Beltway Bambinos

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

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

All weekend

Celebrating Culture and Lights: Diwali at the Kennedy Center

Beauty and the Beast at Olney Theatre

Pumpkin Chunkin’ at Great Country Farms

Maryland Emancipation Day Celebrations

Friday

4:00pm-7:00pm: First Friday’s Brookland Art Walk
The studios will be open so you can stroll the walk and check out the studios of all the artists, makers, and artisans who make up our community. Grab a beer on the corner at @brooklandpint and go celebrate First Friday.

Saturday

9:00am-11:00am: Ava Twist Scientist at Wonder Arlington
Join for a STEM workshop based on the Netflix hit series Ada Twist, Scientist only at The Wonder. Each week they will recreate an experiment from the show. The 30-minute STEM workshop begins at 9:30am. Registration includes Open Play access for one kid ages 0-5 and one adult/caregiver. $10 supplement for additional adult. Babies under 1 are free with a sibling.

9:30am-6:00pm: Czech Christmas Market
Tis the season to be jolly! The Embassy of the Czech Republic invites you to its annual Czech Christmas Market. Browse stands filled with beautiful handcrafted ornaments, Bohemian crystal, exquisite bead and glass jewelry, fine art, Moravian wines and traditional liquors. Enjoy the taste and smell of mulled wine as well as an assortment of delicious Czech pastries and gingerbread, and savory cuisine. Adore the array of live animals from the Nativity scene for selfies. Listen to children of American Sokol Washington DC and Slavic American Sokol performing Czech Christmas carols and live music by the folk band Orchester Praževica.

10:00am-12:30pm: Inspired Painter Girl Scout Workshop at Dumbarton House
Armed with artistic inspiration from the various 18th-19th century art forms at Dumbarton House, Brownies expand their art vocabulary and create their own artwork!

11:00am-1:00pm: Ava Twist Scientist at Wonder Chevy Chase
Join for a STEM workshop based on the Netflix hit series Ada Twist, Scientist only at The Wonder. Each week they will recreate an experiment from the show. The 30-minute STEM workshop begins at 11:15am. Registration includes Open Play access for one kid ages 0-4 and one adult/caregiver. $10 supplement for additional adult. Babies under 1 are free with a sibling.

3:00pm to 5:00 pm: Free the trees
Join the Little Falls Watershed Alliance to save our native plants from non-native invasive plants.  Using hand tools, we will remove strangling vines and smothering bushes to give native plants a chance to breathe and grow. Meet at the Neil Potter Plaza on the Capital Crescent Trail where the trail goes over River Road.  Bring gloves or clippers or use ours. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns.  Closed toes shoes are a must. Bring water too. This event is hosted in partnership with the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail – the first of hopefully many community work days to restore the habitat along the trail. Pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours. Kids under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.

4:00pm-12:00am: THE REDEYE Night Market
Head to this free, family-friendly, open-air night market paying homage to the foods and cultures of the Asian diaspora. Featuring DC’s hottest chefs, artists and more, THE REDEYE’s unifying goal is to support small businesses, create a cultural tentpole event for our city and give people a night of celebration, community and discovery.

Sunday

7:30pm: Mystery Science 3000 at Warner Theatre
The “Time Bubble Tour,” supervised by series creator Joel Hodgson, launched in October of 2021 and features the beloved returning cast of the 2019 “Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour,” Emily Marsh, Conor McGiffin, Nate Begle, and Yvonne Freese, along with the world’s only movie-riffing robots, Tom Servo, Crow, and GPC. The show features the film Making Contact and will include all the tour signatures: hilarious riffing, wisecracking robots, and silly sketches. The show will be directed by Tim Ryder, an alumni of the Second City Mainstage cast and writer and performer from the MST3K TV series.

Holiday prep {updated lists to come}:
Stocking stuffers under $10
Gift Guide for Kids
Memberships & Experiences
Subscription Boxes

Plan ahead:
Master Chef Junior Live at Warner Theatre: November 13, 2021
Elf on the Shelf Musical at the Lyric: November 13, 2021
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at The National Theatre: November 23 – December 5, 2021
Enchant at Nationals Park: November 26th to January 2nd
The Washington Ballet Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: November 27 – December 26, 2021
The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Strathmore: December 20-22
Dinosaur World Live at Strathmore: January 9
Wild Kratts Live 2.0 at Warner Theatre: May 21

Recent posts:
Winter classes
Fall foliage
Winter camps

Halloweekend in and around Washington, DC

My kids have been counting down to Halloween for a month & it’s finally here!! Tons of DPR events scheduled for today but check links to verify if they are still on due to the rain. There’s also plenty of farms still open and welcoming pickers!

Friday
3:30pm: Story Pirates Halloween Party and Costume Contest
Creator Campers are hard at work this month creating the New Halloween City, and you’re invited to visit during our FREE virtual Halloween party on October 29th! Wear your costumes for our Zoom parade and see what costumes the Story Pirates are wearing while we play games and celebrate at the silliest Halloween party there is! 

3:30pm-5:30pm: Afternoon Fright and Fun at Lafayette-Pointer
A fun-filled afternoon of costumes, candy, and activities.

3:30pm-5:30pm: Afternoon Fright and Fun at Glover Park
A fun-filled afternoon of costumes, candy, and activities.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Trick or Treat Pit Stop at Sherwood
Make a ‘pit stop’ for treats and festivities.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Halloween at Palisades
A fun-filled evening of activities, candy, and a costume contest.

4:30pm-6:30pm: Community Boo Treats at Fort Stevens
Stop by for harvest holiday fun with sweets, face paintings, and crafts.

5:00pm-8:30pm: Trunk or Treat at Joe Cole
Children will safely get candy from participating community members in the parking lot.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Trick or Treat at Deanwood Recreation Center
Participants will be able to trick or treat inside of Deanwood Recreation Center.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt Takoma
Search for candy filled glow in the dark eggs and do arts and craft activities.

5:00pm-6:00pm: Turkey Thicket Treat Giveaway
Come by and get a candy bag, handed out from the front door.

5:00pm-8:30pm: Raymond Haunted House
Thrill-seekers will love a frightful tour through the Raymond Haunted House. Or enjoy non-spooky activities including a costume contest, dance battles with spooky music, and bobbing for apples.

5:30pm-7:30pm: HOWL-o-ween Parade at Columbia Heights
The Halloween parade will be for children and dogs to dress up in costumes and strut around the community. Candy and refreshments provided.

5:30pm-7:30pm: Hill-O-Ween
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St.

5:30pm-8:30pm: Haunted Walk Through at Arthur Capper
Enjoy a haunted walk through to celebrate Halloween.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Emery Heights
Trunk Or Treat Halloween Extravaganza.

6:00pm-8:30pm: Kenilworth Gravesite Grab and Go
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and pick up a pre-packaged bag of treats.

