Beltway Bambinos

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

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA PASSES

The upcoming film “HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA,” will be exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on January 14th. Drac and the Pack are back in an all-new adventure. When Van Helsing’s (Jim Gaffigan) mysterious new invention transforms Drac (Brian Hull) and his pals into humans, and Johnny (Andy Samberg)  into a monster. With their new mismatched bodies, Drac and the pack must find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent. The film is rated PG and has a show time of 98 minutes. Check out the trailer here. 

We have 20 family four packs for a FREE in-person screening of this film. The advance screening will be on Saturday, January 8th at Landmark E Street at 10:30am. 

Get your free passes here.

Drac and the Pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. Reunite with your favorite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac (Brian Hull) with his most terrifying task yet. When Van Helsing’s (Jim Gaffigan) mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterification Ray,’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny (Andy Samberg) becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy. With help from Mavis (Selena Gomez) and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent. The film also features the voices of Kathryn Hahn (Ericka), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Molly Shannon (Wanda), David Spade (Griffin the Invisible Man), Keegan-Michael Key (Murray), Fran Drescher (Eunice), Brad Abrell (Frank), and Asher Blinkoff (Dennis).

Directors | Derek Drymon and Jennifer Kluska
Screenwriters | Amos Vernon & Nunzio Randazzo and Genndy Tartakovsky
Story by | Genndy Tartakovsky
Producers | Alice Dewey Goldstone
Executive Producers | Genndy Tartakovsky, Michelle Murdocca, Selena Gomez
Cast | Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kathryn Hahn, Jim Gaffigan, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Brian Hull, Fran Drescher, Brad Abrell, Asher Blinkoff

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Friday & Saturday

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

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

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

Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday

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

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

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Spirit Untamed on-demand giveaway

A few weeks ago we did a Spirit Untamed giveaway to get you into the theatre to see the new movie if you were comfortable. Now we have 20 rental codes to give away so you can watch the movie in the comfort of your home! The movie is on-demand NOW! To get access to the movie for free and to watch from home, comment on this post with an adventure you plan to embark on this summer or hope to one day. Winners will be sent a code on Saturday by 11:30am EST to the email you list when commenting.

About Spirit Untamed, Rated PG:
An epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong who discovers a kindred spirit when her life intersects with a wild horse, Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in the beloved story from DreamWorks Animation. 

Lucky Prescott (Isabela Merced, Dora and the Lost City of Gold) never really knew her late mother, Milagro Navarro (Eiza González, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw), a fearless horse-riding stunt performer from Miradero, a small town on the edge of the wide-open frontier. 

Like her mother, Lucky isn’t exactly a fan of rules and restrictions, which has caused her Aunt Cora (Academy Award® winner Julianne Moore) no small amount of worry. Lucky has grown up in an East Coast city under Cora’s watchful eye, but when Lucky presses her own luck with one too many risky escapades, Cora picks up stakes and moves them both back with Lucky’s father, Jim (Oscar® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal), in Miradero.

Lucky is decidedly unimpressed with the sleepy little town. She has a change of heart when she meets Spirit, a wild Mustang who shares her independent streak, and befriends two local horseback riders, Abigail Stone (Mckenna Grace, Captain Marvel) and Pru Granger (Marsai Martin, Little). Pru’s father, stable owner Al Granger (Emmy winner Andre Braugher, Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine), is the best friend of Lucky’s father. 

When a heartless horse wrangler (Emmy nominee Walton Goggins, FX’s Justified) and his team plan to capture Spirit and his herd and auction them off to a life of captivity and hard labor, Lucky enlists her new friends and bravely embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to rescue the horse who has given her freedom and a sense of purpose, and has helped Lucky discover a connection to her mother’s legacy and to her Mexican heritage that she never expected.

Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved franchise that began with the 2002 Oscar-nominated film Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron and includes an Emmy-winning TV series. The film is directed by Elaine Bogan (Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Television’s Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia) and is produced by Karen Foster (co-producer, How to Train Your Dragon). The film’s co-director is Ennio Torresan (head of story, The Boss Baby), and the film’s score is by composer Amie Doherty (Amazon’s Undone, DreamWorks Animation’s Marooned).

#SpiritUntamed stars Isabela Merced, Julianne Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marsai Martin, Mckenna Grace and more!

Spirit Untamed movie pass giveaway

(from left) Abigail Stone (Mckenna Grace) riding Boomerang, Lucky Prescott (Isabela Merced) riding Spirit and Pru Granger (Marsai Martin) riding Chica Linda in DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed, directed by Elaine Bogan.

About Spirit Untamed:
An epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong who discovers a kindred spirit when her life intersects with a wild horse, Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in the beloved story from DreamWorks Animation. 

