Beltway Bambinos

The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual two-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. In 2017, the festival will be held Saturday, February 4 from 10am to 5pm (Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast begins at 8am) and Sunday, February 5 from 12noon to 4pm. Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings and much more. Some events require a fee, and other events are free to all visitors. Click on Chocolate Lovers Event Schedule for a printable schedule of events.

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Brian Curry at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Water vanishes in midair moments before drenching a hapless volunteer, bottles appear out of nowhere, and the world’s most difficult card trick happens in a flash! Magician Brian Curry keeps even the most skeptical of audiences laughing with befuddlement in a morning filled with mystery.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at the Kreeger Museum
(2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington D.C. 20007)
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 and art-making attire recommended. $10 register online. To get a glimpse into the program see my review here.

10:00am: Blue Sky Puppets at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Ave NW)
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre is back at the Avalon this winter! In Rufus, a lost and lonely dog finds friendship and learns about individuality. Maybe Rufus looks a little different, but our differences make us special. Blue Sky Puppet Theatre has been one of the finest touring children’s theatres on the East Coast since 1974. Each of their shows a year is dedicated to excellence in theatre, art, education and fun. Tickets: $8.00 / $6.50 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free)

10:00am-5:00pm: La Chandeleur at Hillwood Estate
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring.  In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. We invite families to celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion amidst Hillwood’s spectacular gardens, magnificent mansion, and exquisite French treasures. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes. Hear classic French tales inspired by scenes from La Fontaine fables that are pictured on tapestries covering chairs from France displayed in the mansion. Explore Hillwood’s French treasures through interactive, docent-led, family-friendly gallery talks and a printed activity guide. Decorate a plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood’s French Sèvres porcelain. Tickets include 3 crêpes per person. $18, $15 Senior, $12 Member, $10 Student, $5 Child (ages 3-18), free for children under 3

10:30am-4:00pm: Chinese New Year Family Day at the Kennedy Center
(2700 F St NW)
Bring your entire family to a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment for all ages. Learn the arts of paper cutting, Beijing-style applique, calligraphy, sugar and bottle painting, “bristle dolls,” and Chinese makeup. Play dress up and snap pictures at our Chinese costume trunk. Enjoy performances by Beijing acrobats and Chinese musicians. And much more!Free, no tickets needed.

10:30am: Mr. Jon & Friends at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids and their families that inspire fun, laughter, and dancing. Sometimes with a band, sometimes as a duo, and sometimes solo, the music of Mr. Jon & Friends is sure to bring a smile to your face!

10:30am: 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 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. Featured story: Toot Toot Beep Beep

11:00am-2:00pm: Newspaper Challenge at The National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Museum is hosting a newspaper for challenge in the Great Hall! Bring your family and collaboratively construct an awe-inspiring fort made entirely of newspapers and tape. Learn about the triangle, the strongest shape out there, and create tetrahedral caverns small enough for one, or big enough for your clan.  Free, drop in. All ages.  

3:00pm: Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andres at Chevy Chase Library
(5625 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20015)
Bi-lingual, interactive, fun concert for all!

Sunday-

Blue is playing this weekend at Imagination Stage and is an interactive, sweet play for ages 0-5

Ella Enchanted debuts at Adventure Theatre this weekend, recommended for all ages