6:00pm-7:30pm: Halloween Costume Parade at Edgewood Recreation Center
Show off your costume and get some candy.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Halloween at Shepherd Park
Fun-filled Halloween activities.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Fort Stanton
Trunk Or Treat Halloween Extravaganza.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Hillcrest Haunted Alley Fright Night
Attendees will enjoy a fun-filled spooky hallway and ‘Trunk Or Treat’ in the parking lot.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Riggs-LaSalle Treat Giveaway
A fun evening of music, games, and a costume contest.

6:00pm-8:20pm: Glow in the Park
Glow in the Park at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is available on select dates but some are sold out. 2 hours of climbing & ziplining, additional 40 minutes for the initial orientation. Tickets available every 10 minutes starting at 6pm until 8:20pm.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Ridge Road Halloween Party
Come join The Ridge Road Community for their electrifying, full of fun and energy, scary activities, candy, games, face painting, dance contest, best costume , Famous spooky wall ,and more! This event is for ages 0-18

6:00pm-8:30pm: Spooktacular at Color Burst Park
For one evening, The Merriweather District will be transformed into a festive Halloween space for the whole family to enjoy! Some of the Spook – tivities will include: Pick your own pumpkin at our very own pumpkin patch and give it a spooky makeover. Trick-or-Treat around Color Burst Park. Enjoy a Halloween themed movie night featuring Hocus Pocus complete with popcorn and candy. Costumes are highly encouraged! This event is free and family-friendly. Bring your picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy movie night.

Saturday
9:30am-11:00am: Hirshhorn Howl-o-ween
The Hirshhorn is hosting its first-ever dog-friendly event, just in time for Halloween. Join with (or without) your dog for a morning of costumes and coffee in the Hirshhorn’s outdoor Sculpture Garden. Dress up your pup, and if they’re feeling fierce, sign them up to strut their stuff in our furry fashion contest ($25 to register, free for Hirshhorn Insiders) for the chance to win a few special prizes. Local experts District Dogs will be there to keep the dog party going with free activities like peanut butter portraits. This event is open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to join in on the fun with Hirshhorn-inspired creative projects geared toward little artists.

10:00am-3:00pm: Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House
Enjoy some seasonal family fun in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during the Fall Frolic! Put on your Halloween costumes and join for activities catered to children ages 3-12. Activities include a “ghost” hunt, crafts, and a costume parade. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

10:00am-11:00am: Haunted Halloween Hunt at Tudor Place
Experience Halloween at Tudor Place with a spooky one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt. Wear your costume and come with your friends and family. Create a creepy craft to take home, then explore the garden to discover bats, spiders and other outdoor Halloween secrets. Scavenger hunt finishers will receive a special prize. Suggested Ages: 7 – 12 years old. Pre-registration is required. Capacity is limited.

10:00am-12:00pm: PIKEkids Trick-or-Treating
PikeKIDS annual Trick or Treat is back! Bring your little ones for a fun morning of Trick or Treating around the neighborhood and stay for brunch. Tickets required and all proceeds benefit Manna Food Center.

10:00am-5:00pm: Air & Scare at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Air & Scare Outside 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. This year many of our Star Wars friends can also be visited at activity stations. A chance to enter a costume contest to win sweet prizes (get all the details and rules). Can’t join the fun in person? Check out the Air & Scare at Home virtual activities. 

11:00am-12:00pm: Día de los Muertos Virtual Family Program
The National Postal Museum is delighted to collaborate with the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) to create a virtual family program that celebrates Day of the Dead | Día de los Muertos. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is issuing its first-ever Día de los Muertos stamps in 2021, and these Smithsonian museums are commemorating this special issue by bringing unique educational content to a virtual audience. This program includes an author reading of Dia de los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong. Educational staff from the Postal Museum and NMAI will lead the audience through some special connections between the book, the holiday, and their collections, and the program will conclude with a craft demonstration. This program is recommended for ages 3-7 but all are welcome!

11:00am-6:00pm: BlackRock Center for Arts Lil Pumpkins Festival
Explore, celebrate and engage in the arts at BlackRock with a day of spooktacular celebration of family programming with free pumpkins, improv workshops, exhibits, trick-or-treating, visual arts, haunted hip-hop, The Rocky Horror Picture Show beginning at 11:00am. From 2:00 – 6:00pm Lil’ pumpkin festival: free pumpkins for ages 11 and under, photo booth (Time TBD), Lil’ pumpkin painting, and Mommy Daddy beer garden!  From 2:00 – 5:00pm – LIL’ pumpkins festival trick or treating at 3:00pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00pm Lil’ pumpkins festival costume parade. All persons must be masked when entering BlackRock’s facility, and all persons ages above the age of twelve entering the facility must show proof of vaccination.

12:00pm: sPETacular Halloween Parade
The Shepherd Park Citizens Association (SPCA) is hosting its First Annual sPETacular Halloween Parade and Costume Contest at Noon at the Parks at Walter Reed proves Halloween is for furbabies too!  Prizes are generously donated by One Leg Up Pets, Big Bad Wood Pet Store, and other vendors will be awarded by celebrity judges Carin Ruff of Dog-Friendly Shepherd Park, Vickie Davis of Hines Urban Atlantic, and Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George. Register your dog for FREE or come to cheer on your favorites.  The event opens at Noon on 10/30/21 at the Parks at Walter Reed Dog Park.  Enter at the Butternut gate and please wear a mask.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Nightmare on Elm Street Urban Park
You won’t find Freddy Kreuger here, but come out to Montgomery Parks’ FREE Nightmare on Elm Street Halloween event at Elm Street Urban Park for some spooky, silly fun!  This FREE event will feature fun events for the whole family! No registration is required. Bring your appetite, because O’Boy Pizza and Ice Cream will be on-site to provide delicious food, along with a great Halloween disc jockey to get you in the spooky spirit! They will also have a fantastic “Trick or Treat Trails” scavenger hunt, lots of lawn games, and plenty of picnic seating. There will be tons of great Halloween props and decorations for you to snap pictures with. 

1:00pm-3:00pm: Halloween Best in Show at The Boro
The Boro, Tyson’s premier destination for luxury urban living in the heart of Northern Virginia, is calling all furry friends to grab their favorite costumes for Best in Show at The Boro! Celebrate the spookiest day of the year with festive treats and activities for the whole family on Hallow’s-eve. Best in Show at The Boro will include a live DJ, themed photo booth, arts-and-crafts, trick-or-treating, and everyone’s favorite lawn games stationed around the park. In the feature event, guests can enter their pups for the ‘Best in Show Costume Contest’ for a chance to win baskets filled with Halloween-themed dog goodies! Owners can then reward their pets at the Bone Bar, a booth offering a festive selection of yummy treats meant for your four-legged friends.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon
Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Collect candy in your special Mount Vernon treat bag around the historic grounds. Watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows at 2:30 & 4:00 p.m. on the Bowling Green. Watch and Learn about 18th century magic in the Upper Garden at 3:30 & 5:00 p.m. See an 18th-century chocolate-making demonstration and sample a chocolate treat (while supplies last) in the North Grove. Learn about 18th-century Wool Carding along the South Lane. Watch sparks fly at the Blacksmith Shop. Enjoy musical entertainment on the Bowling Green. Find out about our Hog Island sheep, a breed dating back to Washington’s time, at the Stables.

