Weekend Picks – Page 40

Weekend Picks: Children’s Orchestra, Chocolate Festival and Drones

February 6, 2015

Chocolate buzz anyone? We know it isn’t Valentine’s Day quite yet but this weekend brings a few sweet events to attend to get you ready for the 14th. The highlight of this weekend; The Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax. There will be a puppet show, chocolate tastings, face painting, story time and much more that involves chocolate! Check out the schedule here. Also, be sure and check out our guide to getting delicious chocolate for your Valentine!

Friday:
6:00pm-9:00pm: Kennedy Center hosts Orchkids
(2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C)
Sixty-five students from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s during- and after-school music program perform a special concert that will feature a mix of classical, jazz, pop and spiritual-inspired pieces.

Saturday:

10:00am-2:00pm: The Learning Center for Young Children presents WINTERFEST!
(10123 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895 Social Hall, Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church)
A day filled with fun for preschoolers, bake sale, silent auction, and music. All are welcome.

10:00am: Avalon Theater presents Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
For over 40 years Blue Sky Puppet Theatre has brought excellence in theatre, art, education and fun to audiences all along the east coast. Their show “The Three (Not So Little) Pigs,” explores sibling rivalry and cooperation, incorporating audience participation and humor aimed at all ages.

10:30am: GIGS & Kindiemusicdc Present: Junior Jams – Marsha Goodman-Wood at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
Singer-songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood is known for setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun. Her quirky, smart compositions take on topics from astronomy, answering the age-old question “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?” to nonconformity with “Sheep Don’t Wear Shoes,” and biology in “The Penguin Song.”

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Barnyard Dance

11:00am-2:00pm: Eyes in the Sky: Game of Drones Family Day at The National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Drones have been in the news quite a bit but few people really know how they are designed, built and operated. Join the International Spy Museum, the National Building Museum and the DC Drone User Group to discover the secrets of drones. Local drone makers will demonstrate their wares and show families the inner workings of their drones as well as their special spy skills. A spy mission challenge will take place in which drone makers will guide their drones through a series of secret spy missions to see whose drone is the stealthiest. This event is free and requires no reservation.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Valentine’s Day Card Making at The Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20002-Atrium on the level 1)
Love is in the details at the annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum. Come out and create heart-felt handmade cards and visit the museum’s stamp store to send the cards to your loved ones with a special Postal Museum postmark! This event is free and needs no reservation.

Sunday:

10:00am: Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, 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 completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: The Rainbow Fish

1:00pm-4:00pm: Takoma Plays! 5th Annual Mid-Winter Play Day
(Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, 20912)
See the flyer here for the schedule of details. Bach to Rock will be playing, face painting, box play with Girl Scouts and more indoor fun!

Weekend Picks: Groundhog Day, Spy Fest and Avalon Theater

January 30, 2015

Friday:

10:30am: Groundhog Day at Meadowside Nature Center
(5100 Meadowside Ln, Rockville, MD 20853)
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will spring be early or late? Find out how the groundhog became a weather forecaster, and make a craft to take home. Ages 3-5; $5

6:00pm: Spy Fest at The International Spy Museum
(between 9th and 8th Streets at 800 F Street, NW)
Could you be a spy? Now’s your chance to find out! The International Spy Museum’s Spy Fest 2015 provides kids and parents a rare opportunity to get an inside glimpse into the secret world of espionage. Through interactive, spy-related activities and booths, attendees will learn how to think like real secret agents as they assume new identities, decipher coded messages, analyze hand-written and satellite images, and detect liars by polygraph — all directly from experts in the field. And who knows, there just may be a spy or two in your midst…Ages: 5 and up* (one adult required for every five KidSpy agents). Ticket includes exclusive after-hours admission, SPY snacks, scavenger hunt, prize competitions, and more!

Saturday:

10:00am: Avalon Theater presents Marsha Goodman-Wood
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
DC-based singer/songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood sets little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun. Her quirky, smart compositions take on topics from astronomy (answering the age-old question “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?”) to nonconformity (“Sheep Don’t Wear Shoes”) to biology (“The Penguin Song”).

