Weekend Picks – Page 29

Weekend Picks: September 22-24, 2017

September 22, 2017

Fall Festivals have commenced!!! Let the apple and pumpkin picking start. Pictured above is a fabulous fall display the The National Harbor had set-up two years ago by the Wheel.

The Great Frederick Fair with rides, agriculture, fair food, animals and more will be happening through Saturday!

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for opening weekend! The festival is free to children 15 and under this weekend only. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

****Follow our Instagram page to learn about more events, not included on the Weekend Picks!!!

Saturday- Museum Day Live! thanks to Smithsonian Magazine. Museums who typically charge admission, are free today.

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years. $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Reptile World at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Exotic creatures star in this amazing show! Michael Schwedick and his extraordinary animal friends not only teach kids invaluable lessons about the ecology, but also thrill them with up close reptile encounters. Adults will be awed by Michael’s ability to present alligators, snakes, and other sometimes scary creatures without frightening even the youngest children.

10:00am-5:00pm: Can you believe the National Museum of African American History & Culture is celebrating one-year of being open?! They are having an outdoor celebration that is free. See schedule for details.

10:30am: Here Comes Trouble at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Metro DC based kindie rock heroes HERE COMES TROUBLE is a band that is all about being silly, having fun, and finding the adventure in everything. Conservatory trained duo (and husband/wife team) Jon Babu and Kelly Donohue collaborate with their wacky band of friends to create irresistibly catchy lyrics and toe-tapping, genre-bending tunes that will keep you smiling all day long! $8

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Activities in Saturday Song Circle are best for 1-3 year-olds but 4-5 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome to join in the fun. Featured book: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

11:00am-5:00pm: Barrack’s Row Fall Festival
(Barracks Row)
A petting zoo, live music, beer garden, Star Wars characters dressed up, trapeze performers and the festival wraps up with a donkey procession.

11:00am-6:00pm: Reston Multicultural Festival
(2310 Colts Neck Rd Reston, VA 20191)
The Reston Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the diversity and community spirit that is found in Reston. This annual event brings together the people of Reston to celebrate our rich medley of cultures. Family, friends and neighbors are treated to music, entertainment, dress, food, and cultural treasures from all over the world that are all right here. This signature Reston event honors the diversity that is one of our greatest strengths. Everyone is encouraged to dress in attire from their own cultural roots and share the stories that we gather on the pathways of our lives. The Multicultural Festival features a Naturalization Ceremony, International Book Fair, National Heritage Award Fellows, arts & crafts, exciting entertainment, Art Mirrors Culture 2D and 3D exhibits, delicious food, and family activities from around the world.

7:00pm: Opera in the Outfield
(Nationals Park)
Celebrate the tenth season of free live opera simulcasts by joining Washington National Opera at Nationals Park for Aida. Gates open at 5 p.m. for pre-opera activities.

Sunday-

11:00am-4:00pm: ZooFiesta
(Smithsonian National Zoo)
Visitors can kick off the Smithsonian-wide Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at “ZooFiesta: Un día de diversión animal para toda la familia,”. There will be a variety of fun-filled family activities, including live music and educational activities about conservation in Central and South America. Animal keepers will host talks, feedings and demonstrations highlighting a variety of animals native to the region, including Andean bears, sloths, golden lion tamarins, Panamanian golden frogs and more. Visitors have an opportunity to meet Zoo scientists who are working to save native species and learn about their research.

11:00am-7:00pm: Turkish Festival
(Pennsylvania Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets NW)
With a 52 years legacy, ATA-DC’s mission has been cultivating the diversity in our city through its cultural, social and educational programs. In addition to the Turkish Festival, ATA-DC will take Washingtonians on a magical tour of Turkey with a variety of events showcasing Turkish culture, traditional arts, cuisine and movies during the 5th Annual Turkish Heritage Month. This cultural celebration will also highlight one of the regions of Turkey: the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the most ancient cities of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will have a chance to get a glimpse of Ephesus at the Annual DC Turkish Festival. Dancing, singing, lots of delicious food, shopping and more!

