Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

2019 Washington Nationals Family-Friendly Promotions at Nationals Park

Nationals Park was designed for fans of all ages, and throughout the 2019 season families will have great opportunities to come watch a game at Nationals Park and enjoy all the family-oriented things Nationals Park has to offer. In addition, one Sunday each month there will be a special giveaway for kids presented by Harris Teeter, featuring all new items. Family-friendly events like Kids Run the Bases, Kids Opening Day, and the Youth Baseball & Softball Parade also return for the 2019 season. The Nationals full 2019 promotional calendar can be found here.

Just for Kids Giveaways:
 April 28 – Kids Watch (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 May 26 – Max Scherzer Jersey (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 June 23 – Screech Hooded Towel (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 August 18 – Teddy Squeezable Toy (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)
 September 15 – Lumberjack Cap (First 10,000 fans 12 & under)



Events:
 Every Sunday Day Game – Kids Run the Bases
 Every Sunday Game – Signature Sundays
 Every Home Game – Racing Presidents Photos
 April 28 – Screech’s Birthday/Kids Opening Day presented by Jr. Nationals Kids Club
 April 28, June 16 – Youth Baseball & Softball Day presented by Inova
 May 16 – Weather Day presented by NBC4
 September 15 – Youth Champions Day
 Various Dates – Scout Day/Girl Scout Day

Other Giveaways:
Fun giveaways for fans of all ages in 2019 include several Nationals bobbleheads, like crowd-favorite Trea Turner and newcomer Patrick Corbin. New for 2019 are themed bobbleheads like MARVEL Super Hero™ Captain Zimmerman and STAR WARS™ Obi “Sean” Kenobi.

Bobbleheads and Collectibles:
 May 15 – Trea Turner Bobblehead presented by PNC Bank (First 25,000 fans)
 May 25 – MARVEL Super Hero™ Captain Zimmerman Bobblehead (First 10,000 fans)
 June 15 – STAR WARS™ Obi “Sean” Kenobi Bobblehead (First 10,000 fans)
 June 21 – Max Scherzer Bobblehead presented by Delta Air Lines (First 25,000 fans)
 July 2 – Adam Eaton Bobblehead presented by PNC Bank (First 25,000 fans)
 July 23 – Nationals Water Bottle presented by MASN (First 20,000 fans)
 August 17 – Patrick Corbin Bobblehead presented by SAIC (First 25,000 fans)

Apparel:
 May 2 – Nationals Expandable Beach Bag presented by Kaiser Permanente (First 20,000 fans)
 July 27 – Nationals Racing Presidents Tote Bag presented by MLB Network (First 25,000 fans)
 September 29 – Nationals Puffy Vest presented by Coca-Cola (First 20,000 fans)

Fireworks Nights Presented by Budweiser
Bang! Zoom! Fireworks nights are coming to Nationals Park! Nationals fans will have five opportunities to bring the whole family and watch fireworks light up the sky above Nationals Park. Fireworks Nights will include four “Fireworks Friday” games and a special “Freedom Fireworks” show on July 3.

Fireworks Nights:
 Friday, April 26
 Friday, May 24
 Friday, June 14
 Wednesday, July 3
 Friday, August 30

Theme Nights:
Theme Nights are fun for the whole family, and this season Nats fans can dress up as their favorite characters during MARVEL Super Hero™ Day and STAR WARS™ Day. Each Theme Night will involve in-park activations, special scoreboard elements, and on-field pregame festivities. A special ticket is NOT required for Theme Nights.
 May 25 – MARVEL Super Hero™ Day
 June 15 – STAR WARS™ Day

Special Ticket Events:
There are several special ticket events fit for the whole family at Nationals Park in 2019. These family affairs include everything from bringing the grandkids to enjoy a day with grandma and grandpa during Seniors Stroll the Bases, to bringing your four-legged family members to Pups in the Park!
 May 27, September 2 – Seniors Stroll the Bases presented by Kaiser Permanente
 June 16 – Father’s Day Catch on the Field
 June 20 – Ladies Night
 July 6 – Cat-urday (For cat-loving families!)
 Various Dates – Pups in the Park presented by Budweiser

Free Tickets to Movie Screenings of UglyDolls & Poms

We have 10 admit 4, first-come, first-served passes to the advance screening of UglyDolls and are linked below.

