Weekend Picks – Page 30

Weekend Picks: July 7-9, 2017

July 6, 2017

Highlight: 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: Helen Frankenthaler Friday, July 7 at 10:30 and 12:00, Saturday, July 8 at 10:30 and 12:00, Sunday, July 9 at 11:30 and 1:00 & Monday, July 10 at 10:30 and 12:00

Wrapping up: The 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between Seventh and Twelfth streets and in the Arts and Industries Building. The free festival wraps up on Sunday. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening dance parties at 5:30 and circus performances most nights at 7 p.m.

Friday-

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: 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-

(Photo:Sound Scene X at Hirshorn Museum by Carpe Diem!)

10:00am-5:00pm: Sound Scene X at Hirshorn Museum
(700 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560)
The sounds of our politically-driven town are often dissonant. Underneath the political noise, the audio culture of DC is rich and varied. Sound Scene X: “Dissonance” will showcase the sounds of our creative city through – interactive audio installations – headphone listening – live music and more. Audio features will be accessible to deaf as well as hearing audiences through full-body listening installations and new works to feature multi-sensory tools to enhance the listening experience for all guests. ASL interpreters will be on-site.

10:00am: Story time with Washington Nationals Player
Join DC Public Library for a special story time with Washington Nationals outfielder Adam Eaton at Tenleytown Library and pitcher, Matt Albers at Woodridge Library. Click here to learn more about Summer Reading or stop by your neighborhood library to sign up today.

10:00am-4:00pm: The “Write” Stuff Family Research & Literacy Day at National Archives
(Boeing Learning Center & William G. McGowan Theater Washington, DC)
Do you love reading, learning new things and writing? Do you want to learn more about what it is like to do research and write stories? This is the program for you! Bring the whole family and enjoy hands-on activities and engage with authors and illustrators Marty Rhodes Figley, Syl Sobel, John Hendrix, Janet Macreery, Diane Kidd & Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Tim Grove, and Tonya Bolden. You will also get to watch a live recording of the “Book Club for Kids” podcast with host Kitty Felde; celebrity guest reader, NPR special correspondent Susan Stamberg; and students from the Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore. Discover literacy and research organizations and their available resources, view DC National History Day project finalists, and more!

10:30am: Silk Road Dance Company: Shahnameh: Adventures from the Persian Book of Kings at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
A magical bird, an evil dragon, a clever princess, and a valiant hero bring to life the Shahnameh, an ancient masterpiece written over a thousand years ago. With vivid choreography and ornate costumes, Silk Road Dance Company presents a fantastical tale from ancient Persia.

11:00am-10:00pm: Nextival
(Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds: 1450 Generals Hwy Crownsville, MD 21032)
The Nextival is a family Friendly Food Truck Music Festival with FAMILY, FOOD & FUN at the heart of our experience. We have 50 food trucks and vendors, 25 bands and performers, 10 Moon Bounces, 2 stages, 2 Helicopters for helicopter rides to downtown Annapolis and Back and 400 pounds of legos and duplos plus arts and crafts for the kids and fun outdoor games like Cornhole. Kids 12 and under are free, adults $15.

12:00pm: Silk Road Dance Company Workshop: Fly with the Simurgh! Dance with a Dragon! at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 22182)
Two of the most memorable characters from the Shahnameh are the dragon and the Simurgh bird. Children will learn fun and “flighty” dances with scarves and veils, that are sure to conjure up the magical Simurgh! (Show tickets sold separately)

Sunday-

6:00pm: Annie (2014): 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! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

Theatre:

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

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage
Shows on Saturday & Sunday. Use code: GUITAR5 to receive $5 off tickets to this weekends show. Code expires at 11:59pm on July 7.

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre
Shows on Saturday & Sunday

Weekend Picks: June 30-July 2, 2017

June 29, 2017

The 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between Seventh and Twelfth streets and in the Arts and Industries Building. The free festival is taking place June 29-July 4 & July 6-9. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening dance parties at 5:30 and circus performances most nights at 7 p.m.

Friday-

Saturday-

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.

10:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.

10:30am: Dinorock at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
(1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, Va. 22182)
This Grammy-nominated audience favorite returns and invites you to travel back in time to meet some of their favorite dinosaurs. In this interactive production using giant colorful puppets and original music, children learn the fascinating world of science, nature, and history.