11:00am-8:00pm: DC State Fair
(Waterfront Station in Southwest DC- 375 and 425 M St. SW)
The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. While the DC State Fair is inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, animal husbandry, and deep-fried foods—it also honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. This means the DC State Fair holds competitions to find the best pupusas, mumbo sauce, and Double Dutch jumpers in the city, puts on a Pet Parade instead of a pig race, and works with local businesses and organizations that are committed to helping our community thrive.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Garden Day at Washington National Cathedral
(3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
Bring your picnic blanket and join us in the Bishop’s Garden and Lawn as we celebrate All Hallows Guild’s 101st birthday. Garden docents to answer your questions, free lawn games for children and adults, food available for purchase from Rocklands Barbeque and A&B Ice Cream, free All Hallows Guild carousel coloring books. A coloring and craft table for kids, live music in the All Hallows Amphitheater, Herb Cottage Gift Sales, artists in the Garden and scavenger hunt. No admission charge. Free parking is available on Sunday along Pilgrim Road

12:00pm-5:00pm: KidFest
(Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, MD)
The DC Region’s largest annual family festival celebrating making, creativity, and innovation. Part of KID Museum’s ongoing effort to expose children and adults alike to the power of hands-on maker learning, KIDfest inspires them to find their own “spark.” Experience hands-on electronics, art, engineering, science, and crafts activities – along with awe-inspiring demos, engaging “KIDtalks,” and two stages of live musical performances and entertainment. Free parking and admission.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Movie:Beauty & the Beast

Weekend Picks: September 15-17, 2017

September 15, 2017

This weekend the 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival. Festival booths line King Street between Washington and Union streets, featuring over six blocks of artwork by more than 200 artists from the US and abroad.

The Great Frederick Fair with rides, agriculture, fair food, animals and more will be happening through September 23.

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-7:00pm Maryland Renaissance Festival will be joisting and serving up lots of turkey legs weekends through October 23. The festival is free to children 11 and under. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate!

The annual Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun Saturday & Sunday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and much more. Martha Washington will great guests on the piazza from 1:30-3:30pm, and General Washington will oversee the festivities: 18th-century entertainment including music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale on site.

A few Fall Festivals begin this weekend.

****Follow our Instagram page to learn about more events, not included on the Weekend Picks!!!

Friday-

4:00pm-7:00pm: My Gym Bethesda & Potomac Open House
(5110 Ridgefield Rd. Bethesda, MD. 20816)
(11325 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Check out NEW class offerings – Pre- Ballet, Ninja Training (formally Par-kid) & Mighty Mites/Whiz Kids PLUS. Meet the teachers, see the space, lots of fun and back to school discounts. View the complete schedule and enroll online HERE!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre:If Pigs Could Fly at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
When Rocky announces that he doesn’t like to read, his classmates show him all of the great adventures can be found in books. Families will discover how much fun reading can be when Rocky’s classmates perform puppet shows from four world folktales.

10:00am-9:00pm: 2nd Annual Chesapeake Storytelling Festival
(Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland)
Come and spend a full day listening to national and local oral storytellers at inside venues of the Chesapeake College on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. Stories of adventure, history, and tall tales including a Children’s Tent. As you listen, you will be transported to places where memories and magic are captured and woven into tales that will make you laugh and cry. Come and live the imaginary!

11:00am-4:00pm: Children’s Day: Honey Harvest Festival at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902)
We’ll be buzzing about pollinators all day long! Join Brookside Gardens, Brookside Nature Center, and the Maryland State Beekeepers Association to celebrate honey bees and other pollinators. Talk to beekeepers, watch honey being harvested, buy local honey and bee products and enjoy family-friendly activities and crafts. Get your groove on with Groovy Nate! A unique blend of music, puppet skits, interactive movement, and comedy into one groovy experience for the whole family. Performance times are 12:30 and 2:30 at Brookside Gardens.