4:00pm-11:00pm: Drive thru Trick or Treat
DC Party Box is bringing back a contactless drive thru trick or treating Halloween experience in Rockville. Take a drive-thru a spooktacular village with plenty of stops for treats (and tricks) along the way. They’re bringing the thrill to the whole family, with excitement and scares to delight all spook levels. Purchase a “treat” ticket for all individuals in the car that would like candy, and/or purchase a “trick” ticket for all individuals who are just along for the spook of it. EVERYONE in the car must have a ticket and stay in the car.

4:30pm: Luchadora at Adventure Theatre
Luchadora! closes this weekend! Join Adventure for story about defying gender norms, following one’s dreams, and appreciating the ties that bind a family together! From headlocks to power kicks, “Luchadora!” has it all! 

5:00pm-10:00pm: OFC’s House of Terror and Family Trunk or Treat
The Old Firehouse is transforming the inside of the center into the spookiest, scariest, walk-through experience in McLean. The House of Terror will be divided into two time slots:• No Scares 5–7 p.m.: Participants can walk through the lighted path and view our actors and actresses with no jumps, scares or fears.• All Scares 7:30–10 p.m.: The effects are on, the lights are off, and the actors and actresses are out of sight and ready to surprise. Trunk or Treat: Saturday, Oct. 30, 6–9 p.m. Free for kids of all ages; preregistration is not required. If the House of Terror isn’t your thing, no worries! Outside, the OFC’s Trunk or Treat will have some music, fun and themed vehicles with Halloween candy to share while supplies last.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Emery Heights
Trunk or treat Halloween extravaganza.

6:00pm-8:20pm: Glow in the Park
Glow in the Park at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is available on select dates but some are sold out. 2 hours of climbing & ziplining, additional 40 minutes for the initial orientation. Tickets available every 10 minutes starting at 6pm until 8:20pm.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Roving Leaders Zombie Fest
What does it look like when the Zombie Apocalypse hits The Nation’s Capital? Join us and see for yourself as the DPR roving leaders turn NW DC into a doomsday theme park.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Halloween Spooktacular
The St. James Halloween Spooktacular is a great way to enjoy a fun-filled, safe Halloween evening. Bring your own blanket for socially-distanced family movie night in The St. James Field House. 6:00-7:00 PM: Trick-or-Treating. Pre-wrapped candy will be distributed with gloves. Masks required for all employees and unvaccinated guests. 6:30 PM: Field House open for blanket set up, food pick-up and candy sorting. 7:00-8:30 PM: Kid friendly movie (TBD) begins in the Field House 8:30-9:00 PM: Costume Contest – (Winner wins a free SAA birthday party!).

Sunday
9:00am, 11:00am & 2:00pm: Brick Fest Live at FedEX Field
LEGO fans unite! LIVE interactive stage shows, life-size models, games, photo ops, limited edition merchandise and more.

11:00am: Luchadora at Adventure Theatre
Luchadora! closes this weekend! Join Adventure for story about defying gender norms, following one’s dreams, and appreciating the ties that bind a family together! From headlocks to power kicks, “Luchadora!” has it all! 

11:00am-2:00pm: Bark Social Fall Fest & Puppy Parade
Fall fest will include activities such as: Duo donut grab with you and your pup, bobbing for apples, ring toss, straw bale pyramid, pumpkin calligraphy, cookie decorating, and much more! There’s something for everyone — you’ll be sure to leave the park with a a bag full of goodies. Silver Branch Brewing and Frankly Vodka will be giving out drinks as well for the adults. Afterwards, get the pups in a row and parade around Pike & Rose. Yes, prizes will definitely be given out to best dressed in three categories: (1) Best buddies joint costume (you + your dog), (2) Best dog costume, and (3) Best group costume (2+ humans and dogs).

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! This October we’ll be getting (slightly) spooky, outdoors under the sun, so put on your costumes and come dance with us! Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ghosts, goblins, witches, dragons, and pumpkins of all ages. Relive your night-life glory days and show off those rusty moves with your little ones in tow. The soundtrack for the day will be a family-friendly mix of dance floor and Halloween classics, all at a kid-friendly volume.

12:00pm & 5:00pm Laurie Berkner’s Virtual Halloween Concert
Ready for a spooktacular Halloween experience? Beloved children’s musician Laurie Berkner invites families to stop in for a spell HERE. For double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to both livestreams. For kids who are all dressed up with nowhere to ghost, Laurie’s shows will give the season of costumes, candy, and jack-o’-lanterns a real “BOO-st.” Laurie hopes families will join her in displaying their pumpkins, putting up their Halloween decorations, and getting decked out in their Halloween costume finery.

2:00pm-5:00pm: Spooktacular on Connecticut Avenue
The Chevy Chase Citizens Association is reviving Spooktacular – to be held on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC. Restaurants and store owners will provide goodies for costumed trick-or-treaters.

2:00pm: Luchadora at Adventure Theatre
Luchadora! closes this weekend! Join Adventure for story about defying gender norms, following one’s dreams, and appreciating the ties that bind a family together! From headlocks to power kicks, “Luchadora!” has it all! 

3:00pm-5:00pm: Halloween drive-through at Chevy Chase Community Center (parking lot)
The Metropolitan Police Department (Second District), Metro Transit Police, and Starbucks invites you to join us for a fun & safe Halloween event for the entire family! Just pull up and each child will receive a bag filled with lots of treats and surprises. 

4:00pm-11:00pm: Drive thru Trick or Treat
DC Party Box is bringing back a contactless drive thru trick or treating Halloween experience in Rockville. Take a drive-thru a spooktacular village with plenty of stops for treats (and tricks) along the way. They’re bringing the thrill to the whole family, with excitement and scares to delight all spook levels. Purchase a “treat” ticket for all individuals in the car that would like candy, and/or purchase a “trick” ticket for all individuals who are just along for the spook of it. EVERYONE in the car must have a ticket and stay in the car.

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

The biggest and best Halloween guide is here! From here until Halloween there are many fun events happening, especially this weekend and next! We’ve bee updating it almost daily as events roll in.

Fall is here, which means there’s plenty of fruit to pick, perfect pumpkins to be found and fall festivals happening every weekend!

We are so thrilled that we were able to update the theatre and musical productions blog post with in-person shows!

Thanks for all of the love on our first reel! Hopefully it got you excited for the fun holiday events at Gaylord National.

Maryland STEM Festival lasts through November 14 with several family friendly events including a parade, fair and more.

Artechouse: Life of a Nueron through November 28

Van Gosh: The Immersive Experience through January

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

Maryland Renaissance Fair– final weekend to get your turkey leg!

