festival – Page 6

Weekend Picks: Then and Wow, Figment DC and Festivals

September 25, 2014

Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are among the must-do Fall activities. Here is your guide to a few!

FIGMENT DC, is this Saturday and Sunday in Anacostia Park. Megan Fowler gives great insight into the event– FIGMENT is a free, inclusive, participatory arts event held in multiple cities. FIGMENT’s mission is to offer free, family-friendly and participatory art to entire communities. The event blurs the lines between those who create and those who enjoy art — turning an urban park into a magical playground. Ever wanted to insert yourself into a live foosball table? Make a wish and watch it grow into a flower? Join your child in making matching tutus? All of these opportunities plus music, workshops, art, crafts, etc. will be at FIGMENT DC. It is also a unique opportunity to dress up, play, and bring your own imagination to life. Bring your costumes, tutus, hoops, kites, games, and readiness to be silly. And don’t forget your roller skates! The skating pavilion is a great place to show off your skills. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch & water. There will be very limited concessions sold at the event.

Maryland Renaissance Festival is still in town. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come any weekend through October 17.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: The Big Build, Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site and Mt. Vernon’s Colonial Market and Fair

September 18, 2014

Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair is Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-5:00pm. The annual market features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun; including puppets, military drills, sword swallowing and music.

Saturday and Sunday DC Shorts are featuring more Family Films: DC Shorts Film Festival at Angelika Film Center. Family appropriate films are for children 8 and older. For the full schedule click here.

Saturday:

10:00am-4:00pm: The Big Build at The National Building Museum (401 F St NW, Washington,DC 20001)
The FREE construction truck “petting zoo” expands onto F Street; Earn prizes by completing a hard hat scavenger hunt; and help build the World’s Tallest Toy from Superstructs in the Great Hall! CLIMB aboard tractors, cranes, and a fire truck, CONSTRUCT a log cabin , IMAGINE and build a playground, CARVE stone with master carvers, BUILD an electrical circuit with licensed electricians, COMPETE in a nail-driving contest, CREATE a hardware wind chime to take home

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Festival Cubed, Sample Fall Classes and Rock Out

September 5, 2014

Hope everyone enjoyed a short week and the kids are off to a good start of school. Beltway Bambinos is wrapping up another amazing beach week and will sadly return to reality tomorrow.

DC splash and pools are open through this weekend! And we thought water fun was gone come Labor Day.

Saturday-

7:00am-4:30pm: ChalkFest at Reston Town Center
(Reston Town Center: Market Street, between Library Street and Presidents Street)
ChalkFest At Reston Town Center is presented by the Initiative for Public Art – Reston (IPAR) and Reston Town Center. All are invited to create chalk drawings on Market Street. The event is open to professional artists, amateurs, businesses, families, and kids of all ages. There will be prizes for professional artists, amateurs, families and kids, in addition to the “Audience Choice Award”.

9:00am-1:00pm: Sample Classes at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD. 20814)
Try a sample class on us! Get an up-close and personal taste of what classes are like at Imagination Stage! (We promise you’ll have a blast!) Sample classes are about 20 minutes in length. Parents are encouraged to join the samplers for children in grades 3 or younger. Parents of children in grades 4 or older are welcome to observe the sampler, but not required. Please note that this is NOT a drop-off event. Children MUST be accompanied by a caregiver.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Blues, Jazz and Labor Day

August 28, 2014

Maryland Renaissance Festival kicked off last weekend! The festival is free to children 11 and under this weekend. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come any weekend through October 17.

Curtain call on some great theater performances this weekend. Check out the list and see a show.

Friday-

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
(7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW)
This is the final concert of the summer. The free concert series has featured jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—salsa, blues fusion, xylophone, Afrofunk, and more. Bring a picnic dinner.

Saturday-

10:00am-10:00pm: Library of Congress National Book Festival
(Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl., NW, Washington, D.C)
This year’s festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions well into the evening. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, enjoy special entertainment, and stay up late for special new graphic novel, poetry and film programs.

