ADVENTURE THEATRE, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. www.adventuretheatre.org. 301-320-5331. Group Rates Available. Visa/MasterCard Accepted. Sign language is available. Call 301-320-5331 to make arrangements. Babe, the Sheep Pig, now-Aug. 3. Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Special Friday performances on Aug. 1, 7 p.m. This production is based on the book by Dick King Smith. This wonderful tiny pig does tremendous things that enable humanity to see ability in all. This production is suitable for all ages.

ATLAS PERFORMING CENTER, 13333-H St., NE Washington, DC. 202-399-7993. www.atlasarts.org. Raggs Live Dance Party, Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m., 2 & 6 p.m., Sept. 7, 2 p.m. Get ready to “wag and wiggle” with your favorite canine kids’ band. The Raggs Band! See your favorite dogs from the public television series Raggs for their 90- minute interactive, high-energy show. All children over 12 months must have a ticket- under 12 months may sit on guardian’s lap.

BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301-779-0371. Arts on the Waterfront: Turley the Magician, Sun., Aug. 10, 6-7:30 p.m. People of all ages will be entertained by this family comedy magic show. All ages welcome. FREE.

CABIN JOHN REGIONAL PARK, Amphitheatre, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville. Aug. 7, David Bach Consort (eclectic Group), Aug. 21, Speed and Thro (Magic and Company). 7 p.m.

CARTER BARRON AMPHITHEATRE, 16th St & Colorado Ave, NW, Washington, DC. 202-426-0486 (concert line). For free shows requiring tickets, tickets are distributed on the day of the performance at the carter Barron Box Office beginning at noon and The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Due to the unpredictable nature of outdoor events, Carter Barron cannot exchange or refund tickets. No photography, recording devices, metal cans, glass bottles, hard coolers, picnic baskets or pets are permitted within the Amphitheatre. Dance Institute of Washington, Aug.1, 7:30 p.m. (free), “Reaching New Heights” featuring Summer Intensive Program students and Washington Reflection Dance Company Members; Metro DC Dances, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. (free). featuring Joy of Motion Youth Dance Ensemble, Tehreema Mitha Dance, Cross Currents Dance Co, Aysha Upchurch/Life Rhythm, Move Project, CMI Kidz, Capitol Movement Project, and Tappening; Blues Alley Youth Orchestra and the Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Field Band, Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Roy Ayers/Najee, Spur of the Moment, Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. $20; 4th Annual DC Poetry Festival, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. (free) Celebrating the Howard Theatre; 20th Annual DC Blues Festival, Aug. 30, 12:00 (free), featuring Zac Harmon & The Mid-South Blues Revue, Lil Dave Thompson, Charles “Big Daddy” Stallings Band, Acme Bleus Company, The Jazzy Blues Women, The Country Bunker Funky Blues Band & More!

CELEBRATE AMERICA SUNDAYS, Every Sunday throughout the summer from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. A part of the Harborplace Summer Concert Series features free performances of the best regional and local bands including military ensembles every Sunday afternoon. Call 1-800-HARBOR1.

CELEBRATE FREDERICK, at Baker Park Bandshell, located at 121 North Bentz Street Frederick, MD. www.BakerParkConcerts.com. Office of Special Events, 301-228-2844. Celebrate summer with a wonderful selection of free concerts, Sundays, 7 p.m. Open to the public. The concerts are free to the public; however, the committee encourages attendees to bring canned food items in lieu of admission. Non-perishable items such as canned meats, vegetables, soups, peanut butter, cereal, rice, and pastas are preferred. Aug. 3, Rock & Roll Relics, Aug. 10, Chopteeth, Aug. 17, Rockie Lynn & Aug. 24, Carey Zigler.

CONCERTS AT THE U.S. CAPITOL, 8 p.m. Weather permitting. All performances are free. U.S. Navy Band, Mon; Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25; U.S. Air Force Band, Tues., Aug. 5, 12, 19 & 26.; U.S. Marine Band, Wed., Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27; U.S. Army Band, Fri., Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29.

DORSEY SEARCH COURTYARD CONCERTS, Thursdays, from 6-8 p.m., at the Dorsey Search Village Center, in Columbia. For more information, call 410-730-8113. Aug. 7, Misspent Youth, Aug. 21, Automatic Slim.

