Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 19th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Brazilian Folk Jazz, Alternative Modern, Blues, Reggae, World Steam Punk, Afro Funk, African Fusion Jazz, Cuban Charanga, Django Guitar, New Orleans Jazz, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in, purchase them there).

6:00pm-9:45pm: Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon.
Start your Independence Day celebration with a bang at George Washington’s Mount Vernon! Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks choreographed to patriotic music and celebrate our nation’s founding! Enjoy a patriotic evening filled with dazzling fireworks, Mansion tours, musical performances, and games on George Washington’s beloved estate! Greet General and Mrs. Washington in the historic area before trying your hand at bocce ball. Dust off your dancing shoes for 18th-century dancing demonstrations. Mount Vernon’s colonial artisans will reveal how 18th-century ice cream was made in the days before freezers. Independence Fireworks takes place rain or shine. A separate ticket is required for this special evening event, and does not include daytime admission.

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series: Justin Trawick + Navy Band Country Current
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 9th Season. Every Friday night this summer, head 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.

Saturday & Sunday

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. The 2019 Festival will look a little different, with two days of concerts instead of the usual two weeks of craft demonstrations, narrative sessions, cooking demonstrations, and more. Visitors will still be able to enjoy live music, a variety of food and drink options from local food trucks, instrument workshops for all ages, and presentations about the D.C. music scene.

Saturday

8:30am-12:30pm: Kids Obstacle Challenge
Kids Obstacle Challenge is the #1 obstacle course race series for kids ages 5-16 in the country and the best kids event to hit the Washington, D.C. area. They believe in building brave kids, and brave kids are forged in fire. Kids need to be challenged so that they can discover the power that lies within them. When kids push themselves towards a goal, it shows them what they are capable of, instilling confidence and perseverance. The most anticipated family-friendly event of the year will be charging into the D.C. area on June 29, 2019 at Bull Run Special Events Center in Sully, VA. This unique venue, located near routes 66 and 29, features grassy areas and wide open space. Your family will enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure in the great outdoors.

9:00am-10:30am: Breakfast with the Bears Preschool Class at the Zoo
This is a class you can surely sink your teeth into! Join zoo educators to learn about the favorite food of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s pandas, sloth bears and Andean bears, and then join for outdoor snack time and story time outside one of our bear exhibits! Register for either Saturday or Sunday classes. Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world.

Sunday

12:00pm-4:00pm: Family Open Studio: Musical Innovations
What kind of music did people listen to thousands of years ago? Be inspired by the exhibition Resound: Ancient Bells of China and learn about the technologies that led to innovations in Chinese music. Then, create your own cutting-edge music makers using twenty-first-century technologies. This program is designed for children aged six to twelve and adults to enjoy together, and is offered in conjunction with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
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 the delicious dining establishments, and meet 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. They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.

Weekend theatre & entertainment:
The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre
The Ballad of Mu Lan at Imagination Stage
Universoul Circus at National Harbor
Global Children’s Film Series at Landmark Theatre West End
L’Homme Cirque: The One-Man Circus at Strathmore

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