Maryland Renaissance Festival

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

September 13, 2024

Looking for exciting things to do in Washington, DC this weekend? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the nation’s capital is packed with events for everyone. From cultural festivals to live music, outdoor markets, and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Get ready to explore the best of what DC has to offer, and make the most of your weekend with this post including can’t-miss happenings around the city!

**Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon**

All weekend

Move over pandas there’s a new tiger in town- Daniel Tiger! Based on the award-winning PBS KIDS television series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, created by Fred Rogers Productions, the exhibit immerses young learners in the adventures of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger as he learns about recognizing and communicating his emotions. The exhibit at The National Children’s Museum includes hands-on activities that foster young learners’ understanding of their feelings and how to express themselves through collaboration, creativity, and interactive play. Plan your visit to experience Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit, on display in the Visiting Exhibit Hall from September 14, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

Maryland Renaissance Festival is in full swing with turkey legs and jousting. The festival offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including interactive shows, games, and rides designed for younger visitors. There are puppet shows, storytelling, and even medieval carnival games like archery and axe throwing. The festival features a wide variety of performances, including jousting tournaments, live theater, musical acts, comedy shows, and dance performances. Many of the entertainers interact with the audience, and you’ll find plenty of costumed characters roaming the grounds, adding to the festive atmosphere. The festival boasts a large marketplace featuring more than 140 artisans selling handmade goods, including jewelry, clothing, leather goods, pottery, swords, and other medieval-themed items. It’s a great place to pick up unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Don’t forget to wear a costume!

Washington Ukranian Festival takes place on the grounds of St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring. A portion of the proceeds is for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. On Saturday evening plan to be entertained by a live concert with artists from Ukraine and Canada. In addition a Ukrainian Dance troupe will entertain for two days. Enjoy Ukrainian artists and dancers, crafts, children’s activities, delicious Ukrainian food, and a Kozak beer garden.

Hecho en México at National Museum of the American Indian
Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) refers to the official classification that identifies products that are uniquely made in Mexico. Mexican artisans, including Pedro Ortega Lozano, known for his work in papel picado; Óscar Becerra-Mora, who creates alebrije sculptures; and Cilau Valadez, who specializes in the Huichol art of yarn painting all join us to demonstrate their creative practices.

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival takes place in John Carlyle Square. 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.

Friday

6:30pm-10:00pm: Drive-in Movie at Union Market: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for the 12th season! It’s the perfect blend of movies and munchies with amazing concessions. From street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, experience it all at Union Market District. Bring your chairs and blankets for a cozy picnic-style setup in front of The Market. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place. See you there!

Saturday

9:00am-5:00pm: Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon
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. Play 18th-century games on the bowling green. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques.

9:30am-11:30am: Teddy Bear Clinic at National Museum of Health and Medicine
Bring your favorite stuffed friend and explore the Teddy Bear Clinic at the National Museum of Health and Medicine with activities and crafts designed to highlight the body, physical fitness, and healthy habits. This family program is recommended for children in PreK-2nd grade.

10:00am-4:00pm: Artisans Market at Blackrock Center for the Arts
Featuring local crafts, art, and handmade goods. This festive outdoor event is a celebration of local creativity and craftsmanship, providing an opportunity for community members to explore and support talented artisans from the region. Later that evening, BlackRock will host the Opening Reception for Colores: A Survey of Latine Art. The exhibition celebrates Latine artistry, highlighting the diverse voices and perspectives from across the community. The reception will offer a chance to meet the artists, view their stunning works, and enjoy live entertainment, setting the tone for a season of cultural appreciation and artistic excellence.

10:30am-3:30pm: Family Day at Library of Congress: Hispanic Heritage Month
Make your own book inspired by Latin American cartoneras and meet staff from the Library’s Hispanic Division. Each Family Day includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home.

