Glen Echo Park was established as a Chautauqua retreat in 1891 and was one of the major amusement parks in the Washington DC area from 1900 to 1968. Since 1971, this National Park has served as a vibrant arts and humanities center run by Glen Echo Park Partnership. for art and culture. The park features year-round activities in dance, theater, visual arts, and environmental education.
Popular activities at Glen Echo Park include weekly dances in the Spanish Ballroom, performances by the Puppet Co. and Adventure Theater, programs sponsored by the Discovery Creek Children’s Museum, and special events such as Family Day and the annual Labor Day art. The old Dentzel carousel (dating from 1921) is open from May to September.
The Puppet Co.
A puppet theater designed and built specifically for puppets offers Glen Echo Park visitors a variety of puppet shows throughout the year. Hand puppets, rod puppets, body puppets, marionettes and shadow puppets bring children’s stories to life.
Adventure theater
Adventure Theater and Musical Theater Center merged into one organization, Adventure Theater MTC, in 2012. Located at Glen Echo Park and Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville, the children’s theater features live productions of fables, fairy tales, folk tales, musicals and classics. childrens for children. Four years and older. Adventure Theater also offers drama classes and workshops. The theater at Glen Echo Park is located in the Arcade building.
Spanish ballroom and bumper car pavilion
Glen Echo Park offers dance events and classes in waltz, swing, contra, salsa and more. The dances are for all ages and are open to the public. Tickets are sold at the door.
Classes, camps and workshops
Glen Echo Park offers classes in painting, photography, glass blowing and fusion, ceramics, crafts for children and adults, music and dance for all ages, theater and more. See the current schedule.
