Weekend Picks – Page 3

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

October 27, 2023

It’s a spooky and beautiful weekend! Our Halloween guide is full of family fun and you can find out where you can pick pumpkins and sip cider in the fall festivals, farms and orchard post.

All weekend:
Mystery Mansion
A ten-room haunted house packed with chills, thrills, and a smidge of Maryland history, Mystery Mansion has scares that are just right for younger children. This is a 100% “No Contact” haunted house! Older students and adults will enjoy the stories, special effects, and devious characters. If you are 10 years or older (no exceptions) you can visit The Crypt, a slightly scarier experience for those who dare. Before and after Mystery Mansion, enjoy Bonfire Bash! Bonfire Bash will take place each night with fire pits, Halloween movies, live entertainment, food, beer & wine, face painting, and s’mores! Mystery Mansion & Bonfire Bash take place at 7931 Connecticut Avenue, one mile inside the beltway. Free parking is available behind the club house.

Glow in the Park
Enjoy a magical experience climbing and ziplining through the trees lit up with neon colored lights, rockin’ music, and exciting themes! Reserve your tickets in advance for this fan-favorite event! Ages 5 and up are welcome.

Eye Spy Halloween Trains
Montgomery Parks’ Halloween Eye Spy Train returns this year at the Cabin John Miniature Train. Are you ready to join us for a train ride around “Trainsylvania” while searching for all of the hidden characters along the tracks? All guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advanced online here.

The Pumpkin Patch Express at B&O Railroad
Join for a ride to the First Mile Stable where you’ll deboard for photo taking, game playing, scarecrow making, and pumpkin decorating! Come as you are or in your best Halloween costume to match the décor onsite. There will even be an opportunity to meet the horses and enjoy autumn snacks before boarding the train back to the Museum.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre
Everyone’s favorite characters come to life on the stage through October 29. With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business!

The Wiz
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Audiences get to enjoy the epic grooves of such beloved, timeless hits as “Ease on Down the Road,” which became the show’s break-out single, and the bona fide classic “Home” in this spectacular revival.

Look Both Ways
This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But
no one saw it happen—they were all too busy. Washington, D.C.-area native, New York
Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales
(1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings. Ten unique perspectives are
brilliantly woven into one funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk
home, and in life. Most enjoyed by ages 7+.

Capitol City Circus School Halloween Show
Celebrate a spooktacular night out at Capitol City Circus School’s inaugural staff show! Immerse yourself in a haunting world as our talented staff members take center stage for an unforgettable evening. This family-friendly event promises thrills and excitement for all ages! In addition to the spine-tingling performance, a selection of small concessions will be available for purchase.

Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular
Witch Wartsmith (the sister of Witch Wartsmith from our Legacy and touring show Rapunzel,) hosts the annual Halloween Spooktacular and you get to vote on the winner! Part contemporary competition show, part vintage telethon, and part punpalooza, this spooky variety show will tickle your funny bone. Some of our contestants may change year to year, so come back to see old and new friends alike!

Friday:
5:00pm-6:45pm: My Gym Halloween Party
Looking for not too spooky family fun this Halloween? Find it at My Gym’s Halloween Party! Join for circle time, games, costume parade, and loads of fun! Each child leaves with a My Gym Halloween treat. Book your spot today! Must sign up ahead of time.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Hill-O-Ween
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St.

6:00pm-10:00pm: Super, Awesome & Amazing Halloween Spooktacular
Enjoy trick-or-treating, inflatables, photo booth, games, a family-friendly movie, costume contest, popcorn and more!

6:00pm: Movies on the Pitch- Audi Field
“Movies on the Pitch” will transform Audi Field into an outdoor cinema with showings of Hocus Pocus on the stadium’s jumbotron screen. The family-friendly experience will begin at 7:00 pm with gates opening at 6:00pm. Audi Field will offer concessions for purchase during each movie.Tickets are general admission both on the pitch and in the stands. Access to the pitch is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday:
8:00am-1:00pm: Adam’s Morgan Apple Pie Contest & Farmer’s Market
The 10th Annual Adams Morgan Apple Pie Baking Contest and the 15th Annual Licking Creek Bend Farm Heirloom Apple Tasting returns to Adams Morgan! The highly-anticipated community event will take place in front of The Line Hotel and directly across the street from the farmer’s market in Unity Park at Euclid and Champlain Streets NW.