11:00am-2:00pm: Summer Hands-On Science – Health & the Human Body at Koshland Science Museum
(525 E. Street NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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! This program is free; registration is recommended but not required. Appropriate for ages 10+.

Saturday, July 1 OR Sunday, July 2 from 9:00am-10:30a.m. “Who’s New at the National Zoo” a preschool class for 2-3 year olds! Kids will learn about some of the new animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes use hands-on activities, crafts, stories, songs, and the Zoo’s animal collection to help your child learn about environmental conservation and life science while building important cognitive and social skills. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members.Pre-registration is required. Registration fee covers one child with adult.

Catch a show this weekend–

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock n Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

Junie B. Jones is not a crook at Adventure Theatre

¡Ratón en Movimiento! at Imagination Stage

The Kennedy Center presents The Sound of Music

The Puppet Co. presents The Wizard of Oz and Mother Goose Caboose is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo

*** Plan ahead for Fourth of July!

Weekend Picks: June 23-25, 2017

June 23, 2017

Saturday & Sunday join the 25th Annual Giant National Capital BBQ Battle. Pennsylvania Avenue will transform into a festival sights, sounds, tastes and aromas. Taking place on Pennsylvania Ave & Constitution Ave, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Over 30 bands will perform throughout the two day battle. Children 12 and under are free, purchase tickets here.

Bring your young animal lover to the Zoo this weekend for “Who’s New at the National Zoo,” a preschool class for 2-3 and 3-5 year olds! Join us as we learn about some of the new faces, flippers, wings, and hooves at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes use hands-on activities, crafts, stories, songs, and the Zoo’s animal collection to help your child learn about environmental conservation and life science while building important cognitive and social skills. Class meets on Saturday, June 24 for 2-3 year olds OR Sunday, June 25 for 3-5 year olds from 9:00-10:30a.m. Pre-registration is required. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. Learn more and register here.

¡Ratón en Movimiento! at Imagination Stage begins this weekend with shows on Saturday & Sunday. In this interactive play, the audience becomes part of the story through multi-sensory activities. This production is now performed in both Spanish and English. Best for ages 1-5.

Friday-

6:00pm: Summer evenings at the National Arboretum with IntiLuna & Mister G
(Please enter through the R Street NE Gate -GPS: 2400 R Street NE, Washington, DC 20002)
FONA and the Washington Youth Garden present seven free evenings of music in the Meadow for the 2017 Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and relax below the Capital Columns. All these events hosted by the Friends of the National Arboretum are free, BUT reservations are required.

Saturday-

9:00am-1:00pm: National Day of Play at Gymboree Play & Music DC
(2639 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 113 WDC 20008)
Our teachers will lead a day full of FREE activities for children 4 and under. Embark on a playspace adventure, create artistic masterpieces, hop on a parachute flight, swim in a sea of bubbles, sing classic Gymboree Play & Music songs, treats, facepainter, giveaways and RAFFLE. The event is FREE but you must pre-register. Please call 202-267-245 to reserve your spot.

10:30am-11:30am: Friends of Stead Park Concert
(1625 P St NW)
We are happy to bring you ‘Culture Queen,’ with her empowering entertainment for children. Culture Queen infuses calypso, afro-beat, jazz and hip-hop which is sure to get your little ones dancin’ to the beat! The event is free. P.S. We will keep a close eye on the weather. If rain is in the forecast for Saturday morning, we will postpone the concert and let you know via Facebook.

Sunday-

9:00am-10:30am: Playdate in the Park at Chevy Chase Playground
(5500 41st St NW)
Join local families and PJ Library for a playdate in the park! Nosh, splash read and enjoy a special surprise.

6:00pm: Double Feature– Babe & Sing: 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! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

Plan ahead for Fourth of July!

Fathers Day Picks

June 16, 2017

DC JazzFest at The Yards will be entertaining folks Friday-Sunday.

Awesome Con is Washington DC’s Comic Con, taking place Friday-Sunday at The Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It is a place for fans of popular culture. At its heart, Awesome Con is a comic-con that embraces all aspects of geekdom and pop culture, with a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay, and more. Special events include discussion panels, costume contests, trivia contests, gaming tournaments, and tons of activities for kids.

