beltway bambinos

Fourth of July Celebrations in Washington, DC

July 2, 2024

Have a safe and fun Independence Day celebrating in the most perfect place; the Nation’s Capital if you are in town!

Washington Nationals are in town Tuesday-Monday. There will be Freedom Fireworks on Wednesday & the Patriotic Series on Thursday.

9:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
Celebrate our nation’s independence at the home of the father of our country. During this patriotic event: Watch made-for-daytime fireworks and observe a moving ceremony in which people from across the world become U.S. citizens. Concessions will be available all day from: Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck on 12-acre Field and Half Crown Bakehouse on 12-acre Field.

9:30am-1:00pm: Family Day: Summer Party at the Capital Jewish Museum
Join us at CJM before the fireworks for specialty crafts, music, food, and fun. Learn about Jewish Revolutionary War history from our friends at National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Connect and celebrate a tradition for your home with mezuzah activities brought to you by MyZuzah. We’ll also have themed crafts and activities in the Community Action Lab, and classic outdoor games and music on our newly opened 3rd floor terrace. Plus, build a goodie bag to enjoy during the fireworks!

9:45am-11:00am: Kensington’s 29th Annual Bike Parade
Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, anything & join the parade or watch it go by.

10:00am-7:00pm: National Archives Family Event
The National Archives will hold its annual Fourth of July program featuring prominent speakers, musical performances, and family activities to celebrate the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.Ceremony: 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Family activities: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. & Exhibits (including the original Declaration of Independence): 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

10:00am: The 21st annual Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade
This is a local tradition that is considered one of Washington, DC’s best events. We are pleased to announce that we’ll be able to hold our traditional parade on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row this year. Get your groups together and join in on the fun!

10:00am: Takoma Park July 4th Parade
Head to Takoma Park for another parade that has become a tradition. The parade will begin at Ethan Allen & Carroll Aves, travel down Carroll Ave (becoming Carroll St NW), turn right at Maple St NW (becoming Maple Ave), and travel down Maple Ave to end at Ritchie Ave.

11:00am: 58th Annual Palisades Parade
Your kids will bring home tons of candy, bring a bag! The parade starts at the intersection of Whitehaven Pkwy and MacArthur Blvd at 11:00am sharp. The parade turns right onto MacArthur, continues past Dana Place, then takes a left on Edmunds, a left on Sherier, and ends at the Palisades Rec Center.

11:45am: The National Independence Day Parade
Held annually in Washington, DC. Invited bands and participants come together every year for this patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America’s birthday! Along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The Parade is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America’s birthday!

12:00pm-Dusk: Frederick’s 4th
Celebrate the largest Independence Day celebration in Frederick County with two stages of entertainment alongside family-friendly rides, activities, food, and fireworks from noon to dusk.

3:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America
Ring in the 4th of July with a vibrant celebration in the heart of Historic Downtown Manassas. Enjoy family-friendly activities and the best firework display in Northern Virginia! It’s an all-American party celebrating the spirit of our nation in this charming city. Starting at 3 p.m., there will be games and rides for kids, face painting, 4th of July memorabilia, plus food and craft vendors. Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty will be visiting as well. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to get your best seats on the Manassas Museum Lawn and beyond! Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

4:00pm-9:30pm: Celebration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home
In it’s thirteenth year, the annual gathering hosts food trucks, children’s games, and a perfect view from the golf course to watch the National Mall fireworks display. FOSH provides a bounce house and obstacle course for children, and a contest for most patriotic outfit at the Bike Parade. Adults mingle and enjoy food and drink while listening to the Home’s resident DJ, Billy White, spin top tunes. Best of all, a record number of residents of the Soldiers Home join in the celebration!

5:00pm-10:00pm: Fourth at the Wharf
The Wharf is going country for the Fourth of July! Celebrate the Fourth at The Wharf with free live country music from 5-9pm throughout our outdoor stages. Grab food to-go from a Wharf restaurant then head to District Pier where you can play games, sip on ice cold drinks from the bar and enjoy spectacular views of the National Park Service fireworks launched from the Lincoln Memorial.