11:00am-3:00pm: Monarch Fiesta Day at Black Hill Nature Center
(20926 Lake Ridge Dr Boyds, Maryland 20841)
Come celebrate the monarch butterfly’s inspiring metamorphosis and incredible journey. We’ll have exhibits, face painting, storytimes, crafts, movies, monarch tagging and more! All programs are free and first-come, first-served. No registration required.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Engineering 101 (Build ‘n Fly Helicopters) at College Park Aviation Museum
(1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr College Park, MD 20740)
What is an Engineer? Engineers are people who design and build things to solve specific problems. Learn the basics of engineering through an interactive, hands-on design challenge by creating your own design from drawing to prototype. $5 includes museum admission and supplies. Theme: Build ‘n Fly Helicopters

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session, you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Activities in Sunday Fun-Day are most appropriate to 3-5 year-olds but 1-2 year-old siblings and friends are also welcome! Featured book:Where the Wild Things Are

Fall Festivals and Orchards in and around Washington, DC

September 14, 2017

An updated version for 2018 can be found here

It’s that time of year! Crisp winds, fun fall outfits, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and jumping in leaves. It also means making memories at apple orchards, festivals and picking pumpkins. We’ve created a short list of the closest places to take your Bambinos. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know!

Butlers Orchard 37th Annual Pumpkin Festival (22200 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876)
Dates of the Festival: September 30 , October 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 2017 from 10:00am-5:00pm
Spider Web, Twisted Pumpkin Corn Maze, Corn Box, Hayrides, Straw Maze, Corn Hole, Giant Slides, Pumpkin Coach, Jump in the Hayloft, Visit Barnyard Buddies, Pumpkinland, Pedal Tractors, Playground, Pumpkin Cannon, Pony Rides, Face Painting, Kids Crafts, Pumpkin Cannon on Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, Pick Your Own Pumpkins $0.65/lb, Festival Food and a Farm Market as you exit the Orchard. Admission $12/person over 2.

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837)
Pick-Your-Own Fruit

Ticonderoga Farms (26175 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA 20152)
September 23-November 5, 2017 from 10:00am-6:00pm
Admission includes hayrides, activities and access to the pick your own pumpkin field. Noah’s Ark, log cabins, hillside slides, ponds, swings, fire pits, hayrides, tire play, hay forts, rolling tunnels, s’mores roasting, animals, enormous jump and bounce pillow and so much more. Weekdays $10.95 & Weekends/Columbus Day (9th) $16.95 per person age 2 and up.

Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA. 20120)
Festival kickoff September 16 & 17, 2017 and then open daily September Sep 22-Oct 31 and Nov 3-7. Fall Festival hours: 10 AM-6 PM (5 PM in November)
5 Giant Slides, World Famous Hayrides, Farm Animals & Their Babies, CORNundrum Cornfield Adventure, Rope Swings, Kiddie Zone, Goat Village, Local Apples & Fresh Cider, Straw Tunnels, A Patch Pumpkin to take home, Live Entertainment, 90 acres of fun!

Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Lane Frederick, MD 21703)
Opens September 23 – October 31, 2017
Open in the Fall each year with an old-fashioned Harvest Festival — featuring a 12 acre Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, more than 30 activities, live weekend music, fireworks, finger-lickin’ good food … and lots more!

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open through the first Sunday in November
The Straw Maze, built with over 1000 bales of straw, is a delightful place to get lost. The Straw Maze is open every day the farm is open in October. The Boo Barn is for children ages 4 – 6. It is a dark passage in the bottom of the Red Barn and is filled with animated, not too scary ghosts and goblins. The Boo Barn is open every day the farm is open in October. They offer a pumpkin hayride on weekdays and weekends in October. This wagon ride fords the stream, goes through the woods and includes a stop at the pumpkin field where everyone selects their favorite pumpkin. The farm is decorated for Halloween with ghosts and goblins to delight and scare you. The fields are laden with crisp, succulent vegetables. The orchards are bent down with apples.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Open Daily in September for Apple Picking & Corn Maze Fun from 9:00am-5:00pm
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival: September 26-October 31, 2017
Pumpkin Chunkin: November 4-7, 2017
Apple Gala and Cider Fest is every weekend in September
Celebrate with tastings of this season’s best ciders and demonstrations of our antique cider press. Pick your pumpkins and apples, fire pumpkins from a cannon, enjoy cider donuts, get lost in a corn maze and visit with the pumpkin princess at Pumpkin Harvest Festival and bring your leftover pumpkins to Pumpkin Chukin.

Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD. 21042)
Open through November 5, 2017
Petting farm animals, Hayrides, Cow Train Rides, Pony Rides, Birthday Parties, Educational Tours, Enchanted Pine Tree Forest, Special Weekend Events, Enchanted Forest Attractions and Fall Season Pumpkin Patch. Open Tues-Sun.

Leesburg Animal Park and Pumpkin Village (19270 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175)
Open September 16-November 7 from 9:30am-6:00pm
Halloween Costume Contest 10/24 & 10/25
Giant hill slides, hay wagon rides, pet and feed animals, free apple and cider snack with admission, free mini-pumpkin, kids maze, camel rides and live entertainment, pedal carts, face painting on weekends.

Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville, VA 22611)
September 23-October 29, 2017 on weekends from 10:00am-6:00pm
This year’s maze theme is Pokemon…come see if you can wind your way through our 10-acre maze. The popular pig races will run at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm on festival days. And don’t forget to visit the huge pumpkin patch where you can pick your very own pumpkin right from the the vine! The farm offers hayrides, pig races, slides, and playgrounds. In addition to offering plenty of entertainment, this working farm has an 8-acre u-pick pumpkin patch. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wayside Farm is an idyllic farm setting for families looking for the ultimate farm adventure this fall. Wayside Farm would like to offer our readers 20% off admission this fall- mention Beltway Bambinos at the booth!

Readers also recommend:

Sharps at Waterford Farm

Pumpkin Playground

Festivals:
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Weekends August 26-October 22, 2017

Barracks Row Fall Festival: September 23, 2017

Frederick Oktoberfest:September 29-October 1, 2017

Weekend Picks: September 8-10, 2017

September 8, 2017

Saturday and Sunday The Kensington Train Show with model trains, live music and kids activities chugs into Kensington! The event is a benefit for the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and the Kensington Historical Society. Admission is $7 Adults; $2 Kids; $15 Family and the hours are 11:00am-5:00pm. This annual train show is located at Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St., in Kensington, Maryland.

****Follow our Instagram page to learn about more events, not included on the Weekend Picks!!!

Friday-

6:30pm-8:30pm: Friday Night Concert Series at Capitol Riverfront
(355 Water St SE)
Celebrate the first month of school in the Capitol Riverfront – Arrive early to the Friday Night Concert in Yards Park to enjoy kids activities, face painting, balloon art and more from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Near Southeast Community Partners will be taking donations to benefit the purchase of art supplies for Van Ness Elementary School. Come for family fun and support the community.

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Alice in Wonderland at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
The Lewis Carroll literary classic is magically brought to life in Bright Star Theatre’s production of Alice in Wonderland. Join Alice on her journey into the rabbit hole, packed with some eccentric and fantastical characters who take families on an imaginative ride. Join the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and Alice on this adventure in Wonderland.

11:00am or 12:30pm (depending on location): DC Shorts Film Festival Family Showcase
(Various Libraries)
Check out the Parents Guide (and see photo above) with details on films. This showcase runs approximately 46 minutes and includes all of the films listed on the page. These films are appropriate for children aged 3+.

12:00pm-4:00pm: PawPaw Festival at Meadowside Nature Center
(5100 Meadowside Ln Rockville, MD 20855)
Meadowside Nature Center will celebrate this delightful native fruit with music, crafts, games, expert advice on pawpaw cultivation, and most importantly a pawpaw tasting station. We’ll have pawpaw fruit and trees for purchase, limited quantities, while supplies last. $5 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free.

