7 things to do in the capital region, including Theatre Week and a Taylor Swift tribute

It’s a busy time for theater fans.

Theatre Week 2026, hosted by greater D.C.-area arts nonprofit Theatre Washington, celebrates the launch of 2026-27 season shows with special events and “dinner and a show” deals.

“Theatre Week is all about discovery,” said Amy Austin, president and CEO of Theatre Washington. “There’s a production for everyone.”

The celebration runs from Sept. 24 to Oct. 11, but the festivities and productions begin this weekend. Shows in Maryland include August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — a co-production with Olney Theatre Center running now — plus “Some Like It Hot” at Olney Theatre beginning Friday and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical” at Imagination Stage beginning Wednesday.

Participating restaurants in Montgomery County include Matchbox (any sushi roll and any small pizza for $25) and Milk and Honey (fried green tomatoes and a signature ribeye for $45), both in Silver Spring.

Here are more events in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

The Roots in concert

Friday, 8 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band The Roots, founded by Questlove and Black Thought, also the house band for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” head to the Theater at MGM National Harbor for a high-energy evening of music.

Tickets range from $95-$233.

A Taylor Swift symphony

Friday, 8 p.m.

Calling all Swifties: Taylor Swift’s music is getting the orchestral treatment at Strathmore’s Music Center in North Bethesda, where composer Steve Hackman conducts a symphony of her greatest hits with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets range from $31-$143.

Bethesda’s Soirée on The Lane

Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bethesda Row is hosting its latest Soirée on The Lane, inviting guests to an afternoon of live music, workshops and shopping specials. Ticketed workshops include fragrance making, dumpling making, macramé and cupcake decorating.

Entry is free. Workshop tickets are $33.

Hyattsville Arts Festival

Saturday, noon-6 p.m.

Hyattsville celebrates a free day of art, culture and food (4310 Gallatin Street). Organizers plan to welcome more than 100 artists, live music acts, vendors, food trucks and craft brewers from around D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Entry is free.

A pumpkin festival

Saturday through Nov. 1, times vary

The first day of fall arrives Tuesday, but Butler’s Orchard is already getting into the spirit. The Germantown farm celebrates its 46th annual Pumpkin Festival and Pumpkin Patch opening, featuring hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals and pumpkin picking.

Tickets for the pumpkin patch are free on weekdays and $4 on weekends; entry to the festival range from $12-$20. All tickets are free for children under 24 months.

Celebrate Africa Festival

Saturday, 1-6 p.m.

Prince George’s County recognizes September as African Heritage Month. To celebrate, the Department of Parks and Recreation is throwing its ninth annual family-friendly Celebrate Africa Festival at Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, featuring African artisans, musicians and food trucks.

Entry is free.