Screening Details: Wednesday, May 1st at 7:00pm at Regal Majestic

In the adorably different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye. Here, the free-spirited Moxy and her UglyDoll friends live every day in a whirlwind of bliss, letting their freak flags fly in a celebration of life and its endless possibilities. The endearingly unique residents of Uglyville occasionally look to the sky above the town, where a new UglyDoll will appear and be embraced by the community.

Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) loves her square-peg life in this round-hole town, but her curiosity about all things leads her to wonder if there’s something – anything – on the other side of the mountain which nestles Uglyville. Moxy gathers a group of her closest friends and sets off to find what’s on the other side. They discover another world – Perfection – a town where more conventional dolls are trained in protocols before they graduate and are sent to the “real”world to find the love of a child.

In Perfection, Moxy and her crew are subject to the manipulations of Lou (Nick Jonas), the perfect doll in charge of training recruits. Here, the UglyDolls will confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.

Cast: Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Wang Leehom, Emma Roberts and Pitbull. Bebe Rexha, Charlie XCX, and Lizzo
Director: Kelly Asbury
Producers: Jane Hartwell, Robert Rodriguez, Oren Aviv

We have passes to two advanced screenings of Poms. 25 admit 2, first-come, first-served passes for each are linked below.

Screening #1 Details: Thursday, May 2ndat 7:00pm at Regal Majestic

Screening #2 Details: Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00pm at AMC Mazza Gallerie

POMS is an uplifting comedy about Martha (played by Diane Keaton) a woman who moves into a retirement community and starts a cheerleading squad with her fellow residents, Sheryl (Jacki Weaver), Olive (Pam Grier) and Alice (Rhea Perlman), proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Phyllis Somerville, Charlie Tahan, Alisha Boe and Bruce McGill also star. Zara Hayes directed the script by Shane Atkinson. Producing are Kelly McCormick (Atomic Blonde); Alex Saks (Book Club); Mad as Birds Films’ Andy Evans, Ade Shannon, Celyn Jones, Sean Marley and Rose Pictures’ Rose Ganguzza.

STOMP at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY


What: STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

Where: The National Theatre

When: April 23 – 28, 2019

Run time: Approximately 95 minutes with no intermission.

Win: 2 tickets for Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:30pm show. Enter to win by tagging 2 friends on Facebook who would like this show & get an extra entry by doing the same on Instagram. Winner announced in one week.

Big Top Arrives at the National Harbor- Big Apple Circus Giveaway

Big Apple Circus; the show dedicated to spreading wonder and whimsy, is back in the DMV for its second year! From February 14-March 24, 2019 the Big Apple Circus will transform National Harbor into a surreal wonderland for families!

Children will love the wildly creative acts of strength at this year’s show, featuring performers (literally) bouncing off the walls in trampoline acts; double wide trapeze acts with seven high-flying performers and two catchers; a gravity-defying horizontal juggling act; and, of course, the beloved rescue horses and dogs trained by seven-year Big Apple Circus veteran Jenny Vibel.

We love the inclusivity of this Circus too. Big Apple Circus will offer Circus of the Senses on March 14, with enhanced experiences for audiences who are blind, deaf or low-vision. A sensory-friendly autism performance on February 22 and 23 will feature lowered light and sound levels, a descriptive social story showing the different areas and acts involved with the circus and a “calming center” that can be accessed at any point during the show.

With no seat further than 50 feet away from the ring, families can enjoy a front row seat with tickets starting at just $15 each, with over-the-top VIP upgrades available for just $25.

The regular performance schedule is Wednesdays at 11am & 7pm; Thursdays at 11am & 7pm; Fridays at 11am & 7pm; Saturdays at 11am, 3pm & 7pm; and Sundays at 12pm & 4pm. As there are schedule variances, please refer to the most up-to-date calendar on the website.

Giveaway: 4 VIP tickets to a 7:00pm weekday show. Share our photo on Instagram and tag Beltway Bambinos, an extra entry for sharing with your friends on Facebook and tagging Beltway Bambinos. Winner will be announced February 6, 2019.