11:00am-5:00pm: Celebrate Petworth
Celebrate Petworth is a free neighborhood festival organized by and for the residents of Petworth—celebrating the creativity, diversity, culture, and people of Petworth and its surrounding neighborhoods.

11:30am-4:00pm: Holiday Stamps Family Festival at the National Postal Museum
The winter holidays have come to the Museum early this year! Come and meet Guest Artist Katie Kirk in person while we celebrate the new 2024 Christmas stamps issued by the Postal Service. There will be crafts, games, and all sorts of winter holiday family fun. Registration is not required. Prior to the start of the Holiday Stamps Family Festival, the National Postal Museum will host the First Day of Issue ceremonies for the two 2024 Christmas stamps.

Sunday

Save the Date
September 21 and 22: Mo @ the NSO
With the help of the National Symphony Orchestra and all-star guests, New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Mo Willems introduces fun musical ideas, explores big emotions, and invites viewers to listen, play, and create in this world premiere concert for families.

September 21 from 10am-3pm: Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Enjoy the grounds as the Lincolns did with a full day of family fun at Homecoming! During the Civil War, the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. Tad Lincoln spent three summers of his childhood exploring the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home as well as the rooms of the Cottage. Here he played with friends, soldiers, animals, as well as his own family. You can expect arts & crafts, storytelling, pony rides & a petting zoo, enjoy a picnic from food trucks, music and more.

September 21 from 12pm-7pm: H Street Festival
H Street Festival is one of the most anticipated and highly attended single day festivals in Washington D.C. The festival is 12 blocks long and has 15 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.

September 27-28: Art All Night
With activations in all 8 wards, 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. Scroll down to explore each neighborhood’s activation!

September 28-29: Fiesta DC
This two-day extravaganza transforms Washington, DC into a global fiesta celebrating latino cultures. Savor authentic and diverse Latin American cuisine, lose yourself in the infectious rhythms of live music and dance performances, and explore a marketplace brimming with handcrafted artisan creations. Fiesta DC is a celebration for all ages, offering engaging activities and fostering a spirit of community and cultural exchange.

October 7 from 11am-4pm: Chuseok Family Festival
Celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with NMAA! Learn about both past and current traditions of one of the biggest holidays in South Korea. Take pictures in traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok and view a charye table display, which is a traditional feast prepared for a family’s ancestors. Enjoy special performances, food talks, programming from local community groups, and more! This event is co-presented by the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC, and Onjium.

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Time travel to the Maryland Renaissance Festival

September 29, 2021

Your children’s favorite storybooks of knights, castles, and dragons become a reality when you step inside the magical Maryland Renaissance Festival. Back from a cancelled year due to COVID-19, this beloved festival is back and as fun as ever, running every Saturday and Sunday through October 24 in Crownsville, Maryland. There is enchantment and merriment from the moment you enter the castle gates with likely the largest number of adults dressed in costume that your child has ever seen. Forgot your costume? No problem. You can grab a flower wreath, sword, or a full jester ensemble at every turn. There are plenty of games for young kids like “Drench a Wench” (dunk tank), Crossbow (totally safe), and Rat Toss, an enormous ship that serves as a playground. In addition, there is a climbing wall for the older kids, an exciting long and wavy slide, and a variety of shows that can captivate even the most ardent skeptics. The live jousting and bagpipe music are particularly special treats so make sure to plan your schedule to not miss! The festival itself is spread out over a 27 acre village in the forest so you will get your steps in for the day! Strollers are allowed, but keep in mind that the terrain is not the smoothest to navigate and on a nice day, it can feel packed. Come hungry and enjoy the iconic smoked turkey leg, lots of things on a stick (steak, cheesecake, fried mac & cheese), wraps, chicken tenders, and a host of sweet treats. Plenty of mead and beer to go around too! All ticket sales are online only and nice days will sell out so plan ahead!

Adult tickets are $28, and children (7-15) are $13 and (under 7) are free.