Lucky Prescott (Isabela Merced, Dora and the Lost City of Gold) never really knew her late mother, Milagro Navarro (Eiza González, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw), a fearless horse-riding stunt performer from Miradero, a small town on the edge of the wide-open frontier. 

Like her mother, Lucky isn’t exactly a fan of rules and restrictions, which has caused her Aunt Cora (Academy Award® winner Julianne Moore) no small amount of worry. Lucky has grown up in an East Coast city under Cora’s watchful eye, but when Lucky presses her own luck with one too many risky escapades, Cora picks up stakes and moves them both back with Lucky’s father, Jim (Oscar® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal), in Miradero.

Lucky is decidedly unimpressed with the sleepy little town. She has a change of heart when she meets Spirit, a wild Mustang who shares her independent streak, and befriends two local horseback riders, Abigail Stone (Mckenna Grace, Captain Marvel) and Pru Granger (Marsai Martin, Little). Pru’s father, stable owner Al Granger (Emmy winner Andre Braugher, Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine), is the best friend of Lucky’s father. 

When a heartless horse wrangler (Emmy nominee Walton Goggins, FX’s Justified) and his team plan to capture Spirit and his herd and auction them off to a life of captivity and hard labor, Lucky enlists her new friends and bravely embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to rescue the horse who has given her freedom and a sense of purpose, and has helped Lucky discover a connection to her mother’s legacy and to her Mexican heritage that she never expected. 

Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved franchise that began with the 2002 Oscar-nominated film Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron and includes an Emmy-winning TV series. The film is directed by Elaine Bogan (Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Television’s Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia) and is produced by Karen Foster (co-producer, How to Train Your Dragon). The film’s co-director is Ennio Torresan (head of story, The Boss Baby), and the film’s score is by composer Amie Doherty (Amazon’s Undone, DreamWorks Animation’s Marooned).

#SpiritUntamed stars Isabela Merced, Julianne Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marsai Martin, Mckenna Grace and more!

Giveaway: Enter to win a 4-pack of passes to see Spirit Untamed June 1, 2021 at 7pm at AMC Tyson’s Corner. Comment below with the last movie you saw in a theatre! Winner will be randomly selected and notified on the comments below Saturday, May 29, 2021.

Note: Due to Covid protocols the theater will only fill the theater to 30% capacity,

Virtual movie screening passes for Come Away

We’ve got passes for you to a virtual screening of COME AWAY, the imaginative origin story of two of the most beloved characters in literature – Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. The film stars David Oyelowo, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Angelina Jolie, with Derek Jacobi and Michael Caine. It’s in theaters and on Premium Video on Demand November 13 but you can see it from the comfort of your home on Wednesday.

Click here for a unique link to access “tickets”–we only have 20 so grab them now!

Details:
Virtual screening: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 7:00pm

How it works: 
-The first 20 people who click through get a “ticket” to the virtual screening.
-One hour prior to the screening, you will receive another email with the link to join.
-Click it, enter the virtual waiting room for the show to begin at 7pm. (The waiting room works like a line, and people will be admitted until full. They do not anticipate any turnaways but be on time to make sure you get in.)

Beautiful Boy & Can you ever Forgive Me? Sneak peek movie passes!

Screening Details: Monday, October 15th at 7:30pm at Landmark E St
Click here for 2 passes 

At 18, Nicolas Sheff was a good student, editor of his high school newspaper, an actor in the school play and a member of the water polo team. A voracious reader and a talented artist, Nic was set to enter college in the fall. He had started experimenting with drugs when he was 12, but in his late teens he tried meth for the first time and, as he writes, “the world went from black and white to Technicolor.” Nic went almost instantly from a teenager dabbling with substances to a having a full-blown dependency.

BEAUTIFUL BOY is a searingly honest/frank account of the Sheff family’s journey through Nic’s continuing struggles with addiction. Based on acclaimed journalist David Sheff’s bestseller of the same name and his son Nic’s breakout memoir Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines, the film presents a unique portrait of the ways addiction can destroy lives and the power of love to rebuild them.

Harrowing, heart-breaking and yet full of joy, hope, and love, BEAUTIFUL BOY recounts the rehabs, disappearances, broken promises and rage as Nic sinks deeper into the drug world, as well as David’s efforts to save his “beautiful boy” from the ravages of addiction.

Directed by: Felix van Groeningen (Belgica, The Broken Circle Breakdown)
Cast: Steve Carell (Foxcatcher, The Big Short) and Timotheģe Chalamet (Interstellar, Call Me by Your Name), Maura Tierney (“The Affair,” Baby Mama), Amy Ryan (Birdman, Gone Baby Gone) and Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People).

