weekend

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

October 6, 2023

Our Halloween guide is full of family fun! This weekend Spooky History Tour at the National Building Museum and the Eye Spy Halloween Trains begin in addition to Halloween events that have already begun. Find out where you can pick pumpkins and sip cider in the fall festivals, farms and orchard post.

All weekend

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre
Everyone’s favorite characters come to life on the stage through October 29. With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Imagination Stage
This show kicks the season off, with one-quarter of its performances in Spanish
and three-quarters of them in English. Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The show is best for ages 3-8 and is based on Eric Carle’s books. Playing through October 22.

Disney on Ice at Eagle Bank Arena
Glide and dance your way into the worlds of Frozen & Encanto with music and dancing alongside Elsa and Mirabel, celebrating the amazing gifts that make each of us unique. Enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel. Bring your personal device for photo opportunities.

Friday

6:30pm-9:00pm: Coco Screening & Salsa Dance Class at Color Burst Park
Learn to salsa with the pros and then enjoy a screening of the Disney classic Coco, which takes place in Mexico and was inspired by Día de los Muertos. Salsa Dance Class: 6:30pm – 7:00pm and Coco Screening: 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

6:30pm-11:30pm: Drive-in at Union Market: Selena
Let’s roll down the windows, feel that warm breeze and turn up the radio at the 11th Annual Drive-In at Union Market. This is a cinephile and foodie match made in heaven with better-than-average concessions.

Saturday

9:00am-3:00pm: Open Streets Georgia Avenue
Open Streets is returning to Georgia Avenue in the fall of 2023! Three miles of Georgia Avenue will be closed to vehicles to allow people to walk, run, bike, and play. The route will include hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, dancing, and more! The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities. No cars, just people!

10:00am-4:00pm: First Saturday at National Gallery of Art
All activities are free, and most are first come, first served. Some activities require registration. On the first Saturday of each month the East Building comes alive with art making for all ages, films, pop-up experiences, and more. See link above for the schedule of fun events.

10:00am-3:00pm: The Kreeger Museum Open House
Join a family-friendly celebration of art, music, and nature! This event is free and open to all with live jazz music, art-making activities, and food trucks. Entrance to the Museum will be free of charge and our permanent collection will be on view. See link above for the schedule of fun events.

10:00am-6:00pm: Art on the Avenue
For 28 years, Art on the Avenue has inspired future artists by providing free art projects hosted by local non-profits at the Kids Art Corner— a festival favorite. The festival also has endless art, food, entertainment and art.

11:00am-4:00pm: Chuseok Family Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art
Join to celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with food, performances, and more! 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!

11:00am-4:00pm: Taste of Bethesda
The 31st annual event will feature Bethesda’s best restaurants, five stages of live entertainment, an activity area for kids and more!

12:00pm-4:00pm: Chili Cook Off at The Sandlot at The Boro
All are welcome to stop by and enjoy chili tastings, lawn games, a bar, live music from acclaimed singer-songwriter Brian Dunne and his band.

12:00pm-6:00pm: College Park Day
This is the City of College Park’s signature event and features many activities, entertainment, and fun to celebrate the community. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

Sunday

10:00am AND 1:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio has a day of workshops for all ages! Join in the morning for an all-ages workshop or in the afternoon for a Tween Crafty Club!

10:00am-5:00pm: Southwest Fall Festival
Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of autumn at our Fall Festival! Celebrate the season with fun activities, delicious treats, and a festive atmosphere! Book Bazaar starts at 10:00am and all activities start at 1:00pm.

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

August 18, 2023

It’s sunflower season! The blooms are ready to be marveled at, picked and photographed!

It is county & agriculture fair time! Carousels will be spinning at Arlington County, Prince William County & Montgomery County this weekend!

Friday
4:00pm-9:30pm: Food Truck Friday Block Party
Join for this monthly food truck fest of delicious food, great music, and an amazing community atmosphere. This event is a unique opportunity to try a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made by Black-owned food truck owners.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Who doesn’t love a summer Friday night spent on the river? This Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia. Open to all ages. ARK, and partner Earth Conservation Corps, provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment.

6:00pm: Starlight Cinema Drive-in – Bad Guys
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. Free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies. Gates open 6 p.m. * Pre-movie children’s show 7 p.m. * Movie starts at dark •

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! 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.

