7 things to do across the capital region, including Trolley Trail Day and summer concerts

For some residents of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, an annual highlight of the summer means enduring the heat for centuries-old stories.

Shakespeare in the Parks is a whirlwind tour of free performances across county parks and community spaces that begins Sunday at 7 p.m. at Hyattsville’s David C. Driskell Community Park and extends through July 5.

Randy Snight has been the program’s artistic director for three years, but he has performed in, choreographed or assistant directed the outdoor performances for 13.

“In the DMV specifically, what I really enjoy is that it’s really starting to feel like a company and a community,” Snight, 39, said. “I want people to see art literally where they are.”

Snight picked the Bard’s comedy “As You Like It” to stage for audiences. He’s a fifth-generation Washingtonian and wanted not only to incorporate modern flourishes — specifically making it more queer and setting it in the backdrop of 1980s American conservatism — but also to offer it as a message of hope.

“The world needs some joy,” Snight said. “I think we need to see in fiction the world that could be. The world that we might be striving toward. That’s the beauty of ‘As You Like It.’”

Here are other happenings across the capital region, including drive-in movies, live performances and more.

Summer concert season

Thursdays through Aug. 20, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Glen Echo Park kicks off its 17th annual season of summer shows in its Bumper Car Pavilion. The lineup includes Washington’s Different Drummers Jazz Band, a 25-person ensemble, which performs Thursday. Others include the U.S. Marine Band and King Soul.

All shows are free and go on rain or shine.

Jill Scott

Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and June 23

We missed Jill Scott so much. The Philadelphia-born chanteuse returned to her neo-soul throne this year by releasing “To Whom This May Concern,” a bouncy album overflowing with her standout coos and commands that shows her voice is as essential as ever.

She’ll perform at the Theater at MGM National Harbor. Ticket prices vary by show.

Drive-in movie series

Showtimes begin Friday through Oct. 16

Prince George’s Stadium is opening this summer as a drive-in movie theater. The first show is Friday night’s screening of “Black Panther.” This summer also brings “Hoppers” and “Respect,” before a Halloween return on Oct. 16 with “Coco.”

Admission is free, but registration is required.

A Sherlock ghost story

Friday through June 28

Gaithersburg’s Arts Barn will host the Montgomery Playhouse’s production of “The Reluctant Resurrection of Sherlock Holmes” through June 28. The play imagines author Arthur Conan Doyle in the middle of a ghost story after killing off his title character.

The show is recommended for audience members 15 and older. Tickets are $16-$23.

Trolley Trail Day

Saturday, starts at 9 a.m.

Some Prince George’s communities will celebrate the 3.8-mile-long Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail with a day of festivities including fun runs, mural tours and live music.

Activities start at 9 a.m., and admission is free.

7 Locks Summer Kickoff

Saturday, 3-8 p.m.

Rockville’s 7 Locks Brewing hosts a summer soirée Saturday with local artisans, a dunk tank and, fittingly, plenty of beer. Funds from the carnival game will go toward the FCSP Foundation, a nonprofit supporting pancreatic cancer research.

Admission is free, but raffle tickets, food and beverage prices vary.

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