Weekend Picks

Kicking off the Atlas Performing Arts Center 10th Anniversary, the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016 brings the best of DC arts and artists to the stage and H Street with performances, experiences and happenings in theatre, dance, music, vocal, choral, opera, visual arts, video, film, writing, sculpture, photography, circus, spoken word, public art, community art, and art space activation. Discover how art, culture and connection happen on H Street. The festival begins February 26-March 6. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule for family friendly shows.

Also, keep in mind James and the Giant Peach is at Adventure Theatre, JACK and Phil, Slayers of Giants-Inc is at Imagination Stage and Treasure Island premieres this weekend at Encore Stage and Studio.

A Light Themed Art Installation at The Yards is a Two-Week-Long Installation Melding Light, Sculpture and Music to Create Wonder. On Saturday, they are kicking off their US tour, families are invited from 3pm to 6pm to delight in the sight of the enormous glowing bunnies, while enjoying children’s activities, including a giant Lite-Brite.

Saturday-

10:00am: Avalon Theatre presents Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre is back at the Avalon this winter! Their new production “SuperPig!” will have kids and families laughing and learning, with audience participation and humor aimed at all ages. “SuperPig!” shares the story of  Chester, who dreams of having superhero powers, but learns what heroes really are when a friend helps him out of a bullying situation. Tickets: $8.00 / $6.50 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

10:30am:  Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: BINGO

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical little kids entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh! Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show! For over 12 years, The Great Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows to more that 250 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh.

1:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm: Mt. Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour at BloomBars
(32222 11th St NW)
Frogs and butterflies! Dragons and bathtubs! Reluctant acorns and puppets that sing the blues! A hard-hitting kitten interview show! We’ll have all this and more, so get your tickets for when The Mount Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour Comes to BloomBars! Advance tickets through Brown Paper Tickets. Limited seating and the shows are almost sold out.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Three Little Pigs

3:00pm: The Laurie Berkner Band at Lincoln Theatre
(1215 U Street NW Washington, DC, 20009)
You can’t listen to a Laurie Berkner song and not have it remain in your head the rest of the day. Now you can sing the cute song live.