8:00pm: A League of Their Own at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:45 p.m. A League of Their Own is a comic look at the true story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league, and their struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.

Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dolley Day at Dumbarton House
Dolley Madison herself will be at Dumbarton House to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! Additionally, there will be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Saturdays at the River Pavilion
Enjoy featured performances and activities with food and beverages available for sale at the River Pavilion. Youth Poet Laureate All Stars will perform with music by DJ B-Blast.

2:00pm-7:00pm: Chuck Brown Day
It’s that special time of the year when DPR celebrates the music and history of DC culture and the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’. This is the largest celebration of Go-Go at an even larger venue this summer. BYO chair or blanket and get ready to jam out with live performances.

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard. Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

Cool down at some splash parks– a few are listed below:
The Wharf: 999 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Color Burst Park: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
The Yards: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

June 9, 2023

Playing all weekend long: Hadestown at the National Theatre
It is an incredible show!!

Friday
5:00pm-7:00pm: Poster Making at The Loft Collective
Bring your positive messages and a spirit of inclusivity and joy to support and celebrate Takoma Park’s LGBTQ+ community! Community events will take place on Sunday, June 11, 10a-2p (more info on Takoma Pride Day here). Poster making is a family event is open to all ages. This event is FREE, but please register so that we know how many to expect.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live! at The National: VIORE: An Adaptation Story by Regan Linton
Once upon a time, the letters V, I, O, R, and E were living their best lives – happy, active, and joyful. But one day, things began to change and the letters transformed. It’s an engaging story of adaptation and how we can all change and grow to become happy, active, and joyful in a whole new way.

10:00am-1:00pm: Art Cart at Hirshhorn
Make some noise for a sound inspired Art Cart. Join us at this week’s Art Cart to investigate and play with sound. Then, make your own sound inspired collage. Find the Art Cart on the Third Level and pick up noise-making materials.

11:00am-2:00pm: Pride at Bark in Boro Park
All are welcome, especially those without a pet at home! Looking for a new leash on life? Paw by Paw Dog Training will host two hour-long training workshops from 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Pre-register to participate here. Bone Appetit! A dog (& human!) treat bar will serve pastries, coffee and puppuccinos from Bluestone Lane, as well as milk bones, chews and treats. Get your furry friend glammed with live tag engraving on-site. Need some puppy therapy? Wolf Trap Animal Rescue will bring a group of puppies to snuggle as they share more about animal rescue & adoption. A kids’ craft and activation area will be set up for little ones to enjoy throughout the festivities.

2:00pm-9:00pm: Pride on the Pier
The Washington Blade in partnership with LURe DC and The Wharf are excited to announce the 4th Annual Pride on the Pier celebration during DC Pride in June 2023. Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Southwest waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment. The District Pier will offer a DJ, dancing and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

3:00pm-7:30pm: Pride Parade
Celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the historic Capital Pride Parade! This beloved tradition honors our history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington, DC, while respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets in the fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the Nation’s Capital.

7:00pm: Youth Soccer Night at the Spirit Game
Versus Angel City

Sunday

11:00am-2:00pm: Takoma Pride Day
Celebrating LGBTQ+ community during Takoma Pride Day. This year’s theme is Protect Trans Rights. With significant legislation across the country attacking the trans community, the intention is to send messages of equality, acceptance, and action.

12:00pm-10:00pm: Pride Festival
Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival. Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors. The Festival is the largest annual event in the national capital region and continues to be free to the public.

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Memorial weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

May 26, 2023

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day in addition to some familiar events. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested day trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car too long but will get you “away”. An obvious and free pick is to visit the various memorials along the Mall. Many events at Arlington National Cemetery can be found here and info on Rolling Thunder can be found here.

The Big Bounce America is taking over Fort Washington, Maryland this weekend through June 11; 10,000 square feet of bounce fun. Use code: MEM10 at checkout to redeem a 10% off offer.

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. All outdoor pools and splash pads will open Memorial Day weekend and will operate on a weekend schedule through June 25.

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks or hit a waterpark (see the bottom of the list). A few sprays in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.