12:00pm-7:30pm: 26th Annual Blues Fest at Carter Barron Amphitheater
(16th Street & Colorado Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Throughout the day, visit the John Cephas Workshop Stage for workshops led by talented and well-known artists who will entertain children and adults. Check out The John Cephas Workshop Stage from 12:00 – 4:00 pm for the Children’s Instrument Play Area. Admission is free.

2:00pm-8:00pm: 8th Annual Jazz and Blues Festival at Lake Anne
(1609 Washington Plaza, Reston , VA)
This free, family friendly, all-day event will showcase a variety of talented regional and national jazz & blues performers.

2:00pm: The Fresh Beat Band at Wolf Trap
(1645 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA)
It’s a “Great Day” to sing and dance “Just Like a Rockstar” with Kiki, Marina, Twist, and Shout from Nick Jr.’s sensational TV band! All patrons, including children of any age, must have a ticket to performances. Tickets range from $25-125.

Sunday-

3:00pm-11:00pm: Capitol Concert
(1st St SE., Washington, DC 20515)
Gates open at 3:00pm, open rehearsal at 3:30pm and concert begins at 8:00pm. This year’s program explores American music from TV, movies, and beloved Broadway musicals, with a veritable “who’s who” of notable composers represented. Concert is 90 minutes in length.

Parade Guide-
Kensington, MD 46th Annual Parade and Festival

Old Towne Gaithersburg Parade

Greenbelt Parade and Festival

Herndon Labor Day Festival

Weekend Picks: Chickasaw Festival, Brady Rymer and America’s Favorite Pastime

August 15, 2014

Montgomery County Fair wraps up this weekend. Fair hours are 10am-12midnight and carnival hours are 12:00pm-12:00am and animal exhibits in Old MacDonald’s Barn are open each day beginning at 3 pm. Children 11 and under are FREE while adults cost $10. Check the schedule for daily events. Address is 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Saturday-

10:00am-6:00pm: Indian Palette for Families
(2716 Ordway St NW., Apt 2, Washington, D.C. 20008)
Experience and celebrate the vibrancy of India at a fun-filled event. An exhibition where you’re sure to leave with hand made clothing and gifts. You can preview the collection here. Bring your loved ones, friends and children. To contact Anu directly you may email her for more information.
[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Animals under the sky, water lilies and the great outdoors

July 18, 2014

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: Animals in the Sky at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC)
Take a journey to the stars without leaving the Zoo! The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum’s mobile planetarium is coming to the Zoo’s Visitor Center for an out-of-this-world event. Enter the inflatable dome for a 15 – 20 minute narrated presentation that will guide guests through animal themed constellations. Then, embark on a scavenger hunt through the Zoo to find animals found in popular constellations.

10:00am-2:00pm: Great Outdoors Festival at Little Bennett Campground
(23701 Frederick Rd., Clarksburg, MD)
Free Hayrides all around the campgrounds throughout the event (10:30 & 11am, 1 & 1:30pm). Nature Exploration Hike with a Black Hill Regional Park Naturalist at 10:30am. Beginning Orienteering Course Run with Quantico Orienteering at 11am. Mountain Biking Skills Mini-Clinic & Bike Inspection with Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts at 11:30am. Live music with the Flower Hill String Band Two sets: 11am-Noon and 12:30-1:30pm. Campfire building demonstation and s’mores at Noon. Pitch-a-Tent Contest with prizes at 12:30pm. Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Search and Rescue Demo at 1pm. Bluebird Box Building Demo with the Maryland Bluebird Society

10:00am-4:00pm: Lotus and Water Lily Cultural Festival at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Center
The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival is here! Come experience your National Park with FREE activities for the whole family. See a spectacular display of lotus and water lilies in full bloom! Enjoy gardening workshops & traditional Asian & African dancing performances! Hands-on activities including face painting, lotus tea tasting, and painting demonstrations! Visit educational and cultural exhibitors and much more!..

