7 things to do in the capital region, from the Prince George’s County Fair to arts festivals

Festival season across the capital region is in full swing. You’ll have opportunities over the next few days to catch some of the finest local artists and celebrations across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Haven’t gotten enough of county or state fairs? Prince George’s will host its annual version this weekend, including a beautiful baby contest.

Here are events to check out.

Watch party for Frances Tiafoe

Friday, time to be announced

Prince George’s County native Frances Tiafoe had an exhilarating comeback Tuesday to win his quarterfinal match at the U.S. Open. He’ll play Friday (the time has yet to be announced) in the semifinals against fellow American Ben Shelton for a chance to play in Sunday’s final. Tiafoe learned to play at College Park’s Junior Tennis Champions Center, and his home court will host a watch party in its lobby, according to John Niswander, senior marketing and events associate for JTCC.

Admission is free; check JTCC’s social media accounts for further information.

‘Diasporic Frequencies’

Thursday through Dec. 26

Baltimore-based artist Catherine Rupan Mapp is known for her public artworks, including murals, that explore cultural identity and heritage. She will have a showcase of paintings and other works at Hyattsville’s Publick Playhouse that will be on view weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The venue will host a public reception on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

Admission is free.

Welcoming Week

Thursday through Sept. 19

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System will host its annual celebration of cultures with programming that culminates in a festival on Sept. 19. During the next week, you can bring children to storytime readings across several branches. During a Tuesday workshop presented by the Parents’ Place of Maryland at the Greenbelt Branch Library, you can learn about music and breathing traditions across cultures.

Admission is free; registration is required for some events.

Prince George’s County Fair

Thursday through Sunday

Fair season isn’t over just yet. Prince George’s County will host its own at Upper Marlboro’s Show Place Arena. Events include live music, a carnival and a beautiful baby contest.

Tickets are $5-$6; admission for children 4 and under is free.

Bethesda Row Arts Festival

Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nearly 200 artists will show their works and wares in downtown Bethesda. They’ll sell and display pieces across media, including decorative fiber, jewelry and wood. A best of show will be awarded Sunday morning by a jury that includes Kate Taylor Davis, executive director of Hyattsville’s Pyramid Atlantic Art Center.

Admission is free.

Small Press Expo 2026

Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

If you want to find innovative graphic novels, comics and cartoons, the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center will host the finest showcase of artists. Small Press Expo hosts panels and workshops with veteran and upstart artists and illustrators. Other programming includes featured speaker Lisa Hanawalt (production designer and producer for “BoJack Horseman”) and the Ignatz Awards, which honor exceptional cartoons and comics.

Tickets are $16.74-$32.49.

Silver Spring Jazz Fest

Saturday, 3-10 p.m.

Veterans Plaza will again become a stage for some of the most reliable jazz performers across the capital region. The annual festival will have two stages that will feature performances from the likes of Silver Spring native Marcus Johnson and headliner Cimafunk.

Admission is free.