Monday:
7:30am: Groundhog Day in DuPont Circle Park
Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog, will make an appearance and offer weather and political predictions. Phil will let us know whether to expect six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Live accordion music, polka dancers, puppet show, VIP celebrities and more. Top Hats are strongly encouraged.

Want to get away for the weekend? Or just the day? Head to Baltimore! It’s a quick car trip and there’s endless fun to be had.

Weekend Picks: Cars, Trucks and Music, oh my!

January 23, 2015

We’ve got a great way to stay connected to your family this weekend while getting stretched out at the same time. Lil Omm has a weekend full of family yoga as well as a Family Circus Yoga class. Check out their schedule here.

Washington Auto Show is at the Convention Center from Jan. 23-Feb.1. Expect to see over 700 automobiles as well as some of your Bambinos favorite characters dressed up. Tickets cost $12 for adults; $5 for kids 6-12; free for kids under 5. Your quickest and most convenient way to get to the Convention Center is probably by Metro depending on where you live. 801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

Saturday and Sunday Monster Jam takes over Verizon Center. Make sure to bring headphones or plugs for the Bambinos and get ready for some car smashing, trucks jumping and crowd cheering.

Saturday-

9:30am and 10:30am:Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

10:30am: Jammin with The Smithsonian: Karen K and The Jitterbugs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
BUG OUT! With Karen K & the Jitterbugs! Known for their upbeat, catchy, genre-swirling tunes that parents enjoy as much as their kids, Karen K & her Jitterbugs keep hands clapping and feet jumping at their rockin’, crowd-engaging shows performed across the country. The scene is set in Karen K’s Bug Out, the fort in her back yard where she seeks adventures and makes music with her imaginary friends, the Jitterbugs: Bumble (Seth Connelly, guitar); Stinky (Dan Wheddle, drums), Hop (Eric Salt, bass); side-kick and best friend, Lightning Bug (Aaron Jones, banjo and everything else); and Lady Bug (Tracey O’Farrell), vocalist. Tickets are $10.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Ferdinand the Bull Buy tickets here.

10:30am: A Playdate with Rocknoceros at Ohr Kodesh Congregation
(8300 Meadowbrook Lane (at East West Highway) Chevy Chase, MD)
Join Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bennie for a morning of singing, dancing and fun! Prizes will be raffled off. Concert and raffle tickets are on sale here. You can purchase raffle tickets with concert tickets online as part of a Family Four or Six Pack or using this form to purchase – you can win prizes even if you can’t attend the concert! For more information: here’s the flyer.

11:00am-12:00pm: Family Yoga at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
This family class will explore the practice of yoga through music, dance, relaxation and play. Families will have the chance to connect in a meaningful and fun way, while also giving each family member the chance to breathe, stretch and relax. This community-based class will inspire connection and awareness in a nurturing and playful environment. Make the time to share mindful and heart-opening practices with your family, no matter the age or experience level. Come breathe, move and play with us every Sunday!

11:00am: Recess Monkey at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Recess Monkey is the nationally acclaimed trio of teachers who make music for kids and families that truly rocks. Seamlessly meshing their indie-rock roots with their keen awareness of childhood themes, the band continues to make waves coast to coast. “Deep Sea Diver” is the band’s ninth album, showcasing the high-energy, pitch-perfect understanding of what gets kids excited that has launched them into national awareness. Tickets are $12.

Weekend Picks are back!

January 9, 2015

TGIF!! Here’s a quick Weekend Picks post as I’m able to write a few words while my 7 week old naps and 3 1/2 year old is at school. Thanks for sticking with Beltway Bambinos as I’ve had to take some time off with my newborn. Hoping to be able to publish more posts very soon as our routine is starting to form. Have a great weekend! As always let me know if you know of any fun we should add to our posts.