5:00pm-10:30pm: Fourth of July in the District Concert
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser, the United States Air Force Band, Events DC, and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment for the second annual 4th of July in the District Concert featuring performances by the United States Air Force Band with Gavin Degraw and more acts to follow with live broadcast nationally on CNN. There will be family friendly activites , food trucks and more. The concert is free and seating is first come, first serve.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Takoma Park Evening Street Party
Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of Live Music, Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Garden (Takoma Bev Co.), Kids’ Activities with Let’s Play America and more!

8:00pm-9:30: A Capital Fourth Concert
This star-studded salute to Independence Day is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol and is free and open to the public. Gates open at 3 p.m.

9:09pm-9:27pm: Fireworks on the National Mall
The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history. The display will be held on Thursday, July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Other viewing areas for the Mall fireworks–
U.S. Capitol
Lincoln Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The White House Ellipse
West Potomac Park
East Potomac Park
Anacostia Park
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Watch from the water on a cruise: Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises and Monumental Boat Tours
Grab a rooftop reservation at The Pendry Wharf, VUE Rooftop at the W Hotel or at Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel are a few!
Hop on a bike and head to Mt. Vernon Trail, Hains Point or Cardoza High School.

Recent posts–
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables
Ice Cream Shops in the DMV

Keep Kids Sharp with Music Lessons this Summer ♫

June 10, 2024

Creative Kids Home for the Summer?

Then, give your kids something to get excited about and start them on Music Lessons (In-Person or Online) with the International School of Music!

From virtual singing classes to in-person piano lessons—the International School of Music offers instruction in all instruments to students of all ages and abilities.

Voted best for Music Lessons, International School of Music has a team of nurturing and patient instructors who will customize lessons to students’ goals so each child can progress at their own pace and learn the music they love!

ISM’s fun, engaging and personalized lessons help students bring structure into their lives, confidence, concentration, and self-expression that last beyond the music lessons!

Call 301-365-5888 to schedule YOUR intro lesson today or

CLICK HERE to save 50% Off Registration by 6/30!

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

June 7, 2024

Celebrate Pride this month and every month. Click this link to discover all of the events happening in our area. This weekend is the Pride Parade and Block Party & Sunday is the Pride Festival and Concert. Summer is here and we’ve got the posts to keep your sweet tooth satisfied, your Bambinos active, a cure for hot afternoons, and much more!

**Pride Poster Making at The Loft Collective**

All weekend
31st Annual Capital Jazz Fest is coming June 7-9, 2024! Held each year during Black Music Month since 1993, the Capital Jazz Fest is one of the longest running festivals in the DMV and one of the premier black music events in the country, featuring over 30 acts over three days. In-between musical sets, enjoy the juried craft vendors at the Festival Marketplace, culinary treats at the food courts, and interactive Q&A sessions with the artists.

The Big Bounce America is the largest touring inflatable event in the world and it’s in our area until Sunday! They’ve created an action-packed day out suitable for all ages and featuring some of the most unique and exciting custom-built inflatable attractions ever made.

Saturday
10:00am-6:00pm: Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
The fair features local and regional artisans who showcase their pieces across various mediums including pottery, stationary, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more. Over 80+ vendors along with food and drink for purchase.

11:00am-3:00pm: Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church’s third annual Community Day
There will be a bounce house, face painting, and outdoor games for kids. Live music will be performed under a large tent, featuring Brazilian music and other musical styles favored by WABC’s music team and friends. There will also be food served fresh off the grill as well as ethnic dishes made by people in our congregation. Located at 3920 Alton Pl NW, Washington, DC 20016

11:00am-1:00pm: Grow the Garden Party at the US Arboretum
Join for a picnic party! Come celebrate the expansion of FONA’s Washington Youth Garden. The Washington Youth Garden has a beautiful new honeycomb fence around it that expands our growing space and makes our garden more inviting, visible, and accessible.