School of Rock {the musical} at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

SCHOOL OF ROCK is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “An inspiring jolt of energy, joy and mad skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Chicago Tribune raves, “SCHOOL OF ROCK offers us a chance to be kids again, only with more talent than we ever had.”

Rocking out at National Theatre January 16-27, 2019. Tickets can be purchased here.

Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. Recommended for age 8 and up.

**Win 2 tickets for the Thursday, January 17th, 7:30pm show. Enter on Facebook & Instagram for a chance to win. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on January 5th.

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

The National Theatre presents BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, BEAUTIFUL has a book by Tony® Award-nominee and Academy® Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony® Awards and a 2015 Grammy® Award.

The cast features Sarah Bockel (Carole King), Dylan S. Wallach (Gerry Goffin), Alison Whitehurst (Cynthia Weil), Jacob Heimer (Barry Mann), James Clow (Don Kirshner) and Suzanne Grodner (Genie Klein). The ensemble includes McKynleigh Alden Abraham, Ben Biggers, John Michael Dias, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Kaylee Harwood, Willie Hill, Alia Hodge, James Michael Lambert, Marla Louissaint, Dimitri Joseph Moïse, Aashley Morgan, Deon Releford-Lee, Nathan Andrew Riley, Paul Scanlan, DeAnne Stewart, Michael Stiggers, Jr., Alexis Tidwell, and Elise Vannerson.

**Appropriate for the entire family, but very young children won’t be interested in the 1950s-era biography. The show is best for pop music lovers age 10 and up.

Purchase tickets here.  Beautiful is making its DC run from November 27th – December 30th.

**Giveaway: Enter to win 2 tickets to the first performance on Tuesday, November 27th at 7:30pm. Comment on Facebook & Instagram letting us know your favorite musical. Winner will be announced November 17, 2018.

Ice skating, holiday light displays and more outdoor fun this holiday season in Washington, DC

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe or hot cocoa. Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside (and a few from your car).

(Ice Skating in DC photo from Washington DC)
Outdoor Ice Rinks: Most are open Nov-Feb and offer ice skating lessons, check their websites.  

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Tyson’s Corner Center Ice Rink– 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22102

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007                                           

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD 20910

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD 20850

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on Nov. 28, 2018 and is the beginning of three weeks of celebration in holiday music in the nation’s capital. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. Lighting is on Nov. 28 and will stay up through Jan.1.

Christmas at Mount Vernon– 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
The holidays are full of delight at George Washington’s estate. Join for candlelight tours of the Mansion, a dazzling display of fireworks set to Christmas music, dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 23-Dec. 31.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745
Holiday tree lighting and fireworks begins is on Nov. 10, 2018 and takes place each Saturday through December. Complete with Santa appearances, holiday movies and fireworks. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Rd Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, & 22-23, 28 and 29.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Nov. 22- Jan. 1. The best times to visit Season’s Greenings are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

41st Annual Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Dr Kensington, MD 20895
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights. Begins Nov.29 and lasts through Jan.1.

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo– 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a Glow Zone in addition to dazzling light shows set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 23-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24, 25 and 31) hours are 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– 1800 Glenallan Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more. Nov. 16-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 19-22, 24 & 25) Hours and prices vary by night.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- 7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville, VA 20121
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Nov. 21-Jan. 6 hours and prices vary depending on the day.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct Vienna, VA22182
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments). Nov. 9-Jan. 7 from 5:30pm-10:00pm.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree! Nov. 23- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $10 car/van, free on Christmas.

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, MD.20878
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly Nov. 23 through Dec. 31. (closed on Dec. 25). The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more.

Georgetown Glow–
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine. Dec. 1- Jan. 6

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Saturdays and Sundays only– 10:00am-6:00pm-: Eye Spy Train at Wheaton
All aboard the Wheaton Eye Spy Halloween Train! NO LONGER HAUNTED! This “not so scary” train ride is fun for the whole family – it’s all about fun, not fright! Each child will receive an Eye Spy card before boarding the train. As you ride through the woods of Wheaton Regional Park, look all around to find Halloween friends hiding, and mark them off the Eye Spy card. They’ll have fun Halloween activities in the Train Station Party Room, where snacks will also be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged! Please bring a canned food donation for your neighbors in need – they’ll donate them to Mid-County United Ministries in Wheaton. [Read more…]

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