There are many great live productions to see this weekend, including the final show of 101 Dalmations as well as The Addams Family. Check our Theater Roundup page!

Saturday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue 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 completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Goodnight Gorilla.

10:30am: GIGS & Kindiemusicdc present The Grandsons Jr at FNDTN Liveroom
(3762 Howard Ave – Kensington, MD)
The Grandsons, Jr., is the kids band version of DC-area roots rock superstars, The Grandsons. Kids and their parents will dig the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, latin music we call Americana. Over the past 25 years performing asThe Grandsons, the band has noticed that many of their songs resonate with the younger crowd. As the grandsons, Jr., they combine new material learned especially for the younger set, with Grandsons tunes that have always been popular with the kids. Jiggle to the “Juicebox Rhythm” and get your little “Potato Chip” on the dance floor with the grandson’s Jr.—Wild Music for Wild Kids! $6 advance/$8 at door.

11:30am-3:00pm: Winter Festival at American Art Museum
(Kogod Courtyard)
Don’t fly south for the winter, flock to the museum! Join us for feathery fun as the whole family enjoys crafting for the birds to celebrate The Singing and the Silence: Birds in Contemporary Art, including a printmaking workshop with Lily Press, origami with Smithsonian Gardens, “Take-out Library” with DC Public Libraries, music by Magpie, and live birds on site courtesy of Virginia Raptor Conservancy!

Saturday & Sunday-

NSO in your Neighborhood
This year’s NSO In Your Neighborhood program heads to the vibrant Brookland and NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) areas of Washington, D.C.—bringing a week’s worth of free chamber music, orchestral concerts, educational events for the entire family, and much more!

Want some more ways to spend time inside with your Bambino? Check out the Indoor Guide to fun in the DC area.

Kidzbill giveaway for The Grandsons, Jr.

January 3, 2015

Start 2015 off right by winning tickets to see a show your kids are sure to love!

As you may have seen on our Facebook page, we are thrilled to announce Kidzbill is hosting The Grandsons, Jr. at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom on January 10th. We’ve seen them many times at Jammin Java but now they are performing on the other side of the river.

We’re giving away four tickets on our Facebook page, so take a look. Winners will be announced Friday morning. If you don’t win, tickets are only $6 purchased in advance and $8 at the door (cash only). Also, make sure to check out Kidzbill’s lineup for more exciting shows.

FNDTN Gallery & Liveroom
3762A Howard Avenue
Kensington, MD. 20895

Weekend Picks: Yuletide lights and shopping or Superhero and Circus Yoga

November 13, 2014

The magic of Christmas begins this weekend. ICE! at The Gaylord National Resort will be a hit with your Bambino(s) as this year Frosty the Snowman is featured. Santa HQ begins this weekend where families experience the unparalleled wonder of Santa’s world in the modern and digital age. Visitors can take an ELFIE selfie and star in their own holiday video, explore Santa’s Observatory using ELF-RAY Vision, test out the ‘Naughty O’ Nice Meter,’ and enjoy a memorable photo with Santa. Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Light where the gardens come to LIGHT at night. More than 500,000 lights illuminate the trees and displays of flowers, animals, fountains, a stream, and much more.

Saturday-

10:00am-6:00pm: Museum Shop Around at Strathmore Mansion
(5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Join us on a treasure hunt when the area’s finest museum gift shops bring their wares to Strathmore. You’ll find toys, jewelry, one-of-a-kind gifts—some handmade, all art-inspired—for yourself and everyone on your holiday list. National Building Museum, Brookside Gardens, Imagination Stage and National Geographic Museum are a few participating Museums. Admission $9 (Stars $8) At the Door; Cash/Checks Only.

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Weekend Picks: Cultural Connection

November 7, 2014

A lot of events happening this weekend that will broaden your children’s cultural horizons! Kids Euro Festival 2014 will wrap up this weekend; there will be performances and puppet shows this weekend. Put those rakes down for a bit this weekend and expose your Bambino(s) to some of the Weekend Picks!