Friday
5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
This season captures the breadth of the American musical experience with Latin fusion from ¡Tumbao! on May 26, zydeco from Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas on June 23, Indigenous fusion from Anderson Quartet on June 30, and funk and soul from the 8 Ohms Band on July 28. Another highlight is a special Juneteenth celebration concert with the Muneer Nasser Quintet on June 16, one of seven local acts this year.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday
Strawberry Jubilee Festival at Great Country Farms is the longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. To celebrate the royal strawberry, our Jubilee is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, a visit from the Strawberry Princess, great food and fun games for the whole family!

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington Cemetery
Members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided by the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. Visitors should not bring their own flowers. During this event, visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones throughout the cemetery.

11:00am: Black Birders Week STEM Day at National Museum of African American History
Did you know there is an entire week dedicated to Black birders, called Black Birders Week?
Black Birders Week began in 2020 to highlight the challenges and joys of Black nature enthusiasts, particularly birders. If you are interested in STEAM, including birds, nature, wildlife, and African American history, then this is the program for you! Museum visitors can participate in a bird walk on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor- Featured movie: Akkelah and the Bee
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! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

8:00pm-9:30pm: National Memorial Day Concert
Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also open to the public. The gates open at 5:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm.

Monday
2:00pm: National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its fourteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

Day (or overnight) trips-
Overnight trips for the family
Beach and State park
Day destinations (less than 2 hours away)
Trails, marshes & gardens
Outdoor fun
15 ways to get outdoors
Adult getaways

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

February 10, 2023

This is a big weekend; Super Bowl and then Valentine’s Day! You may see some people running around in their undies for a good cause on Saturday.

Visit the National Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit: XOXO An Exhibit about Love & Forgiveness. Explore the complex emotions of love and forgiveness through words, movement, artmaking, performance, and play! Complete hands-on activities together to develop an understanding and appreciation of the power of love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Moonshot Studio is open again at the Kennedy Centers REACH. The Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on art-making for all ages. Drop-In anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays & Sundays to explore our projects.

It’s the final weekend of the Winter Lantern Festival. They have transformed Lerner Town Square into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. The lanterns and bright displays will light the night and bring warmth this holiday season!

Saturday
10:00am-11:00am: Collage My Heart at The Kreeger Museum
Join a pre-Valentines day for a fun and joyful activity centered around connecting to the things we love, enjoy and are inspired by! Teaching artist Jeneen Piccuirro will guide a collage process that is interactive and engaging as we focus on our “hearts desire” as represented visually. Young artists will cut, glue and paste images from magazines and tell am multi-dimensional visual story about themselves in the process. The final product can be used as Valentine’s “gift” or treasured for yourself! No experience necessary. This workshop is recommended for ages 6 and up.

10:00am-1:00pm: Maker Morning at Hirshhorn
Color your February with love. Try out Valentine’s Day activities including writing a love letter inspired by artist Barbara Kruger, or layering lines of love inspired by Mark Bradford.

11:00am-12:30pm: Cupcake Decorating Class
Join celebrity chef Mr. Bake for a special family-friendly Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class in partnership with Le Fantome! Each apprentice baker will walk away with four decorated cupcakes, a certificate of completion, and specialized baking tips and knowledge from Mr. Bake himself. Parents are invited to join the fun and accompany their baker, as well as enjoy food and drinks (including a special kid’s menu) for breakfast or lunch following their session. Kids ages 5-11can join the first hour-long session at from 11am-12:30pm, while bakers 12-16 are invited to Mr. Bake’s second hour-long session from 1pm-2:30pm. Parents must accompany children ages 5-11 to the first session. Tickets start at $40, so get yours before they’re gone!

11:00am & 1:30pm: 123 Andres at the Kennedy Center
The Latin Grammy^®-winning music duo is back by popular demand! Join Andrés and Christina on an exciting cultural exploration of Latin America through an introduction of language, music, and dance.