Luchadora at Adventure Theatre through October 31

LuminoCity at Roer’s Zoofari immersive light festival through January 2

Friday
Howl-O-Ween at Gateway’s Interim Dog Park!: 3:00pm-7:00pm
The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS) are teaming up for a Halloween themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats and fun in celebration of Rosslyn’s new Interim Dog Park at Gateway Park West. Rosslyn’s pet community is invited to enjoy local pet-themed vendors, speakers, a social media dog costume contest and giveaways! Plus, raffle tickets will be sold to help raise funds for the addition of agility features to our dog park!

Halloween Festival at Confetti: 5:00pm-8:00pm
It’s spooky season and the party is brewing at Confetti! Get your child’s costume ready – they’re launching a series of community holiday parties with a fun filled Halloween Extravaganza! Kids will enjoy an evening full of creating memories with friends, sugar cookie decorating, pizza and spooky snacks (enjoyed outside), age-appropriate Halloween games, a costume contest, and a glow-in-the dark dance party.  Costumes are strongly encouraged! This drop-off event has two sessions, one for ages 6+ and one for ages 10+.

Halloween Family Movie Night: 5:00pm-7:00pm
DPR is hosting family movie night; Hocus Pocus at Joseph Cole Recreation Center.Click here for all of DPR’s Halloween events throughout DC.

Saturday
Mount Vernon Harvest Days: 9:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Join for a fall celebration featuring 18th-century farming demonstrations. During this event, you can: Explore the Farm, Meet General Washington, View demonstrations of 18th-century cooking, candle making, surveying, and coopering (making and repairing buckets and barrels), Visit with the Farrier to learn how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century, Watch 18th-century spinning demonstrations & Learn about textile production.

Halloween in the Garden: 10:00am-4:00pm
Join for a family-friendly Halloween festival at the beautiful 30 acre park.  With timed-entry tickets and activities spread out across the park, there will be lots of room for everyone.  More than 50 local businesses and organizations will be there handing out treats for the kids, plus there will be fun and games, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and more!   Dress up the whole family and come enjoy a spooktakular day at Annmarie! THIS IS A MASK-ON EVENT; masks are required for all guests over the age of 2.  Click here for detailed event and safety information and register in advance.

Barracks Row OctROWberfest: 11:00am-9:00pm
Come out to support our local businesses this October to celebrate Munich-style. Join for live music from a traditional Oompah band and more fun.

Chevy Chase Art Walk: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Guests are invited to visit the work of 43 local artists in 22 different home and studio settings around Chevy Chase DC and Maryland.  Artists whose work is both two and three dimensional will be exhibiting during an expanded event over two consecutive days. This talented group will offer work in a wide range of media including abstract and representational painting, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, ceramic art, photography, fabric art, mixed media and video. Don’t forget to pick up your Prize Passport which will be offered at each of the Studios – collect stamps from 9 studios with chances to win one of three cash prizes!  The walk will be held rain or shine while observing Covid protocols, specifically wearing masks indoors.  The Art Walk is free and open to the public. 

Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Hightail it to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden with your four-legged friend for some Halloween fun! Inspired by Marjorie Post’s affection for dogs and the memorial dog cemetery she created at Hillwood, we welcome you and your four-legged friend to join us for Halloween fun! Explore the gardens and participate in the annual costume competition. Strut your mutt and size up the other canine contestants. 

Rock the Park: 4:00pm-10:00pm
The new and improved Franklin Park will host its inaugural concert series, Rock the Park DC. Presented by the DowntownDC BID, the free, family-friendly outdoor music series features a diverse line-up of live music and DJ sets from local favorites to international headliners. Curated by Abby O’Neill and Adrian Loving, this series will cover a wide spectrum of genres including jazz, soul, R&B, reggae, hip-hop, electronic and soulful house music. These concerts will be held rain or shine! Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. See you there!

Halloween Festival at Confetti: 5:00pm-8:00pm
It’s spooky season and the party is brewing at Confetti! Get your child’s costume ready – they’re launching a series of community holiday parties with a fun filled Halloween Extravaganza! Kids will enjoy an evening full of creating memories with friends, sugar cookie decorating, pizza and spooky snacks (enjoyed outside), age-appropriate Halloween games, a costume contest, and a glow-in-the dark dance party.  Costumes are strongly encouraged! This drop-off event has two sessions, one for ages 6+ and one for ages 10+.

Sunday
Mount Vernon Harvest Days: 9:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Join for a fall celebration featuring 18th-century farming demonstrations. During this event, you can: Explore the Farm, Meet General Washington, View demonstrations of 18th-century cooking, candle making, surveying, and coopering (making and repairing buckets and barrels), Visit with the Farrier to learn how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century, Watch 18th-century spinning demonstrations & Learn about textile production.

Chevy Chase Art Walk: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Guests are invited to visit the work of 43 local artists in 22 different home and studio settings around Chevy Chase DC and Maryland.  Artists whose work is both two and three dimensional will be exhibiting during an expanded event over two consecutive days. This talented group will offer work in a wide range of media including abstract and representational painting, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, ceramic art, photography, fabric art, mixed media and video. Don’t forget to pick up your Prize Passport which will be offered at each of the Studios – collect stamps from 9 studios with chances to win one of three cash prizes!  The walk will be held rain or shine while observing Covid protocols, specifically wearing masks indoors.  The Art Walk is free and open to the public. 

Free the Trees at the Palisades Rec Center: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Join the Little Falls Watershed Alliance to save our native plants from non-native invasive plants.  Using hand tools, to remove strangling vines and smothering bushes to give native plants a chance to breathe and grow. Meet at the parking lot and bring gloves or clippers or use ours. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns.  Pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours.  Kids ages 13 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult supervisor.

Día de los Muertos at the Wharf: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf with live music, street food, a beer garden, face painting, sugar skull decorating, and more to District Pier in partnership with Modelo and Fiesta DC. Plus, they will be giving out prizes for most authentic outfit!

25th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade: 2:00pm
The 25th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade will take place on Mount Vernon Avenue beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue. Contests for Best Decorated House, Best Decorated Business, Best Group Costume and Best Pet Costume will take place online click here  to enter. Other favorite traditions — including the Halloween Scavenger Hunt on the Avenue, and the Halloween costume drive for children in need, will take place throughout the month of October. To limit crowding, they are encouraging FREE advance registration at multiple entrance points.

Mask making at The Loft Collective: 3:00pm or 4:00pm
They’ll supply the basic mask, fur and feathers, paint and pastels, glitter and glue. You bring your ideas! Ages 4-10, parent attendance encouraged with younger children. COVID safety policies in effect: please pre-register so we can manage numbers, and masks are required indoors at all times. 

New favorites delivered monthly!