Hours are 10:00am-7:00pm, weekend through October 24, 2021.

Check out all the information here.

Fall Festivals and Orchards in and around Washington, DC

September 23, 2018

It’s that time of year! School is in full swing, crisp winds begin, fun fall outfits, PSL’s and jumping in leaves once all this rain ends. It also means making memories at apple orchards, festivals and picking pumpkins. We’ve created a short list of the closest places to take your Bambinos. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

Butlers Orchard 37th Annual Pumpkin Festival (22200 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876)
Dates of the Festival: September 29, 30, October 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28
Spider web, twisted pumpkin corn maze, corn box, hayrides, straw maze, corn hole, giant slides, pumpkin coach, jump in the hayloft, visit barnyard buddies, pumpkinland, pedal tractors, playground, pumpkin cannon, pony rides, face painting, kids crafts, pick your own pumpkins, festival food and a farm market as you exit the Orchard.

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837)
Pick-Your-Own Fruit

Ticonderoga Farms (26175 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA 20152)
September 22-November 4
Admission includes hayrides, activities and access to the pick your own pumpkin field. Noah’s Ark, log cabins, hillside slides, ponds, swings, fire pits, hayrides, tire play, hay forts, rolling tunnels, s’mores roasting, animals, enormous jump and bounce pillow and so much more.

Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA. 20120)
September 22-November 4
5 giant slides, world famous hayrides, farm animals & their babies, CORNundrum cornfield adventure, rope swings, kiddie zone, goat village, local apples & fresh cider, straw tunnels, a patch pumpkin to take home, live entertainment, 90 acres of fun!

Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Lane Frederick, MD 21703)
September 22 – October 31
Open in the Fall each year with an old-fashioned Harvest Festival — featuring a 12 acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, more than 30 activities, live weekend music, fireworks, finger-lickin’ good food … and lots more!

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open through the first Sunday in November
The Straw Maze, built with over 1000 bales of straw, is a delightful place to get lost. The Straw Maze is open every day the farm is open in late September and October. Fee charged. All day pass. The Boo Barn is for children ages 4 – 6. It is a dark passage in the bottom of the Red Barn and is filled with animated, not too scary ghosts and goblins. The Boo Barn is open every day the farm is open in late September and October. Fee charged. All day pass.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135)
Open Daily in September for Apple Picking & Corn Maze Fun from 9:00am-5:00pm
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival: October 1-31
Pumpkin Chunkin: November 3-6
Apple Gala and Cider Fest is every weekend in September
Celebrate with tastings of this season’s best ciders and demonstrations of our antique cider press. Pick your pumpkins and apples, fire pumpkins from a cannon, enjoy cider donuts, get lost in a corn maze and visit with the pumpkin princess at Pumpkin Harvest Festival and bring your leftover pumpkins to Pumpkin Chunkin.

Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD. 21042)
Open through November 4. Open Tues-Sun
Petting farm animals, hayrides, cow train rides, pony rides, birthday parties, educational tours, enchanted pine tree forest, special weekend events, enchanted forest attractions and fall season pumpkin patch.

Leesburg Animal Park and Pumpkin Village (19270 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175)
Pumpkin Village open September 15-November 6
Halloween Costume Contest & Trick or Treating Oct 28 & 29
Giant hill slides, hay wagon rides, pet and feed animals, free apple and cider snack with admission, free mini-pumpkin, kids maze, camel rides and live entertainment, pedal carts, face painting on weekends.

Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville, VA 22611)
September 22-November 4 on weekends
This year’s maze theme is Emoji…come see if you can wind your way through the 10-acre maze. The popular pig races will run on festival days. And don’t forget to visit the 8 acre pumpkin patch where you can pick your very own pumpkin right from the the vine! The farm offers hayrides, pig races, slides, and playgrounds. In addition to offering plenty of entertainment, this working farm has an 8-acre u-pick pumpkin patch. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wayside Farm is an idyllic farm setting for families looking for the ultimate farm adventure this fall. Wayside Farm would like to offer our readers 20% off admission this fall- mention Beltway Bambinos at the booth!

