Mural Magic, Election Insights + Halloween Fun! 🎃

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

What a week we have ahead! Halloween is just days away, and our community is buzzing with activity.

In today's edition, we're celebrating a beautiful new mural on Main Street, sharing highlights from last week's City Council Candidates Forum (with video) and welcoming the reopening of Hope House.

Plus, we've got 10 events happening THIS WEEK including multiple trunk-or-treats, the Laurel Farmer’s Market Encore and breakfast at the fire station. And if you're a planner, we've got 15 more events coming up through the holidays!

Let's dive in! 👇

Art came alive on Main Street this weekend! Laurel for the Patuxent hosted a celebration for the completion of a stunning nature-themed mural on the side of Quick Stop Food Mart.

The event featured live music, food and a chance to meet the friends and colleagues of Chan Robbins. The mural adds a beautiful splash of color and community pride to our Main Street, celebrating the natural beauty of the Patuxent River and our local wildlife.

If you haven't seen it yet, take a stroll down Main Street to the corner of 5th Street—it's worth the trip!

Last week, the Laurel Board of Trade hosted an important evening of civic engagement as candidates for Laurel City Council shared their visions for our community's future.

Residents had the opportunity to ask questions directly and hear where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to Laurel. Whether you attended in person or not, this was a crucial moment in our democratic process.

Missed it? Watch the full forum on YouTube and make an informed decision before Election Day.

Great news for our community! Hope House has officially reopened as of October 23rd, continuing its mission to serve Laurel's neighbors in need.

Hope House provides essential support and resources to individuals and families facing difficult times. The reopening marks an important moment for community care and compassion in Laurel.

Welcome back, Hope House—we're grateful for the work you do!

Shoppers Food & Pharmacy has announced the closure of one of its Laurel locations as part of a larger wave of store closures across Maryland. This closure will impact local shoppers who rely on the store for their grocery needs. The final day of operations will be November 8th.

Read more about all 4 Maryland location closings here.

The historic Selborne House hosted a special poetry reading event, bringing together local literature lovers and creative minds. These intimate cultural gatherings continue to make Selborne House a cherished venue for arts and community connection in Laurel.

Check their page for upcoming events

Laurel Parks & Recreation just wrapped up two fantastic fall trips that brought our community together:

Thanks to everyone who joined these adventures! Keep an eye on Parks & Rec's calendar for more upcoming trips and activities throughout the season.

Calling all performers! Upstage Artists is holding auditions for their first production of 2026, the comedy classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Anna Fitzmaurice! Auditions will take place at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD 20705 on December 3rd & 4th. Whether you're an experienced actor or trying theater for the first time, this is your chance to shine on stage.

Click Here to: Learn more and sign up!

Laurel Mill Playhouse presents The Hollow, a gripping mystery that promises suspense, intrigue and stellar local performances. Support community theater and enjoy a thrilling night out! There will be only 7 performances (including only 1 Sunday), so be sure to get YOUR tickets here!

Who doesn't love free ice cream? Gigi's is treating the community to complimentary kid scoops during the hours of 6pm and 8pm—during the Main Street Trick or Treat on November 30th. Be sure to grab the family and enjoy a sweet treat!

La Casita Pupuseria in Laurel welcomed members of the Prince George's County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for a special gathering. La Casita continues to be a hub for both delicious food and community connection in Laurel.

Stop by and support this local gem!

Halloween is almost here! Here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK:

Free Vaccine Clinic at American Legion Post 60 🗓️ Thursday, October 30th 📍 2 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707. Get your flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, or other immunizations at this free community clinic. Protect yourself and your family as we head into cold and flu season.

Main Street Trick-or-Treat 🗓️ Thursday, October 30th from 6pm to 8pm 📍 Main Street, Laurel, MD. Bring the kids downtown for a safe, family-friendly trick-or-treat experience! Local businesses will be handing out candy and the streets will be filled with costumes, smiles and Halloween spirit. Don't miss this Laurel tradition!

Laurel Encore Farmer’s Market Encore with Mike Walls 🗓️ Thursday, October 30th from 3pm to 7pm 📍 14504 Greenview Drive. Mike Walls returns to the Laurel Market for another round of live music, local vendors and community vibes. Support local makers and enjoy a relaxing Saturday morning in Patuxent Greens.

Wine & Wicks Candle-Making Class 🗓️ Thursday, October 30th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm 📍 Clyopatra Winery, 24 C Street, Laurel, MD 20707. Combine creativity and relaxation! Join this wine and candle-making event where you'll craft your own custom candle while enjoying good company and a glass of wine.

Trunk-or-Treat & Kickball at American Legion 🗓️ Saturday, November 1st (Trunk or Treat at 6pm, Kickball at 7pm)📍 American Legion Post 60, 2 Main Street. Double the fun! Enjoy trunk-or-treat activities for the kids, then stick around for some friendly kickball action. A perfect fall day for the whole family!

