Montgomery County Council unanimously passed legislation Tuesday that transforms the penalty for throwing unlicensed commercial house parties from a $25 slap on the wrist to a sobering $5,000 fine, with an additional $15,000 maximum penalty for related violations like noise and zoning infractions.

The crackdown comes after last year's infamous "Wet Dreams Mansion Pool Party" near Stapleford Hall Drive drew an estimated 1,000 revelers who apparently mistook the pristine neighborhood for a concert venue, leaving residents to explain why there were red solo cups in the azaleas.

Council members Dawn Luedtke and Andrew Friedson sponsored the bill after discovering that some party promoters were treating the old $25 fine as merely "the cost of doing business" which is about what you'd spend on takeout for one. Now $20,000 in total potential fines backed by enforcement from the Montgomery County Police and Department of Permitting Services, plus community outreach expected this fall, might finally make these events a thing of the past.

🪵 The National Park Service completed an $11 million restoration of the historic 1,015-foot "Log Wall" at Mile 11 of the C&O Canal, stabilizing the 194-year-old structure that protects the towpath from Potomac River erosion. (MyMCMedia)

🍽 BirdSong, a new Thai restaurant in Chevy Chase, showcases self-taught chef Kitima Boonmala's authentic dishes like rare white curry and boat noodle soup from her family's Thailand noodle shop heritage.

🚖 DC Council member Kenyan McDuffie introduced the "Autonomous Vehicle Amendments Act of 2025" to allow Waymo's self-driving robotaxis to operate without human drivers, paving the way for a 2026 launch.

🏌‍♂️ TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm’s Benton Weinberg captured the 104th Maryland Open at Country Club of Maryland with a tournament-record-tying 13-under 197 total, including a bogey-free final-round 64 that sealed his championship victory.

🍽 Nearly three years after closure, the once Eleanor Roosevelt-praised venue Normandie Farm remains shuttered with no update on the rumored beer hall replacement, leaving residents still hoping for a comeback from the H2 Collective-owned project.

Wine Tasting. 4-7pm @ Potomac Grocer
Sample California's finest with Starmont's rich North Coast Cabernet, elegant Napa Chardonnay, and zesty Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc—perfect pairings for summer evenings. Just save some for us 🍷

Fun Friday Outdoors on the Green. 5-7pm @ Cabin John Village
My Gym brings free fun and games to the grassy lawn behind Cabin John Village, complete with frozen treats. Register in link 🍧

James Grady - American Sky. 7pm @ Politics & Prose Conn. Ave
The "Condor" creator tackles '60s Montana coming-of-age with HBO's "Wire" mastermind George Pelecanos—literary titans discussing how teenage drama meets national trauma. First-come, first-serve seating 📖

Pvolve on the Green Demo Class. 9:30am @ Cabin John Village
Outdoor demo class for Jennifer Aniston's favorite functional fitness method opening soon in Potomac, featuring resistance equipment sculpt-and-tone techniques. Free, just bring workout shoes & water 👟

Read to a Dog. 10:30-11:30am @ Potomac Library
Ten-minute one-on-one sessions with certified therapy dogs help K-5th graders build reading confidence in a judgment-free, tail-wagging environment. Sign up starts @ 10am in-person. 🐕‍🦺

Chess Lounge Launch. 12-5pm @ Westfield Montgomery Center Court
New Chess Lounge debut coinciding with International Chess Day featuring free instruction, open play, mini tournaments, and chess master appearances in partnership with regional nonprofits. Free, register in link ♟

Birds, Bugs, & Blooms. 2pm @ McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area Park
Guided exploration of the McKee-Beshers WMA featuring the famous sunflower fields, diverse habitats, and over 250 bird species. Meet here, bring binoculars & bug spray 🌻

Fantasmagory Fashion Party. 2:30-4pm @ Imagination Stage
Wacky outfit celebration between Dory Fantasmagory performances featuring family yoga class, live fashion show on red carpet where kids get 15-30 seconds to strut their creative costumes. Register in link🎭

Pottery Workshop with David MacDonald. July 19+20 @ Glen Echo Pottery
Nationally recognized Syracuse artist teaches surface designs and decorative practices from sub-Saharan Africa over 2 days, celebrating African heritage through pottery while expressing human spirit's magnificence and dignity. $225, register in link👨‍🎨

Bachata y más. 7:30pm-midnight @ Glen Echo Park Ballroom Back Room
Latin dance night featuring Bachata lessons plus Salsa, Merengue, and Kizomba with live DJ, partner rotation for singles, and inclusive atmosphere welcoming all skill levels. $15, lessons included w/ticket 💃

Figure Model Drawing. 9am-12pm & 1-4pm @ Compass Atelier Kensington
Double-model sessions featuring Gazelle and Tom with combination of short and long poses, some models posing in tandem, others on opposite sides for exclusive long-pose focus. $25 for non-members, bring fav drawing tools & paper, easels provided. ✏

Drop-In Chess. 10am-12pm @ Potomac Community Center
Casual chess for all ages and skill levels from novice to grandmaster, guided by Churchill High School Chess Club members and supported by Friends of the Potomac Community Center. Free, kids under 12 need their Grand Master nearby♟

DC Polo Society Summer Social. 2-5:30pm @ Congressional Polo Club
Countryside elegance meets sport with two polo rounds, big hats, seersucker style, onsite bar and food truck in beautiful majestic grounds setting perfect for dates and families. $45+, kids <12 free, RSVP in link 🐴

Yoga with Archana. 3-4pm @ Potomac Library
Free 45-minute mat session plus 15-minute breathwork and meditation with wellness coach respectful of participants' age and agility, promoting balance and stress management. Bring your mat 🧘‍♂

"Better Living Through Birding" Book Club. 4:30-5:30pm @ Locust Grove Nature Center
Nature-focused book discussion exploring BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ perspectives through Christian Cooper's memoir about birding, identity, and the viral Central Park incident that shocked the nation. Register in link 📖