1:00pm-7:00pm: Rosslyn Jazz Fest
(1300 Lee Hwy)
For the past 27 years, the Rosslyn Jazz Fest has taken over all of the three-acre, urban Gateway Park. This much-anticipated annual event draws upwards of 5,000 music fans to Gateway Park for a day of dynamic, free performances. Come to hear live music performed by some of the biggest names in jazz and world music today. Eat + Drink: Enjoy several bar areas serving wine and beer, plus a variety of favorite local food trucks: Tacos Matadores/ Rocklands BBQ/ Mangia Tutti/Chix N Stix/ Tapas Truck/ Bon Bonni/ Healthy Food Fool.

Sunday-

11:00am: The Rumpus Room at U Street Music Hall
(1115 U Street NW Washington, DC, 20009)
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. They provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome. Infants/crawling children enter free. Brunch drink deals. Advance ticket sales end one hour before doors. $10.

11:00am-2:00pm: Family Picnic with Rainbow Families at Hillwood Estate
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Pack a picnic from home or purchase food from the café’s express menu to enjoy on the magnificent lawn. Play games on the lawn, including hula hoop, badminton, and jump rope. Practice your putt on the Putting Green. Get your face painted with your favorite garden critter. Try on costumes from a collection of hero’s capes, royal crowns, knight’s sheilds, and more. Create a glittering art project and explore the special exhibition Spectacular Gems and Jewelry.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Adams Morgan Day
(18th St. NW, between Florida Ave. and Columbia Rd., Washington, DC)
Now in its 39th year, Adams Morgan Day is Washington’s longest running neighborhood festival with live music and international food from around the world. Enjoy sidewalk cafes, colorful vendors, cultural demonstrations and dances. The expanded Kid’s Fair has games, interactive science exhibits, clowns, and the Chinese Lion Dancers.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: The Little Mermaid
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages!

Weekend Picks and Labor Day 2017 in and around Washington, DC

September 1, 2017

We survived the first two weeks of being back in school and are sad to say good-bye to pool days. In addition to the Weekend Picks, we included a short list of quick day or overnight trips for your holiday weekend as well as some Labor Day activities in our area.

Shenandoah National Park

Explore the art of recycling at the museum’s 38th-annual Celebration of Textiles Festival at the Textile Museum Saturday and Sunday. Try your hand at weaving with recycled materials and designing a paper dress; watch local fiber artists at work; enjoy live music and dance; and explore the ingenious designs in the exhibition Scraps: Fashion, Textiles, and Creative Reuse. Free; no reservations required. In addition to performances, visitors will be able to make upcycled jewelry with Scrap Baltimore, weave with recycled materials, design a paper dress and join a knitting circle with Project Knitwell.

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs this weekend! The festival is free to children 7 and under. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

Saturday-

8:30am-7:30pm: 17th Library of Congress National Book Festival at the Washington Convention Center
(801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Starting at 9:30 a.m., more than 100 authors, illustrators and poets will make presentations on stages dedicated to kids, fiction, history, poetry, contemporary life and more. Many fascinating thematic programs and panel discussions will be offered throughout the festival. A Main Stage of 2,000 seats will feature seven of the most popular festival authors. The exposition floor on the lower level of the Convention Center will also offer a wide array of fun and exciting activities and programs for festival attendees of all ages. From the literacy corner reading space to special story times and a fun hunt for Waldo, festival sponsors will offer family-friendly activities throughout the day.

11:00am-6:00pm: DC Veg Fest at Yards Park, DC
(Intersection of N St. SE and First St. SE)
DC VegFest is a fun, free, and flavorful way to discover the many benefits of choosing plant-based foods for our health, the planet, and animals. The free event offers: Complimentary samples of vegan cuisine, Live Music, Busboys & Poets Beer Garden, Humane Rescue Alliance Barking Lot, Kids’ Zone (including yoga, kids’ hands-on cooking demonstrations, a moon bounce and more) and Inspirational Speakers & Cooking Demonstrations. Rain or shine– lots of areas are tented.

Sunday-

3:00pm-11:00pm: Capitol Concert
(US Capitol West Lawn)
The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol each year, the Sunday before Labor Day. The annual concert is produced by the Kennedy Center. Open rehearsal is at 3:30pm and the concert is at 8pm. The concert will be moved indoors to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall if inclement weather.