Readers also recommend:

Sharps at Waterford Farm

Pumpkin Playground

Festivals:

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Weekends August 25-October 21, 2018

Barracks Row Fall Festival: September 29, 2018

Frederick Oktoberfest: September 28 & 29, 2018

Piketoberfest: October 7, 2018

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

September 7, 2018

Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place on weekends from August 26-October21, 2018. The Rent Fest will be full of jousting while serving up lots of turkey legs! Take a time machine back to medieval times where you’ll see wizards, knights and wenches. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits and will be begging to participate while staring in awe. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! This weekend is the only time they offer kids entry as FREE.

Be sure and check out all of the programs DC Library has to offer.

WashingCon will be at Georgetown Hotel and Convention Center at Georgetown University. Before you read further, see this event page— looks amazing!! The doors open at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the Main Hall and the Game Library close at 11pm but the West Lobby and the South Gallery stay open until the wee hours of the night so feel free to come hang out until late (especially if you are staying at the hotel!)

Friday

5:30pm-7:30pm: Ice Cream Social & DJ Dance Party at Turtle Park/Friendship
FREE ice cream & FREE family dance with Deejay! First come, first serve for ice cream while it lasts…School’s back in session and we’re all in town! Brought to you by Friends of Friendship Park*FOFP is the 501(c)3 non-profit that supports, beautifies and holds special events at Turtle Park roughly monthly.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Live Concert Series
Kick off your weekend with live entertainment, great company, and fantastic food, wine and beer from the restaurants at Rockville Town Square  on The Square in Rockville Town Square. Music ranges from 80’s and 90’s cover bands, funk and soul, roots rock blues and southern rock.

Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 7:30, Film begins 8:00, Film ends at 9:30: Union Market Drive-In: The Lion King
$10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Free for walk-ups. Excited for the drive-in but don’t have a car? A Lion cub crown prince is tricked by a treacherous uncle into thinking he caused his father’s death and flees into exile in despair, only to learn in adulthood his identity and his responsibilities. 1h 28 min, rated G

7:00pm-9:00pm: The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

10:00am-2:00pm: Hirshhorn Library + Pop-Up
Check it out! Find our cart in the gallery and check out a kit to use inside the Museum. Kits include a children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on materials.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or catch a show at Adventure Theatre or the Puppet Co.

11:00am-5:00pm:The Kensington Train Show
A Benefit for Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and The Kensington Historical Society. Admission: $7 for adults/$2 for children/$15 for a family

12:30pm-3:00pm: 1, 2, 3 Andres at MLK, Jr Library
Sing, Talk and Read = STAR
Singing, talking and reading with your baby or young child now can help them later in school. It’s never too early to give your kids a smart start.
Come to DC Public Library’s STAR Family Festival featuring:

Workshops for parents to support your child’s early learning
Fun activities, crafts and games for children
Free children’s books
Music!

Sunday

11:00am-5:00pm:The Kensington Train Show
A Benefit for Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and The Kensington Historical Society. Admission: $7 for adults/$2 for children/$15 for a family

12:00pm-5:00pm: Dinomite Dinosaur Day at Port Discovery
Visit us on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9 for Dinomite Dinosaur Days and the closing of the temporary Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice exhibit. Enjoy a Paleo-Expedition as you are guided through a dino-themed story time; participate in a Tiny Dino Dig while engaging in creative, interactive play; and learn how to dance like a dinosaur in Dino-cize! Practice your game show skills and test your dinosaur knowledge in our I Know Dino Game Show! and tap into your inner creative as your make-and-take DinosART paper dinosaurs home! Many activities taking place Saturday & Sunday.

Make a day out of being in Baltimore!

