7 things to do in the capital region, from a horse show to a drive-in finale

Even after nearly two decades, Jamie Suchoski is surprised by the crowds his horse shows draw.

“Horse showing is not a huge spectator event outside of the community,” Suchoski said in a phone call with The Banner. “But every year, I get calls from people who just want to come sit and watch all the horses.”

He and his team will host the Indoor Fall Classic of the BEST Horse Show series — the acronym stands for Black-Eyed Susan Ten, referring to the number of events over a calendar year, Suchoski said.

The fall event will celebrate its sixth year this weekend from Friday through Sunday. The free showcase takes place at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

Crowds gather to watch several events and competitions over three days, including equitation, where the horse riders, rather than their noble steeds, are judged on their posture and poise. In the spirit of the spooky season, Saturday will bring a costume parade for riders.

Suchoski, 63, got into horses through his passion for woodworking. He built gates for horse-jumping competitions. Eventually, his wife and longtime horse fan, Sarah, roped him into organizing events, and they built a working horse farm in Harwood, where they both reside.

He’s grateful to use the Upper Marlboro facility for his event that showcases regional riders and horses. The center also hosts national and international horse competitions throughout the year.

“I just like the community of horse shows and the people,” Suchoski said. “It’s a pretty tight community and just one of those things once you’re there that hooks you.”

Here are other things to do around the capital region over the next several days.

Old Line Market

Friday through Sunday

The three-day pop-up at Aix La Chapelle Farm in Poolesville will feature more than 60 vendors selling artisan wares such as garden furniture and flower pots. Local food trucks and craft beer and wine will also be available to accompany your shopping.

Tickets are $20; admission for guests 18 and under is free.

Wizards and spells

Friday, 7-10 p.m.

Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro will devote the eve of the spookiest night of the year to all things magic. Guests can catch a movie screening, enjoy snacks and crafts and take a stroll through the “Enchanted Watkins Forest.”

Tickets are $15.

Closing out the drive-in

Friday, 7-10:30 p.m.

Inclement weather kicked back the finale of drive-in movies at Prince George’s Stadium, but it’s fitting that residents can pull up and catch “Coco” just a couple of days before Día de los Muertos. The 2017 Pixar movie is inspired by the Mexican holiday traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2.

Admission is free; registration required.

Song Dog’s Halloween

Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Song Dog Farm Distillery has been open more than a year in Boyds and they’ll be celebrating Halloween with costume contests for dogs and kids and special Halloween cocktails. DM Sliders food truck will be onsite throughout the day as well.

Admission is free.

Fall Frolic

Saturday, 1-4 p.m.

Glen Echo Park will host several activities on Saturday, including trick-or-treating, costume contests and a performance from students at the in-house Washington Conservatory of Music. Guests can also browse a second sale at Glen Echo Pottery and catch shows from Adventure Theatre MTC and the Puppet Co.

Admission is free. RSVPs are preferred but not required along with a suggested $10 donation.

Maryland Emancipation Day

Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

Most celebrations of Maryland Emancipation Day, commemorated on Nov. 1, will take place next weekend across the capital region. But North Bethesda’s Josiah Henson Museum and Park will kick things off on the proper day with free admission to learn about the Maryland-born abolitionist.

Admission to most events is free.