Awesome Con is proud to work with GeekDad to present exciting Father’s Day activities on Sunday, June 18 in a show of appreciation for the awesome dads in attendance. The first 500 dads to attend Awesome Con on June 18 will receive a free, limited edition T-Shirt, and will have the chance to win giveaway prizes including Awesome Con swag and Washington Nationals tickets. See below for more information. Geek dads of all ages will enjoy events including a Q&A with Stan Lee, the father of Marvel Comics; a classic arcade of nostalgic games; a panel hosted by GeekDad teaching parents how to encourage curiosity in the next generation; and more. Bring your dad to the ultimate Father’s Day event — and kids 10 and under attend Awesome Con for free with code: AWESOMEJR

Around The World Cultural Food Festival comes to the Washington Monument Grounds Saturday & Sunday. In 2016, Around Cultural Food Festival, the largest cultural food festival in the DMV, had a record attendance of over 15,000 people for a first year event. Around the World Cultural Food Festival brings together diverse, authentic, living traditions from different countries around the world. Our mission is to preserve and strengthen the culture of each country while presenting it to the public throughout the course of this event and give all the participants a chance to learn from one another and understand the cultural differences and similarities. The event is free of charge and the public will have the opportunity to learn, to eat, to dance, to shop, to witness these vibrantly connected cultures and create their own connections with each and every single country presented in the event.

Junie B. Jones is making her appearance at Adventure Theatre this weekend. Based on the book series by Barbara Park. When Junie B. Jones, with her two bestest friends in the world, loses her new furry mittens to some “stealers,” she has to investigate. But Junie B. might have something she forgot to return, too.

Saturday-

10:00am-3:00pm: Innovations in Flight at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
Explore the engineering and design innovations that have taken place during the last century of flight. Talk with pilots of over 50 vintage and modern aircraft, on display outside the Museum for one day only. Discover the science behind flight through hands-on, STEM-based activities. Learn about the 70-year history of the U.S. Air Force, meet Air Force pilots, and see several of their planes. Free event, parking is $15.

11:00am-6:00pm: Columbia Heights Day Festival
(11th Street between Park Road and Irving Street)
The best local DC street party is back and you’re invited!! Join us in celebration of diversity and community with the neighborhood’s finest food, drink, and entertainment. Discover artisans, entrepreneurs, and area businesses in the heart of Columbia Heights. The fun is everywhere and for everyone! We have three stages of live music, dance, and free fitness classes. Kids can play at the carnival on the Harriet Tubman field while adults make their own fun at the Meridian Pint beer garden.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Creative Spark at National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Experience innovation and creative expression, visible and hidden, in the world we build for ourselves through activities designed and facilitated by the Museum’s Teen Council. Investigate creativity within the Museum’s building and exhibitions with a digital scavenger hunt and get creative with an art project inspired by imaginative prompts. Activities are for all ages, but workshops for teens and a teens-only hangout space will be available. High school students receive free admission with a valid school I.D. Free, drop in. All ages.

Sunday^_

10:00am to 12:00pm: 4th Annual “Fit Father’s Day” at Silver Spring Civic Center, At Veterans Plaza
(8525 Fenton St Silver Spring, MD 20910)
On Father’s Day join us for a FREE “fun-for-all” group exercise with trainers Michelangelo Bance, Tiffani Jenkins, Styves Exantus and the Ravens’ Kyle Arrington. Also enjoy fitness games, Zumba by Z Sweat Dance and Fitness and Ray & Roze Zumba, healthy snacks, yoga led by 5 Sense Wellness, an interactive playground and music from DJ Blinks and PanLara steel drum. Attendees can compete for over $2,500 in prizes from Nike, Bose, Road Runner Sports, Modell’s, Soul Cycle, Strider Bikes, Thule, Live Nation, Yokohama Tires and Vibram in the Mr Fit Fathers, Fit Mom, Fit 50+ and Fit Kid contests. Also the reigning 2-time Mr. Fit Father, James Paul Swink, will be back to defend his Gym Source title against any takers of the grand prize.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Brunch on the Baseline at Nationals Stadium
(1500 S Capitol St. S.E., Washington, DC)
Enjoy an all-inclusive brunch from the field while the Nationals take on the Mets in New York! Tickets are $75 for an all-inclusive meal.