DRUID HILL PARK. Baltimore. 410-396-7900. Jazzy Sundays, Enjoy beautiful summer evenings with the rich sounds of jazz. This FREE outdoor evening concert will be held Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Fertile Ground, in front of the festival bowl, near Safety City. Bring your lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the smooth sounds of live jazz. Refreshments will be available for sale.

DUNDALK HERITAGE PARK, 10 Dunmanway, Dundalk. 410-887-7155. Summer Concerts: Thurs., Aug. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., Cumberland Road. All ages are free.

FIRST MARINER ARENA, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD. 410-347-2020. www.1stmarinerarena.com. Pop Go the Wiggles Live! Tues., Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com) and the venue box office. Prices range from $20-$40.

FORT DUPONT PARK, Minnesota Ave. and Randle Circle, Southeast Washington, DC. 202-690-5169 or 202-426-5961. 2008 Summer Concert Series, Saturdays at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Rain or shine. No glass containers, alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, and weapons of any kind. Charcoal grills may only be used in designated picnic areas. No tents or lit candles are allowed in the audience area. Vending, cameras, camcorders and any other recording devices are prohibited. Sat., Aug. 2, The Manhattans, Aug. 9, WPFW Night with Barbara Mason, The Jewels, Aug. 16, Con Funk Shun featuring Michael Cooper & & Felton Pilate and Aug. 23, DC Jazz Off with Marcus Johnson.

GAITHERSBURG CITY HALL CONCERT PAVILION, Gaithersburg, MD. 301-258-6350. Free Outdoor Evening Concerts: The Apothecary Band, Sat., Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Original music ranging from driving rock-fusion to funk, jazz, and classical, along with cover versions of jazz standards and other interesting selections; SteveSongs–“Summer Safari”, Sat, Aug. 9, 3 to 6 p.m. Sponsored in part by Andy’s Parties. Smart and sassy, catchy and fun, SteveSongs’ jazzy rock tunes reach out to the hearts of kids and their families, featuring crafts, games, vendors, activities and more.

HARPER’S CHOICE COURTYARD CONCERTS, Harper’s Choice Village Center, Columbia. 410-730-8113. Fridays, 6-8 p.m. Aug.1, Catfish Hodge, Aug.8, Marshall Booze and The McBooze, Aug. 15, Pan American Rhythm Project, Aug. 22, Gary and The Groove.

HICKORY RIDGE COURTYARD CONCERT SERIES, 410-730-8113. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Aug.7, Dave Chappell Quartet, Aug.14, Squeeze Bayou, Aug.21, The Rockin Reasons.

HARBORPLACE FREE CONCERTS, Harborplace Amphitheatre, near Pratt and Light Streets, Baltimore. Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Aug. 2, Big Hillbilly Bluegrass; Aug. 3, Peabody Ragtime Band (Ragtime); Aug. 9, Donegal X-Press (Irish Rock); Aug. 10, Mr. Groove (Blues, & Jazz); Aug. 16, The Players (Rock, Ska & Reggae); Aug. 17, J Street Jumpers (Swing); Aug. 23, Rhumba Club (Latin, Jazz & Salsa); Aug. 24, Trio Blanca (Eclectic mix of Jazz, Brazilian, Soul & R & B); Aug 30, 8 Ohms Band (Horn Heavy Funk); Aug. 31, Lovecraft (Jazz).

HOT HARBOR SATURDAY NIGHTS, Every Saturday throughout the summer. A part of the Harborplace Summer Concert Series features free performances of the best regional and local bands every Saturday evening throughout the summer. Call 1-800-HARBOR1.

IMAGINATION STAGE, Lerner Family Theatre, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. 301-280-1660. www.ImaginationStage.org. The Neverending Story, now-Aug. 10. Tues.-Fri., at 10:30 a.m., Sat. & Sun., 12:30 & 3:30 p.m. Based on the novel by Michael Ende, Adapted by David S. Craig, Directed by Janet Stanford. A thrilling adventure tale in the epic spirit of The Lord of the Rings, The Neverending Story begins with a lonely boy, Bastian, who sneaks up to his school’s attic to read. There, he discovers the land of Fantastica, whose Childlike Empress is dying. Bastian follows the brave Atreyu as he searches for her cure, losing his horse in the Swamp of Sadness, befriending a flying dragon and outwitting the Werewolf Gmork. But when Atreyu returns to the Empress empty-handed, it is Bastian whose courage must be tested. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

KINGS CONTRIVANCE COURTYARD CONCERT SERIES, 443-367-5123. King’s Contrivance Village Center, Columbia. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 1, Linwood Taylor & The Rude Dogs, Aug. 8, BG & The Mojo Hands, Aug. 15, Bill Mott, Aug. 22, Mike Lapaula.