10:30am: Rainbow Rock Band at Ebenezers Coffeehouse
(201 F St NE, Washington, DC)
Rock the rainbow with your bambino. Classic and original children’s songs will entertain your child. These talented tunesters will keep you bopping in your socks until you just can’t rock anymore! Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna. $6 advance/$8 door

10:30am: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Combining the excitement of hip hop with the magical world of childhood, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a one of a kind, stand out star in the family music scene. With sophisticated instrumental funk and positive, witty wordplay, he and his family band have earned a loyal national following. $10 general admission, doors open at 10am.

11:00am and 12:00pm: Nationals players at DC Libraries
(4 different libraries)
Washington Nationals players will visit four neighborhood libraries to read to kids and answer questions from eager fans.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Mariner Music Fest
(Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge 169 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401)
Rooftop – Just for Kids! – Tickets $5 (Ages 2-12)
Live Music performances for Kids including “The Singing Lizard” {The Singing Lizard’s unique Electro-Kindie style will have kids and adults dancing and singing with joy in no time!} And, Miss Mandy from Chesapeake Music Together! We’ll also have an instrument petting zoo, where kids can touch and play real instruments, arts and crafts and more fun! **Parents will need to purchase a full price ticket to bring their children to the event. But, the adult ticket is for all day, so parents can come back later and enjoy all the bands!

1:00pm-4:00pm: The DC Scoop at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC)
DC’s sweetest event is back! Ice Cream enthusiasts from near and far will gather at Union Market to celebrate summer’s sweet treat. The event will be held in the indoor event space above the market, Dock 5 and the alley behind it. There will be ice cream available to taste and buy from local artisans and Ice Cream makers from other markets as well. There will be a wide array of products including gelato, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles and of course, good old-fashioned ice cream!

7:00pm: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at Cinema Del Ray
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up.

Sunday-

12:00pm-4:00pm: Goddard Model Rocket Launch
(8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD)
Attempt to land your rocket within a “moon” drawn on the ground. Trophies and model rocket kit prizes awarded to the top youth and adult finishers. The contest is free. On-site registration is required on contest day. You must bring your own rocket, motors and recovery wadding. For more details download the contest flyer, or call (301) 286-8981.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Bubble Days at Maryland Science Center
(601 Light St Baltimore, MD.21203)
Come see the sudsiest spectacle of the summer at the Maryland Science Center’s 9th annual Bubble Days. The fun will be bubbling up all over the building—and outside too! Craft your own bubble solution and wand, create bubble art to take home, experiment with homemade bubble wands, and compete in our bubble blowing contest. World-renowned bubble artist Casey Carle will be here to perform his fantastic BubbleMania show. You will be amazed at what Casey can do with seemingly ordinary soap bubbles! Performances will be on our Atrium Stage at Noon, 2:00, and 4:00pm. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free for members. Same hours on Saturday.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals host Milwaukee Brewers
Kids Run the Bases- Kids ages 4 – 12 are invited to run the bases on the field immediately following the game, field conditions permitting.

2:00pm: Reverb at The National Building Museum
(401 F St NW, Washington, DC)
Enjoy the melodic sounds of Reverb as they take you on an a cappella musical journey! Presented in collaboration with Washington Performing Arts. This event is free.

Weekend Picks: Ukelele Festival, Dino Rock & Ultimate MegaMAZE

July 10, 2014

The forecast calls for an amazing weekend! Check out the Harbor Spray Park at Lee District for a day of fun splashing around in the sprays and water. Theres a great playground steps away as well with ample spots to picnic. Worth the drive from DC.

The Capital Fringe Festival runs from July 10 to July 27, 2014. Be sure and check out Balloon Plays for the kids.