5:30pm: Hot Peas ‘N Butter Kids Pajama Jam Party at AMP Strathmore
Hot Peas ’N Butter moseys into AMP for a Pajama Jam that’s sure to have kids and parents alike on their feet. With delightful tunes full of flavors from reggaetón, hip-hop, and dance hall, these Parents’ Choice Award-winning musical maestros put on a unique show full of tasty beats and catchy melodies that is as irresistible as it is creative. Their interactive and invigorating music has charmed audiences across the nation and on Nick Jr. and Noggin. Don’t miss your chance to boogie with them live at AMP! Snacks, drinks, and sweets will be available for kids. Don’t worry dads, we’ll also have a beer for you! Doors open 60 minutes prior to the show. Seating will be available in the back of the house, but we plan to leave plenty of floor space for dance and play!

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Jungle 2 Jungle
(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! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

Weekend Picks: June 2-4, 2017

June 2, 2017

Join us for the 37th annual Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park, (pictured above) Saturday and Sunday, June 3 & 4, 2017 from 12pm – 7pm. One of the most popular events of the year at Glen Echo Park, the Festival attracts close to 10,000 visitors. Free to the public and held rain or shine, the Festival features over 450 musicians, storytellers, dancers, and crafters from the greater Washington area. Produced by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington in collaboration with the Glen Echo Park Partnership, the Washington Folk Festival is a celebration of this region’s rich cultural diversity. International performers share the music, dance, and cultural traditions they brought from their original homes while American performers showcase a variety of musical traditions that developed in this country.

At Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days in partnership with The Phillips Collection, DC JazzFest celebrates the synergy between jazz and the visual arts with performances by more than a dozen regional artists and rising star ensembles. This free, family-friendly weekend event will feature storytelling, unique meet-the-artist opportunities, an instrument petting zoo, art workshops, and more! Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm.

Friday-

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Garden in the Sculpture Garden
(7th St SW & Independence Ave SW)
It’s back and I couldn’t be more excited! Pack a picnic and head to the garden for an eclectic mix of jazz is performed by top Washington-area artists. Alcohol can be purchased at the garden but you can not bring it in yourself.

Gates open at 5:30pm, Movie starts at 9:00pm: Movie Nights in the Heights
(Harriet Tubman Elementary School- Irving Street near 11th St)
The movie will start when it gets dark. Set up a blanket and enjoy a picnic! In case of rain, wind, or a wet field, the movie will be moved to the Salvation Army at 3335 Sherman Ave. Movie: Space Jam

Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:15, Film begins 8:45, Film ends at 10:20: Union Market Drive-In
(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. Movie: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Saturday-

9:30am-10:30am: Imagination at Noyes Storybook Parade

(10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD)
Children and adults are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character and bring musical instruments (including drums, triangles and cymbals) to march in the parade. Classic characters, such as The Cat in the Hat, Winnie the Pooh, and Dorothy and Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, will also be participating. The free event begins with the parade at 9:30 a.m. Lemonade and cookies will follow the parade, and the event ends at 10:30 a.m. The rain date is June 4. The parade will follow a short route that starts at Noyes Children’s Library.

10:00am-5:00pm: Strawberry Festival at Sandy Spring Museum
(17901 Bentley Rd Sandy Spring, MD 20860)
Sandy Spring Museum is gearing up for the 36^th Annual Strawberry Festival! This event has grown to over 6,000 attendees and is something you won’t want to miss! Taking place throughout the museum’s 7 acres along Route 108, the event features live music and entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, and activities for children of all ages. Over the years the Strawberry Festival has featured a rock climbing wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, and much more! Purchase a wristband for unlimited kids activities. $10 ahead of time (place your order before 5 pm June 3) or $15 on the day of the event Click here to save money

10:00am-3:00pm: Imagination Bethesda
(Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Bethesda)
Celebrate children, art, and all things fun at the 23nd annual Imagination Bethesda. Activity tents line the streets, face painters bring butterflies and pirates to life, a stage of live entertainment will have the whole street dancing, and more! Enjoy this FREE family fun day!

11:00am-3:30pm: Kalorama Park Community Day

(1875 Columbia Rd. NW)
Join us for the 2nd Annual Kalorama Park Community Day celebration! We are aiming to build on the success of last year’s event, this year with even more fun activities, entertainers, and local businesses and organizations. Meet your neighbors, try a new form of exercise, discover a local band, spend time with your family, and more. See you at the park!