12:00pm-6:00pm: Adams Morgan Day
Celebrating its 40th year this year, Adams Morgan Day is Washington’s longest running neighborhood festival. Adams Morgan Day is a family-friendly celebration with music, art and activities for all ages. We welcome residents and visitors alike to meet our neighborhood businesses, artists and service organizations. Attendance and entertainment is free, and most businesses and restaurants offer deals for the day.

Rainy day indoor options:

Indoor Fun

BloomBars

Madame Tussauds

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Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

August 31, 2018

Have a family-friendly Labor Day by checking out this post we created for you.

Anacostia Park Centennial Celebration is Friday and Saturday. Help kickstart the next 100 years with incredible experiences in the park. The centennial birthday bash will become a part of park history, don’t miss your chance to be a part of it. Enjoy family fun activities in the park including painting murals, live raptors, catch and release fishing lessons with a competition for biggest fish caught, photobooth stations, arts and crafts, bike repair pop up shop, photo exhibits, roller skating performances and much more! Reminisce on Summer in the Parks during its 50th anniversary with an evening concert on Friday, on the lawn featuring Go Go stars and headliner Chuck Brown Band. Enjoy music from opening acts Trouble Funk and Reminisce All Stars as the night is hosted by DJ EZ Street.

Friday

Saturday

9:00am-7:30pm: 18th Library of Congress National Book Festival at the Washington Convention Center
All presentations and public activities at the festival are free and do not require tickets. Author talks, book signings, characters and so much more. Spread the love of reading to your child.

10:00am-2:00pm: Zoo Bop at the Maryland Zoo
Kids, get your dancing shoes on and singing voice ready! Zoo Bop is a children’s outdoor music festival at the Zoo. 1,2,3, Andres will make an appearance at 1:00pm! Families will enjoy two live performances from kid-approved rockstars! Plus, bop around to kids vendors, food trucks, and fun activity tables. You won’t want to forget to explore the Zoo, too.

10:00am-12:00pm: Shake up your Saturday at Folger Shakespeare Library: Thunder, Lightning or in Rain
Explore the sun and storms of Shakespeare’s worlds. Shake Up Your Saturdays is a free program that takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Family members of all ages are welcome to join the fun! 10:00am-11:00am: Recommended Ages 4-7 & 11:00-12:00pm: Recommended Ages 7-11. Register here.

An exciting program we’ve been to a few times that occurs each Saturday is at Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers. This Saturday it will be from 10:00am-1:00pm. Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or catch a show at Adventure Theatre or the Puppet Co.

Don’t miss:
The National Building Museum’s Summer Block Party Series, Fun House which closes September 3

Splashing around

More activities for the weekend can be found here. a

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Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

August 24, 2018

August 23-26 Comcast Outdoor Film Festival returns to Strathmore this summer! Join us on the lawn for FOUR nights of free family favorite flicks benefiting the NIH Children’s Charities. August 24: Black Panther, August 25: The Lion King, August 26: Wonder Woman. Concessions begin at 7:30pm. Movie will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30pm). Event is FREE!

Friday

5:30pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 18th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more—every Friday evenings in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in).

6:00pm-9:00pm: Parents Night Out at My Gym Bethesda:Mr. Nick’s Birthday Celebration
Drop your kids off for three hours of nonstop action at My Gym including fitness games, active play, pizza and fun! Kids have their own party here at My Gym while grown-ups enjoy 3 hours to themselves. My Gym is the best babysitting around! Space is limited-Reserve your spot here! Reservations required. Potty independent please. $40 Members, $45 Non-members, Sibling Discount

6:00pm-9:00pm: Parents Night Out at Busy Bees Falls Church
So you want to have some uninterrupted conversations over dinner, or go to the movies, or just bee, but don’t have a sitter? Now you have our A-Team! We are not a sit down and watch a video kinda place! Rest assured: Your little one will be Active and walk away feeling Funtastic after moving, spinning, running and jumping with our A-Team! Pssst… a solid night sleep? Yes please! Reservations are required and spots are limited! $35 first child and $30 siblings. Pizza meals will be provided for the kids. Consider bringing them in their PJs, and they’ll be ready for bed when you come and get them!