11:30am-3:00pm: Workshop and Resource Fair for DMV Area Youth at The Kennedy Center
Tailored specifically for high school-aged youth (14-18 years old) in the DMV area, this workshop and resource fair aims to create a safe and engaging environment for young individuals to learn and develop as they approach adulthood. Onsite vendors from the DMV area will be available to assist and answer any questions from students in various fields, helping them prepare for their next steps after high school. Exciting activities such as a 5th grade DJ, video game truck, rock climbing wall, and a selection of summer-themed snacks including popcorn, cotton candy, and icees will be provided. Additionally, the KC Youth Council will be leading self-led workshops focused on dance, music, and poetry, and an anti-bullying presentation will take place in the afternoon.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Pride Poster Making at The Loft Collective
Create posters for the Pride Parade. Art supplies & posters will be provided, first come first serve

2:00pm-10:00pm: Pride on the Pier
The Washington Blade in partnership with LURe DC and The Wharf are excited to announce the 5th Annual Pride on the Pier celebration during DC Pride in June 2024. Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Southwest waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment. The District Pier will offer a DJ, dancing and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. The Dockmasters Building will be home to a VIP experience with complimentary drinks and food during the duration of the event. Family fun for all ages.

Sunday
10:00am-2:00pm: Takoma Pride Day
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Takoma Pride Day with a Kids’ Pride Parade and Street Fair on Laurel Avenue.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream in and around Washington, DC!

May 29, 2024

We love to make popsicles and homemade ice cream in the summer but we also welcome a scoop (or two) at an ice cream shop when it’s hot! In fact on my daughter’s summer bucket list she added, “go to as many ice cream shops” last summer. Challenge was accepted. There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle in summertime.

The Charmery– Chevy Chase, MD & Walter Reed in addition to other locations

Through personalized hospitality and super premium, highly original, insanely delicious ice cream, The Charmery aims to bring together local and global communities to help every person achieve happiness through ice cream. They use the best possible ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers whenever possible. Featuring ever changing seasonal ice cream flavors, specialty sundaes, hand-spun milkshakes, and floats. The Charmery loves to collaborate with our local community including artists, musicians, and community figures.

VanLeeuwen Ice Cream– 3 locations in Washington, DC

What could be happier than that magic combination of milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar (or coconuts, cashews and oats for our vegan friends)? Peanut butter brownie honeycomb is 10/10!

Sarah’s Handmade -2 Locations in Bethesda, MD

Handmade ice cream that stays true to Sarah’s commitment to the highest quality ice cream that she would “feel proud feeding my family,” Sarah uses only the best, local-whenever-possible ingredients and sticks to her small-batch, all-natural recipes. The flavors are endless and always a hit!

Malai– T St NW, DC

Malai, figuratively meaning cream of the crop, draws inspiration from South Asian ingredients, aromatic spices, and our founder’s upbringing. The ice cream is all eggless, handcrafted, and churned with very little air, resulting in purer, more robust flavors, as well as the creamiest textures you can find.

Southwest Soda Pop Shop -SW, DC

Southwest Soda Pop Shop is a family owned ice cream parlor and restaurant that serves up the best lunch at Washington, DC’s District Wharf. Southwest Soda Pop Shop has been serving sweet treats, like soft serve ice cream, and refreshing drinks with a smile to guests at the District Wharf since 2018, and is proud to be one of the only black owned restaurants in DC’s District Wharf.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – Bethesda, MD & NW, DC

Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops, many scoops and report back.

The Baked Bear – Bethesda, MD

Homemade cookies from original recipes and hand-scooped on site, cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked fresh from scratch every day, so you can imagine the aroma flowing from Baked Bear! You can choose your base (brownie, doughnut and/or cookies), then your ice cream flavor followed by toppings and sauces. Don’t forget to ask to have it pressed if you want a warm end result. Recipe uses an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers.

State Fair at The Roost – SE, DC

State Fair features playful riffs on composed sundaes using homemade frozen custard, replete with all of the delicious sauces and toppings you’d expect, and several more you won’t. Pastry Chef Allie Cheppa is at the helm of the nostalgic spot, serving up composed sundaes and floats, or build-your-own by mixing and matching custard bases + toppings.

Italian Bar– Chevy Chase, DC

Kids order gelato, parents order drinks!

The Creamery at Union Market – NE, DC

A family-owned and operated dairy shop sourcing local milk and ice cream located in Union Market. This is spot for all things dairy inside Union Market should also be the go-to for all your ice cream needs. The shop sells milk, butter, cheese, and other dairy products from local farmers, and has a killer selection of hard-serve ice cream. Classic flavors like cookies and cream, chocolate, and coffee come in scoops or pints packed to go, plus soft serve, homemade waffle cones, and other sweets.