Monday-

9:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years. $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

10:00am-5:00pm: Port Discovery Children’s Museum Labor Day Celebration

(35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202)
Greatest children’s museum, 45 mins from DC– worth the trip.

10:30am: Rocknoceros Concert at Jammin Java
(227 Maple E, Vienna, VA. 22180)
Rocknoceros is three guys: Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music together since 2005 and are celebrating their 10th year together with a brand new album.

Labor Day Parade Guide & Festivals-

Kensington, Maryland 50th Annual Parade and Festival

Old Towne Gaithersburg Parade

63rd Annual Greenbelt Parade and Festival

Lake Ann Jazz Festival

Herndon Labor Day Festival

Weekend Picks: August 25-27, 2017

August 24, 2017

Cirque du Soleil OVO is in Baltimore through Sunday at Royal Farms Arena. OVO is teeming with life. Insects work, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy in motion. Their home is filled with biodiversity, beauty, action and moments of quiet emotion. The awestruck insects are intensely curious when a mysterious egg appears, representing the enigma and cycles of their lives. Tickets start at $48 and the show is family-friendly and full of colorful costumes and magnificent moves including juggling, acrobatics and trampolines!

Comcast Outdoor Film Festival returns to Strathmore this summer! Join on the lawn for free family favorite flicks benefiting the NIH Children’s Charities. Fri. August 25 – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13). Sat. August 26 – The Lego Batman Movie (PG). Gates open to public at 7:30pm and the movie will begin at dusk. Event is FREE! Popcorn and other summer favorites from Ridgewells available for purchase. Picnics are also welcome.

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Garden
(Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrances at 9th Street, NW Washington, DC)
Jazz In The Garden at Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art features an eclectic mix of jazz is performed by top Washington-area artists. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments, including a beer and wine menu.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Friday Night Concert Series at Capitol Riverfront
(355 Water St SE)
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 7th Season, this year back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday-

8:30am-5:00pm: 4th Annual Capital Dragon Boat Regatta
(600 Water St SW)
The Capital Dragon Boat Regatta returns to the Washington DC SW Waterfront for its 4th year. The regatta aims to provide an excellent dragon boating experience to both athletes and spectators alike. This one day event will feature premier and festival racing in the heart of Washington DC. Stop by and check out the action. Parking is available in various surface lots around the area in addition to metered parking along M St.

11:30am-3:00pm: Military Appreciation Day at the Portrait Gallery
(8th St NW & F St NW)
Join us in recognizing and honoring our armed forces veterans with a program for the whole family. Create art, learn about American heroes, design your own exhibition, have your photo taken and tap your toes to live music in the courtyard.

12:00pm-6:00pm: 17th Street Festival
(17th Street NW from P Street to R Street, NW)
Since 2010, the 17th Street Festival celebrates 17th Street and its diversity of restaurants and retailers. The festival features an entertainment stage, including djs, dance troupes, bands, and drag performances throughout the day. There are 100 vendors, with more than 50 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, politicians, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.The kids zone has activities for children, including a moon bounce, ball crawl, face painting, and games throughout the day. The pet zone brings together pooches, and other four legged creatures, from around the neighborhood to shop or adopt a pet.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Arena Stage Community Day
(1101 Sixth Street, SW)
Arena Stage invites you to celebrate the American Voices that have shaped our country and our 2017/18 Season for a free event! Showcasing America’s cultural past, Arena Stage’s artistic present and Southwest D.C.’s culinary future, Community Day is fun for the entire family. Scheduled activities include: Live music • Aerialists • Dance performances • Face painting • Photobooth and Costume Trunk, Historic and cultural presentations • Storytelling • Poetry readings • Jugglers • Hand Balancers. Moving Stories Workshops, Arena Stage’s interactive literacy program for young students. Using song, movement, sign language and storytelling, we will explore “Zomo the Rabbit” through creative drama. Great food from restaurants on the Wharf and in Southwest including Mike Isabella’s Requin, Del Mar, Masala Art, Richard’s Place and Station 4.

