Celebrate women in sports at the Wharf
Happy Weekend!
All kinds of ideas for ongoing DC fun in these go-to posts:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Art All Night
Where: All Around DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
This annual celebration of creativity, culture, and community takes place in all eight wards across DC starting in the afternoon both Friday and Saturday and going late into the night. There will be arts and activations for all ages — crafts, painting, music, dance, photography, sculpture, fashion, theater, yoga, and more. Enjoy live music, do some family arts & crafts, take kids to story times, sample food, view innovative art, dance your heart out, and so much more. Go here to check out schedules in each area and get details on where it’s all happening.
“Fall” Festivals
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
The season may not be official on the calendar yet, but seasonal festivals have begun at several area farms, right on city streets, and in locales that recall historic times. And they’re welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Some are listed below, and you can get details on the rest of them in this round-up of autumn celebrations around the area.
Submerge in Digital Art
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $24–$27/adult, $17/age 4-15, free/3 & under
ARETCHOUSE reopens this weekend with the ground breaking exhibition, SUBMERGE Project. Immerse in 14 digital worlds with 18 interactive installations — all rendered in mind-blowing 18k resolution.
Come From Away
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm & Sunday, 7pm
Admission: $25-95
I just saw this production, and it was wonderful… On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Come From Away returns to the historic Ford’s Theatre stage, telling the heart-warming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded there on 9/11. When 38 planes were diverted to its doorstep, the town of Gander doubled in size, playing host to an international community of strangers and offering food, shelter and friendship. Recommended for ages 10+.
Commemorate 9/11
Where: Pentagon Memorial | Arlington, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
On the 25th anniversary of September 11, take some to visit the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington. The beautiful, thoughtfully designed memorial honors the 184 people who lost their lives there. It’s a moving place to visit, and a peaceful space to reflect. The Washington Post also shares info on ways to commemorate the day.
ALL IN: Women in Sports
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Join this free, family-friendly event to celebrate women in sports and watch the US Open Women’s Final live on The Wharf’s jumbo screen. Other activities include Red Ball Tennis with USTA Mid Atlantic Foundation, a Fastest Serve challenge with Howard University’s Women’s Tennis Team, soccer skills and games with DC Power FC, an NWSL-themed AI vending machine where guests can discover their team match and receive a free soccer scarf, and music from DJ Heat.
Nats vs Angels
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $17
The Nats are hosting the Angels all weekend. Catch a game on Friday at 6:45pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 11:35pm. There will be fireworks after the Friday Saturday game and an Expos Replica Jersey giveaway on Saturday. And on Sunday, families can arrive early for Story Time in the Kennedy Conference Room, where a Nationals player will read Poem Runs, plus there will be a Nats lunchbox giveaway, and kids can run the bases after the game.
Savor the Bay
Where: Sandy Point State Park | Annapolis, MD
When: Friday, 5-9pm Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 7:30pm
Admission: $17.35/age 13+, free/12 & under
How about a day filled with delicious seafood, live entertainment, kids activities, food demos and competitions, loads of shopping options, vendors, exhibits, contests? You can enjoy all that and more at the annual Maryland Seafood Festival. Even better, it all takes place right in charming Annapolis.
DC Bike Ride
Where: Around DC
When: Saturday, 8am
Admission: $120/adult, half-price for ages 8-17, free/7 & under
How about biking 20 miles along car-free streets of DC ? The DC Bike Ride offers the opportunity to ride around the city on a route without motor vehicles. The two-wheel recreation isn’t the only things to enjoy… there’ll be beautiful views of the iconic landmarks, great photo ops, live entertainment, and high-energy activations along the way. Riders of all ages (3+) and cycling levels are welcome! Note there is a Buy One, Get One sign up deal now.
Saturday Morning Live
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am & 11:30am
Admission: Free
National Theatre kicks off its new season of free children’s entertainment on Saturday. Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe is performing, sharing the Chinese dance practice aimed at celebrating auspicious occasions. Watch these incredible dancers and musicians at work and learn more about this vibrant cultural tradition. Be sure to reserve free tickets!
Celebration of Textiles
Where: GWU & Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This special community festival celebrating the traditions of the Andes region of South America is a great time to check out the Textile Museum with the kids! Enjoy traditional dance performances, watch textile artist demonstrations and even pet a llama at this all-day family event. In addition to the festival activities, explore the exhibition Weaving an Empire: Textiles of the Inka World, featuring rarely seen examples of dress from the 15th-century Inka empire.
Art in Air & Space
Where: National Air & Space Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free with tickets
At this Soar Together Family Day explore Art in Air and Space with activities that include hands-on artmaking, lively performances, and interactive experiences. Enjoy book readings about the painter Alma Thomas, dance and sing along to songs about the science and engineering of aviation, see a performance of Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly, and learn more about how artists have been inspired by flight, space exploration, and the wonder of the skies. Admission is free with timed tickets — reserve them here.