Date nights:
Grief & Ghost Tours at Lee-Fendall House: Saturday & Sunday from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair mementos, mourning clothing, and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark! Tickets are $15 per person. Tours groups will be limited to 10 participants and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Halloween Hayride & Haunted Bonfire: Saturday from 7:30pm-11:30pm
Enjoy a tractor driven hayride in the darkness with demons and devils. You will then gather around a HAUNTED bonfire where you can enjoy roasting hotdogs, marshmallows and making s’mores (all will be provided and included in the ticket)!  Sing songs, play games, tell frightening stories or just socialize and enjoy the stars and the open night air. Other dates and times available.

Plan ahead:
Jeff Kinney Big Shot Drive Thru: Tuesday, October 26
Natural History at Home: Paleo Portraits: Saturday, November 13

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Did you see, we made our first reel?! Phew, that took a lot of effort, thanks as always for your support. Make sure to check out the reel for a peak into the holidays at Gaylord National.

All weekend
The biggest and best Halloween guide is here! From here until Halloween there are many fun events happening.

Fall is here, which means there’s plenty of fruit to pick, perfect pumpkins to be found and fall festivals happening every weekend!

We are so thrilled that we were able to update the theatre and musical productions blog post with in-person shows!

Maryland STEM Festival lasts through November 14 with several family friendly events including a parade, fair and more.

The 28th Annual Loudoun Fall Farm Tour boasts over two dozen locations as part of this exciting tour through rural Virginia.  Of these many farms, Hope Flower Farm will be open and inviting guests to wander through the blooming dahlia fields, picnic and take photos on the lovely 25 acre farm.

Artechouse: Life of a Nueron

Van Gosh: The Immersive Experience

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

La llamada de Sylvia Méndez at Gala Hispanic Theatre

Maryland Renaissance Fair only 2 more weekends!

The Okee Dokee Brothers at McLean Community Center

Luchadora at Adventure Theatre

Friday
1:00pm-2:00pm: Maryland STEM Festival: Railroad Bridge Engineering Workshop
As part of the Maryland STEM Festival, the Museum is offering a special educational workshop for kids & families! In this workshop, participants will learn what it takes to be a railroad bridge engineer by designing and building a railroad bridge that will be able to withstand the weight of a train car. This workshop is included with regular Museum Admission, and participants are welcome to drop in any time from 1-2 PM!

6:00pm-9:00pm: LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights at Roer’s Zoofari
Be ready to enter a world straight out of your wildest imaginations as you step into our unforgettably spectacular night of lights in Roer’s Zoofari. Set upon a world lit up with towering lit-up sculptures, The LuminoCity Festival will take you to a dazzling new world with Lumi, the LuminoCity mascot, as your guide. The immersive outdoor event will be a festive, and timed-entry experience for guests of all ages! We have an all-new exhibit entitled Lumi’s Utopia and we will be bringing back Lumi’s Friends this year for another exciting holiday festival. Lighting up Virginia from October 15, 2021 to January 2, 2022.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Outdoor movie at The Lane: Hocus Pocus
It’s like a normal movie night, but WAY BETTER. Not your living room, order from the cafe for dinner (popcorn is free!), and they’ll clean up all of the tiny pieces of popcorn that end up everywhere. Hocus Pocus will be on the big screen so come ready for a spooky good time. Comfy clothes and PJs welcome! We’ll have blankets set out for each family. Free for members! Cost is $20/kid (adults are free) for non-members. Reserve your spot here.

Saturday
10:00am: Brunch on the Go
Brunch on the Go is back at The Yards! They’re partnering with Pacers to produce a cardio club alongside a brunching set from some of The Yards’ favorite restaurant spots. How it Works: Purchase a ticket for two that will include a walk or run around The Yards with instruction from Pacers. After the workout, guests will head to pick up their brunch to-go box at the participating restaurant for the date selected.

10:00am: Frying Pan Farm Family Farm Day
Celebrate Frying Pan Farm Park’s 60th Anniversary. Food trucks – tours – tractor parade – fun photo ops – farm demonstrations – more!

10:30am: The Animation Behind Moominvalley
How does animation work? Join Moominvalley director, Jay Grace, to hear all about how the award-winning Moominvalley TV series came to life! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s creative process—from character sketches to the completed, 3D animation. Follow along as the story transforms from text to a gorgeous animation, and learn a few tricks on how to draw Moomintroll on your own! Recommended for ages 6+.

10:30am: Djembe Drumming at the Kreeger Museum
Join teaching artist Manny Arciniega for a drum circle exploring the foundations of rhythm!

11:00am: Natural History at Home: Creativity and Communication – Exploring the Art of Ancient Humans
Join museum educators on ZOOM as they walk your family through science skill-building activities and ways to explore the natural world and collections. During this program, families will explore art made by ancient humans! Anthropologist Briana Pobiner will join us to share about different artifacts from our collection, the Hall of Human Origins exhibit, and from other locations around the world. Together we will make observations of these objects to learn more about how art and imagination have been a part of our human story here on this planet. Both throughout and after the program, families will be encouraged to create art together using methods and inspiration from ancient human artworks and artifacts.

11:00am-2:00pm: All Saints Fall Festival
Fun for all ages! Food, bounce houses, s’mores, prizes, pumpkin patch, playground, bake sale, Thrift Shop sale, music & *much* more. All are welcome! Tickets only $10 per person & includes games and lunch. Click HERE for advance tickets.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Kids Euro Festival: Sweedish Embassy
Join the European Union and our Member States for one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America: The Kids Euro Fest will feature in-person European performances, interactive workshops, food vendors and music that everyone in your family will enjoy. As always, the Kids Euro Fest is completely FREE, but please make sure to RSVP and review the EU’s privacy policy here​.

12:00pm-5:00pm: Jam Session at the COOP
A benefit concert for Small Things Matter to find the Kokua Foods Food Bank, serving over 1000 families and individuals in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville and Hyattsville. There will be live music by Groovalicious, Marsha and the Positrons, and Flo Anito and Seth Kibel. Food trucks: Corned Beef King and Dalia’s Falafels, Beer by Main Street Pearl, wine by TPSS Coop, non-alcoholic drinks. Children’s activities: free or nominal cost.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Tails on the Rails
Welcoming four-legged friends to the B&O! Dogs will have a blast during this afternoon of exploration and play at the B&O Railroad Museum — and don’t worry, there are plenty of treats for owners too! Hit up a photo booth, including props, to take pictures with your pups that you’ll cherish forever, take a train ride to a puppy play date at Carroll Park, and finish off the day with a Yappy Hour under the B&O’s spacious outdoor pavilion! Tickets include one free beer or wine during Yappy Hour! 2-2:45 PM: Take pictures at Photo Station with props, 2:45 PM: Owners and dogs board train for train ride, 3:15-3:35 PM: Puppy Playdate at Carroll Park, 3:45 PM: Train Ride back to the B&O, 4-6 PM: Yappy Hour.