10:00am-10:50am: First Studio at Kreeger Museum
Young artists ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program focuses on a theme supported by a story, works of art from the collection, and a hands-on art-making experience. ‘Portraits and People’ is the theme. Advance registration is required.

10:00am-12:00pm: Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Celebrate the fall season with games and crafts at Tudor Place. Wear your Halloween best to explore the garden’s meandering paths and find festive activities, fun and sugary treats. All ages are welcome; this program is best enjoyed by children ages three to eight. This outdoor event will take place rain or shine.

10:00am-3:00pm: Air & Scare at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Join for the annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to explore the spooky side of air and space. This event will take place both inside and outside the Udvar-Hazy Center. At Air & Scare, you’ll get some spooky discoveries and some science fun. All visitors are welcome to wear costumes to the Museum. Air & Scare will feature: Trick or treat stations with free candy and snacks. Creepy crafts, spooky experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities for family members of all ages. Special story times and puppet shows for the youngest Halloween revelers. Photo opportunities with your favorite Star Wars characters.

11:00am-2:00pm: Pumpkins in the Park
Join the 10th annual Pumpkins in the Park featuring seasonal festivities from pumpkin decorating (while supplies last), a giant moon bounce, and mobile photo booth to live music by popular local Zydeco band Little Red & the Renegades, a roaming magician, and seasonal beverages* for purchase. This event is FREE and all ages are invited to join. Registration is not required but recommended.** Pumpkins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the event, so arrive early to get yours!

11:30am-3:00pm: Dia de Lose Muertos at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance by Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, an exhilarating mariachi performance by Mariachi Aguila DC, and a showcase of different Latin American music genres and dances with Sol y Rumba. Attendees ages 12 and younger can enjoy face painting throughout the day, while visitors of all ages can try out our featured Día de los Muertos-themed crafts. Have fun with a Día de los Muertos scavenger hunt that will take you through the museum’s new Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea exhibit.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Frolic at Glen Echo
Join for some Halloween fun at Glen Echo Park! Activities include decorating a Trick-or-Treat bag and other crafts, a festive fall photo-op (say that 10 times!), a costume contest, and Trick-or-Treating at our resident art studios and galleries.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon
Collect candy around the historic grounds and celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Collect candy in your special Mount Vernon treat bag around the historic grounds. Snap a selfie at our Straw Bale Selfie Station in front of the Mansion on the Bowling Green. Watch your children in a Costume Parade on the historic grounds. Greet the General & Lady Washington in the historic area.

3:00pm-6:00pm: Halloween at The Boo-ro
Pull out all the stops and don your coolest costume for The Best In Show Costume Contest! Humans and dogs alike will strut the runway for a chance to win a gift card to a selected Boro retailer. Other activities will include a Monster Bash dance party, Halloween crafts for the kids, a spooky themed reading from Turning the Page, tarot card readers and Witch’s Brew cocktails from El Bebe. As the day turns to night, stick around for a spooky screening of the cult classic “Hocus Pocus.” The movie night, sponsored by Tysons Community Alliance and Showplace Icon Tysons, will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include a popcorn bar offering movie snacks.

Sunday:
10:00am-12:00pm: Pike & Rose Trick or Treating
Join at Pike & Rose for a spooktacular Halloween adventure! Come dressed up in your spookiest or most creative costume and enjoy a fun morning of lively entertainment, exciting treats, and lasting memories.

10:00am-12:00pm: Van Ness Spooktacular
Everyone’s favorite kid-friendly Halloween event is returning to Forest Hills Playground this year. Parents and kids of all ages are invited to dress in their favorite costumes and gather at Forest Hills Playground for spooky-inspired activities.

10:00am-5:00pm: Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos at the National Museum of the American Indian
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and appreciating and honoring the cycle of life and death. Bring the whole family to participate in activities, including dance performances, papel picado artist demonstrations, the unique art of sawdust carpets, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are also invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their name on a butterfly and attaching it to the memorial arch.

