Weekend Picks: Intersections Festival, Chinese New Year and Tunes

Atlas Intersections Festival kicks off the 6th annual Festival this weekend showcasing over 125 performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival begins February 20-March 7. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule for family friendly shows.

Saturday-

10:00am: Avalon Theatre presents The RTT’s
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
The RTTs (also known as the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours) bring their toe-tapping, award-winning, original roots rock back to the Avalon! The whole family will want to dance along as they play hits like “Snack Time” and “Turn it Up, Mommy.”

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(511 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003)
Drop in anytime during our open hours to play at our sand and rice tables, play dough station, book corner, and art table. Great for ages 1.5 – 8. $15/child (siblings half price), no preregistration necessary.

10:30am: GIGS and Kindiemusicdc present Junior Jams: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man! at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
John Henry is renowned for his ability to connect with his audiences. He brings 20 years of early childhood education, and experience as a dad himself to his interactive program, engaging children of all ages as they dance, sing and imagine.

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: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am-4:00pm: Mardi Gras Family Day at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
Join in on the fun with this popular annual museum event featuring  storytelling, face painting, balloon artist, mask-making, and other hands-on activities including a second line parade through the museum.  Attendees can also participate in the popular Art of Adornment workshop with artist and entrepreneur, Januwa Moja-Nelson.   Get a complimentary picture of you dressed in Januwa’s individual designs.  Those interested in the Adornment workshop should sign up on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival.  This program is free and open to everyone! Register or call 202.633.4844.

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: The Little Engine That Could

2:00pm-5:00pm: Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
(H Street, NW, between 6th and 7th Streets)
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. The firecracker will be lit at 3:45 p.m. A good place to view the parade is along 7th St. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place/Chinatown.

2:00pm: McLean Community Center presents “Fly Guy and Other Stories”
(1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, Virginia 22101)
Fly Guy has met his match, and her name is Fly Girl. Fly Guy is totally impressed and totally smitten. Will Fly Guy and Fly Girl get married and leave Buzz without his dear pet? Other stories by authors such as McMullan, Howe, Henkes and Munsch will be featured. Tickets are $15 for non-members. For ages 5+.