Sunday
12:00pm-1:30pm: Pumpkin Patch Express
Take a Halloween-decorated train ride out to the B&O’s pumpkin patch, located at the site of the First Mile Stable, kids will select a pumpkin, tour the stable and meet the horses. After returning to the B&O, kid’s will decorate their pumpkins, play carnival games, win prizes, enjoy a fall snack, and receive tokens to use on our children’s rides.

12:00pm-8:00pm: Colorful Fest
A Block Party & Fair from The Capital Pride Alliance at Dock 5, located at Union Market, featuring small independent businesses, community groups, artisans, food, and entertainment, with DC Tracy Young to headline the tea dance. You can also enjoy events by partners, the 15th DC Latinx Pride Official Dance Party, Club Pride, in partnership with the All Things Music Festival, Cake a Fall Pride Party, and the QTAAPI Cultural Festival. Join to celebrate the vibrant and colorful LGBTQ+ community!

2:00pm: Historia Natural En Casa: Mixtec & Mayan Language Past, Present and Future
Join museum educators on ZOOM as they walk your family through science skill-building activities and ways to explore the natural world. During this program, families will explore the importance of language to communities around the world. Join us as we welcome Dr. Omar Aguilar and Dr. Genner Llanes Ortiz who will share with us how they are passing knowledge of language to others. Families will look closely at ancient codices to learn how symbols and images are used to share knowledge in the past and today, too.

Plan ahead:
Natural History at Home: Paleo Portraits: Saturday, November 13

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Fall is here, which means there’s plenty of fruit to pick, perfect pumpkins to be found and fall festivals happening every weekend!

We are so thrilled that we were able to update the theatre and musical productions blog post with in-person shows!

All weekend:
Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon

Disney on Ice! Mickey’s Search Party

Artechouse: Life of a Nueron

Van Gosh: The Immersive Experience

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

Halloween Eye Spy Train at Cabin John

Maryland Renaissance Fair

Bethesda Row Arts Festival

Friday:
5:30pm-8:30pm: Back to the Yards
Yards Park will blast to the past for one night only as it transforms into a nostalgic 80s dance party, complete with throwback tunes and activities. Parents and kids of all ages are invited to learn groovy dance moves with breakdancers, create slap bracelets, scrunchies, and t-shirts, and jam out to a playlist of 80’s chart-toppers, one-hit wonders, and favorites. Glowing giveaways and an LED light up piano will make this a party for the ages! Admission is free and kids of all ages are welcome to attend.

Saturday:
9:00am-4:00pm: Festival del Rio Anacostia
The annual and bilingual environmental celebration of the Anacostia River is back! There will be fun activities for the whole family. Come learn about the River and enjoy boat tours, fishing, tree planting and activities for the whole family.

10:00am-11:30am: Social Studies: The Rabbit Listened at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Reserve a table and join President Lincoln’s Cottage in exercises to develop our listening skills through storytelling, hands-on activities, and reflection. Participate in a group reading of The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. Engage in a guided discussion on how listening can help us cultivate social awareness and relationship skills. Create an imaginative accessory to help you practice your active listening skills. This program was designed for kids ages 2-8, but children of all ages are welcome to participate with their caregivers. Programs are outdoors, socially distant, and reflect our increased safety measures.

10:45am-4:00pm: We Are All Connected Art Opening Festival
Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems will work with invited community members to create We Are All Connected, a large-scale public art playscape on the REACH Plaza. All are invited to come watch their festival day of creation! The REACH grounds will be filled with art making, live music, family-friendly activities like chalk drawing, the return of the giant inflatable Pigeon, and drinks available at Victura Park. This event is free, but register online in advance.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Kids Euro Festival: Embassy of France
Join the European Union and our Member States for one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America: The Kids Euro Fest! Hosted over two Saturdays — first at the French Embassy (October 9th) and then at the Swedish Embassy (October 16th) — the Kids Euro Fest Family Days will feature in-person European performances, interactive workshops, food vendors and music that everyone in your family will enjoy. As always, the Kids Euro Fest is completely FREE, but please make sure to RSVP and review the EU’s privacy policy here​.

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Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Photo we took at ARTECHOUSE

All weekend

Georgetown French Market is a popular Parisian-inspired open-air market which features sidewalk sales and specials from more than 25 locally-owned boutiques, cafés, and galleries along Wisconsin Avenue from O St to Reservoir Rd., plus French fare, a caricature artist, music, a strolling mime, and more. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons.

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

Final weekend of baseball at Nats Park! We host the Red Sox in a 3 game series. Postgame fireworks on Friday and a beanie giveaway on Saturday.

ARTECHOUSE has a new exhibit; Life of a Neuron telling the story of life at a cellular level through November 28. ARTECHOUSE is the nation’s first innovative art destination dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology. From immersive art spaces to an extended reality (XR) mobile app, ARTECHOUSE is where curiosity-seekers of all ages go to experience creative innovation without limits. 

Maryland Renaissance Fair allows you to take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Dates remaining are: October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and times are: 10:00am-7:00pm

Friday

9:00am: Busy Bees re-opening
After closing due to Covid, the indoor play space is re-opening. The playground is new. They will be taking breaks every 1.5 hours to CLEAN the play space and sitting areas. You may now pre-book your playtime slots to ensure admission. Adults are required to wear face masks at all times. No exceptions.Your admission still covers you for all day play. You will have to take breaks while we clean though. Admission is still $18 per child.

5:00pm-8:30pm: Friends of Carter Barron present 2-Day Mini-Concert Series
The Friends of the Carter Barron (Friends Group) presents a 2-Day Mini Concert Series in partnership with Urban One & The Great Ward 8. Day 1 Kicking things off with a Tribute to Go-Go w/ The Sirius Company, featuring Sugar Bear, Big G and a Special Surprise Guest with Be’La Dona. Day 2 Grammy Nominated Maysa, Marcus Johnson, and Joseph w/ the Vince Evans Quartet.

5:00pm-9:30pm: Rosslyn Cinema: Remember the Titans
Come to Gateway Park every Friday in October for an outdoor movie experience complete with local food trucks and a beer, wine and sangria bar, beginning at 5pm each event day. The movie screening in Gateway Park is free to attend and perfect for the whole family. Future movies are- Oct 8th: Coco, Oct 15th: Knives Out and Oct 22nd: The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Saturday

10:00am-6:00pm: Art on the Avenue
Every year, more than 50, 000 visitors stroll down Mt. Vernon Ave in Del Ray- people are greeted by more than 300 artists (jewelers, silversmiths & beaders, woodworkers, pottery makers, soap crafters, glass makers, unique painters, sculptors, fabric artists & more), musicians (Irish, folk, rock-n-roll, country & more), and food vendors (hot dogs, BBQ, Indian, Mexican, pizza, crab cakes, chocolate bananas dipped on sticks, homemade cider donuts & more). Kids activities have always been a vital part of the festival — stuff your own scarecrow, paint a pumpkin, lotus flower design, weave screen art, to name a few.