LADEW SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. 410-557-9466. Sundays from 6-8 p.m. Visitors may set up in the Great Bowl starting at 5 pm. Please, no alcohol, pets or sporting equipment. Sun., Aug. 3, Mambo Combo. Baltimore’s Best Party Band kicks it up with the soca, samba and tango laced with more sun drenched Caribbean and Latin sounds; Sun., Aug. 10, Smooth Kentucky. Silky smooth acoustic newgrass, blues, roots, bluegrass and good time music that should not be missed! Sun., Aug. 17, The Bridge. In the tradition of classic, southern roots rock and Americana sensibilities, this “Best in Baltimore” band offers a sophisticated but down-home and funky musical experience. See them here before they leave on a European tour! Admission: $7 Members, $15 adults, $13 Seniors/Students, $3 Children.

LEXINGTON MARKET FREE CONCERTS, 400 W. Lexington Street, Baltimore. 410-685-6169. Free, indoors. Fridays and Saturdays from noon-2 p.m. Aug.1, Smooth Teaze (Doowap, a capeella); Aug. 2, LA & The Unusual Suspects (Motown, Soul); Aug.8, Rodney Kelly Experience (Instrumental Jazz); Aug. 9, Spice (R & B, Jazz); Aug. 15, Craig Alson (Jazz); Aug. 16, Clarence Turner (Blues); Aug. 22, Al Williams (Funky Jazz); Aug. 23, Mike Matthews (Jazz, R & B, Funk).

LURMAN WOODLAND THEATRE, Bloomsbury Avenue and Hilltop Road, Catonsville, MD. Summer Outdoor Series, from 6-8 p.m. Wheelchair accessible from the Hilltop entrance. Food and refreshments are available or bring your own. All shows are free, donations welcome. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Pets, alcohol/drugs and Grills are not permitted. Sat., Aug. 2, Lurman’s Open Mic, Sign-up backstage at 5 p.m., performances start at 5:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 3, 6 p.m. The Karen Oliver Band; Sat., Aug. 9, Charles “Big Daddy” Stallings & The B-Town Bluez Band; Sun., Aug. 10, Project Natale; Sat., Aug. 16, Shake the Ground; Sun., Aug. 17, from 12-5 p.m. Bluegrass Open Air Acoustic Jam, 6 p.m. Blue Daze; Sat., Aug. 23, Baltimore Song Writers Association Showcase, Sun., Aug. 24, Columbia Concert Band, Sat., Aug. 30, Richard Walton Group, Sun., Aug. 31, Karen Collins & The Backroads Band.

MONTPELIER MANSION, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel. 301-776-2805, 301-953-7882. Montpelier Summer Concert Series: Project Natale, Fri., Aug. 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy all styles of jazz performed by the popular Project Natale group. In the event of heavy rain near the time of the concert, the concert will be cancelled. Call after 5 pm for updates. All ages welcome. FREE.

MT. VERNON PLACE, Baltimore. 410-244-1030. Concerts in the Park, First Thursdays of every month thru October, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cameras allowed. In the event of rain, the concert will only be cancelled if rain is heavy enough to pose an imminent or immediate danger to the audience and bands. Pets and children are allowed. Pets must be on a leash. Food is available to purchase.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNUAL LABOR DAY CONCERT, Sun., Aug. 31, 8 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol Building-West Lawn. Free, no tickets required. Gates open to the public at 3:20 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to The Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART SCULPTURE GARDEN, Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW, on the National Mall in the block adjacent to the West Building of the Gallery.Jazz in the Garden, Aug. 1, The Greg Hatzo ORGANization (Hammond organ), Aug. 8, Quin Tango (Tango), Aug 22, The Young Lions (Jazz Rock), Aug. 29, Days a Head, (Rhythm and Blues Jazz).

PATTERSON PARK SUMMER CONCERTS, on the Pagoda Hill, near Patterson Park Avenue and Lombard Street, Baltimore. Raindates are the following Wednesday. Aug. 10, Hedge Band (Irish Folk Music); Aug. 26, Randy Waller and the Country Gentlemen.

