Charles County Events This Weekend | October 8–11, 2026

Charles County events this weekend offer plenty of reasons to get out and explore Southern Maryland from Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11, 2026. This weekend’s calendar includes professional rodeo action, fishing, salsa dancing, outdoor community gatherings, seasonal displays, recreation, and family-friendly activities.

If you’re searching for things to do in Charles County this weekend or wondering what events are happening near you, you’ll find options in La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, Charlotte Hall, and surrounding communities.

Living in Charles County provides access to a mix of community recreation, parks, local traditions, entertainment, and seasonal events. October is an especially active time to explore what’s happening around the county.

Here are some events to consider adding to your weekend plans.

⭐ Featured Charles County Events This Weekend

⭐ Stampede Rodeo & Bull Riding

📅 Date: Friday, October 9–Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata, MD
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM–10:00 PM

Get ready for an action-packed evening at the Charles County Fairgrounds as Stampede Bull Riding comes to La Plata. The event brings professional rodeo entertainment to Southern Maryland, making it one of the weekend’s standout options for visitors looking for something different to do.

The Charles County Fairgrounds lists the rodeo for both Friday and Saturday, October 9–10.

👉 Event Link:
https://www.stampedebullriding.com/

⭐ Fall Fishin' Buddies Derby

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Gilbert Run Park, 13140 Charles St, Charlotte Hall, MD
🕒 Time: 7:00 AM–12:30 PM

Start Saturday outdoors at Gilbert Run Park with the Fall Fishin' Buddies Derby. The event offers a morning of fishing and autumn recreation at one of Charles County’s park destinations.

It’s a fitting choice for anyone searching for family-friendly things to do in Charles County this weekend or an outdoor Saturday activity.

Advance registration or participation requirements may apply, so check the official recreation listing before heading out.

👉 Event Link:
https://charlescountymd.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30380

⭐ Mocktails & Salsa Dance Party

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center, 90 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD
🕒 Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

Add some dancing to your Saturday plans with Mocktails & Salsa at the Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center.

The evening combines instructor-led Latin dance instruction, social dancing, and handcrafted non-alcoholic mocktails. It’s an entertaining option for anyone searching for events in Waldorf MD this weekend.

Check the organizer’s listing for current registration, eligibility, and admission information.

👉 Event Link:
https://www.charlescountyresourceconnection.com/Events-directory/CCRec-Mocktails-and-Salsa-Dance-Party

🎉 Don’t Miss This Week in Charles County

From La Plata and Waldorf to Indian Head and Charlotte Hall, this weekend offers several ways to enjoy Charles County.

You can watch rodeo action at the fairgrounds, spend Saturday morning fishing, learn some salsa moves, explore downtown scarecrow displays, participate in recreational activities, or head to Indian Head for community events.

For people searching online for events near me in Charles County MD, checking several nearby towns can uncover activities you might otherwise miss.

You can also bookmark Southside Happenings: Southern Maryland Community Events & Local Activities to discover more upcoming festivals, activities, entertainment, and community events throughout Southern Maryland.

Remember that event schedules and participation requirements can change. Confirm details with the organizer before heading out.

🍂 Fall & Family-Friendly Things to Do in Charles County

October brings seasonal activities throughout Charles County, and not every fall outing has to involve a major festival.

In La Plata, the 2026 Scarecrow Competition turns a walk through town into a seasonal activity. Scarecrows created by participating organizations and businesses are displayed during October, and visitors can check out the creations and vote for their favorites.

For a more active Saturday, Universal Ninja Warrior in Waldorf offers a recreational challenge at Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center.

Families looking for educational community activities can also consider the Fire Prevention Open House in Indian Head, while outdoor enthusiasts can start Saturday at Gilbert Run Park for the Fall Fishin' Buddies Derby.

Together, these events provide several possibilities for readers searching for Charles County fall events, outdoor activities, or family-friendly things to do in Charles County this weekend.

🎶 Entertainment & Community Events in La Plata, Waldorf & Indian Head

This weekend also demonstrates how different the event calendars can be from one Charles County community to another.

In La Plata, the Stampede Rodeo brings high-energy entertainment to the Charles County Fairgrounds.