12:00pm-5:00pm: National Landing Oktoberfest
From live bands and crisp German Lagers to a Barktoberfest dog-run for pup-friendly activities and a variety of games and rides to entertain all ages, this event has a little something for everyone. So, break out your lederhosen, and come enjoy the fall weather, as well as a variety of food trucks and vendors serving traditional (and not-so-traditional) German fare.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Oktoberfest at the Boro
Break out your lederhosen and dirndls and head to The Boro to celebrate Oktoberfest featuring a Battle of the Polka Bands! This FREE event will feature the sights and sounds of a true Oktoberfest with themed decorations, crafts, giveaways and drinks. Guests of all ages are invited to take part in the themed activities including photo booths, craft stations, and a variety of outdoor games.

2:00pm-5:00pm: Oktoberfest at the Wharf
It’s that time of year—put on your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund, and head to The Wharf to celebrate Oktoberfest—including the return of the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash! The day will feature Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash and Costume Contest, German Fare and Stein Hoisting Contest and live music on the pier.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Adams Morgan PorchFest
Adams Morgan PorchFest returns with more than 60 local bands! Approximately 20 porches, patios, and stoops will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan. With over 70 performances in one afternoon and more porch hosts and bands than ever before, this is sure to be the biggest and best Adams Morgan PorchFest to date! Event patrons can pick up a music map and wristband at the event headquarters located at the corner of Columbia and Adams Mill Roads NW in BB&T Bank (now Truist) Plaza

5:00pm-8:30pm: Friends of Carter Barron present 2-Day Mini-Concert Series
The Friends of the Carter Barron (Friends Group) presents a 2-Day Mini Concert Series in partnership with Urban One & The Great Ward 8. Day 1 (Friday) Kicking things off with a Tribute to Go-Go w/ The Sirius Company, featuring Sugar Bear, Big G and a Special Surprise Guest with Be’La Dona. Day 2 Grammy Nominated Maysa, Marcus Johnson, and Joseph w/ the Vince Evans Quartet.

Sunday

10:00am-8:00pm: Dia de Familia
Enjoy a meal at your favorite La Cosecha restaurant and shop retailers while participating in the festivities. 10am-12pm – Spanish Kindness Rock with Tamara/Arttepuy. 10am-11am – DC Public Library Story Time. 12pm-1pm – Cajon workshop with world renowned instructor Victor Ruiz and Peruvian Brothers. 1-2pm – Loteria Game with La Casita Pupuseria– Join us for a round of Lotería the Salvadoran version of Bingo w/ prizes enjoy a kids pupusas meal after game. 3-4pm – Arcay Chocolates Class- Join Arcay Chocolates for a chocolate painting class for kids at La Cosecha! Let your child to have a unique and fun experience to learn how to paint chocolate bonbons in a safe environment with Arcay Chocolates Master Chocolatier Anabella Arcay. 5pm – Cena y Cine screening of Coco- Grab dinner and join us upstairs in Balcon for the screening of Coco!

10:00am-4:00pm: 15th Annual MPAartfest
McLean Central Park is transformed into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of juried artists from throughout the mid-Atlantic region. This FREE event features contemporary art, live music throughout the day from some of the DC-area’s best musical talents, a Children’s Art Walk, food vendors, and much more.

10:00am-5:00pm: Takoma Park Street Festival
The festival will once again showcase original artwork, prints, ceramics, silk-screening, bath and body care, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, leather goods and more, plus food for days, and 18 local bands will perform on three stages throughout the event. Come out and support your favorite local businesses, bands, artists and community groups as we celebrate 40 years of the festival.

11:00am-6:00pm: PorchFest DC Southeast Edition
Porchfest is a festival of mini-concerts held on front porches. The Southeast Porchfest embodies the life and soul of DC, spotlighting the region’s top emerging talent! It is an outing for the entire family! With its well-manicured lawns, tree-lined streets and super friendly residents, Pennbranch is the perfect choice for the 2021 Southeast Porchfest. This festival is FREE for everyone! Bring a lawn chair and walking shoes. Please bring cash to tip the performers! Check above link for line-ups and routes.

11:00am-7:00pm: Turkish Festival at the Wharf
Admission is free to this Turkish Festival with the festival theme being Turkaegean or Coast of Happiness.  Authentic Turkish Cuisine, live music and entertainment, folk dancing performances, Turkish arts and crafts vendors, kids’ games, arts & crafts, Turkish coffeehouse and fortune telling and cultural activities.

Plan ahead:
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers and visits Fairfax from October 7-11, 2021 at EagleBank Arena.

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New:
Chaia, the elevated fast casual brand with a mission to get people to eat more vegetables, just opened in Bethesda. The new location is in the heart of Bethesda at 7237 Woodmont Avenue, next to Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema. Along with its signature plant-forward tacos and other street-food-inspired items, the Bethesda restaurant offers Chaia’s first-ever kids’ menu, which includes Rainbow Rice & Beans, Melty Quesadillas, Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos, and Tin-Foil Kale & Cherry Tomatoes. The takeout-friendly restaurant seats 20 people indoors and 12 more across its outdoor patio, and boasts a “taco window” for convenient, low-contact ordering and pick up. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm; closed Monday.

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Friday & Saturday

Art All Night! With activations in all 8 wards in 16 different neighborhoods, and over 100 artists, there is more to explore than ever before. Join your favorite artists and local businesses and discover new ones as we come together to celebrate the District of Columbia. Click here for the guide to each ward’s details.

AFI Latin American Film Festival through October 13. Now in its 32nd year, the AFI Latin American Film Festival is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema. With the inclusion of films from Spain and Portugal, the festival celebrates Ibero-American cultural connections during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Featuring numerous international film festival favorites, award winners, local box office hits and debut works by promising new talents, the festival is one of Washington’s top cultural events. Don’t miss your chance to see excellent new films and be part of the discussion between a diverse audience of filmmakers and film lovers.

Maryland Renaissance Fair
Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Dates are: September 25, 26; October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and times are: 10:00am-7:00pm

Saturday

10:00am-8:00pm: Rosslyn Reads
The BID is partnering with Turning the Page for an all-day book sale, featuring over 10,000 gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records between $2 and $6. There will also be live music, a performance by Synetic Theater, an onsite bar hosted by Open Road, coupons to Assembly (Rosslyn’s new gourmet food hall), and a craft station (courtesy the of Arlington Public Libraries Book Truck). The event is free to attend but registration is encouraged here to receive a reminder email prior to the event. All event proceeds are in support of local nonprofit, Carpe Librum.

10:00am-2:00pm: Takoma Park Play Day
Join this neighborhood free event featuring Touch-a-Truck with Takoma Park Public Works, Giant games: chess, checkers, Connect4, Just boxes, Corn hole, Board games, Dress up, Tennis with JTCC and live performances. Granny and the Boys, Rockville Swing Band, Marsha and the Positrons & Takoma Park Community Band.