Ice Cream Jubilee – SE & NW DC

I found out about ICJ because of the mouth-watering Instagram photos everyone posts and then I realized you can order from UberEats! The best flavors come from the best ingredients. They use only all-natural cream and milk from a local creamery, just 50 miles from our scoop shop in Washington, DC. and are proud about the small-batch technique – just a few gallons at a time; allowing to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s – NW, DC

Brought to you by the owners of Surfside & Jetties. Walk up to an outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops and toppings.

Honeys & Friends – NW, DC

In the old Sugar Fox location with the same concept. Flavors change weekly if not daily. They also offer cookies and other delicious treats.

Nicecream Factory – Arlington, Virginia

Handcrafted ice cream is their passion. They start the process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using a freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, then freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get. Flavors are typical with some fun ones worth trying; white chocolate peanut butter and bananas foster are on my list!

Thomas Sweet – NW, DC

A Georgetown staple. This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

The Dairy Godmother – Alexandria, VA

This summer, you’ll find some exciting new additions at this custard shop. Stick with what you know and get Wisconsin-style frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate every day, or try the flavor of the day. Tollhouse cookie and toasted almond are both on the schedule; see all the upcoming flavors of the day here. They’ll also be offering homemade marshmallows and sorbet this summer along with puppy pops—a treat for your dog!

Goodies Frozen Custard – Alexandria, VA

You may have seen Goodie’s cater an event as they started as a food truck of sorts. Now the Wisconsin style frozen custard has a permanent home in Alexandria.

Moorenko’s Ice Cream – Scoop shop in Silver Spring, MD & pints found in markets through DMV

This ice cream brand, which is sold throughout the DMV in markets and deli’s, is made right here in D.C.! They even have a small shop where you can go for freshly made, hand-crafted ice cream. They’ve got the classic flavors as well as some unique flavors like Cinnamon Cappuccino & Blackberry Chocolate Chip.

Mount Desert Island – Mt. Pleasant, DC

Serving premium homemade ice cream in small batches.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman – 3 trucks & 4 locations

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can hunt down in the city or hire for an event. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there are 2 actual locations you can visit. They also deliver!

Jarabe – Farmer’s Markets

Jarabe Gourmet Pops is a Latin American specialty pop-up based found at various farmers markets that specialize in Mexican-style gourmet pops.

Sfoglina – NW, DC & Rosslyn, VA

Italian soft serve gelato: your choice of Vanilla Gelato or Blueberry Balsamic Sorbetto. I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Maracas Pops – Georgetown

Originally from Mexico, the owner, Julia has been inspired by tropical flavors and refreshing treats. She fell in love with paletas, also known as Mexican ice pops, and was inspired to share her love for their unique flavors by starting her own company, Maracas Ice Pops.

Did you know Maryland has 11 dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream? Together, they make up the “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.” Visit each creamery and get a trail passport stamped to be named Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail Blazer! Sounds like a delicious summer bucket-list item. Now in its ninth year, the Ice Cream Trail is designed to promote the state’s dairy industry and has become increasingly popular, drawing participants from across the state and the region.

Reader recommended:
Everyday Sundae
Tipsy Scoop
Carmen’s Italian Ice
Class 520
Nathan’s Dairy Bar

Oldies but Goodies:
Broad Branch Market
Dolcezza Gelato
Jetties
Milk Bar
Dolci Gelati
Pitango Gelato
Godiva
Ben & Jerry’s
YogiBerry

Summer posts:
Indoor/Outdoor summer toys
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Summer bucket list
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

May 17, 2024

Saint Sophia’s Greek Festival is one NOT to miss! Enjoy greek food, drinks, live music, dancing and culture. Spirited festival goers are welcome to join in and dance … OPA! Located at 2815 36th St NW, Washington DC 20007.

Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy live bluegrass music at the 9th annual Bourbon and Bluegrass! Join this fantastic event on Saturday and/or Sunday from 1pm – 5pm and help protect this invaluable piece of our nation’s history! President Lincoln and his family spent a quarter of his presidency here and it is where he drafted the Emancipation Proclamation. Help us keep this historic gem open and available to share Lincoln’s untold stories at our largest fundraiser of the year.