PEPSI LUNCHTIME CONCERTS, First Thursdays, 12-2 p.m., at Hopkins Plaza at Charles and Baltimore streets, Baltimore. 410-244-1030. Free monthly lunchtime concert series in Downtown's Hopkins Plaza, presented by Downtown Partnership. Aug. 7, Eric Scott.

RAINBOW THEATRE, Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Center, Columbia. www.columbiavillages.org/wildelake. 410-730-3987. Show time is at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 in advance; $6 on the day of the show. Group rates are available. Purchase tickets at Slayton House. No reservations; no refunds. “Uncle Pete with Kids” on Fri., Sept. 19. Join us for this wonderful children’s interactive musical celebration. This is a unique and energetic musical performance for the enjoyment of children and their families. Email wlprog.events@columbiavillages.org for a copy of this season’s brochure.

RIVERSDALE HOUSE MUSEUM, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD. 301-864-0420. Jazz on the Portico, Wed, Aug. 27, Bruce Ewan. Bring a blanket and relax at this FREE concert featuring some of the area's finest jazz musicians. Food will be available for purchase. In case of rain, the concerts move inside. All ages welcome. FREE (Nominal fees for food).

RIVER HILL COURTYARD CONCERTS, Fridays, 6-8 p.m. 410-730-8113.Aug. 1, Joe Carta, Aug. 8, Ellis Woodward Trio. Aug. 15, Turner, The Dean Of Magic, Aug. 22, The Taters.

SACRED HEART’S GLYNDON AREA PLAYERS will perform their tenth production, Beauty and the Beast in the Sacred Heart school gymnasium, 63 Sacred Heart Lane, Glyndon, MD 21071. 410 861 8958. www.glyndonareaplayers.com. You will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father–a dotty inventor. When her father doesn’t return from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find him. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the “tale as old as time” begins. How Belle tames the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation into a handsome prince continues to enthrall audiences. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast offers a great opportunity to bring the entire community together for family theatre at its best. Fri., Aug. 15 & 22, 8 p.m., Sat., Aug. 16 & 23, 2 & 8 p.m. & Sun., Aug. 17 & 24, 2 p.m. On Sat., Aug. 16, there will be a dinner theater before the evening show. On Sat., Aug. 23, there will be a character luncheon before the matinee.

SANDY SPRING MUSEUM, 17901 Bentley Road in Sandy Spring. www.sandyspringmuseum.org. 301-774-0022. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. in the Museum Concert Hall. Free and open to the public. Mon., Aug. 11, The Dixie Rascals will offer an evening of New Orleans and Chicago-style music; Mon., Sept. 8, The Friedman-Wysong Duo-Noreen Friedman on flute and Bob Wysong on guitar will present classical and modern selections for those two instruments.

SOUNDS OF SUMMER AT BELVEDERE SQUARE, Belvedere Square, corner of York Road and Belvedere Avenue. Free, weekly outdoor concert series featuring live music by Baltimore’s local favorites, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy gourmet food and drinks from the restaurants and market at Belvedere Square while listening to the sounds of summer. Aug.1, Junkyard Saints; Aug. 8, Sons of Pirates, beach music; Aug. 15, The Crawdaddies, zydeco roots music, Aug. 22, Donegal Xpress, Aug. 29, FINS, beach music.

12TH ANNUAL COMCAST OUTDOORS FILM FESTIVAL, Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, N. Bethesda. 301-530-0540. www.Strathmore.org. 10 consecutive nights of movies that appeal to young and old alike, and it's all free. Various food vendors will sell food along the fairway. A portion of the proceeds benefits NIH Children’s Charities, so leave the picnic basket at home and eat for charity. Since this is an outdoor event, moviegoers are advised to bring blankets or low-slung beach chairs for more comfortable viewing. Restaurants and grounds open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie show time is 8:30p.m. 2008 Film Festival Schedule: Fri., Aug. 15, Bee Movie; Sat., Aug. 16, Spiderman 3, Aug., Sun., Aug. 17, Airplane, Mon., Aug. 18, Kite Runner, Tues., Aug. 19, The Bourne Ultimatum, Wed., Aug. 20, Evan Almighty, Thurs., Aug. 21, TBA, Fri., Aug. 22, Transformers, Sat., Aug. 23, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Sun., Aug. 24, Shrek 3. Parking for the Film Festival is in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage. Enter the garage on Tuckerman Lane.

