Beltway Bambinos

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

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Family Fun at The National Gallery of Art

All weekend long events

Pumpkin Chunkin at Great Country Farms 9:00am-5:00pm both Saturday & Sunday
Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern to our smashin’ stations and let it fly! The Silo Drop and the Zip Wire Sploosh let you do the smashin’ yourself or bring your pumpkin to the Pumpkin Drop Zone and add it to our upside down “fireworks display” as the pumpkins are dropped from a 40ft lift. You will be sure to love giving your pumpkin one final ride. What happens to all those smashed pumpkins?… the pigs and cows love to eat them and we compost the rest.

Tricks & Treats Show at Capital City Circus 7:00pm on Saturday & 4:00pm on Sunday
See the impressive Capital City Circus show. Take advantage of two chances to watch Capitol City Circus School staff take the stage for a performance that will be Out of This World! The Saturday show also includes a family-friendly celebration of fall, plus a chance to sample Cap City Circus’s class offerings! See details below.

Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! at the Kennedy Center through Sunday

She Persisted at Adventure Theatre through Sunday

Friday

5:30pm-7:30pm: Candy Sushi Making at Red Panda Art Studio
Halloween Candy Overload? No problem! Transform your candy into something new by making candy sushi. This is also a great opportunity to run off extra energy in our play space during movement games! This workshop includes pizza dinner.

Saturday

9:00am: Free Morning Yoga at The Yards
The Yards, D.C.’s ultimate neighborhood to live, shop, dine, and relax, is inviting guests to kick off their day with a rejuvenating outdoor yoga class in partnership with LUMA, a premier Yoga and wellness studio coming soon to the neighborhood. Beginners and seasoned yogis alike are invited to grab their mats and water bottles and head over to The Yards Park and enjoy a free, guided class led by yoga and meditation instructor, Calm with Carlyn. Attendees will have the chance to become a founding LUMA member as well as a chance to win a surprise giveaway to lucky yogis, so make sure you come to the event ready to win!

10:00am-3:00pm: Family Fun at The National Gallery of Art
Spend the morning immersed in art. Begin at 10am for Storytime, followed by Sketching Lab, Kids Play Space and Drop-in Art Making.

10:30am-3:00pm: Open Studio Art Making at Hirshhorn
Discover fresh opportunities for artistic expression every weekend in November at Open Studio! Delve into the creative world of artist Mark Bradford and his masterpiece Pickett’s Charge, as we explore his use of color, texture, and materials. Collaborate in the creation of a large-scale artwork inspired by Bradford’s process, or craft your own mixed-media piece to take home. Each week will introduce new ideas and creative challenges! This week, kids will explore telling a story through mixed media (combining materials such as paper, rope, images, to create a visual narrative)! 

2:00pm-6:00pm: Adams Morgan Porchfest
With over 100 bands, this event will showcase some of DC’s best local musical talent featuring nearly every musical genre, including classic rock, funk, go-go, hip-hop, reggae, blue grass, classical, and pop. Twenty-five porches, business patios, parks, and the closed 18th Street will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Día de los Muertos at The Wharf
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with your family and friends at The Wharf. Sip on Modelo while you discover beautifully decorated altars honoring loved ones, listen to live music by the Latin Celtic band La Unica, and light up the night during the community lantern procession. The family-friendly afternoon will include free activities for the kids including face painting, sugar skull decorating, and more. Don’t forget to dress the part by wearing colorful colors, skulls, and flowers!

5:00pm-8:30pm: El Día de los Muertos at National Portrait Gallery
Join us for our annual celebration of el Día de los Muertos—one of the National Portrait Gallery’s biggest events of the year—with live music, Mexican folk-dance performances, workshops, and a variety of activities for all ages. Create calaveras and papel picado to decorate the community altar, get your face painted to look like la Catrina, and more! Take the celebration to the streets as you witness the live video mapping projection by artists MasPaz and Guache. The artists will create their work live from the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, projected onto the G and 9th street façade.

Looking ahead:

Día de los Muertos at The Kennedy Center: November 4 at 7:30pm
Celebrate the Mexican holiday, el día de los muertos, the day of the dead, with a concert dedicated to music by Mexican composers, conducted by NOW’s Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico.

