FREDERICK, Md. - Marylandian -- The Weinberg Center for the Arts invites patrons, members, residents, and families to launch the theater's 100th anniversary season at the Centennial Kickoff open house event on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. This event is free, open to the public, and does not require a ticket.

The Centennial Kickoff will feature outdoor entertainment by the Clustered Spires Chorus and local singer-songwriter Susanna Laird. Inside the theater, Weinberg organist Tedde Gibson will showcase the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, offering visitors an overview of the iconic instrument followed by musical accompaniment of the 1929 Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy silent film shorts Liberty and Big Business. Kids' craft activities will take place on the mezzanine level, and free popcorn will be available (while supplies last). Additional programming will include behind-the-scenes and oral history videos. There will also be door-prize drawings at the top of each hour.

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"This is an amazing opportunity to see the Weinberg Center in its 100th year," Stephanie Chaiken, Executive Theater Manager of the Weinberg Center, said. "We want the community to participate in the arts in inspiring and fun ways."

Following the Centennial Kickoff, the Weinberg Center will launch the Centennial Film Series on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. with a screening of the 1929 Marx Brothers feature, The Cocoanuts.

Tickets for The Cocoanuts are $8 and may be purchased online, by calling the box office at 301-600-2828, or in person at 20 W Patrick St. Discounts are available for students, children, military, and seniors.

Set in a struggling hotel on the verge of bankruptcy, The Cocoanuts follows fast-talking hotel owner Mr. Hammer, whose attempts to flatter the wealthy Mrs. Potter are thwarted by the attentions of other guests and the romantic designs of Mrs. Potter's daughter, Polly. All the while, brothers Harpo and Chico wreak havoc with their con-artist schemes and silent mischief.

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A complete listing of artists and performers scheduled for the 2026-27 season can be found at https://weinbergcenter.org/

ABOUT WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS & NEW SPIRE ARTS
The Weinberg Center for the Arts and New Spire Arts are two of the region's premier performing arts venues, offering a diverse lineup of film, music, dance, theater, and family programming. Housed in the historic Tivoli Theatre, the Weinberg Center provides world-class entertainment while preserving its rich architectural heritage. Just steps away, New Spire Arts serves as a dynamic space for intimate performances and community engagement. Both venues are committed to making the arts accessible and affordable, with support from the City of Frederick, the Maryland State Arts Council, Plamondon Hospitality Partners, and other corporate and individual donors.