11:30am-1:30pm OR 2:30pm-4:30pm: The Phillips Plays With Color, Shape, And Sound
Join to investigate materials, methods, and ideas in art. During this two-hour workshop, we will look, wonder, and learn with a museum educator in the exhibition Linling Lu: Soundwaves. Part of the Phillips’s Intersections contemporary art series, Soundwaves responds to the compositions of Philip Glass; Lu translates music to color and shape, considering each painting to be an instrument, “a source of sound that materializes the poetic quality of music.” Following the gallery experience, a teaching artist will guide participants to create original artwork in the studio. Families will work together to make percussion instruments, embellishing them with colors and patterns sparked by Lu’s work.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Rock the Rink at the Wharf
Join fellow hockey fans at The Wharf to show your Caps pride. From 2pm-6pm, skate at The Wharf Ice Rink with a DJ, Caps gear giveaways, and more. At 3:30pm, we’ll also broadcast the Capitals’ away game against the Boston Bruins on a jumbotron located on the Transit Pier floating stage. Throughout the day, fans wearing Capitals gear receive $5 off admission to The Wharf Ice Rink.

2:00pm: Native Cinema Showcase Screening: Encanto
Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in a magical house in a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia. The magic of this wondrous, charmed Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift, from super strength to the power to heal—every child that is except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.

2:00pm-4:00pm: WOW Wheelz at The Lane
The ultimate kids driving experience. Featuring Go-Karts, Trucks, and Bumper Cars.

Sunday
3:00pm-5:00pm: Sunday Movie Matinee: Little Giants
Join for the weekly Sunday matinee movie series in our warm and enclosed spaces! They’ll have adult beverages for the parents and kid-friendly offerings for kids.

Monday
National Landing BID’s upcoming Galentine’s Day celebration on Monday, February 13 with Lily’s Flower Truck. With the help of Lily, an adorable Labrador Retriever, guests can arrange DIY flower bouquets at National Landing’s Gateway Green. PLUS, the first 50 guests to show proof of purchase from an eligible National Landing coffee shop, including Commonwealth Joe, Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique, Crush Coffee, Mah-Ze-Dahr, and The Freshman will receive a free bouquet (while supplies last). The festivities will benefit the animal community, with part of the proceeds going toward local shelters.

***Treats for Valentine’s Day available in-store and online at Milk Bar!

Mini Black & White Cake: A love letter to your taste buds, straight from the Big Apple. We turned the iconic Black & White cookie into a shareable cake for two. We alternate layers of chocolate and vanilla cake are sandwiched between cookies and cream frosting, shortbread crumbs and is decorated with the iconic black & white cookie pattern.
- Available online in the bundle: The Match Made in (Dessert) Heaven: This Valentine’s Day, dig into a dozen assorted Cake Truffles in a brand new giftable box alongside a limited-edition 4” Mini Black & White Cake.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake: Our Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake ups the ante on decadence with layers of double chocolate red velvet cake and frosting, cheesecake filling, and red velvet crumbs.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles: Each over-the-top bite of our Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Truffles is filled with chocolate cake, chocolate chips, cream cheese, and coated in barely-there chocolate shell and rolled in red velvet crumbs.

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

February 3, 2023

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Beauty and the Beat
See NSO principal second violinist Marissa Regni and NSO assistant principal timpanist/percussionist Scott Christian in an exciting program exploring the magic created when the violin and percussion join forces.

Fairfax City Chocolate Lover’s Festival
The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual three-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. In 2023, the festival will be held Friday, February 3 from 6pm – 8pm, Saturday, February 4 from 10am-4pm, and Sunday, February 5 from 12-4pm. Click here for the schedule of events.

Washington, DC Travel Show at the Washington Convention Center
Get ready to pack your bags and make the first stop on your next vacation the Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show! You’ll discover thousands of vacation options from the top destinations, tour operators and travel providers from around the globe, and meet with travel experts who are on-hand to help you plan and book your trip. With 4 on-floor theaters you’ll receive the most up to date travel tips and advice, with the chance to meet your favorite travel celebrities. Plus, you’ll have access to show-only travel savings, trip giveaways and show-only deals, right at your fingertips! Click below to learn more and buy tickets, and we’ll see you at the Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show.

Saturday
9:00am-12:00pm: Jeni’s Ice Cream for breakfast
Join for Jeni’s annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day celebration. Maple Soaked Pancakes returns for a limited time. The first 50 Splendid Rewards members in line get a free limited-edition mug. And 10 lucky folks who wear their PJs to a scoop will win ice cream for a year. The fun doesn’t stop there check out the link above for more info.