SIX at National Theatre : November 12–December 1 
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

Tootsie Musical at The National + GIVEAWAY

Tootsie the Musical is hitting stages at The National Tuesday, Dec. 7 – Sunday, Dec. 12.

Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. 

Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”

Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). 

Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). 

Recommended for ages 13 and up. 

Run time: Approximately 2 hours, 35 minutes, one intermission

Covid 19 information can be found here.

Giveaway​: The perfect mom’s night out! Enter to win tickets to the Tuesday, December 7th show! We have a pair of tickets to give away. To enter: tag your BFF, work wife, fellow mom in need of a night out, whoever you would like to see the show with on our Instagram post. Winners will be selected and notified by November 30.

The King’s Speech at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

The King’s Speech will be at The National Theatre February 11 – 16, 2020.

The King’s Speech is based on the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and the friendship he formed with his unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue. With the Nazi threat looming and civil unrest at home, royal secrets explode around the King as he’s thrust onto the world stage. David Seidler’s original play – which inspired the 2010 Oscar-winning film starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush – will make its long-awaited U.S. debut in a production The Mail proclaims “A right royal treat.”

This show is recommended for ages 13 and up. Find tickets here.

Giveaway: Enter to win a pair of tickets to opening night – Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30pm. Comment on our Facebook page with a favorite theatre show you have seen at National Theatre or a favorite in general. Winner will be announced February 1, 2020.

Contest Regulations
Anyone associated with Allied (promo partners, employees, etc.) are not eligible to enter the contest. Winners cannot win on multiple outlets.

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

This is the greatest holiday giveaway. Win 4 tickets for this holiday magic show on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:30pm at National Theatre!!

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at National Theatre

Ring in the holidays with the mind-blowing spectacular THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS, showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. This show will be at National Theatre Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. You can purchase tickets here.

The show is recommended for ages 6 and up. Run time is approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes with an intermission.

GIVEAWAY: Win 4 tickets for the show on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:30pm!! Enter by commenting on Facebook & Instagram with your favorite holiday activity to do with your family. Winner announced November 30, 2019.
Anyone associated with Allied (promo partners, employees, etc.) are not eligible to enter the contest.

John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

Fresh off its Tony-nominated hit Broadway run, Tony Award winner John Leguizamo’s one-man play LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS is inspired by the near total absence of Latinos from his son’s American history books. Known as modern theatre’s most prolific Latino playwright, Leguizamo embarks on an outrageously funny, frenzied search to find a Latin hero for his son’s school history project. From a mad recap of the Aztec empire to stories of unknown Latin patriots of the Revolutionary War and beyond, Leguizamo breaks down the 3,000 years between the Mayans and Pitbull into 110 irreverent and uncensored minutes above and beyond his unique style. Don’t miss the show The New York Times calls “a surprisingly poignant one-man play that slyly poses sharp and timely questions of what culturally defines American identity and who, in the nationalistic age of Trump, has ‘the right’ to be here.”

Recommended for ages 13 and up. Run time: Approximately 1 hour, 50 minutes, no intermission

John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons will be at National Theatre Thursday, Nov. 21 – Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. Tickets can be purchased here.

GIVEAWAY: Tag a friend to bring to the show on our Instagram post, you can enter more than once but you both must be following Beltway Bambinos page! Winner will be announced November 15, 2019.

STOMP at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY


What: STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

Where: The National Theatre

When: April 23 – 28, 2019

Run time: Approximately 95 minutes with no intermission.

Win: 2 tickets for Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:30pm show. Enter to win by tagging 2 friends on Facebook who would like this show & get an extra entry by doing the same on Instagram. Winner announced in one week.

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

The Montgomery County Fair begins Aug. 10 and lasts through Aug. 18. Tickets are $10.00 for adults & children 11 & under are free. See event calendar for Monster Truck and Demolition Derby dates! Click for more info on kidzone activities, free entertainment and ride info.  

Friday

4:30pm-6:00pm: Tie dye party at My Gym Potomac
1.5 hours of fun games, tie dye and pizza for the family. Bring something white to tie dye – we provide the rest. Ages – All ages welcome. Cost – $20 members, $25 non-members, Sibling Discount

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: 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.