Saturday

11:30am-3:00pm: Summer in the City Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Escape the heat and still play in the sun! Come and enjoy all your favorite summertime games, a museum scavenger hunt, and crafts. If you are looking for something more low-key, put on a lei and listen to relaxing island music. Enjoy refreshing summer treats from the Courtyard Café.

12:00pm-6:00pm: 17th Street Festival
The festival includes a wide variety of street vendors, including artists, makers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, kids’ activities and entertainment – rain or shine. The festival will include more than 60 artists and makers selling everything from oil paintings to pottery, jewelry to cigars, and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, local entrepreneurs, and the Kids Zone will have an inflatable slide and vendors. Unique to the 17th Street Festival will be an all day “traveling” entertainment on the street, including a funk band, flamenco dancers with guitar, mariachi band, a Chinese lion dancer, and a New Orleans jazz band. Taking place in the 1500-1600 blocks of 17th Street, NW.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Community Day at Arena Stage
Celebrate Arena’s 2018/19 season with a great day full of activities including live music, face painting, dance performances, storytelling, delicious cuisine from Southwest restaurants and much, much more! Enjoy a pony ride with Ponies Unlimited. Meet, adopt and go home with your new best friend! The Humane Rescue Alliance’s mobile adoption vehicle will be onsite with adoptable cats and dogs. This event is completely FREE to the public and great for all ages!

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art: Slime and other concoctions
Workshops will include open art exploration, sensory stations, a related story, and a guided project. Each workshop is $30/child.

6:00pm: KIDZ BOP Live at Wolf Trap
KIDZ BOP Live 2018 is the ultimate family concert experience, “sung by kids for kids.” The KIDZ BOP Kids headline this new show, performing some of today’s biggest hit songs that have also kept them at the top of the US Kids charts for over 15 years.

Sunday

10:00am-11:00am: Nous Bloombars
The Alliance Francaise is very proud to continue its partnership with BloomBars, bringing back a weekly music program for children. Nous Bloomons is a celebration of French language and culture through song and dance, led by Achille Ango. Achille grew up in Cameroon (Central West Africa). After graduating from High School, he went to France where he lived for seven years studying and playing music. He has taught French to children, and played music with various bands in the Washington area for more than 20 years. He now teaches French in an immersion school using music as a vehicle. If you want to have fun, dance, jump and sing “à tue-tête”, join us at BloomBars! $7 suggested donation per child. $3 per adult.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Movie: Annie 2014

Ongoing activities:
Fun House at National Building Museum
Wings of Fancy at Brookside Gardens
Tinkerbell at Adventure Theatre

Weekend Picks: October 20-22, 2017

October 20, 2017

Now in its 10th year, Kids Euro Festival brings Europe’s most talented children’s entertainers to the DC metro area each fall for two weeks (beginning this weekend through Nov. 5) of free performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, magic, and cinema. With programs both for the general public and for school groups, more than 10,000 DC-area children and their families enjoy Kids Euro Festival programs each year. Schedule of events found here.

Fall Festivals are in full effect. Let the apple and pumpkin picking start.

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for CLOSING weekend! Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch!

Halloween Events pulled from our Tricks & Treats post:

Oct. 20-22– 5:30pm-8:30pm- Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo is Washington DC’s favorite Halloween treat. With more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, and decorated trails, this frightfully fun evening is a treat for the whole family. An entertainment stage will feature magicians, jugglers, and a DJ spinning Halloween favorites. Don’t miss a themed scarecrow field. Purchase tickets.

