As summer comes to a close, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy some hot entertainment in the form of theater, music, festivals, outdoor activities, and learning experiences. Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a family-friendly event, there is something for everyone in the NXT Best entertainment guide.
One event to check out is „Stories in the Round“ featuring octogenarian Ellouise Schoettler at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown on Monday, August 26th at 7 p.m. Schoettler will be sharing the arc of her life in an interview with friend Susan Gordon, reflecting on her response to various challenges throughout her life. This event is part of the Stories in the Round series and admission is free. For more information, you can contact 301-730-1638 or email fanitsky@hotmail.com.
If you’re interested in history, don’t miss „Roads to Antietam“ presented by local historians John Schildt and Laura Marfut at McKinley Hall in Sharpsburg on the same evening at 7 p.m. This lecture is part of the Civil War Lecture Series and is sponsored by the Jacob Rohrbach Inn. With the purchase of a $5 ticket, you will be entered into a drawing for an autographed book or a Civil War print. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3ecxvurk or call 301-432-5079.
For music lovers, the Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, Pa., will be hosting „The Rave-Ons“ on Tuesday, August 27th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as well as Wednesday, August 28th at 2 p.m. This 1950’s music review tribute band will be performing hits from Buddy Holly and more. Tickets are $39 and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/24u7mpsc or by calling 717-352-2164.
If you’re in the mood for some live music, head over to University Plaza in Hagerstown on Wednesday, August 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. for „Faycez U Know featuring Halima Peru.“ This event is part of the final MDWK Music & Market of the season and will feature go-go, soul, and funk music. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including alcoholic beverages. This event is hosted by the city of Hagerstown and admission is free.
For those who enjoy contemporary Christian music, don’t miss the final event of the Encounter Music Series at the City Park Bandshell in Hagerstown on Wednesday, August 28th at 7 p.m. The West End Baptist Church will be performing weather permitting. This event is hosted by Valor Ministries and admission is free. For more information, visit www.valorexcel.com.
On Friday, August 30th, head over to Music Makers in Waynesboro, Pa., for a performance by the Sons of Pitches from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This jazz, folk, and classical group will be entertaining the crowd with their unique sound. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, you can email music@artsalliancegw.org or call 717-655-2500.
If you’re a fan of gospel music, the Luhrs Center in Shippensburg, Pa., will be hosting the Pa. Gospel Festival from Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st. The festival will feature a lineup of gospel artists including Booth Brothers, Mark Lowry, The Erwins, and many more. Tickets for each show range from $25 to $45, or you can purchase tickets for all shows for $89 to $139. For more information, visit https://luhrscenter.com/events/ or call 717-477-7469.
For a blast from the past, check out the Robbie Limon Band at the Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, Pa., on Friday, August 30th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 31st at 2 p.m. This band will be performing hits from the 70s era. Tickets are $39 and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/bdy2d7mc or by calling 717-352-2164.
If you’re a fan of the blues, don’t miss Curtis Salgado: The Blues Foundation at Hub City Vinyl in Hagerstown on Friday, August 30th from 8 to 10:30 p.m. This award-winning blues artist will be putting on a show you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $25.31 and can be purchased at https://liveathubcityvinyl.com/all-events/ or by calling 301-800-9390.
For a relaxing morning of music, head over to Brooke’s House Coffee & Chocolate Shop in Hagerstown on Saturday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to noon for a performance by Ryan Franke. This event will feature a variety of music for you to enjoy. For more information, visit brookeshousecoffeeandchocolate.com.
If you’re interested in stepping back in time, check out the 18th Century Homestead Life event at the Conococheague Institute Visitor Center in Mercersburg, Pa., on Saturday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is part of Saturdays‘ historic programs and will feature hands-on programming, crafts, and exhibits to help you learn about life in the 18th century. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.cimlg.org, email info@cimlg.org, or call 717-328-2800.
For a musical performance with a historical twist, don’t miss Music on the Porch Day at the Newcomer House in Keedysville on Saturday, August 31st. The Monocacy Field Music group will be performing, and the house will be open with docents available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free, and for more information, you can email rachel@heartofthecivilwar.org or call 240-308-1740.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Plein-Air Artists‘ Exhibit and Reception at the Mansion House Art Gallery in City Park in Hagerstown on Saturday, August 31st. The reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., and the exhibit will continue through Sunday, September 29th. The exhibit will feature paintings from the recent Plein Air Art Festival at City Park’s Hager House, as well as plein-air artwork by Valley Art Association members. Refreshments will be provided during the reception, and admission is free. For more information, visit www.valleyartassoc.org.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, check out the Early Living Museum Self-Guided Tour at the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum in Boonsboro on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st from 1 to 4 p.m. This air-conditioned event will feature rural-life exhibits, artifacts from 100 years ago, and a kids‘ indoor scavenger hunt. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and older, $4 for ages 4 to 12, and free for ages 3 and younger. For more information, visit www.ruralheritagemuseum.org or call 240-420-1714.
For a chance to meet award-winning actor Barry Ratcliffe, head over to Meinelschmidt Distillery in Hagerstown on Saturday, August 31st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ratcliffe will be available for photos and autographs, and there will be a special Barry Whiskey Sour available for purchase. Admission is free. For more information, call 240-503-1656.
If you’re a fan of truck and tractor pulls, don’t miss the Truck & Tractor Pull Interstate Series at the Washington County Ag Center in Boonsboro on Saturday, August 31st at 6 p.m. This event will feature various classes of pulls, including 8500 Mod Turbo, Hot Street Semi, 4500 Mod 4×4, and more. Admission is $15.
To show your support for addiction prevention, attend the Washington Goes Purple Kick-off & Candlelight Vigil at the City Park Bandshell in Hagerstown on Saturday, August 31st from 6 to 8 p.m. This event will feature master of ceremonies Ryan Smetzer and keynote speaker Meghann Perry. Purple glow sticks will be provided for a moment of silence in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. Wear purple in support of addiction prevention.
For a night of bluegrass music, head over to the Shafer Park gazebo in Boonsboro on Saturday, August 31st at 7 p.m. for a performance by Bilgewater Bluegrass. This event is hosted by the Boonsboro Park Board and is free to attend. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket, and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit town.boonsboro.md.us, email info@townofboonsboro.com, or call 301-432-5141.
Wrap up the weekend with the Annual Jammin’ in the Park Music & Arts Festival at Main Street Park in Waynesboro, Pa., on Sunday, September 1st from 1 to 7 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature a variety of musical styles from artists such as The Loose Screws, The Flying Matlocks, Cornerstone, and more. There will be two stages, a Kid Zone with free activities, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, craft beer from Waynesboro’s Rough Edges Brewing, and more. Admission is $10, and free for ages 12 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at www.artsalliancegw.org and at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro.
Finally, end your weekend on a high note with the Unforgettable Big Band at Pen Mar Park in Highfield-Cascade on Sunday, September 1st from 2 to 5 p.m. This event is part of the Jim and Fay Powers Music Series and will feature music and dancing. Admission is free. For more information, call 240-313-2700 or visit www.washco-md.net.
With so many exciting events happening in the NXT Best entertainment guide, there’s no shortage of ways to finish off your summer with some hot entertainment. Whether you’re interested in music, history, art, or family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to have fun and make lasting memories as summer comes to a close.