From charming encounters with llamas, alpacas, and donkeys to indulging in delectable homemade ice cream at a dairy farm, the Loudoun Spring Farm Tour offers a cornucopia of experiences for visitors of all ages Saturday & Sunday. Featuring a diverse array of farms showcasing the finest products that Loudoun has to offer, including honey, mushrooms, traditional vegetables, garlic, and craft beverages, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Loudoun’s agricultural heritage.

Cirque du Soleil – Corteo is at Eagle Bank Arena through May 25. The clown Mauro envisions that his own burial will take place amid a carnival atmosphere and be attended by tender angels. The show contrasts the grand with the intimate, the silly with the tragic, and the beauty of perfection with the appeal of imperfection. It also emphasizes the strength and vulnerability of the clown as well as his knowledge and generosity to represent the aspect of humanity that exists in each of us. Corteo is guided through a timeless ceremony in which fantasy teases reality with music, which is both poetic and mischievous.

Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales at Adventure Theatre
Journey into the Appalachian Mountains in this award-winning musical that deftly weaves four traditional tales and original music into a keepsake quilt of mountain lore and wisdom for the whole family. Jack who lands himself a job despite his foolishness. “Catskins” is a spunky Appalachian Cinderella. “The Enchanted Tree” is a beauty-and-the-beast love story between a lost girl and a frightening crow. And in a zany, sung-through “Sow and Her Three Pigs” plucky Nancy the pig outsmarts the hungry fox. This play with music incorporates singing, mountain dances, music, and puppets to create a highly theatrical storytelling style. The score, which interweaves music throughout the tales, is inspired by “Old Time” Appalachian music featuring fiddle and banjo that drives the play’s action and makes music itself a character in the play.

Friday
5:00pm-7:00pm: Monet-Inspired Fairy Gardens at Red Panda Art Studio
This workshop is a twist on a classic Red Panda project! Drawing on Monet’s garden and nature-scapes, we’ll make our own Monet-inspired fairy gardens. Pizza dinner is included! This workshop is designed for ages 4 to 12. Register here!

Saturday
8:30am-5:00pm: Dragon Boat Festival
The DC Dragon Boat Festival is proud to return this spring for its 21st annual festival. We are looking forward to another great year and even more teams on the water. Looks for more details on the event schedule and race schedule as we get closer to race day. Rain date: June 15

10:00am-12:00pm: Brunch on the Go at The Yards
D.C.’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood for living, dining, shopping and relaxing, is bringing back Brunch On The Go for another fun run series perfect for fitness foodies this spring! It will begin with a stretch led by Mayweather Boxing followed by a guided 2-mile walk or 3-mile run with Pacers Running. After the run/walk, participants are invited to enjoy a curated brunch box from Due South. Each brunch box includes brunch for two, a bottle of bubbly, and two champagne flutes to celebrate!

Sunday
9:00am-4:00pm: Strawberry Jubilee Fest at Great Country Farms
Join the annual strawberry festival at Great Country Farms in Loudoun County. To celebrate the royal strawberry, our Jubilee is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food and fun games for the whole family! Great Food abounds at our Roosteraunt Concession Stand, Knead It Bakery and Henway Hard Cider by the pond. Savor Cider Donuts, Strawberry Lemonade, hand-dipped ice cream and baked goods including strawberry rhubarb pies. Also taking place May 25 & June 1.

10:00am-3:00pm: The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
The Festival event celebrates the speed and performance of exotic sports cars while emphasizing the elegance of their design and style. It also highlights the heart and spirit of the community and underscores the sophistication and style of Old Town. Each year, tens of thousands of people converge in Old Town Alexandria to view more than 100 rare and exotic supercars and motorcycles from around the world.

10:30am: MISTER G at Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater, Edlavitch DCJCC
MISTER G will be performing songs from his PJ Library-commissioned albums The Mitzvah Bus and Seeds of Shalom. MISTER G will be joined onstage by MISSUS G (Katherine Jamieson) who engages the audience and leads the interactive component of their joyful concerts.

2:00pm-5:00pm: Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
This free event features the iconic Chihuahua races, Pacifico Beer Garden, 360 pet photo booth, a DJ, adoptable pet parade, all-breed dog costume contest, and so much more!