Sunday-

10:00am-11:00am: Nous Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
The Alliance Francaise is very proud to continue its partnership with BloomBars, bringing back a weekly music program for children. Nous Bloomons is a celebration of French language and culture through song and dance, led by Achille Ango. Achille grew up in Cameroon (Central West Africa). After graduating from High School, he went to France where he lived for seven years studying and playing music. He has taught French to children, and played music with various bands in the Washington area for more than 20 years. He now teaches French in an immersion school using music as a vehicle. If you want to have fun, dance, jump and sing “à tue-tête”, join us at BloomBars! $7 suggested donation per child. $3 per adult.

(Photo: Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre)

Theatre for this weekend:

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre has shows on Saturday and Sunday. The show was so popular they extended until August 27!

Circus! at Puppet Co. has shows on Saturday and Sunday with a Tiny Tots: Dragon Babies show on Sunday morning

Weekend Picks: August 4-6, 2017

August 4, 2017

Howard County Fair begins today and runs through August 12 and is open from 8:00am-11:00pm. Admission is $5 for ages 10 and up, $2 for seniors and is FREE for kids under 10. Rides and games are extra. See the schedule for fun events throughout the week. Your family will have the opportunity to enjoy rides, watch a Demolition Derby or Rodeo, taste fair food and win prizes. Don’t miss the magic show and talent show, pony rides or the kids and critters barn. The fair address is 2210 Fairground Road, West Friendship, MD.

Smithsonian American Art Museum Arcade is an annual event hosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its partners. The event, which is free and open to the public, is August 5 and 6, 2017 at the museum’s main building in Washington, D.C. from 11:30am-7:00pm. This year, the museum will be filled to the brim with video games. One hundred fifty independent developers have submitted their games to be shown at SAAM Arcade while additional arcade cabinets and consoles will be provided by MagFest, Death by Audio Arcade, Arcades4Home, and CrabTowne USA. Game building workshops will be presented in the MacMillan Education Center by Boolean Girl and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, while the Triforce Quartet and Bit Brigade perform in McEvoy Auditorium. In addition, Events DC presents the Boys and Girls Club Youth eSports League Championship on the 3rd floor.

BrickFair LEGO is Saturday and Sunday at the Dulles Expo Center from 10:00am-5:00pm. Lego enthusiasts this is for you!

Peach Daze Fuzztival is Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-6:00pm. Celebrate Peak Peach Picking season! Enjoy the fruit in great food and drink at this full collaboration between Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing and Great Country Farms, all located in Bluemont, VA.

69th Annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park is also going on through August 6. Carnival rides, wagon and carousel rides, food trucks, live entertainment and more.

Friday-

Lot opens 6:00pm & closes at 8:00pm, Film begins 8:30pm: Union Market Drive-In: Chef (Rated R)
(1309 5th Street NE Washington, District of Columbia 20002)
$10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended.Free for walk-ups. Excited for the drive-in but don’t have a car? Rent one on Getaround for the night and get $25 off your first rental. For more information and tickets click here.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert at Yards Park
(355 Water St SE)
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 7th Season, this year back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday-

10:30am & 1:00pm: Ice cream making at Peirce Mill
(2539 Tilden St NW Washington, D.C. 20008)
The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better way to escape than a demonstration of homemade ice cream. Come learn about making this hand cranked frozen treat brought over from France by Dolly Madison, watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, and learn about the brine that froze the cream. A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson with modern adaptation will be available to take away. This event is free.

11:00am-1:00pm: Explore! Summer Family Festival by Children’s Museum of Washington DC
(Mission Mobile Launch Pad: 5234 4th Street NE Washington, DC 20011)
The final festival of the Summer is here! Come learn about Explore! Children’s Museum, create something new with Imagination Stage and play with members of your DC community and local teaching artists – all at the site of the future Children’s Museum! They will be providing free books again from local author Tom Noll and coloring books from Color with Luna! Learn to play different instruments at the Percussion Playground from The Uncle Devin Show! There will be a Mad Science show from 11:30 – 12:15 p.m. – Don’t Miss it! Light snacks and water will be available.