11:00am-1:00pm: Rumpus Room Family Dance Party, Halloween Special
The Rumpus Room, DC’s only daytime dance party for families, returns for Halloween at Hi-Lawn on the rooftop of Union Market! You’ll be getting (slightly) spooky, outdoors under the sun, so put on your costumes and come dance! Costumes are highly encouraged, but not required. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ghosts, goblins, witches, dragons, and pumpkins of all ages. Relive your night-life glory days with your little ones in tow. The soundtrack for the day will be a family-friendly mix of dance floor classics, current hits, guilty pleasures and Halloween tunes, all at a child-friendly volume. Hi-Lawn will be open for food and beverages at 11:00 am!

2:00pm: 27th Annual Del Rey Halloween Parade
The parade begins at Mt. Vernon Avenue south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues for live music and an awards presentation for the pet & stroller contests, plus best decorated house and business. All are invited to march and show off their finest Halloween garb! **Registration for the Pet Costume Contest and Stroller Competition will be done prior to the parade start.

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

October 6, 2023

Our Halloween guide is full of family fun! This weekend Spooky History Tour at the National Building Museum and the Eye Spy Halloween Trains begin in addition to Halloween events that have already begun. Find out where you can pick pumpkins and sip cider in the fall festivals, farms and orchard post.

All weekend

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre
Everyone’s favorite characters come to life on the stage through October 29. With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Imagination Stage
This show kicks the season off, with one-quarter of its performances in Spanish
and three-quarters of them in English. Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The show is best for ages 3-8 and is based on Eric Carle’s books. Playing through October 22.

Disney on Ice at Eagle Bank Arena
Glide and dance your way into the worlds of Frozen & Encanto with music and dancing alongside Elsa and Mirabel, celebrating the amazing gifts that make each of us unique. Enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel. Bring your personal device for photo opportunities.

Friday

6:30pm-9:00pm: Coco Screening & Salsa Dance Class at Color Burst Park
Learn to salsa with the pros and then enjoy a screening of the Disney classic Coco, which takes place in Mexico and was inspired by Día de los Muertos. Salsa Dance Class: 6:30pm – 7:00pm and Coco Screening: 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

6:30pm-11:30pm: Drive-in at Union Market: Selena
Let’s roll down the windows, feel that warm breeze and turn up the radio at the 11th Annual Drive-In at Union Market. This is a cinephile and foodie match made in heaven with better-than-average concessions.

Saturday

9:00am-3:00pm: Open Streets Georgia Avenue
Open Streets is returning to Georgia Avenue in the fall of 2023! Three miles of Georgia Avenue will be closed to vehicles to allow people to walk, run, bike, and play. The route will include hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, dancing, and more! The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities. No cars, just people!

10:00am-4:00pm: First Saturday at National Gallery of Art
All activities are free, and most are first come, first served. Some activities require registration. On the first Saturday of each month the East Building comes alive with art making for all ages, films, pop-up experiences, and more. See link above for the schedule of fun events.

10:00am-3:00pm: The Kreeger Museum Open House
Join a family-friendly celebration of art, music, and nature! This event is free and open to all with live jazz music, art-making activities, and food trucks. Entrance to the Museum will be free of charge and our permanent collection will be on view. See link above for the schedule of fun events.

10:00am-6:00pm: Art on the Avenue
For 28 years, Art on the Avenue has inspired future artists by providing free art projects hosted by local non-profits at the Kids Art Corner— a festival favorite. The festival also has endless art, food, entertainment and art.

11:00am-4:00pm: Chuseok Family Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art
Join to celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with food, performances, and more! Celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with NMAA! Learn about both past and current traditions of one of the biggest holidays in South Korea. Take pictures in traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok and view a charye table display, which is a traditional feast prepared for a family’s ancestors. Enjoy special performances, food talks, programming from local community groups, and more!

11:00am-4:00pm: Taste of Bethesda
The 31st annual event will feature Bethesda’s best restaurants, five stages of live entertainment, an activity area for kids and more!

12:00pm-4:00pm: Chili Cook Off at The Sandlot at The Boro
All are welcome to stop by and enjoy chili tastings, lawn games, a bar, live music from acclaimed singer-songwriter Brian Dunne and his band.

12:00pm-6:00pm: College Park Day
This is the City of College Park’s signature event and features many activities, entertainment, and fun to celebrate the community. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

Sunday

10:00am AND 1:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio has a day of workshops for all ages! Join in the morning for an all-ages workshop or in the afternoon for a Tween Crafty Club!