4:00pm-5:30pm: Superhero Adventures with Spiderman at Red Panda Art Studio
Are you in tune with your spidey senses? Spend the evening with us (and Princess Parties of DC) crafting superhero-inspired comic books! We’ll even put those spidey senses to the test with a superhero training session. This workshop is designed for ages 3.5+. Register here!

****Be sure to visit our summer camp guide as many camps are already full, but some of our favorites still have a few spots available, including Steve & Kate’s Camp.

Keep Kids Sharp with Music Lessons this Summer ♫

May 14, 2024

Are your children spending too much time on their devices? It’s a tough new frontier for parents, but we have an easy way to reduce screen time and help your child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Kids are creative! Put a keyboard, guitar or mic in their hands and we guarantee you’ll see a total transformation!

So let’s give the smartphone a break, and let’s MAKE MUSIC this summer at the International School of Music in-person or online!

Text or Call 301-517-9567 today to schedule your introductory lesson with one of the International School of Music’s voted-best instructors and save 50% off registration when you register by 5/25 HERE!

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

April 26, 2024

Be sure to visit our summer camp guide as many camps are already full, but some of our favorites still have a few spots available, including the first session at Camp Arena Stage.

All weekend
Georgetown French Market
This popular open-air market – originally inspired by those often seen in France – will feature sidewalk sales and specials from more than 40 locally-owned boutiques, cafés, and galleries along Wisconsin Avenue from O St to Reservoir Rd., plus live music, stilt-walkers, face painting, a mime, and more. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer food and drink specials featuring French cuisine and beyond – from pastries, croissants, and macarons, to lunch items grilled outside, and wine discounts.

Friday
7:30pm: Superhero Night at Washington Spirit Game
The Spirit faces off against the Pride on Marvel Super Hero™ Night at Audi Field. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Marvel character for a chance to win prizes throughout the match, and then test their super hero knowledge at halftime during trivia highlighted on the video boards.

8:00pm: Movie Screening at The Yards Sundeck
Gather your friends and family for a screening of Disney’s Elemental on The Yards Sundeck. Don’t forget to bring blankets and chairs and stop by your favorite Yards restaurant on the way to pick up dinner for a picnic under the stars! Ice Cream Jubilee will be selling scoops onsite and a deluxe topping bar will allow guests to customize their movie treat.

Saturday
9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live! at the National: Off the Page
The magic of books can transport us to new worlds; illustrations and entire adventures can lift right off the page. When an imaginative young child dives into a book, the stories come to life around them. Through dance, music, puppetry, and vibrant imagery, this world premiere production will literally unfold before your eyes! Performances take place in the Helen Hayes Gallery on Saturday, April 27th at 9:30am and 11am. You can register on our AllEvents page soon and learn more about Arts On the Horizon by visiting their website.

10:00am-1:00pm: STAR Fest at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
DC Public Library will host its annual STAR Fest, a free family celebration promoting early literacy development. Children and caregivers can experience the five practices at the heart of the library’s Sing, Talk and Read (STAR) initiative. The festival features interactive stations that make building pre-reading skills feel like playtime. Kids can sing and move along to live musical performances by Kofi Dennis, Uncle Devin, and Marsha and the Positrons. Imaginative play areas like a pretend garden, grocery store and pizza parlor will inspire storytelling and conversation. The Children’s Room will also host family story times, a soft play area and a sensory Story Walk experience.

10:30am-5:30pm: DC Chocolate Festival at La Maison Française at Embassy of France
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! This event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking and learning.

11:00am-4:00pm: Carousel Day
An annual tradition at Glen Echo Park and one of the Park’s most popular festivals, will be held this year on Saturday, April 27, from 11am to 4pm. In addition to free performances – including music, dance,, and storytelling – Carousel Day features art projects for kids, open art studios and galleries, a parade through Park grounds led by resident performers, and much more. Carousel Day is presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture (the Partnership) and often attracts up to 4,000 people who come to the Park to celebrate the opening of the Dentzel carousel for the season. This year mark’s the ride’s 103rd season in Glen Echo Park.