Waldorf offers an entirely different Saturday evening with salsa dancing and mocktails at the Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center.

Indian Head has multiple community-focused activities scheduled, including Battle of the Branches & Big Outdoor Bash and a Fire Prevention Open House.

That variety makes it worthwhile to broaden your search beyond one town when looking for Southern Maryland events this weekend.

📅 More Charles County Events This Week

🎟 Battle of the Branches & Big Outdoor Bash

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Indian Head Moose Lodge 1712, 11 Moose Lodge Way, Indian Head, MD
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Head to Indian Head for an outdoor community gathering featuring friendly competition, games, entertainment, and activities.

Battle of the Branches & Big Outdoor Bash adds another option for anyone searching for things to do in Indian Head MD this weekend.

👉 Event Link:
https://voiceofindianhead.org/event/battle-of-the-branches-big-outdoor-bash/

🎟 3rd Annual Teen Court School Hygiene Drive

📅 Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
📍 Location: CCSO District 1 Station, 6855 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Teen Court program is holding its third annual School Hygiene Drive to collect essential hygiene supplies for local students.

Community members can participate by dropping off requested donations at the District 1 Station in La Plata.

👉 Event Link:
https://www.ccso.us/community/youth-outreach/teen-court/news/

🎟 Universal Ninja Warrior

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, 2745 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf, MD
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Looking for a more active Saturday experience? Universal Ninja Warrior offers participants a recreational challenge at Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center in Waldorf.

Check with Charles County Recreation, Parks & Tourism for registration requirements, participant information, and current program details.

👉 Event Link:
https://www.charlescountymd.gov/

🎟 2026 La Plata Scarecrow Competition

📅 Date: Happening throughout October; displays are up October 4–24, 2026
📍 Location: La Plata, MD
🕒 Time: Self-guided

Take a seasonal stroll around La Plata and look for creative scarecrow displays produced by participating local organizations and businesses.

The official 2026 competition runs during October, making October 8–11 a good weekend to explore the displays and cast a vote.

👉 Event Link:
https://www.townoflaplata.org/293/Scarecrow-Competition

🎟 Fire Prevention Open House — IHVFD Auxiliary & USBTA

📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Maryland Technology Center, 4450 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head, MD
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

Learn more about fire prevention and emergency services during this community open house in Indian Head.

Activities are scheduled to include fire truck tours, safety demonstrations, food trucks, a bake sale, and family activities.

👉 Event Link:
https://voiceofindianhead.org/event/fire-prevention-open-house-ihvfd-auxiliary-usbta/

📣 Want Your Event Featured?

Hosting a festival, community gathering, performance, fundraiser, workshop, market, recreational program, or seasonal activity in Charles County or elsewhere in Southern Maryland?

Local organizations, businesses, and event organizers can use the Community Spotlight / Submit an Event opportunity to share their event information for consideration.

Include the event name, date, time, location, short description, and an official event or registration link whenever possible.

Complete event information makes it easier for Southern Maryland residents to discover what’s happening and plan their weekends.

📅 Stay Connected with Local Events

Check back regularly for:

• ✔ Local festivals

• ✔ Family-friendly activities

• ✔ Live music & entertainment

• ✔ Community gatherings

• ✔ Seasonal events across Southern Maryland

Event details can change. Before attending, confirm the latest hours, registration requirements, ticket availability, age requirements, cancellations, and weather-related updates directly with the event organizer.

🔎 Discover More Things to Do in Southern Maryland

There’s always more to discover beyond one weekend.

Explore Things to Do in Southern Maryland for more activities, seasonal guides, destinations, and ideas for getting out around the region.

For weekly community calendars and local happenings, bookmark Southside Happenings: Southern Maryland Community Events & Local Activities.

Have an event or local organization you’d like considered for a future feature? Visit Community Spotlight / Submit an Event.

You can also explore Tips, Home Hacks, Home Decoration & Maintenance for practical tips, seasonal inspiration, and helpful guides.

Save this weekend guide, follow Southside Happenings for weekly updates, and submit your event to help Southern Maryland residents discover more of what’s happening around Charles County.