Sunday-

12:30pm-2:30pm: The Great Zucchini at Maggiano’s
(5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015)
Proceeds from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Price includes Maggiano’s Lunch Buffet, Magic Show & Cookie Decorating.

5:00pm: Big Bang Boom Concert
(McLean Central Park Gazebo, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, Va. 22101)
Big Bang Boom’s live show is high-energy, and both parents and children find it hard to stay in their seats (video)! From calling the kids on stage for the “Spongebob Chorus” to the “Parents vs. Kids Hokey-Pokey Challenge,” Big Bang Boom has made certain that there is no sitting down at their fun and energetic show.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Space Jam
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages!

Theatre for this weekend:
Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage has shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre has shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Circus! at Puppet Co. has shows on Saturday and Sunday with a Tiny Tots: Sing Along show on Saturday morning

Weekend Picks: July 28-30, 2017

July 28, 2017

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area is located on River Road in Western Montgomery County, and is a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments with many trails to hike and explore. As of July 24, 2017 the sunflowers are in full bloom. They will remain in full bloom for approximately 2 weeks. There are 30 acres planted in 9 fields. Reminder: Picking of sunflowers is prohibited.

Final weekend for Art Investigators at National Gallery of Art. How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Children will receive a notebook to accompany the program. Each program is approximately 60 minutes. See dates and topics below. These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly.
This weekend: Investigate: Sam Gilliam on the following days–
Friday, July 28 at 10:30am and 12:00pm, Saturday, July 29 at 10:30am and 12:00pm, Sunday, July 30 at 11:30am and 1:00pm or Monday, July 31 at 10:30am and 12:00pm

Saturday–

10:00am-3:00pm: Dog Days of Summer at National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20002)
Come join the Dog Days of Summer Family Festival to get to know Owney the Dog, and understand the role animals play in our postal system to help transport and protect mail. In honor of Owney’s story, they’ve teamed up with local animal rescue groups and the Amtrak Police K-9 Unit. Demonstrations will showcase the work of K-9 dogs and other fun and hands-on activities inside the museum. Story time begins every half hour in the Museum Atrium.Compete with your friends or family members to see which one of you can deliver mail the fastest to the bottom of the canyon! In the outdoor terrace space, there will be an adoption fair.

11:00am-2:00pm: Hands-on Science: Health & the Human Body at Koshland Science Museum
(525 E St NW)
Explore how the human body works through hands-on science this July at Koshland. Each session investigates a different aspect of the body – everything from DNA to why our skin burns after too much sun exposure. Visitors can compare DNA and amino acids, experiment with biomedical engineering, discover the different lobes of the human brain, and much more! Registration is recommended but not required. Appropriate for ages 10+.

2:00pm: National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center
(2700 F St NW)
Watch, learn, and dance at this FREE community celebration of National Dance Day, culminating in a night of Dancing Under the Stars. Activities starting at 2:00pm and then at 6:00pm – A special Millennium Stage performance in the Grand Foyer and at 7:30 pm – Dancing Under the Stars. The return of our popular summer night social kicks off with a beginner-level swing dance lesson by Gottaswing, followed by two hours of dancing with The Tom Cunningham Orchestra.

Sunday-

10:00am-1:00pm: Family Day at Citi Open Tennis Tournament
(16th and Kennedy St NW)
Clinics will be available for children to participate in, face painting, a zumba class, PetConnect will have puppies on hand, balloon animals and a DJ. The best part: If you’re under 10 years old, you get in for free and get a FREE ticket to the Citi Open. And if you’re older than 10, it’s only $10 for a ticket into the tournament! We’ve been to this a few years in a row and our kids have a blast each time. The entire tournament runs July 29- August 6, 2017 and is at Carter Barron. There are free shuttles across town and on-site parking. See website for more details.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals take on Colorado Rockies
(1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003) jumbotron1 Weather should be clear of rain so a good excuse to get out and cheer on the home team. First 10, 000 fans receive a coloring book. Take the family to splash around at Yards Park before or after.