10:00am-5:00pm: Southwest Fall Festival
Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of autumn at our Fall Festival! Celebrate the season with fun activities, delicious treats, and a festive atmosphere! Book Bazaar starts at 10:00am and all activities start at 1:00pm.

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

September 29, 2023

All weekend

Pickleball has become a hobby of mine so I was psyched when I saw it was coming to the National Mall this weekend! Advance reservations are currently full, please check back frequently as cancellations may result in new bookings becoming available. You can join for walk on play (Thursday, 9/28 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Friday, 9/29 from 11:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday 9/30 from 10:00am – 2:00pm) and join as a spectator throughout the event, full schedule online.

Panda Palooza is a nine-day celebration from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, 2023 to see the giant pandas off in style. This is intended to engage audiences of all ages in a series of fun, family-friendly and conservation-forward events. Get passes here.

World Culture Festival will allow you to nourish your heart, mind, and body with inspiration, meditation, & food from all traditions this weekend on the National Mall.

Art All Night will occur from 7:00pm to 3:00am the following morning on two nights—September 29 and 30. The festival will take place in all 8 wards with different activations on each night, bringing visual and performing arts, including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, literary arts, dance, theater, film, and poetry, to indoor and outdoor public and private spaces, including local businesses and restaurants.

Frederick’s Oktoberfest takes place Friday & Saturday. Food, drink, endless entertainment and more!

Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular at The Puppet Co
Witch Wartsmith (the sister of Witch Wartsmith from our Legacy and touring show Rapunzel,) hosts the annual Halloween Spooktacular and you get to vote on the winner! Part contemporary competition show, part vintage telethon, and part punpalooza, this spooky variety show will tickle your funny bone. Some of our contestants may change year to year, so come back to see old and new friends alike!

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre
Everyone’s favorite characters come to life on the stage through October 29. With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business!

Friday

5:30pm-8:30pm: Back to the Yards
Join The Yards for the party of the decade to celebrate the end of summer and new school year! Jam out with a totally tubular DJ playing 80s and 90s chart toppers that will get the whole family on their feet. Get a blast from the past with classic 90’s icons, like Barbie, Etch-a-Sketch, and more. Instagrammable moments and activities including vintage arcade games, break dancers, glitter tattoos, crafts, a photo booth, and a glow giveaway bar will make this a party for all the ages. Dust off your leg warmers, and tease up your hair, celebrate The Yards, be there or be square! Admission is free and kids of all ages are invited.

Saturday

11:00am-4:00pm: Leesburg Airshow
Sure to impress, you will see airshows, step into aircraft, see some cars and more family fun!

11:00am: Clarendon Day
Music, food, art, and fun for the whole family will be at the center of our celebration! Mark your calendars and join us! Clarendon Day is one of Arlington’s best loved and most diverse street festivals, with a central music stage, a large Kidszone, arts and crafts vendors, business and nonprofit exhibitors from Clarendon and the region, plenty of great food from local and regional restaurants, craft beers and Virginia wines, and more. 20+ years of fun, 6 blocks, 10,000+ people!

2:00pm-5:00pm: Oktoberfest at the Boro
Fall is finally here and that can only mean one thing here at The Boro – it’s time for Oktoberfest! Join us in celebration of our favorite fall traditions with a variety of Oktoberfest favorites

7:00pm: Washington National Opera Presents the 18TH Annual Opera in the Outfield
The free community event features family activities and pre-show performances at 5pm, followed by an outdoor broadcast of Puccini’s La bohème at 7 p.m.

Sunday

10:00am-5:00pm: Takoma Park Street Festival
The popular Takoma Park Street Festival returns for its 42nd year of music, vendors, food and fun in Takoma Park. This year’s festival takes place on Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD to Carroll Street, NW in Takoma, DC. Festival goers will enjoy the day exploring over 165 vendors booths, live music from 18 local bands, food trucks and more. Takoma’s unique shops, restaurants and cafes are all open and welcoming visitors.

12:00pm-5:00pm: Glen Echo Arts Festival
Join us at the Park for a celebration of visual and performing arts! This FREE event will include a multitude of hands-on activities, live music, and unique opportunities to delve into the arts. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are pleased to collaborate with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino to present a community art project, and more. Lots of family friendly fun!

