🌊 River report card. The Potomac Conservancy’s 2025 grade for the Potomac River is in: another solid “B.” The river’s cleaner but has plateaued and is still too polluted for safe swimming or fishing. Read the report

🦃 Old Angler's Thanksgiving help. The restaurant is taking limited pre-orders for a full feast, so you can host without cooking or cleanup. Check out the Thanksgiving menu

👩‍⚖️ Woman making history. Montgomery County women’s groups are seeking honorees for the 2026 Women Making History Award where you can nominate local residents, workers, and students whose impact goes beyond their title. Submit a nomination by Dec. 5

🎻 Spotlight on young talent. Gaithersburg’s 2026 Young Artist Award competition is open to vocal and instrumental soloists aged 12–18 across the county. Finalists perform in a January Winners Recital. Voice and piano categories are nearly full so Potomac prodigies, apply now

✨ Wonder Journey arrives. LuminoCity’s glowing fairy-tale festival opens today at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, with six illuminated worlds, trains, a bounce zone, and food trucks. Get tickets

Potomac Estate Sale | Fri-Sun @ 9804 Korman Court
10am-3pm Fri, Sat, and Sun 🏡

Museums & Makers Holiday Market | Fri-Sun @ Strathmore, The Mansion
Discover unique holiday gifts while supporting area museum shops and local artisans in a festive three-day market setting. 10am-6pm daily 🎁

Mayfield Market | Fri-Sat @ Connelly School of the Holy Child
Shop 50+ boutique vendors celebrating 21 years of Potomac’s favorite market, from personalized gifts, kids’ crafts, and free Santa photos. Fri 3:30pm-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm with Santa from 9-11am 🎄

Once Upon a One More Time | Fri-Sun @ Winston Churchill High School
Fairytales get a glittery remix in this student production packed with pop anthems, girl power, and Britney-fueled sass that’ll leave you shouting “Gimme More.” Tickets in link for Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm 🎤

Parents Night Out | 6–9pm @ My Gym Potomac
Kids blast off for an Outer Space–themed night of games, pizza, and play while parents score three glorious kid-free hours of orbiting freedom. Register in link 🚀

Winston Churchill Bulldogs vs Richard Montgomery Rockets Playoff Game | 6:30pm @ Winston Churchill High School
Friday night lights go playoff-bright as the Bulldogs defend home turf against the Rockets in a clash of grit & glory. Tickets in link 🏈

Community Paper Shredding and Recycling Event | 10am–2pm @ Montgomery College Lot 13
Clear out those bursting file drawers at this drive-through shredding event where residents can safely destroy old financial records and celebrate America Recycles Day without lifting a bin. Limit 5 paper bags/small boxes per vehicle ♻️

Indoor Centerpiece Workshop | 11am–11am @ Good Earth Garden Market
Create a lush holiday centerpiece with houseplants, subtle sparkle, and expert guidance from Kelly and Rachel, then enjoy a living arrangement that keeps thriving well past the season. Register in link 🪴

Holiday Fine Crafts Show | 11am–3pm @ Fox Hills West Park
Have lunch at food trucks while checking out independent local arts vendors, including talented youth makers. 🎁

Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks Ren Fest | 11:30am–6pm @ Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks
Rockville Beerworks turns into a mini renaissance faire with turkey legs, flowing mead, costumed performers, and an oversized keepsake mug that scores you discounted royal refills. Free admission 🍺

Violette’s Lock Hike | 2pm @ C&O Canal Lock 23
Explore historic Violette’s Lock with a volunteer ranger on an easy towpath stroll, where a working inlet lock, canal views, and abundant wildlife reward binocular-toting walkers. Bring binoculars + wear comfy walking shoes 🚶‍♂️

Autumn River Views 5k & 10k | 7:30am–10:30am @ Carderock Recreation Area
Cruise the flat C&O Canal towpath with Bishop’s Events in a chip-timed 5k or 10k race. Walkers are welcome and medals, series points, and new PR’s can all be earned. Register in link 🏃‍♀️

Yoga with Archana | 3–4pm @ Potomac Library
Ease into Sunday with Archana Gupta’s supportive mat yoga, mixing gentle movement, breath work, and meditation to build balance, confidence, and calm for every body. Wear comfy clothes and bring a mat if you can 🧘‍♀️

^{*Dates & times subject to change based on weather and/or venues making your life more difficult}

Forward the Loop to that neighbor who insists the Potomac is drinkable.

-Potomac Loop Team