STARS Studios Trunk-or-Treat 🗓️ Saturday, November 1st from 6pm to 8pm📍 8510 Corridor Rd suite 100, Savage, MD 20763. Another great trunk-or-treat option! STARS Studios is hosting a safe, fun Halloween celebration with decorated car trunks, candy, games and more!

Fall Festival at Grace Baptist Church 🗓️ Saturday, November 1st from 5pm to 8pm 📍 Grace Baptist Church, 7107 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD 20707. Celebrate fall with games, food, activities and family fun at this free community festival.

Searching for the Saints 🗓️ Saturday, November 1st from 6pm to 7:30 pm 📍 St. Mary of the Mills, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD 20707. You will encounter saintly games, angelic prizes and a holy scavenger hunt.

Operation Share the Warmth 📅 Saturday, November 1st from 10am to 2pm 📍 Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD. Donate new or gently used coats, blankets and winter items to help neighbors in need stay warm this season. Volunteer opportunities also available!

LVFD Auxiliary Breakfast 🗓️ Sunday, November 2nd from 8:30 am to 11am 📍 Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD 20707. Start your Sunday with a yummy home-cooked breakfast—all to support the LVFD Auxiliary and our local heroes.

Planning ahead? Here are 15 upcoming events to mark on your calendar—from Veterans Day celebrations to holiday festivities!

Largo Lot Party & Walking Tour 🗓️ November 7th (Adults Night Out) & 8th (Family Fun Day) 📍 9401 Grand Blvd, Upper Marlboro, MD. Explore the redevelopment plans for the Largo area with a community party and guided walking tour.

Veteran's Day Appreciation Breakfast 🗓️ Saturday, November 8th at 10 am 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD 20707. Honor our veterans with a free appreciation breakfast hosted by the City of Laurel. RSVP required. 📧 Email [email protected]

National Pupusa Day at La Casita 🗓️ Sunday, November 9th 📍 La Casita Pupuseria Laurel, 14311 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD. Celebrate National Pupusa Day with live music, giveaways and specials! Tag your pupusa photos on social media for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

Harvest Moon Hayride 🗓️ Friday, November 7th from 6pm to 9pm 📍 Starts at Outback Leather, 309 Main St, Laurel, MD. Enjoy a scenic hayride along the Patuxent River! Perfect for families and anyone who loves crisp fall evenings.

WLCA Craft Faire 🗓️ Saturday, November 15th from 9am to 2pm 📍 T. Howard Duckett Bldg, 16601 Supplee Ln, Laurel, MD 20707. Shop local for the holidays at this annual craft fair featuring handmade goods, gifts and treats from local artisans/vendors.

Maryland City VFD Craft Fair 🗓️ Saturday, November 15th from 9am to 1pm 📍 Maryland City VFD, 3498 Laurel Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20724. Shop from local vendors, crafters and makers while supporting the fire department. Vendor spaces still available!

Cleanup at Riverfront Park 🗓️ Saturday, November 15th at 9am 📍 Riverfront Park, 24 Avondale St, Laurel, MD 20707. Give back to our beautiful green spaces! Join fellow volunteers for a community cleanup day at Riverfront Park.

Adult Trip: Guinness Brewery Tour 🗓️ Sunday, November 16th from 3pm to 8pm 📍 Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD. Laurel Parks & Rec is taking adults on a special trip to the Guinness Brewery! Enjoy tours, tastings and fun with fellow Laurel residents. All trips will depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Laurel Blessing Baskets 🗓️ Wednesday, November 19th from 4pm to 9pm 📍 Karnival Hall, 555 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707. Help ensure local families have a meaningful Thanksgiving! Volunteer or donate to this heartwarming community initiative.

LARS Turkey Trot 🗓️ Thursday, November 27th from 8am to 9:30am 📍 Alice B. McCullough Field, Montgomery St & 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707. Run off that turkey before you eat it! Join LARS (Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services) for the annual Turkey Trot 5K. All proceeds support local hunger relief efforts. 🏃

Holiday Parade 🗓️ Saturday, December 6th at 3:45pm (parade kick-off)📍 Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St, Laurel, MD 20707. Mark your calendars for Laurel's festive Holiday Parade! Santa, floats, music, tree-lighting and community cheer—this is a can't-miss tradition!

Breakfast with Santa 🗓️ Saturday, December 6th @ 9am 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD 20707. Bring the kids to meet Santa over a delicious hot breakfast! A magical morning for little ones. RSVP required. 📧 Email: [email protected]

Photos with Santa 🗓️ Monday, December 22nd from 4pm to 5:30pm📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD 20707. Santa is coming to town right before Christmas to take last minute pictures with family and friends! Please bring your own phone/camera.

Holiday Movie: Elf 🗓️ December 22nd at 6pm 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD 20707. Cozy up for a free screening of the holiday classic "Elf"! Bring blankets, pillows and your holiday spirit.

Thanks for reading our second edition!

We've got Halloween celebrations, community events and holiday planning all happening right now. Get out there and enjoy everything Laurel has to offer!

Got an event, story tip or business we should feature? Just hit reply—I read every response.

See you next week!

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

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