7 things to do in the capital region, including Birdability Week and a BBQ cook-off

Montgomery County’s fourth annual Birdability Week aims to make birding more accessible to people with disabilities and other health concerns.

Beginning Monday, Montgomery Parks plans to host several events on this year’s theme, “Bird Where You Are.”

“There’s no right or wrong way to bird,” said Ashlyn Thompson, a therapeutic recreation specialist helming Montgomery Parks’ Birdability Week activities.

“You don’t have to know every species. You don’t have to hike long distances. You can even bird from your living room,” she said.

Next week’s highlights include:

• A guided bird walk with ASL interpretation Wednesday at Meadowside Nature Center
• A 55-plus nature book club Tuesday at Sligo-Dennis Avenue Local Park Activity Building
• A “Birdy” fashion show Oct. 23 at Meadowside Nature Center
• Birdability Week yoga for all levels and all bodies on Oct. 24 at Meadowside Nature Center

The parks department plans to offer accommodations to meet various needs, including large-print materials, braille renderings of birds’ anatomy, low-noise environments and noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys and alternative grips for binoculars.

“Birdability, at its heart, is really just about recognizing that everyone should have some sort of experience outside and in nature,” Thompson said.

Here’s your guide to the weekend in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Laurel Oktoberfest

Saturday, 4-8 p.m.

Local brews and German wines are on tap for the Laurel Historical Society’s new fundraiser. The Oktoberfest-themed evening at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center will also offer hors d’oeuvres, desserts, music, casino games and raffle prizes.

Tickets range from $45-$65.

A free drive-in movie

Friday, 8 p.m.

Halloween costumes are encouraged at this outdoor screening of Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie. The gate opens at 7 p.m.; the film begins at dusk, around 8 p.m.

Tickets are free; preregistration is required.

A satirical musical comedy

Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.

Disney princesses set the record straight as to what really happened in their stories in “Disenchanted,” a musical spin on the classic childhood tales that was once an off-Broadway show. Ticket sales for this production at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts benefit Community Crisis Services Inc., the leading domestic violence agency in Prince George’s County.

Tickets range from $25-$75.

A local BBQ championship

Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The inaugural MoCo Smoke Show invites barbecue lovers to Wheaton Triangle, where pitmasters battle to take home titles for best chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder, brisket and more. Live music, local craft beverages, an artisan marketplace and family activities are also on the agenda.

General admission is free.

Halloween on the Green

Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cabin John Village invites families to dress up and celebrate with a foam party, live music, face painting, balloon art and crafts.

Entry is free.

A pet-friendly Halloween party

Sunday, 4-7 p.m.

The Comus Inn in Dickerson is hosting Boos and Brews, an evening of beer, live music, door prizes, portraits and human and dog costume contests. Tickets support the Montgomery County Humane Society, which is also asking for dog and cat food pantry donations.

Tickets are $35 online, $40 on-site. Kids 12 and under get in free.