Sunday-

12:00pm-7:00pm: Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days

(See above)

12:00pm-7:00pm: Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park

(See above)

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: Moana

Mom Picks this Weekend

May 11, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day to all!! We’ve found some fun things families can do together. And, in case you still need brunch plans for that special Mama here’s a list of some family friendly places.

All Fired Up offers 10% off to all Moms Saturday & Sunday at both locations.

Friday-

3:00pm-7:00pm: Jo Malone London at City Center
(996 I St NW)
Customize a cologne or candle with a beautifully engraved message. RSVP to attend.

Saturday-

8:00am-5:00pm: Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
(3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121)
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

10:00am-6:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, Md)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

10:00am-12:00pm AND 1:00pm-3:00pm: Children’s Ball at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
(701 21st Street, NW)
Dress in your best for our Children’s Ball during a very special Mother’s Day weekend at the museum. Join us for fun and fancy treats, dancing beats, and a kid-centered visit to the exhibition Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair. $10/museum members and GW students, faculty, and staff; $15/public (entrance for one adult and one child). Advance registration is required; space is limited. Register online or call 202-994-7394.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Adam’s Morgan Summer Concert
(Columbia Rd and 18th St NW)
Join us for the second show in Free Summer Concert Series! We’ll have hula hoops and bubbles for the kids as free wristbands good for discounts at businesses all over Adams Morgan. The Oxymorons take the stage with a mix of the hottest new songs, the best of the old, and their award-winning originals, giving audiences a night of hip-shaking New Orleans funk, soulful blues, Americana roots, and jam-band rock. This seriously-fun eight-piece band has been playing the DC area for more than 25 years, reeling off favorite party tunes spanning four decades and witty, well-crafted originals.

Sunday-

9:00am-12:00pm: La Bella Strada
(Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA)
Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Ave. will come alive with vibrant chalk art. The second annual La Bella Strada Street Painting Festival, modeled after an ancient Italian art form, will bring artists from around the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. region to create masterpieces up and down the sidewalk. Learn more about the event here. The event raises money for The Del Ray Montessori School, a 501c3 profit, for an outdoor playspace.

9:30am-4:00pm: Mother’s Day Brunch at Pinstripes
(1064 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20007)
Make this Mother’s Day special by treating mom to an expansive bottomless brunch fit for a queen! Indulge in favorites like made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib and fresh shrimp, bagels with spreads and smoked salmon, flatbreads, waffles ‘her-way’ topped with berries, bananas foster or Nutella, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Moms will be especially encouraged to sit back and relax with mimosas and bloody Mary’s as the kids are taken care of at the ‘Kids Corner’ station with pizzas, chicken fingers, Mac and cheese and more. Adults $36, includes bottomless mimosas | Kids 6-12 $15 | Kids 5 & Under: Free | $4 Mimosas & $7 Bloody Marys available all day. Please call to make a brunch reservation: 202-625-6500 Or plan ahead to Father’s Day Brunch.

10:00am-5:00pm: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
(Bethesda Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk Ave., between Auburn and Del Ray Aves., Bethesda, MD)
Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. Children’s area will be on Auburn Ave.

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
See my review of the play here. Bring your mom to see Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp this Sunday and she will receive a chocolate rose!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Mothers Day at United States Botanic Garden
(Conservatory Garden Court)
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? It is never too early to start planning your vegetable garden. Bring your mother to the USBG and help her design and plant her very own cook’s garden! Join Danielle Cook as she whips up two recipes and savor the bounty your garden will bring. Please note: This is a drop-in program and appropriate for all ages.

Weekend Picks: May 5-7, 2017

May 4, 2017

Landon School invites you, your family and your friends to the 64^th annual Azalea Garden Festival, which will be held Friday, May 5, through Sunday, May 7, 10 am–5 pm daily, on Landon’s campus located at 6101 Wilson Lane in Bethesda, MD. The Azalea Garden Festival features carnival rides, fantastic boutiques, upscale resale, plant sales, delicious food, live music and more! Admission and parking are free. Please join us!

Come stroll the gorgeous grounds 10am-6:00pm Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday at the 78th Annual Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral on the grounds at 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. Entertainment and Special Events occur both days – most are free of charge. Small fees for puppet shows, carousel rides and children’s rides and games.

Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind day fair, parade and music festival, celebrating Washington DC’s vibrant music and arts, the U Street neighborhood, and the Spirit of Funk that brings us all together. It will feature over 150 hours of live music and dance programming, art installations, large-scale activations and more. The Day Fair is from 12:00pm-7:00pm, parade is from 3:00pm-4:00pm and music festival is 7:00pm-10:00pm.

(Pictures: 3 years ago at Landon’s Azalea Garden Festival)

Friday- Cinco De Mayo!

7:00pm: Union Market Drive-In
(1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (136 minutes, rated PG-13) is the movie this weekend. Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 7:50, Film begins 8:15 , Film ends at 10:30. $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.

Saturday-

10:00am-4:00pm: Around the World Embassy Tour
More than 40 embassies will open their doors to DC visitors and residents for this free event. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. In the past, visitors have been treated to karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons, and henna demonstrations.

10:00am-1:00pm: Truck Touch at Silver Spring Nursery School
(10501 New Hampshire Ave Silver Spring, MD 20903)
Our parking lot will be filled with vehicles of every kind that kids of all ages can explore, rain or shine. Live Entertainment with local favorites: RockStarts! at 10:45 am and Mr. Gabe at 11:45 am. Plus: Bake Sale, Snow Cones, Food & Drinks, Arts & Crafts and Face Painting. $5 per person and free for kids under age 2.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 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 of the songs to practice at home for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: Cha Cha Chimps

11:00am-4:00pm: Train Day at National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20002)
Every year, we celebrate the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad (May 10, 1869) at the Postal Museum. Finally there were train tracks connecting East and West, allowing the Post Office to quickly move mail by trains across the entire country. On Train Day, come and experience the Railway Post Office by checking out the inside of the train car, learn how train conductors use whistle signals to communicate, and get to know some jargon used by Postal Clerks who worked on the Railway Post Offices. We will also have model trains running through our Museum Atrium. Enjoy a special Story Time and “meet” Owney the Dog, a mascot of the Railway Post Office too! Free admission.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Family Capoeira at Guy Mason Recreation Center
(3600 Calvert Street NW Washington, DC 20007)
Family Capoeira is an integrative fitness program for families and individuals that combines capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art, with strength, flexibility, and endurance exercises. Accessible for all ages, this fun class engages everyone in the music, cultural history, and physical play of capoeira. Participants will learn the foundational movements of capoeira and practice applying them in a real roda, or game, with a partner. Specially customized to be a dynamic, intergenerational experience for all, Family Capoeira will get the whole family moving their bodies and feeling great too! All ages welcome. Free and open to the public. This program is facilitated by The Family Dances.

DC Public Library is hosting so many fabulous kid-friendly performances and activities at Harrison
Recreation Center at 1330 V Street NW between 12pm – 4pm on Saturday. Schedule: 12:00 pm: Sticks+Bars Youth Marimba Ensemble 12:45 pm: PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra 1:30 pm: “In the Pocket”: a go-go conga Masterclass 2:15 pm: Rhythm Prep for Kid’s Funk Parade with 7DrumCity 2:30 pm: Kid’s Funk Parade (led by 7DrumCity to join the Funk Parade) 4:00 pm: Funk Parade HS Marching Band Battle *Other Activities will be planned between 12:00pm – 3:00pm: 7DrumCity Tent – make your own percussive instruments from household items or bring your own drum and learn some basic drumming skills. Costume Corner – Build your own costume and instruments with the DC Public Library. Efron the Wizard’s Yo-Yo Workshop. Soka Tribe Caribbean Dance Workshop. The Dailey Method Yoga Class at Noon on the Field. DCPL Children’s Librarians on-hand with funky musical picture books to checkout.

Sunday-

10:00am-1:00pm: Infant/Child CPR at Edlavitch DCJCC
(1529 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20036)
Make your family safer by learning life-saving skills from American Heart Association Jay Gruber. $62/per person.