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 

9:30am-10:30am: Action Montessori Pop In & Play
Pop In & Play is a free playdate for parents and children ages 2, 3, and 4. Parents and children will join Acton Montessori teacher, Caitlin Spencer, to explore fun Montessori activities and learn more about how Montessori fosters independence and a love of learning in children.

10:00am: Peter & The Wolf at The National Theatre
Recently named Children’s Entertainer of the Year by Young Audiences of Virginia, Rainbow Puppets presents the tale of “Peter and the Wolf.” Peter lives in a small meadow surrounded by a dark forest. He enjoys the day observing his friend the song bird, his sneaky cat, and the duck who swims in the nearby pond. Grandfather warns Peter to beware of the Wolf who roams in the woods–but Peter has no fear of wolves. Until one fateful day when he and the wolf come face to face. Come see Rainbow Puppet’s version of this beloved classic in which Peter and all his friends, including the duck and the wolf survive the day’s adventure.

10:00am-1:00pm: Art Explorers at Glen Echo
Activities change weekly. Drop in for a 1/2 hour art project. No pre-registration; $5 per parent/child pair, or $8 for two children with adult. Parent/Child Drop-in Art Activities.  (Most activities take approximately 30 minutes). Best for kids under age 10.

11:00am: Air Mail Centennial Celebration at College Park Aviation Museum and College Park Airport
Family Day will take place throughout the campus. Participate in engaging hands-on activities for all ages led by numerous museums, community members, and aviation partners. Get an up close and personal look at the Curtiss Jenny and other historic planes flying in for the weekend. Chat with pilots and mingle with fellow aviation buffs. Bring an envelope or postcard for a special Airmail cancellation. View our new exhibit Delivering America: Airmail to Email. Discover the art of rib making. See Antique and Collector Cars on special display. Entertainment and food trucks will be onsite with food and beverages for purchase.

1:30pm-3:00pm: Family Dig Day at Shutter’s Hill at the Masonic Memorial
Assist Alexandria Archaeology at a public dig! The dig day includes an introduction to the history and archaeology of the Shuter’s Hill Site, a site tour, and the opportunity to sift through excavated soil and assist with artifact processing. $10 per person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is non-refundable. Space is limited and reservations are required.

6:30pm-10:30pm: Parents Night Out at Silver Stars in Silver Spring
Open Gym Play, Moon Bounce, Movies, Pizza, Games & No Parents!

Sunday

6:45am–10:00am: U.S. Airmail Flight Reenactment, Fly-in & Pancake Breakfast 
Savor the mysterious sense of place and join us to watch the early morning departure of the Curtiss Jenny as it takes off on a reenactment of the historic flight one hundred years ago. Enjoy a pancake breakfast with all the fixings, meet pilots who have flown in for the day and learn more about the operational challenges of an airport so close to our Nation’s capital.

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

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: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Get your tickets!

5:00pm: Gustafer Yellowgold at McLean Central Park Gazebo
Two-time Grammy® Nominee, Morgan Taylor and his band will play perennial favorites and dig deep into the wild and hip back catalogue for this rare, non-video version of his nationally heralded Gustafer Yellowgold show. Tasteful, smart and FUN songs for everyone!

 

Ongoing activities:
Fun House at National Building Museum
Wings of Fancy at Brookside Gardens
Tinkerbell at Adventure Theatre
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown at Imagination Stage

Date Night at The National Theatre to see Waitress + Giveaway

Waitress at The National Theatre is a great date night alternative to your typical routine and you can win a pair of tickets to the grand opening show (see details below).

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (the film “I Am Sam”), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Waiting for Godot) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker – who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

  • Waitress will be at National Theatre May 15-June 3, 2018.
  • Estimated running time is 150 minutes, including one intermission.
  • Tickets range from $28-$98.
  • Show is recommended for ages 13+.

 

Giveaway: Win 2 tickets to opening night, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:30pm. To enter, comment on Facebook & Instagram with the name of your favorite Broadway show. Winner will be announced May 1, 2018!

Get a preview of the show and learn more about the play from the director, Diane Paulus and musician, Sara Bareilles below.

“WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly

“A monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire.

“THE WOMEN OF WAITRESS ARE CHANGING BROADWAY!” – Time Magazine

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