Friday-

6:30pm: Family Reggae Night at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Bring the kids and grandparents! We’re excited to bring Family Reggae night back into our regular rotation every first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8pm under the leadership of renown music selector, the inspiration behind Reggae Revival, and co-founder of Manifesto Jamaica; Dutty Bookman.

Saturday-

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

10:30am: Billy Jonas Band at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
The Billy Jonas Band, known for creating “neo-tribal hootennanies” in performances, and for songs that engage all ages with funky rhythms and thoughtful lyrics, releases Build It Back Again in November. Each “funky folk” song has a playful part and a teaching part, as Jonas explains. Tickets are $10.

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 (playing a ukulele!) 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. Featured story today is Toot Toot Beep Beep. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
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.

10:30am: Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andres at FNDTN
(3762A Howard Avenue Kensington, MD 20895)
Andrés Salguero’s ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! is an interactive celebration of Latin culture for kids and families. Tickets $6 advance/ $8 at the door

11:00am-2:00pm: Children’s African Awards and Book Festival (CABA) at the National Museum of African Art
(950 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC )
This is the fourth year that NMAfA is hosting the CABA event. Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association give annual awards for the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards celebrate outstanding K-12 books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards are designed to encourage the publication of accurate, balanced children’s materials on Africa, to recognize literary excellence and to acknowledge the research achievements of outstanding authors and illustrators.

11:30am: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

4:00pm: Sing and Shine Around the Globe with Sanna Valvanne at the Georgetown Library
(3260 R St. NW Washington DC, 20007)
If you just can’t sit still, Sing and Shine Around the Globe is the show for you! Through beautiful songs and dances, you’ll move and groove around the whole world in just 45 minutes, exploring lots of different languages, music, and dance styles. Sanna Valvanne — an internationally renowned performer and children’s choir innovator originally from Finland — employs her charming energy to take children and families of all ages on a fun, global journey in this interactive and playful performance that invites the entire audience to experience the magic and power of music and movement.

5:30pm: LEA performs Soul Folk at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Washington DC based singer/songwriter LEA describes her music as SoulFolk, a seamless blend of gospel, jazz, country, R&B and contemporary folk. Stylistically between the earthy tones of Tracy Chapman and the urban/ethereal sound of India.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday 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 completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story today is This is Not My Hat. Best for ages 1-3. Tickets can be purchased here.

3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

Weekend Picks: Paper Lanterns, Innovation Festival and The Amazing Max

October 30, 2014

Take a break from the candy eating and check out most of these sugar-free activities! Remember to turn your clocks back for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday and read our post on how to spend the darker afternoons.

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: The Mount Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour hosts Paper Lantern Making at La Casa
(3166 Mount Pleasant Street Washington, DC)
We create lanterns by collaging tissue paper and other things onto pre-built paper lanterns. It makes a good activity for even the youngest kids (with grown-up help!) but it also allows a lot of creativity and craft and is great for older kids and adults. Lantern-making supplies, including battery-powered lights – will cost $5 per lantern. Lantern walk is at 5:30pm, see below.

10:00am: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man will perform at Avalon Theater
Costume party and live children’s music! Performing for the 10th year in a row, John Henry once again brings his playful musical style to the Avalon’s annual Halloween party. Children of all ages welcome! $6.50 / $5 for Avalon members.

10:00am-5:00pm: Innovation Festival at National Air and Space Museum
(Independence Ave at 6th St, SW Washington, DC 20560)
Join us for a festival for the whole family that celebrates the accomplishments of American inventors and the spirit of innovation that has led to so many of today’s technologies. Exhibits, crafts, talks, and performances will showcase ingenuity at the Smithsonian and across America. Meet inventors and the patent examiners who worked with them on their inventions, hear directly from experts about how an idea is molded into a working product, and try your hand at making your own invention.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005.

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 (playing a ukulele!) 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. Featured story today is Five Little Pumpkins. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

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