetry, from marionettes and shadow puppets to crankies.

🚜 Montgomery County Farm Tour & Harvest Sale — Sat–Sun, July 25–26 — Explore 26 farms, orchards, vineyards, breweries, gardens, and other agricultural destinations.

🎭 Olney Theatre: Carla Hall in Please Underestimate Me — Through Sun, July 26 — Carla Hall shares her funny and candid path to television fame.

🪶 Nature Forward: On the Wing Along the Canal — Sun, July 26, 8–10:30 am — Spot birds, dragonflies, and damselflies along the C&O Canal.

🧵 Strathmore: Connecting with Nature: Contemporary Art Quilts — Through Fri, July 31 — Textile art inspired by the natural world.

🎭 Round House Theatre: ADRIFT: A Medieval Wayward Folly — Through Sun, Aug. 2 — Puppets, live music, physical comedy, and medieval spectacle.

🦙 Sugarloaf Studios: Pottery With Alpacas — Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 + 25, 6–8 pm — A four-week ceramics series on a Poolesville microfarm.

🧘 Lake Needwood: Sunset Yoga — Monday evenings through Aug. 10, 7–8 pm — Free, beginner-friendly lakeside yoga.

🌿 7 Locks Brewing: Bonsai Bar — Tue, Aug. 11, 6:30 pm — Pot, trim, and learn to care for a dwarf jade bonsai.

🎶 Strathmore: Free Lawn Concerts — Wednesdays through Aug. 12, 7:30 pm — Free outdoor concerts spanning multiple genres.

🌌 Woodend Sanctuary: Summer Night Sky — Fri, Aug. 14, 8:30–10 pm — Learn to navigate the night sky and observe celestial objects through a telescope.

📚 DabbleLab: Plot Twisted — Thu, Sept. 10, 6–8 pm — Discuss Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke while making a story-inspired craft.

🎤 Strathmore: Alex Edelman — Wed–Thu, Nov. 4–5, 8 pm — The Tony- and Emmy-winning comedian brings his new storytelling show to North Bethesda.

🎭 Round House Theatre: 50 for 50 — Throughout the 2026–2027 season — Free experiences celebrating Round House Theatre’s 50th anniversary.

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].

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See you next week.

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