12:00pm-4:00pm: PIKEtoberfest
In true Oktoberfest spirit, Owen’s Ordinary will host a beer garden serving local and craft beers. Taking center stage, a live band and DJ will be performing all afternoon. Shop a great collection of hand-made and craft goods in the newly added open-air Makers Market featuring the area’s best artisan vendors. Plus many more fun games, kids activities, and experiences from the neighborhood’s retail and restaurant partners.

3:00pm: Rolling on the River at the Wharf
Celebrate World Rivers Day and Theatre Week with the Theatre Washington and Potomac River Partners at Rolling on the River, a free hour-long outdoor concert on the Transit Pier Floating Stage at The Wharf. Celebrate life on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers with your favorite local musical artists, “river music” and storytelling. All are welcome. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Before the concert, enjoy free activities from partners at DC Water, NASA, and Blue Origin.

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

September 15, 2023

All weekend

Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon takes place Saturday & Sunday from 9am-5pm. Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Colonial Market & Fair is included with general admission. Admission is free for Mount Vernon members.

Washington Ukrainian Festival takes place at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Friday-Sunday. You can look forward to food and entertainment. A portion of the proceeds is for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Friday

5:00pm-8:00pm: Jessica Diamond: Wheel of Life Family Friendly Open House at Hirshhorn
Celebrate the opening of the Hirshhorn’s latest exhibition, Jessica Diamond: Wheel Of Life, with a special evening event featuring extended Museum hours and activities for all ages. This open house has a Hirshhorn Kids twist: Find five maker-stations in and around the second level galleries, each one inviting visitors to toy with text-based art and our distinctive building. Take our new Hirshhorn Eye tour, and find Dolcezza gelato and cold drinks for sale on the Plaza. If you want to wear your pajamas, be our guest.

6:30pm-9:00pm: And Action: A Night of Dancing & Film
Every Friday from through October 8th, swing by and join for And Action: A Night of Dancing & Film at Color Burst Park, where families and friends can enjoy a free dance class and corresponding movie under the stars. We may not talk about Bruno, but we can talk about dancing and singing in Color Burst Park to our favorite Encanto tunes. A Cumbia dance class will be taught prior to the movie screening. Bring your dancing shoes and join us for Downtown Columbia’s Fall Film & Dance Series!

6:30pm-8:30pm: Red Panda Art Studio’s September Kids’ Night Out Workshops: Squishmallow-Inspired Art Adventures
Drop your child(ren) off for an evening of art fun at Red Panda Art Studio! Kids’ Night Out Workshop is held at 11 Wisconsin Circle. Pizza dinner included. Ages 4 to 11. Drop-off expected.

Saturday

7:30am-3:00pm: Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Highlights include our morning Freedom 5K race followed by a FREE family day with pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, music, storytime, preservation activities, and more!

10:00am-11:30am: Red Panda Art Studio’s Panda Farewell Celebration with Chia Chinese Learning
Join for a heartwarming event co-hosted by Red Panda Art Studio and Chia Chinese Learning, as we bid farewell to our beloved pandas before they return to China. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to engage in hands-on creativity, learn about Chinese traditions, and bid a fond farewell to our panda friends. The event is the perfect mix of artistry, bonding, and cultural exploration that you won’t want to miss! All ages welcome.

12:00pm-3:00pm: Beer in the Garden
Halley Rise, Northern Virginia’s largest, most exciting new neighborhood, is hosting its first Beer in the Garden event in partnership with Lost Rhino Brewing Company! Located in Reston on the Silver Line, Halley Rise contains a pop-up urban farm that offers educational community events. There will be games, bouquet-making and music. This will be a ticketed event. Everyone over the age of 21 will need to purchase a ticket to enter the event, and guests under the age of 21 must register.

12:00pm-7:00pm: H Street Festival
The best kept secret in DC! You don’t want to miss this. Lots of entertainment, food, crafts, children’s activities and more spanning 11 blocks and featuring 14 stages.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio Superhero Slime Lab with Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy Workshop
Join for a one-of-a-kind superhero art adventure! Miles Morales and Ghost Spider will be on hand to guide workshop participants through superhero training, potion mixing, and slime making. Workshop is held at 11 Wisconsin Circle.