10:30am-12:00pm: Celebrating Black Stories at the National Gallery of Art
Black stories take the spotlight in these films that share the joy, determination, resilience, and complexity of being Black and young. Explore a range of genres and styles in a program that spans the globe.

11:00am-3:00pm: Drop-in art making at National Gallery of Art
Drop-in art making is a great way to try your hand at creating art in an informal, relaxed environment. A different art activity will be offered each month, inspired by works of art on view. Art-making activities are designed for all ages and abilities. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

11:30am-3:00pm: National Portrait Gallery Weekend Workshop
Calling all artists! Get creative during our drop-in workshops for all ages. Learn about artists and changemakers and create art inspired by their stories.

1:00pm-4:00pm: RTC Ice-travaganza
Join for ice sculptures featuring a live demonstration, hot chocolate, s’mores, live dj, photo booth, and ice skating performances at the RTC Ice Rink, and more!

Plan Ahead:
Family Movie Matinees at the Avalon Theatre
Collage My Heart at the Kreeger Museum
25th Anniversary of the Lion King at National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Hula-Hoopin Queen at Imagination Stage

Valentine’s Day treats from MilkBar:

Mini Black & White Cake: A love letter to your taste buds, straight from the Big Apple. We turned the iconic Black & White cookie into a shareable cake for two. We alternate layers of chocolate and vanilla cake are sandwiched between cookies and cream frosting, shortbread crumbs and is decorated with the iconic black & white cookie pattern.
- Available online in the bundle: The Match Made in (Dessert) Heaven: This Valentine’s Day, dig into a dozen assorted Cake Truffles in a brand new giftable box alongside a limited-edition 4” Mini Black & White Cake.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake: Our Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake ups the ante on decadence with layers of double chocolate red velvet cake and frosting, cheesecake filling, and red velvet crumbs.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles: Each over-the-top bite of our Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Truffles is filled with chocolate cake, chocolate chips, cream cheese, and coated in barely-there chocolate shell and rolled in red velvet crumbs.

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

December 16, 2022

The countdown is on for holiday fun! There are several festive events and activities you can still do, from holiday shows, ballets and concerts, tree lightings and holiday markets, and gift guides to purchase from (you still have time).

Be sure to click the above links as there are plenty of events happening this weekend that are included in those above posts.

Holiday events our family hopes to do still this season: Light Yards, Georgetown Glow, US Botanic Garden and the light exhibit at Brookside Gardens.

Winter Lantern Festival comes to the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area for its FIRST immersive DMV Winter Lantern Festival! From New York with 150,000 annual guests, 3 years in a row, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! Starting Dec. 16 to Feb. 12, Lerner Town Square at Tysons II will be transformed into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. Our lanterns and bright displays will light the night and bring warmth this holiday season!

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience! Walk into the depths of a dark forest and discover fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. Follow a trail through a mysterious and magical forest full of interactive moments, mesmerizing lights, and theatrical illusions. Come face-to-face with magical creatures from the Harry Potter™ and the Fantastic Beasts™ films, such as Hippogriffs, Centaurs, Unicorns, Nifflers, and more.

Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show at the Dulles Expo Center is in town Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4:00pm. There will be 250+tables of trains for sale, 60+ exhibitors from across the country, huge operating model train displays, free workshops and demonstrations, free test track – test run your trains at the show, free door prize giveaways and more.

Saturday

11:00am-2:00pm: Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games at Boro Park
Get your groove on with friends, families and neighbors at this holiday-themed dance party featuring a live DJ. Move and sing to your favorite seasonal tunes while sipping hot cocoa, doing arts and crafts and capturing memories (with Santa photo ops!) for your holiday card. Take part in a special scavenger hunt and compete in reindeer games like freeze dance, red light green light and limbo! Santa photo opportunity will be from 11:30am-1:30pm. Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but not required through Eventbrite.

1:00pm-4:00pm: JoAnn Hill at Steadfast Supply
We just had our first post by JoAnn and we are thrilled to welcome her back soon. You can meet her and purchase her amazing books on Saturday!! Perfect for gifts (hint, hint).

1:00pm AND 4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

Sunday

1:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage– ASL Interpreted Show
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

3:45pm-5:15pm: National Menorah Lighting
Musical performances, special guest and the lighting will occur on the Ellipse. Register to attend at link above.