 

 

Screening Details: Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00pm at Regal Majestic
Click here for 2 passes!

In CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling celebrity biographer (and cat lover) who made her living in the 1970’s and 80’s profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estée Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen.  When Lee found herself unable to get published because she had fallen out of step with the marketplace, she turned her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant). Rated R for language including some sexual references, and brief drug use. Running Time: 107 minutes

Directed by: Marielle Heller
Screenplay by: Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty
Based on the book by: Lee Israel
Produced by: Anne Carey p.g.a., Amy Nauiokas, David Yarnell
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Jane Curtin, Ben Falcone, Anna Deavere Smith, Stephen Spinella

Date Night: 2 tickets to the screening of First Man


Screening Details: FIRST MAN

7:30pm on October 1, 2018 at Regal Majestic
(900 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910)

Comment on this post, on Facebook or on Instagram with your email address and we will send you 2 tickets to the screening. 

On the heels of their six-time Academy Award®-winning smash, La La Land, Oscar®-winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for Universal Pictures’ First Man, the riveting story behind the first manned mission to the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the decade leading to the historic Apollo 11 flight.  A visceral and intimate account told from Armstrong’s perspective, based on the book by James R. Hansen, the film explores the triumphs and the cost—on Armstrong, his family, his colleagues and the nation itself—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.

Written by Academy Award® winner Josh Singer (Spotlight, The Post), the epic drama of leading under the pressure of grace and tragedy is produced by Wyck Godfrey & Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga, The Fault in Our Stars) through their Temple Hill Entertainment banner, alongside Isaac Klausner (Love, Simon) and Chazelle.  Steven Spielberg, Adam Merims and Singer executive produce, while DreamWorks Pictures co-finances the film.

Release Date: October 12, 2018

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciaran Hinds, Christopher Abbott, Patrick Fugit, Lukas Haas

Director: Damien Chazelle

Screenplay by: Josh Singer

Based on the Book by: James R. Hansen

Produced by: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, Damien Chazelle

Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Adam Merims, Josh Singer

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

Celebrate nature, culture and community at the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this weekend from 10:00am-5:00pm. The TWO-DAY festival features performances from cultures around the world, family fun games, arts and crafts and the amazingly beautiful lotuses and water lilies in full bloom! Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a one-of-a-kind experience within Anacostia Park. Celebrate the Centennial of Anacostia Park at one of D.C.’s hidden gems during the Year of the Anacostia.

Friday

10:00am-3:00pm: Mars Day! 2018
The National Air and Space Museum’s annual Mars Day! celebrates the Red Planet with educational and fun activities for all ages that expose visitors to the latest developments in planetary science. Talk to scientists active in Mars research and mission planning, learn about current and future missions, and see a real meteorite from Mars.

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 evening from 5:00pm to 8:30pm 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: 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 from 6:00pm-9:00pm 
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.

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: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
Children are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each First Studio includes a gallery tour, a story, and a hands-on art-making experience. An adult companion is required and art-making attire is recommended. Read about our wonderful experience here.

10:00am-5:00pm: Dinomite Dinosaur Day and Power Plant Live! & Port Discovery Family Fun Day!
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 work up a sweat as you explore body movement through physical activity 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! Plus, as part of the PowerPlant Live! and Port Discovery Family Fun Day Series, enjoy access to indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family! All-Access wristbands that include admission to PowerPlant Live’s outdoor family events plus Port Discovery will be on sale for just $15. Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

10:00am-3:00pm: Day of Archaeology Festival
(See picture below)

10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm:  Art Investigators: Mary Cassatt
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 min.

11:00am: Story Time with Washington Nationals Player at Cleveland Park Library
Meet Washington Nationals Pitcher Sean Doolittle at this special story time event for families. He will share stories and answer questions.

1:00pm-2:00pm: “Magic & Music & Stuff!” at Davis Library
a show of impossible magic tricks and off the wall comedy all themed around music, sound and noises. Come prepared to join in the show. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Davis Chapter. This is a summertime program for children of all ages and their families. Tickets will be given out one half hour before program. Best for ages five and up.

6:00pm-8:45pm: Friends of Friendship “Turtle” Park presents: The Turtle Park Jazz Project! 
Variety of food and ice cream trucks on hand! Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy a summer evening at the park for adults and kids of all ages!

Sunday

11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm: Art Investigators: Mary Cassatt
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes.

3:30pm-4:15pm: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child (ages 1-5) are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Featured story: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Get your tickets!

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Holes
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! They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.

 

See a fabulous kid-friendly show this weekend!

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Plan ahead:
Loudoun County Fair: July 23-28
Tanabata: The Japanese Star Festival at Hillwood Museum: July 28
Yoga in the Sculpture Garden at Kreeger Museum: July 28

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