Oct. 20-21 & 27-28 (Various Times)- Soul Strolls in Congressional Cemetery
If they could still speak, what do you think they would say? Over 65,000 individuals are laid to rest in Congressional Cemetery. From Congressman to carpenters, suffragists to bootleggers, each resident has a unique story to tell. Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore these stories through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Typically only open from dawn to dusk, this special event allows nighttime access to the public. Don’t miss out on this exclusive experience unlike any other Halloween tour! Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6 and 9 pm, and beer, wine, and cider will be for sale. Purchase tickets.

Oct. 21 & 22–9:00am-5:00pm- Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon celebrates the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music.

Oct. 21–12:00pm-5:30pm- Air and Scare at National Air and Space Museum (Virginia Location)
Explore the spooky side of air and space at Air & Scare, our annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe indoor trick-or-treating.

Oct. 22– 10:30am-1:00pm- Friends of Forest Hills Playground Halloween
The neighborhood looks forward to this party every year, and this year’s event features Abracadabra Alex, our famous costume parade, a bake sale and pizza from Armand’s. The proceeds from the bake sale and pizza sales go toward events like this party and the summer concerts, plus playground improvements.

And a few non-Halloween events:

Saturday:

10:00am-4:00pm: Family Day: (Un)Common Threads at George Washington University Museum & the Textile Museum

11:30am-2:00pm: 20th Annual Community Sports Day at Stead Park

1:00pm-3:00pm: Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center Open House

Sunday:

12:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Back to Bethesda at Rock Creek Mansion on Cedar Lane

Catch these shows before the curtain closes:

How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre- Sept 22 – Oct 22, 2017
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)

Drumming with Dishes– Oct 6 – Oct 21, 2017
(The Lab Theatre at Convergence: 1819 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA. 22302)

The Smartest Girl in the World at Imagination Stage- Oct 7 – Oct 29, 2017
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD. 20814)

Weekend Picks: October 13-15, 2017

October 13, 2017

Surely you’ve heard about the new District Wharf that just opened! Mark your calendar for four days (started Thursday) of live music, fabulous food, and fun at the Southwest Waterfront as we celebrate the long-awaited opening of The Wharf. The District’s biggest neighborhood event will feature free live entertainment and headliner bands, including The Great Zucchini on Saturday, restaurant openings from DC’s hottest chefs, debuts of iconic shops, and lots of waterside activities and games—concluding both Thursday and Sunday with sunset fireworks.

Fall Festivals have commenced!!! Let the apple and pumpkin picking start.

Maryland Renaissance Festival will be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs for opening weekend! Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

Saturday-

10:00am-4:00pm: The Big Build at National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Be a builder for the day at The Big Build community day. Amateur builders young and old can discover what it’s like to don a hard hat, pour cement, spackle a wall, and much more as you work side-by-side with designers, builders, and artisans demonstrating their skills. Meet plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, woodworkers, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. Free, drop in. No registration required. Recommended for ages 5-12; all ages welcome.

10:00am-2:00pm: Truck Touch at Suburban Nursery School
(7210 Hidden Creek Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817)
Make way for Suburban Nursery School’s 10th Annual Truck Touch – one of the best fall events for families in the DC Metro area. Join the fun to celebrate the coolest trucks around. In addition to trucks, there will be cars, buses, food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, crafts and more. $5/person. Under 2 free.

10:00am: You & Me Song Circle with Imagination Stage at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
You and your child are invited to join in the wild rompus in this fun, interactive musical experience with Imagination Stage! In this workshop, an Early Childhood Teaching Artist accompanied by a live percussionist guides you through a musical exploration of the classic children’s story Where the Wild Things Are. Together we will celebrate fall with our mightiest roars and dancing shoes as we bring this Maurice Sendak tale to life through song, movement, and instrument play. Best for ages 1-5, but all are welcome! $8