4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

5:30pm: Northern VA Night of Lights
Join a family-oriented, community-wide candle lighting event featuring holiday-themed activities, including latkes, dreidel playing, doughnuts, kids crafts, music, a photo booth and more!

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Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

December 2, 2022

It’s officially the holiday season and we have you covered from holiday shows, ballets and concerts to tree lightings and holiday markets, Hanukkah celebrations and lightings, and gift guides. Be sure to click the above links as there are plenty of events happening this weekend that are included in those posts.

All weekend

Have yourself a MERRI little holiday season with a visit to the annual Merriweather District Holiday Market opening this Friday. Support unique small businesses as you venture through a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Charmery, sip some wine in our outdoor wine chalet and enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list. ‘Tis the season to celebrate with Merriweather District! Hours for the weekend are: December 2nd: 5:30pm-8:30pm, December 3rd: 1:00pm-8:00pm and December 4th: 1:00pm-5:00pm.

National Landing BID’s upcoming NaLaDays festivities, starting December 1 and go through December 24. This weekend starts with a holiday market, the return of the BID’s 2nd annual peppermint mocha matte competition, a Christmas tree lot and more, there will be holiday cheer and fun for all ages in National Landing this year. PLUS, a light installation by Light Art Collection’s Belgian artists, Tom & Lien Dekyvere, Melwood’s Annual Miracle on 23rd Street celebration and a month-long holiday performance at Synetic Theater.

A Christmas season tradition: Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other to experience Handel’s iconic work. Shortened “Family Edition” available on Saturday at noon. Live webcast available for Sunday’s performance.

Saturday

10:30am–11:30am: Children’s Drawing Workshop with Monica Rickert-Bolter
Artist Monica Rickert-Bolter (Prairie Band Potawatomi, Black, and German), featured in the museum’s online exhibition Ancestors Know Who We Are, demonstrates creating illustrations for books such as Journey of the Freckled Indian: A Tlingit Culture Story (2020). Participants are encouraged to make their own drawings during the workshop. Recommended for ages 5–10. Be sure to stop by the Native Art Market too!

11:00am-4:00pm: Super Stamps and the Season of Giving
Join the National Postal Museum for this all-ages event and learn more about how you can help support positive social change during the season of giving! There will be several activities, including Design Your Own Semipostal Stamp, Card Making, Shark Science and more.

11:00am: Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds and more. This year’s Grand Marshal is Redella “Del” Pepper, the recently retired, longest-serving member of Alexandria City Council with more than 36 years of service to the community.

11:30am-3:00pm: In-Person Winter Holiday Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Celebrate the season with SAAM! Enjoy winter-themed crafting, face painting, and story time under the twinkle lights in the Kogod Courtyard. DeMoya Watson Brown will read The Nutcracker, the classic holiday story with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on their remarkable adventures. Attendees of all ages can groove to the beat of DJ Harry Hotter, and embark on a scavenger hunt in the galleries to find winter-themed artworks. Participants also may take home an activities packet (while supplies last) to accompany The Nutcracker story time and continue the holiday magic. If you are unable to make it in person, or want to continue the celebration online, visit our Winter Holiday Family Zone for more crafts, coloring pages, and performance videos

11:30am-5:00pm: Holley Trolley Fest
In addition to Street Car Rides, Visit to Street Car Hall, and Movies from the 1920’s. Museum open from 11:30 to 5 p.m., with last tickets sold at 4 p.m. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on each street car trip.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Winter Wonderland in Bethesda
Celebrate the holiday season at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery (corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues) in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, games and more! Please bring a new toy for Toys for Tots.

4:00pm: Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

6:00pm-9:00pm: The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade presented by Washington Gas returns for its 30th year. Celebrate the holidays with one of DC’s most iconic and treasured traditions featuring a spectacular collection of more than 60 boats adorned with festive lights and dazzling holiday decorations on a mile-long parade route stretching from the tip of Hains Point up the Washington Channel to the docks at The Wharf.

Sunday (also happening on Saturday, same times)

To do
Order tickets to see Aladdin at The National Theatre here! The show runs from April 19 – 30, 2023.

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