Beltway Bambinos

The pick this weekend is Light City Baltimore. Premiering in 2016, Light City Baltimore is the first large-scale, international light festival in the United States, homegrown right here in Baltimore. Light City will provide a backdrop for the celebration of ideas, ingenuity and creativity through art, music and innovation. Light City will shine a light on Baltimore’s abundance of creative, cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary talent, and we welcome participants from across the globe to join us. Light City’s innovation programming will generate an ecosystem of ideas and learning during the day – while lights, performances and live music re-imagine the Inner Harbor at night. Check out the schedules online for various events. This event is over on Sunday, April 3. To make a day trip out of it, see our Top Eleven: Bambinos in Baltimore post.

Saturday-

9:30 and 11:00am: Ballet Theatre of Maryland at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Students learn how to execute the basic steps and rhythms of Irish step dancing or the basic Latino rhythm of the Fandangos of the American southwest in this dance workshop. Tickets are free.

10:00am: Music Box Series: Birdie Melodies at Silver Spring Civic Building
(1 Veterans Place Silver Spring, MD 20910)
The Music Box Series (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra) gives your budding music lover the chance to explore music through highly engaging and interactive performances. Each half-hour concert features the musical talents of a small ensemble of BSO musicians performing classical and children’s songs to develop musicality, creativity, coordination and literacy. 30 minutes prior to each concert the atrium fills with a range of musical, creative and fun activities for babies and families. Purchase tickets here.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio + Workshop at Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Rd. Washington, DC)
Children are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. Adult companion required. $7 per child. See a previous post here with our experience.

10:00am-4:30pm: Blossom Kite Festival
(Grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue)
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is kicking off kite season and celebrating 50 years of kite flying on the National Mall! Carrying the legacy of the Smithsonian Kite Festival which first took place in 1967, the sixth annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations including a “kites of the decades” demonstation, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.

11:00: Family Jazz at Strathmore
(Mansion: 10701 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD 20852)
Strathmore’s new Saturday Family Jazz Sessions jumpstart a love for jazz with classes that nurture talent and spark musicality. Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of jazz appreciation. A fun, creative, kid-friendly series. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults must also have a ticket.

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 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. Story this week: Little Peter Rabbit. Best for ages 3-5. Tickets are $10.

11:00am-2:00pm: North End Shaw Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season with Sumo-Sized Sunday
(Lot C: adjacent to 945 Florida Ave NW)
See a match and even get in the ring with world champion sumo wrestlers. Sample Chanko Nabe with Chef Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya and soon to open Haikan. FREE, Open to the public. Photo opportunities will be available for those looking for a fun keepsake.

11:00am-5:00pm: Pop-Up Shop and Family Game Day at The Escape Lounge
(1322B H Street NE Washington, DC 20002)
Up to 40% off unique kid fashions, walk-in escape reservations, board game competitions and puzzles, raffle drawings and more.