Saturday-

9:45am-5:00pm: 5th Annual Lake Anne Ukelele Festival
(1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA)
The ukulele is the happiest instrument in the world and it spreads joy wherever it appears.Come down and join us rain or shine. You’ll find vendors selling ukuleles of all kinds and hear wonderful music all in the picturesque setting of Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, VA. It will be one of the best days you have all summer!

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Get digging, kicking or just mill around Rock Creek Park

June 26, 2014

Smithsonian Folklife Festival is happening on the National Mall through Sunday and then again July 2-6.

As always, check out the Theatre Roundup page for shows!

Saturday-

10:00am-12:30pm: Family Garden Day at The National Arboretum
(3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.)
Family Garden Days is an interactive family gardening, nutrition education, and cooking program. It is designed to bring families together at the Washington Youth Garden to share in a communal experience of learning how to grow and prepare fruits and vegetables, maintain an organic garden, and prepare healthy meals. Tailored to beginning gardeners and those looking to enhance their food and wellness practices, the program is an exciting opportunity for families to grow awareness, appreciation and connections to their food sources and engage in healthy life affirming outdoor activities! Participating families harvest fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden for cooking demos as well as to prepare and enjoy at home. Buy tickets here.

10:00am: Mr. Gabe and the Circle Time All-Stars at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater
(7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039)
Free children’s and family concert. Mr. Gabe and his band, the Circle Time All-Stars, perform a mix of traditional children’s songs, family-friendly pop songs, and originals from Mr. Gabe’s award-winning CD, Play Date. Bring a picnic and enjoy being outside.

10:30am: Jammin with the Smithsonian: The Diggity Dudes at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, Va. 22180)
The Diggity Dudes play hip music for hip kids and their equally hip parents. A typical set covers everything from pet rocks to disco moves to science experiments to presidential physical fitness, all delivered via ultra-catchy melodies over funky and danceable grooves. Interactive skits, audience participation and a lighthearted comedic twist are what make a Diggity Dudes show more than a show – it’s truly an experience. $10 and doors will open at 10:00am.

11:00am-2:00pm: Pierce Mill in Rock Creek National Park
(Tilden Street (same as Park Road), NW and Beach Drive, Washington, DC 20015)
Mill in Operation (11 AM – 2 PM) – watch the waterwheel turn and learn how the flow of water into the “buckets” brings the wheel to life and sets the machinery inside the mill in motion Visitor Center (10 AM – 4 PM) – learn about the Peirce family and the other mills that operated along Rock Creek. There will be games for children, including a self-guided treasure hunt, water flow and gravity toys, checkers, and other simple toys from the milling period.

11:00am-12:00pm: Songs and Dances of the Pua (Flowers) of Hawaii at US Botanic Garden
(100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 National Garden Amphitheater. Rain Location: Conservatory Garden Court)
Join the Hawai’i State Society of Washington D.C. `Ukulele Hui as they depict in song and dance the beautiful flowers of Hawai’i, such as the yellow ginger, pikake, hibiscus, carnation, green rose, lehua, gardenia, bird-of-paradise, and more. Celebrate the pua, or flower, which serves as a metaphor for a child or someone very cherished. Learn how leis, made up of these special flowers, are presented to people for occasions involving love, friendship, joy, congratulations and best wishes.

Sunday-

9:00am-9:45am: Tots and Tykes Yoga at Tranquil Space
(1632 17th St NW, Washington, DC)
Tot & Tyke Yoga is a supportive, fun-loving, and active yoga class. During this class crawlers and walkers playfully practice yoga postures while they are standing, sitting up, walking and jumping. An adult must attend class with child but no yoga experience is required.

11:30am-1:30pm: Pannini America at Child’s Play
(5536 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC. 20015)
Child’s Play will be roping off the parking lot behind their Chevy Chase store for 2 hours of games and giveaways. Practice your goal kicking skills in our inflatable goals. Bring your stickers and trade with others. Panini America (the makers of those amazing World Cup stickers) will be there giving away free World Cup 2014 merchandise (while supplies last).