12:00pm-2:30pm: Gnome Homes at Red Panda Art Studio
This workshop is designed for ages 7+. Pizza is included! Nothing makes us more excited for Spring than gnomes! This twist on our classic fairy garden project is sure to be a new favorite.

Sunday
10:00am-12:00pm: Family Fundays with The Great Zucchini at Hook Hall
Sundays at Hook Hall is all about FAMILY FUN! Bring the kiddos for some dancing and singing with different musical guests joining us each week! Enjoy entertainment from family favorites. The Great Zucchini is the DMV’s funniest and most magical entertainer who performs a magic show where every child is a star! The Great Zucchini’s performance will begin at 10:30am and will last 45 minutes. Don’t miss out!

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

April 12, 2024

If your kids go to a DCPS school, I congratulate you, we have made it to the country’s latest spring break holiday. Several of you have reached out asking about options for staying in DC for this break. Below you will find a few ideas–

16 ways to spend spring break in DC
Beach and state park trips
Overnight trips from DC

All weekend
Sakura Matsuri
Over two days, Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival brings Japan into the heart of the Nation’s Capitol. Stretching from 3rd to 7th streets NW on Pennsylvania Ave at the base of Capitol Hill, the festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances, authentic Japanese food and beverages, handmade Japanese crafts, and so much more.

Peter Pan at The National Theatre
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” PETER PANembraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Love & Information at Imagination Stage- Student Show
Someone shares a forbidden secret, someone confronts their best friend, someone admires a snail. In this kaleidoscopic play, over fifty unrelated scenes flash by faster than a doomscroll as over a hundred characters strive to connect with each other, learn from one another, and look for love. Love and Information, written to be transformed into it’s own unique vision by every company that performs it, makes this production a once in a lifetime theatrical experience.

Friday
8:00pm-10:00pm: Star Gaze at Udar-Hazy Center
Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder what you’re seeing? Come stargaze outside the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Join Museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for a view of the night sky. Experienced people will help you to observe a variety of things, including planets, stars, and the Moon. Telescopes will be provided by Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event.

Saturday
10:00am-12:00pm: The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
The Nation’s Springtime Parade is an amazing sight on Constitution Avenue! Grand colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a spectacle of music and showmanship celebrating spring in Washington, DC.

10:00am-3:00pm: Horse Expo at Frying Pan Farm
This event is for experienced riders as well as people who are new to the world of horses. There will be food trucks, speakers, demonstrations, and businesses that sell horse-related products and services. Immerse yourself in the equestrian world. Experienced riders and new horse enthusiasts welcome. Indulge in delectable treats from food trucks. Gain insights from expert speakers. Witness captivating demonstrations. Explore a variety of businesses offering horse-related products and services.

10:30am-12:30pm: April Family Day: National Library Month at The Library of Congress
Families are invited to learn about America’s national library, explore the significance of libraries in their own lives, and try their hand at organizing their own mini collection.
The April Family Day will also feature work by Library of Congress literary ambassadors, conversations with Library staff, and a take-home pamphlet with resources related to the history of the Library of Congress, and the depth of its digital collections. Activities will be held on the mezzanine level (second floor) of the Jefferson Building from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free, but passes are required for the Jefferson Building. Register for free timed-entry tickets.

1:00pm: Jacqueline Woodson’s Block Party! at the Kennedy Center
Music! Food! Fun! Join us for another Kennedy Center Block Party hosted by Education Artist-in-Residence and award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson! Free performances, fun-filled games, and various activities will be programmed on the REACH grounds all afternoon, featuring artists with roots in the Washington, D.C. area.

Sunday
2:00pm: DC Emancipation Day Celebration
Parade begins at 2pm, followed by a 3pm concert and 8:30pm fireworks at Freedom Plaza. This year is the 162nd Anniversary of the DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, the only act that stands as an example of compensation by the federal government to slave owners in the District of Columbia for the loss of their human property. On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia. Passage of this act came nearly nine months before President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation. The law ended slavery in Washington, DC which freed approximately 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned these individuals, and offered the newly freed women and men money to emigrate. It is this legislation, and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality, that we commemorate every April 16th as DC Emancipation Day.

Plan Ahead:
April 27: Carousel Day at Glen Echo Park

Recent Posts:
Family-friendly features of Capital One Arena
Summer Camp Guide