10:00am-2:00pm: DC Family Bike Fest
Calling all family bikers, kid bikers, cargo bikers, unicyclists, and the bike curious. Everyone is welcome! Connect with other families, check out lots of different bikes, and have fun together.

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

August 18, 2023

It’s sunflower season! The blooms are ready to be marveled at, picked and photographed!

It is county & agriculture fair time! Carousels will be spinning at Arlington County, Prince William County & Montgomery County this weekend!

Friday
4:00pm-9:30pm: Food Truck Friday Block Party
Join for this monthly food truck fest of delicious food, great music, and an amazing community atmosphere. This event is a unique opportunity to try a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made by Black-owned food truck owners.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Who doesn’t love a summer Friday night spent on the river? This Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia. Open to all ages. ARK, and partner Earth Conservation Corps, provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment.

6:00pm: Starlight Cinema Drive-in – Bad Guys
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. Free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies. Gates open 6 p.m. * Pre-movie children’s show 7 p.m. * Movie starts at dark •

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is 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.

8:00pm: A League of Their Own at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:45 p.m. A League of Their Own is a comic look at the true story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league, and their struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.

Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dolley Day at Dumbarton House
Dolley Madison herself will be at Dumbarton House to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! Additionally, there will be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Saturdays at the River Pavilion
Enjoy featured performances and activities with food and beverages available for sale at the River Pavilion. Youth Poet Laureate All Stars will perform with music by DJ B-Blast.

2:00pm-7:00pm: Chuck Brown Day
It’s that special time of the year when DPR celebrates the music and history of DC culture and the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’. This is the largest celebration of Go-Go at an even larger venue this summer. BYO chair or blanket and get ready to jam out with live performances.

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

Cool down at some splash parks– a few are listed below:
The Wharf: 999 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Color Burst Park: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
The Yards: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

August 11, 2023

Can’t make the trek to Legoland? No problem! A LEGO Discovery Center just opened in Springfield, VA. This indoor center focuses on building with legos perfect for kids ages 3-11.

Celebrate the last weekend of peach picking at Great Country Farm is having the final weekend of Peach Fuzztival! Enjoy peaches in great food and drink at this full collaboration between Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, Henway Hard Cider, and Great Country Farms, all located in Bluemont, VA.

Friday

7:00pm-11:00pm: Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures at the Natural History Museum
The crowds are gone, and the doors have closed. Finally, one of the world’s most popular museums is your playground until nearly midnight! Join fellow adventurers at one of the world’s most visited museum as the doors close, the lights dim, and the crowds shuffle out for the day. Wander through the Fossil Hall, where dinosaurs cast giant shadows. Learn about Earth’s past, discover the ocean’s aquatic wonders, blast off to the moon, visit pollinators, and walk softly past mysterious mammals. Participate in games and challenges, immerse yourself in hand-on crafts and even learn how to eat like a T-rex while playing The Game of Survival. This program is for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by their adult chaperones (21 or older).

7:00pm: Planet Word JokeFest! An Open Mic Night Moderated by Pros
Prepare to be entertained and delighted as Planet Word presents our First Annual JokeFest Open Mic Night. Get ready to witness an uproarious celebration of language, wit, and jokes like never before! Our talented lineup of professional comedians will have you engaged with their clever wordplay, hilarious anecdotes, and side-splitting punchlines. Don’t forget, this is an open mic event, so if you’ve always wanted to try your hand at stand-up comedy, now is your chance. Share your jokes, tickle our funny bones, and bring the house down with your unique comedic stylings.

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is 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

9:00am-8:00pm: National Book Festival
The event is free and open to the public. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the Festival. Attendees may expect enhanced safety and security measures when entering the Convention Center.

10:00am-11:30am: Train Your Brain Project: Saturday Academy Col-Laboratory!
Train Your Brain Project presents…Saturday Academy Col-Laboratory. We are the passport to FUN for the weekend! Jumpstart your child’s day for amazing, snaps, crackles, and pops! The Collaboratory promotes a joyful environment for a diverse group of learners ages 3.5 – 10.

10:30am-11:30am: Summer Saturdays: Nature Detectives at Tudor Place
Intrepid explorers will create their own Nature Detective field journal and venture into the Tudor Place garden with a magnifying glass to uncover it’s secrets. Summer Saturdays is best enjoyed by young learners ages four to eight and their adults. This is not a drop-off program.