STRATHMORE HALL, 10701 Rockville Pike, N Bethesda. 301-530-0540. www.Strathmore.org. Summer Sounds Concert Series, at Gudelsky Concert Pavilion Gazebo, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Aug.6, The Lovell Sisters; Aug. 13, Nen Daiko and Kikuyuki Kai.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, Bandshell, Baker Park, Frederick. 301-600-2844. Sundays at 7 p.m. Aug. 3, Rock & Roll Relics (Oldies); Aug. 10, Chopteeth (Afrofunk); Aug. 17, Rockie Lynne (Country); Aug. 24, Carey Ziegler (Rock) Enjoy these outdoor concerts featuring local, regional and national entertainers! Come early to hear the beautiful bells of the Carillon at 6 p.m. In lieu of admission, canned food donations will be collected.

SUNSET SERENADES, at Centennial Park, Ellicott City. 410-313-PARK. Family concert series, Aug. 6, David Bach Consort (Jazz); Aug. 13, Shades of Blue (Big Band); Aug. 20, Bad Influence Band (Uptempo Blues & Rock). An event for all ages. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy performances in the park. Rent a canoe or paddleboat or savor a leisurely supper. You can bring a picnic or choose from the concession menu. Parking donation $3 per car.

SUNSET SERENADES, National Zoo, Washington, D.C. www.fonz.org/sunsetserenades.htm 202- 633-4480. Now-Aug. 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Held Thursday evenings on the Zoo’s Lion/Tiger Hill. Sunset Serenades is FONZ’s annual summer concert series. The concerts are free and feature local artists performing a wide variety of musical genres. The concerts also include up-close encounters with a Zoo animal, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food and picnic on the hillside or purchase refreshments from the Zoo’s Mane Restaurant. Aug. 7, Relic Effect (classic rock).

WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA located across from City Hall.410-396-7900. Wednesday Lunch and Leisure Series, noon-1 p.m. Wed., Aug. 13, Lunchtime Mardi Gras on the Plaza. Come party with us! This week, enjoy the spirit of Mardi Gras with live jazz and Cajun food. Don’t forget the beads; Wed., Aug. 27, Fun and Fitness Day, get active, stay healthy with Rec. & Parks! Come for lunchtime Fun and Fitness.

WATKINS REGIONAL PARK, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301-218-6700. Concerts in the Park! Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders, Thurs, Aug. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. Internationally-acclaimed blues harmonica player/singer Bruce Ewan stands out among his peers; David Bach Consort, Thurs, Aug. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. This spirited, eclectic group of artists excites crowds, mixing jazz, rock/funk and world influences. Come early and take a ride on the park’s miniature train or antique carousel (rides end at 7 pm). Light refreshments are available for purchase. Concerts are FREE and supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. Shows may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

WHEATON REGIONAL PARK, 2000 Shorefield Rd., Wheaton. Wed., Aug. 8, Cruisers (variety); Aug. 29, L’Tanya Mari’s Quintet (Mix of Straight-ahead, Contemporary, Blues and Latin jazz). Concerts begin at 7 p.m.

WILDE LAKE COURTYARD CONCERTS, Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 410-730-8113. Aug. 1, Project Natale, Aug. 8, Chuck Dufor, Aug. 15, Richard Walton Group, Aug. 22, Cletus Kennely & Lori Kelley.

WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK, 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA. 703-218-6500. www.wolftrap.com. The Children's Theatre-In-The-Woods. Tickets may be purchased by calling Tickets.com, at 1-877-WOLFTRAP, online or at the Filenes Center Box Office. Tickets are required for all performances for adults and children ages 3 & up. Fri., Aug 1 & Sat., Aug. 2, 10 a.m., Maryland Youth Ballet, the talented young dancers of the Maryland Youth Ballet present the story of Caroline and her friends, who go on a class field trip to see the ballet; Fri., Aug 1 & Sat., Aug. 2, 11:15 a.m. World Beat, Come explore the rhythms of West Africa and trace their journey into American music; Tues., Aug.5-9, 10 a.m. Bash the Trash, 11:15, Stevesongs.

YOUNG ARTISTS THEATRE , Rte 29 @ Rte 216, 5 miles north of Silver Spring MD, 5 miles south of Columbia MD. 301-604-2844. www.yatheatre.com. Disorder in the Court, Aug. 8 & 13, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Tickets $8/$7 for groups of 10 or more. Children ages 3-adult admitted. Doors open 30 minutes in advance- open seating.