11:00am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 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 for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: Where the Wild Things Are

11:00am-12:00pm: hiSTORYtime at National Museum of American History
(12th St and Constitution Ave NW)
Join us for hiSTORYtime, a program for children ages 0 to 6. Early learners and their caregivers may drop by to listen to a story and participate in hands-on activities and crafts inspired by objects and themes from the museum collection. Come by every first and third Saturday of the month for new themes, stories and activities! Theme today: ANIMALS

Weekend Picks April 28-30

April 28, 2017

I love this time of year with all of the flower marts and pick-your-own farms opening. This weekend you can visit the Garden Fair & Plant Sale at The National Arboretum. The annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale features new, rare, and hard-to-find plants, garden supply vendors, books, children’s activities, refreshments, entertainment, and more. Bring your garden questions to National Arboretum staff members for expert advice. Sponsored by the Friends of the National Arboretum.
April 28, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Friends of the National Arboretum members only
April 28, 1:00 – 4:00 pm; Open to the public
April 29, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Open to the public

This weekend (and next) is the long-awaited Day Out with Thomas at B&O Railroad. Little Engineers won’t believe their eyes–or their ears! Thomas the Tank Engine will be able to talk to his fans when he returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! Take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! Tickets are needed for ages 2 and up available.

Saturday-

10:00am-11:30am: Rock City Art Workshop at New Community ArtSpace
(614 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (basement))
We are going to have fun recreating and decorating a city using broken sidewalk and other rock from construction sites in the neighborhood. Children are welcome to bring things they find in nature to help accompany their mini city. Paula Lantz paints using the energy of intense color and collage combined, the abstracted figures reflect mysteries in our personal, emotional and spiritual life. Ann Gordon‘s work reflects strains of classical American Realism through her passions of water, light, shadow, reflections, transparency, and translucence. She works in watercolor, oil paints, stained glass.Workshops for children ages 4-8. Caregivers are welcome to stay or drop off. Siblings of all ages are welcome (caregivers are asked to stay if child is younger than 4). Just inform us of their ages so we can tailor the project. Each workshop is $10/child. Consider signing up for all workshops for just $20/child.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day at Glen Echo
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Our fun-filled annual event gets a new name this year. As many of you know, this festival used to be called Family Day, but Carousel Day better represents what the day is all about — celebrating our beautifully-renovated, historic Dentzel carousel and all the wonderful arts programs in the Park. The carousel will open for its 97th season in Glen Echo Park on Carousel Day! The event also offers a full day (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) of FREE activities for throughout Glen Echo Park, including live music & other performances, face painting, storytelling, and carousel themed crafts. The carousel operates from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., $1.25 per ride. Free performances from Storyteller Arianna Ross, Artivate’s Karim Nagi & Mark H Rooney, Culkin School of Irish Dancing, Ballet Petite and Columbia Big Band.

11:30am-1:00pm: Nibble + Squeak Brunch at Joselito
(660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE)
Proprietor (and Dad), Javier Candon, debuted Joselito to Capitol Hill this January as a homage to his parents who showed him that some of the best memories in life are created with family and friends over leisurely meals. We’re bringing the whole family to the table on April 29th for a Spanish style brunch to be remembered. Thanks to MommyNearest, kids eat from the same menu for free! Nibbles for the littles provided by Plum Organics!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Taste of 8th
Each Taste is a small sample size, similar to a tapas portion. Most people purchase a pack of 5 tasting tickets so they can sample their favorite 8th Street restaurants. Buy now to purchase at our advance purchase price of $20 for 5 tasting tickets. Day-of tickets will be $25 for 5 tasting tickets. Barracks Row restaurants will serve appetizer sized samples of their best-known or newest dishes. Watch over the coming weeks as we announce the participants in the 2017 Taste of 8th! This year’s participants include Ambar, Banana Cafe, Betsy, The Brig, Capital Teas, Cava, Cafe Kimchi, Chat’s Liquor, DCanter, District Donut, EatBar, Las Placitas, Lavagna, Matchbox, Medium Rare, Nooshi, Springmill Bread, Souk, The Sweet Lobby, The Ugly Mug, Trattoria Alberto, and Yes! Organic.

Sunday-

Plan ahead—

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp has several shows this weekend at Adventure Theatre

The Jungle Book is now playing at Imagination Stage

Does your child have a business she already runs? Or an idea for a business he wants to start? We’d love to include your child in this year’s Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC, where children become entrepreneurs for a day. Young entrepreneurs, ages 6-14, may APPLY NOW to join us Saturday, May 13 on Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park. Spark your child’s creativity and see where it leads!

Paw Patrol Live!: Race to the Rescue at Hippodrome May 6, 2017, 10:00am & 2:00pm AND May 7, 2017, 10:00am & 2:00pm

Peppa Pig Live at Strathmore May, 2, 2017 7:00pm