10:00am-4:00pm: Heritage Day at Pierce Mill
(2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, D.C)
There will be a quilting demonstration by the Needlechasers of Chevy Chase that will include “make and take” quilting for children. Master Weaver Chapuchi Bobbo Ahiagble from Ghana will demonstrate West African Kente strip cloth weaving. Chapuchi grew up among the Ewe weavers near the town of Agbozume, the largest market for Ewe Kente cloth in the world. A blacksmith, carpenters, bluegrass music, cider press, and corn sheller will round out the activities. Tours of the new orchard will be given throughout the day. And we’ll have hands-on children’s crafts. A food truck will provide lunch options. The waterwheel will be turning from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to showcase the magic of the giant wooden machine, designed by Oliver Evans. Built in 1820-1829 by Isaac Peirce as part of his large estate, the gristmill brings to life the agricultural history of Washington County.

2:00pm-5:00pm: 2nd Annual Pike District Fall Festival
(Rockville Pike & Marinelli Rd)
7 Locks Brewing (yes, Surrender Dorothy will be on tap!) and a Fall wine selection from North Bethesda Market‘s HOP N GRAPE. You’ll be hungry so nibble on sweets from local faves Ize’s Deli & Bagelry, Pike & Rose‘s Summer House Santa Monica – North Bethesda and Stella Barra – North Bethesda. Don’t forget the food truck brigade of Greatest American Hot Dogs, El Pollo Submarine, The Rolling Brick, La Strada Mobile Italian Food and Tasty Grill To Go. Wait! Don’t leave the Fall Fest without entering your name for the GRAND PRIZE drawing – Strathmore is giving away 2 tickets to a show in the President’s Box and you can win a brunch at Pinstripes! Finally, there will be a moonbounce, facepainters, balloon artists, reps from community organizations so you can learn more about what is going on in Pike District?

Sunday-

12:00pm-4:00pm: 3rd Annual Cardboard Day of Play at Annemarie Sculpture Garden
(13470 Dowell Road, Dowell (Solomons), MD 20629)
Take the Global Cardboard Challenge and join us for a day of outrageous construction, games, and imaginative play. With activities for all ages, this is an over-the-top day of building and creating! Families are invited to an afternoon of imaginative play as Annmarie Garden participates in the Global Cardboard Challenge, an annual event that highlights childhood creativity. The Main Gallery of the Arts Building will be filled with cardboard creations and activities that will delight and engage families. Children will have the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and build their way through awesome amusements, art activities, cardboard construction. From mini-golf to cardboard cornhole, families can enjoy friendly competition and groovy gameplay. Stop by one of several art stations to create your own cardboard masterpiece or cardboard hat. Visit Cardboard City or the Cardboard Farm! Builders, tinkerers and little engineers will love the cardboard construction zone. There will be plenty of great photo opportunities, so get ready to grab a cardboard prop, strike a pose and capture great memories! Members FREE; Non-members $4; kids 4 & under FREE.

1:00pm-8:00pm: Tenleytown Block Party (Rescheduled from last weekend)
(4100 River Rd)
Free Grilled Burgers/Hot Dogs/Drinks/Desserts & More, Free Ice Cream by local area favorite food truck, 45′ Inflatable Obstacle Course For Kids/Teens/Adults, Children’s Ferris Wheel & Bounce House, Face Painting/Balloons/Live Entertainers, The Fan Zone- Featuring Live Viewing Tent For NFL Games, Shaded Seating Areas, Heroes Spotlight with local Police and Fire Dept, 3-On-3 Basketball Tournament, Live DJ/Music, Cornhole & Football Toss, Help put together 150 care packages that will be distributed by Martha’s Table to neighbors in need, Cupcake Baking Competition, And Much More!

1:00pm AND 5:00pm: Peppa Pig at Warner Theatre

Shows:

How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre- Sept 22 – Oct 22, 2017
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)

Drumming with Dishes– Oct 6 – Oct 21, 2017
(The Lab Theatre at Convergence: 1819 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA. 22302)

The Smartest Girl in the World at Imagination Stage- Oct 7 – Oct 29, 2017
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD. 20814)