Weekend Picks: Dance, eat and have a good weekend!

Have a baseball fan but don’t want to take the family to Nats Stadium? Check out Bethesda Big Train, a summer collegiate league.  The stadium is located at  10600 Westlake Drive, Bethesda, MD 20852

Saturday-

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave. 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 (Down by the Bay) 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. Tickets are $6.

10:30am: Junior Jams present Oh Susannah!
(FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom, 3762 Howard Ave., Kensington, MD)
Weary of the Wiggles? Oh Susannah (Susan McNelis) provides a very welcome alternative. Kids love her music, a tasty blend of familiar favorites and lively originals perfect for singing and dancing along. Parents love her music for the unusual arrangements, clever lyrics and beautiful vocals. $6 in advance/$8 at door.

10:30am: A Magical Morning with The Great Zucchini and Barry the Magician at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA. 22180
The Great Zucchini is the area’s most popular comedian/magician. Don’t miss this Abbott & Costello type one-time appearance here at Jammin Java with two legendary entertainers. One-time only! 4 for $30 or $10 per ticket. Doors open at 10:00am.

11:00am-9:00pm: 22nd Annual Barbecue Battle
(Pennsylvania Ave between 9th and 14th Streets NW)
As if you needed more reason to come, free samples, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, live music (30 bands on 3 stages) and more.

3:00pm: Franz Spohn at Childs Play
(5536 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC)
Faber-Castell artist, Franz Spohn will lead two creative classes using his products. Children 3 and up will make an animal mask, and children 7 and up will make a pop-up card. Call to sign up for a class- 202-244-3602.

7:00pm: Despicable Me 2 at Cinema Del Ray
(Mount Vernon Rec Center: 2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307)
Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up.

Sunday-

10:00am-10:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, Md. 20814)
Your child’s favorite stories will be brought 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. This weeks story is Olivia. Best for ages 1-3. Tickets are $10.

11:00am-7:30pm: 22nd Annual Barbecue Battle
(Pennsylvania Ave between 9th and 14th Streets NW)
As if you needed more reason to come, free samples, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, live music (30 bands on 3 stages) and more.

1:00pm: Getting to Know Degas and Cassatt at The National Gallery of Art
(6th and Constitution Ave NW, West Building Lecture Hall)
Join us for two animated films about Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt based on Mike Venezia’s Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists books. Learn about the life and work of these two artists who were friends and collaborators in later 19th–century Paris.

1:35pm: Washington Nationals host Atlanta Braves
(1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Kids Run the Bases: Kids ages 4 – 12 are invited to run the bases on the field immediately following the game, field conditions permitting.
Signature Sundays: Every Sunday, two Nationals players will sign autographs from on top of the Nationals dugout starting one hour and 10 minutes prior to first pitch. New this season, fans must obtain a free voucher to participate in autograph sessions. Available at first gates (2 hours and 30 minutes before first pitch), a limited number of vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis at Sections 109 and 142. Weather permitting, subject to player schedules and timing.

3:00pm and 5:00pm: Peter and the Wolf Family Concert at Grand Pavilion 
(3800 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park, MD)
In this FREE family-friendly performance, members of the National Orchestral Institute perform Prokofiev’s, Peter and the Wolf, while also giving their own imaginative musical interpretations of classic children’s books.

6:00pm: The Parent Trap at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Meet at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of ocean breezes and all-ages fun! Bring your lawn chairs, snacks and enjoy the show!