10:00am-11:30am: Cadettes: Tudor Trees
At Tudor Place, they care for trees that are over 200 years old.  In this program, learn about what is involved in caring for these trees.  Explore the connection between people and trees and how to identify different tree species.  Participates will design their own tree house.  This program fulfills all requirements to earn the Cadettes Trees badge. Note: This is an in-person program. Please review the Tudor Place Health and Safety Guidelines before registering and attending. Tickets: $10 per registrant.

11:00am: Petworth Festival
Celebrate Petworth is known for great music! This year we’ll have bands playing all day on the Main Stage, including Hands On Drums, Reginald Cyntje, The Treads, DJ Unown, and Flex Mathews. The annual dog show will be at 12:00pm. This year, 9th Street between Upshur and Varnum Street NW will be transformed into a kids zone, presented by Makerspace by Party Time—complete with children’s vendors, arts and crafts, STEAM activities, and performances specifically for kids. Join us for children’s yoga, a hands-on soda explosion experiment, zumba, puppets, music, and more! Try out the flavors of the neighborhood in our food zone, Taste of Petworth. Runs all day during the festival.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Family Movie Night at the Lane
It’s like a normal movie night, but WAY BETTER. Not your living room, order from our cafe for dinner (popcorn is free!), and we’ll clean up all of the tiny pieces of popcorn that end up everywhere. “Sing” will be on the big screen so come ready to jam out to the catchy soundtrack. Comfy clothes and PJs welcome! We’ll have blankets set out for each family. Free for members! Cost is $20/kid (adults are free) for non-members. Reserve your spot here.

6:30pm-10:30pm: Kids Night Out at Silver Stars Gymnastics
While Silver Stars is known for expertly guiding children through all aspects of balance beam routines, trampolines and rope climbing, Kids’ Night Out offers children the chance to explore the various apparatuses at their own pace. These events take place on the second and fourth Saturday evenings of every month highlighting all the fun of Open Gym, but as a drop-off program. Offering free play, movies, games, pizza and more!

7:00pm: Salute the Sunset at National Harbor: Army U.S. Army Concert Band
It’s the final concert at the Harbor for the season. Bring a chair and enjoy an evening with performing ensembles of the USAF Band or the Army Band. Concerts are free and open to the public. 

Sunday

2:00pm-4:30pm: Sukkot Extravaganza at Meadowbrook Park
Fun for all ages! Kona ice truck, Sukkah on wheels, Shake Lulav and Etrog-‘Chalk it’ Sukkah fun, balloon twisting, bubble show, holiday crafts, holiday treats and a raffle. Let your kids experience Sukkot with loads of fun and meaning! Get the early bird price! 

5:00pm: US Air Force Band at The REACH
Co-commissioned by Washington Performing Arts and premiered locally in 2015, John Luther Adams’s “choose-your-own-adventure” outdoor work returns to Washington, D.C. Wander among the musicians as they disperse across the REACH campus, and discover how the atmospheric piece challenges you to experience the connections among music, nature, and the world around you. No tickets or advance registrations are required for this free event but proof of vaccination required.

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Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

All weekend

Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair
Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Hear live music from the colonial era. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques. See General Washington in the General’s Tent. Colonial Market & Fair is included with general admission. Admission is free for Mount Vernon members.

National Book Festival
Create your National Book Festival experience with the Library of Congress in 2021 by engaging in author conversations online, watching the broadcast special on PBS, listening to NPR podcasts, tuning in to Washington Post Live author interviews and attending a ticketed event at the Library. Join an expanded Festival, Sept. 17-26, a 10-day event with the theme, “Open a Book, Open the World.”

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
The 19th Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival is heading back to John Carlyle Square in 2021! Alexandria is recognized as one of the country’s premier artistic hubs. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine.

LUCHADORA! at Adventure Theatre
Debuting on Friday and playing through October 31. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Wisconsin grandmother, to share her tale about growing up in 1960s Texas. As her tale unfolds, Lupita’s life as a teen tomboy comes alive—bike riding with her friends Leopold and Liesl, working at her father’s flower stand and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.

Draw the Curtain 
Created by Swiss-born artist Nicolas Party is now officially on view at HIRSHHORN, but its larger-than-life installation started a few weeks ago. This site-specific commission is an original pastel painting digitally collaged and printed onto scrim. Painted in the tradition of “trompe l’oeil,” the work addresses themes of dupery and illusion, inviting passersby to consider what lies behind the façades of the buildings in the nation’s capital.

Maryland Renaissance Fair
Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Dates are: September 18, 19, 25, 26; October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 Times are: 10:00am-7:00pm

Saturday

9:00am: Lincoln Cottage Family Day and 5K
Homecoming is the celebration of the 159th anniversary of Lincoln’s decision to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation – at the very home where he drafted it. The 5K begins at 9:00am. After the race, join for Family Day! Throughout the day there will be pony rides, crafts, storytelling and more. Pack a family picnic to enjoy on the South Lawn. Admission to Family Day is free, however donations are encouraged. You are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy the grounds. Ruby Scoops will be on hand if you would like to add a sweet treat to your afternoon!

10:00am & 11:30am: Arts on the Horizon present By the Seashore
Both performances take place outdoors at: Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater at Lee District Park. By the Seashore takes us on a magical journey to a place children love to visit – the beach! Young audience members are invited to explore all the amazing things we find on the shore, in the ocean, and in the sky; from birds and fish, to sand and water, and everything in-between! Using an imaginative mix of puppetry, movement, and sound, this sensory-filled production is specifically designed for our youngest audience members. Best for children ages 0 – 3 and their families.

12:00pm-7:00pm: H Street Festival
H Street Festival is a highly anticipated and highly attended festival in Washington D.C.  The festival is 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences.  The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more. They have activity stations that focus on participatory artwork, informational stations that promote arts education, and exhibitor stations that showcase D.C. based artists. 

1:00pm-4:00pm: Chevy Chase DC Day at the Chevy Chase Community Center
Event highlights include, a zydeco band, Little Red and the Renegades, will perform throughout the festival. Other entertainment includes a juggler, magician, and balloon artist. There will be art shows and kids’ art projects, and much more. Ch/ART will help young artists make sidewalk chalk art and paper bag puppets. There will be yoga and dance demonstrations and instruction. The Fire department will provide big rigs and equipment demonstrations. Many DC government departments will participate including the Office of Planning to discuss the Small Area Plan. For residents of Wards 3 and 4, meet and greet with Councilmembers Cheh and George. A long-established tradition — the free Ice Cream giveaway — will be back.

6:00pm-9:30pm: Outdoor movie: SOUL
Head to Capitol Riverfront for Unity’s pop-up movie night! They’ll be playing the movie SOUL, and will feature the East of the River Steelband, food trucks, and of course…the movie! Tickets are $50/car, and include a snack pack, food voucher for use at the food trucks, and a giveaway. It should be a fun and safe night out for the family!

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