11:00am-12:00pm: Ice Cream Making Demonstration at Pierce Mill
Come learn about making old-fashioned ice cream, made famous by Dolly Madison, Quaker friend of Betsy Peirce. Watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, learn about the brine that freezes the cream, and take a turn cranking the handle to make old fashioned ice cream. A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson with modern adaptation will be available to take away. After the demonstration, we’ll have free ice cream treats for the kids!

11:00am-11:00pm: National Museum of African American History & Culture Hip-Hop Block Party
This year’s celebration will honor 50 years of hip-hop’s artistry, innovation and global transcendence — recognizing the culture and music that has been originated and shaped by Black America for decades.

11:30am-1:30pm (ages 5-8) OR 2:30pm-4:30pm (ages 9-12): The Phillips Plays with Photography: Creating Mood
Join to investigate materials, methods, and ideas in art. Families will explore the special exhibition, noting how Frank Stewart creates mood in his photographs. In the studio, families will play with light and shadow in digital photography to tell a moody story. $16, free for Phillips members and children. Reservations required, includes general admission.

County & Agriculture Fairs: Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince William County

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Treats worth the hype — What’s new from Milk Bar – Summer 2023:

Strawberry Corn Cake (available online and at bakeries until 9/18): They slather buttery, sweet corn cake – think the best cornbread you’ve ever had – with layers of bright strawberry jam and crunchy bits of corn crumb. We top these flavored-filled layers off with a coating of strawberry speckled buttermilk frosting and more corn crumbs to give one last wink of flavor. Also available in bite-sized truffle form!

Toasted Marshmallow Sundae (at bakeries only until 9/18): In this textural trifecta we celebrate the best part of a s’more, starting with a base of classic, lightly vanilla marshmallow flavor and caramelizing it for a richer, more deeply summer vibe. We top that with a thick drizzle of marshmallow goo and a ring of tiny toasted marshmallows for campfire crunch.

What’s new in grocery stores: Strawberry Pie Ice Cream pints, packed with strawberry-flavored ice cream with pie crust and strawberry swirls are available starting this month for a limited time on GoPuff and at local grocery stores near you.

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

July 14, 2023

We recently visited the Museum of Illusions in CityCenter. We spent about an hour and a half playing in the immersive rooms and staring at illusions trying to figure out how our eyes were seeing such surprising and strange things. It was a lot of fun so be sure to add this to the long list of places to visit in Washington, DC.

All weekend

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
The 2023 Lotus and Water Lily Festival will be July 15th through July 22nd! More information to come soon!

Nate the Great at Imagination Stage
Art matters in this musical mystery! A boy who loves detective work and calls himself Nate the Great is thrust into solving not one, but two mysteries involving a cat, a dog, two friends, and a missing painting. Full of quirky characters and fun, this show brings the popular book series to singing, dancing life. Showtimes: Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Best for ages 5-11.

MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration at The Wharf
Saturday: 4:30pm – 9:30pm and Sunday: 3pm – 7pm
Kick off MLS All-Star at MLS Soccer Celebration presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar at The Wharf. The ultimate fan experience will feature special guest appearances by MLS players, musical activations and performances, culinary offerings, a watch party experience for MLS matches and the opportunity to sample Coca-Cola refreshments. There will be special programming tied to Coca-Cola’s partnership with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington that will feature a limited-edition design drop that you don’t want to miss.

Friday

7:00pm-9:00pm: Space Jam at Metropolitan Park
Join the National Landing BID for our summer outdoor movie series at Metropolitan Park. Come anytime after 6 p.m. to grab a bite to eat at one of the provided food trucks, or pack a picnic! Movies will begin at 7 p.m.

7:00pm: Music at B&O Railroad Museum
Free admission into the Museum will begin at 4 PM, where guests will have the opportunity to view the Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad exhibit and all the Museum has to offer. Crafts and activities will be available for kids to join and partake in and Baltimore-based painter Phil The Artist will be on-site doing a live painting. The Museum’s newly-opened Groundwork Kitchen Café will also be open with a variety of locomotive-themed sandwiches, salads, and other hot foods for purchase. Witness a performance like no other during this community-based, family-friendly, evening to remember as Wordsmith’s thought-provoking lyrics resonate with everyone in attendance. The B&O Railroad Museum marks the perfect intersection for this fusion of Hip-Hop artistry and historical grandeur to collide at one of this summer’s signature events.

8:00pm-10:00pm: Puss in Boots at Arlington Mill Community Center Outdoor Plaza
All movies start at sunset (between 8 and 8:30 pm) and are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs/blankets, etc. Leashed pets are welcome.

8:30pm-11:30pm: Sing at BlackRock Center for the Arts
Concessions available for purchase. No outside drinks allowed. Bring your most comfy blanket or lawn chair. The movie begins at sundown! For this screening, that is approximately 9pm. Come early to claim your spot on the lawn and enjoy some pre-show treats.

8:30pm: Top Gun Maverick at Cabin John Village
Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm.

Saturday

10:00am-3:30pm: Archaeology Family Day
Explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about George Washington, Martha Washington, and the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon at our Archaeology Family Day! Meet a Mount Vernon Archaeologist and ask questions about their tools of the trade.

10:00am-1:00pm: Bastille Day for Families
This event is perfect for kids of all ages. We’ll have a moon bounce, photo booth, petting zoo, face painting, music, crafts and food for everyone to enjoy. The best part is that it’s all free! Get ready to celebrate French culture and history while having a blast!

11:00am-4:00pm: “Spanish is the Language of My Family” Book Festival
Come by the National Postal Museum for a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family that celebrates the release of the new book Spanish is the Language of My Family. Written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by NPM’s Guest Artist, John Parra, Spanish is the Language of My Family demonstrates the importance of cultural heritage, community, and identity. No registration required.

Sunday

12:00pm-6:00pm: Kids & Paws Family Festival
Shipgarten, the top Tysons Corner Restaurant for families, is hosting a Kids and Paws family festival with the Great Zucchini as the magical host on July 16th from 12-6pm! Join for a magical day with the Great Zucchini at 3:15pm and music bingo from 5-7pm. There will be moonbounces, face painting, magic tricks, out door games and activities, and more!

2:00pm-4:00pm: Decades Summer Dance Party at MLK Library
Enjoy singing along and dancing to hits from across the decades and have a blast playing party games like ping pong and giant chess, checkers and Jenga.

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Memorial weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

May 26, 2023

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day in addition to some familiar events. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested day trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car too long but will get you “away”. An obvious and free pick is to visit the various memorials along the Mall. Many events at Arlington National Cemetery can be found here and info on Rolling Thunder can be found here.

The Big Bounce America is taking over Fort Washington, Maryland this weekend through June 11; 10,000 square feet of bounce fun. Use code: MEM10 at checkout to redeem a 10% off offer.

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. All outdoor pools and splash pads will open Memorial Day weekend and will operate on a weekend schedule through June 25.

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks or hit a waterpark (see the bottom of the list). A few sprays in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.

Friday
5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
This season captures the breadth of the American musical experience with Latin fusion from ¡Tumbao! on May 26, zydeco from Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas on June 23, Indigenous fusion from Anderson Quartet on June 30, and funk and soul from the 8 Ohms Band on July 28. Another highlight is a special Juneteenth celebration concert with the Muneer Nasser Quintet on June 16, one of seven local acts this year.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday
Strawberry Jubilee Festival at Great Country Farms is the longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. To celebrate the royal strawberry, our Jubilee is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, a visit from the Strawberry Princess, great food and fun games for the whole family!

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington Cemetery
Members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided by the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. Visitors should not bring their own flowers. During this event, visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones throughout the cemetery.

11:00am: Black Birders Week STEM Day at National Museum of African American History
Did you know there is an entire week dedicated to Black birders, called Black Birders Week?
Black Birders Week began in 2020 to highlight the challenges and joys of Black nature enthusiasts, particularly birders. If you are interested in STEAM, including birds, nature, wildlife, and African American history, then this is the program for you! Museum visitors can participate in a bird walk on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor- Featured movie: Akkelah and the Bee
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! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

8:00pm-9:30pm: National Memorial Day Concert
Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also open to the public. The gates open at 5:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm.

Monday
2:00pm: National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its fourteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

Day (or overnight) trips-
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Beach and State park
Day destinations (less than 2 hours away)
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