The World & Me Performance + More Fun
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join a special The World & Me as the museum celebrates unique movement and patterns on the planet we call home with local dancers from Company | E, musicians from Sound Impact, and educators from the National Museum of Natural History. Watch a performance titled PULSE and stay afterwards to explore different hands-on activities with museum specimens.
Open House
Where: Encore Stage & Studio | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 10-11am
Admission: Free
Curious about theatre? Encore’s Fall Open House is the perfect chance to step inside, meet the teaching artists, and get a taste of what they have planned for the new season. Families can explore Encore programs, and kids can participate in fun sampler activities designed for young performers from preschool through 8th grade.
Virginia Native American Festival
Where: Riverbend Park | McLean, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $12/advance, $15/onsite
Celebrate Virginia Native culture, history and living traditions at Riverbend Park. Meet members of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi and Chickahominy tribes and spend the day experiencing dancing and drumming, Native food and craft vendors, storytelling, demonstrations, hands-on activities and more. Read more about Riverbend in this KFDC post.
More Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts even more events on weekends for guests of all ages. Do some Bug Bingo at Lake Fairfax. Discover the wildlife of Lake Accotink. Join A Pooh Bear picnic at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. And there are many other fun and interesting adventures! Details and registration for activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Kensington Train Show
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $7/adult, $2/child, $15/family
All aboard for the Kensington Train Show! Featuring model trains and more train inspired fun, it’s an event for the whole family. Marvel at local club National Capital Trackers’ “O” gauge electric trains that will literally include al the bells and whistles. Enjoy a performances by Orleans Express on Saturday (11:30-1:30pm), and Matthew Dodd will share railroad songs and stories on Sunday, (1-4pm).
Love DC Libraries
Where: Public libraries in DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Mostly free
There are always all kinds of events for kids happening at Dc Public Libraries. This weekend, go on a Sneaker Scavenger Hunt at Northwest One Library, go to a Children’s Open House at the just reopened Southeast Library, join Art All Night adventures at several locations, plus enjoy much more at all of them! See the whole schedule and get more details here.
STEAM Saturday
National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free with museum admission $7/kid, $10/adult
In this program that occurs on the second Saturday of each month, kids in 2nd to 6th grades with an adult can explore the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities. During this session, they’ll earn about bridge engineering and design, then build their own bridge using craft materials, experimenting with design elements to test their bridge’s stability and strength.
Space Festival
Where: Because Science | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free (plus some paid ticketed activities)
Join the Because Science shop for their Space Festival, an out-of-this-world celebration of space, STEM, science, and creativity! Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the wonders of the universe through hands-on activities, colorful experiments, creative crafts, and engaging STEM experiences.
Capitol Hill Art Walk
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Head to the Hill for a day of art and community! Local artists and artisans will display their work in their own micro-galleries, in Capitol Hill home-studios, on porches, and in yards. Most will have work for sale. Stroll around to check it out all and enjoy some time in one of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods.View a map here of where you can find the art.
Children’s Day
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Head to Peirce Mill for a day full of free family fun! See the mill in action and enjoy special tours of the mill just for kids. Try some traditional children’s games or make your own toys up at the barn. And at 11am, Teatro La Bolsa, a local theater troupe, will present “La gallina y la tortilla de maíz,” a playful re-telling of the classic Little Red Hen story in Spanish and English! Rain date: September 13, Read more about Peirce Mill here.
Doggy Day Swim DC
Where: Select public pools in DC
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a dog spot
Bring your pooch to the pool! With the end of the outdoor swimming season (at most pools), this annual event provides dogs with a one-day opportunity to jump in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games. All dogs must have a valid and original DC Department of Health issued dog license (no photo copies) and tag to enter the pool. If an application for a license is needed you must have the required documentation (i.e. proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations; and proof of spaying/neutering). Dog licenses will be issued on site.
DC United vs Atlantas United FC
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $34 (check for deals)
It’s a battle of the Uniteds at Audi Field on Saturday night. It’s also Military Night with a special ticket offer available for active-duty personnel, veterans, and federal employees, offering up to 20% off match tickets (access them here and here). The club will also honor military members, veterans, and their families with special on-field recognitions and tributes.
Adams Morgan Day
Where: Throughout Adams Morgan, DC
When: Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate one of the city’s most diverse communities at the 46th Annual Adams Morgan Day, offering a day full of music, art, culture, dancing, and more. The family-friendly celebration will have activities for all ages, including free crafts, live entertainment, all kinds of demos, a whole kids zone, and tons more. More details and the schedule are available on the website.
How ‘Bout Them Apples?
Where: Farms & orchards around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The apple picking season is underway! This list of area farms and orchards offering pick-your-own opportunities has details on where you can reap the fruits. I always recommend checking websites or calling ahead to check availability the day you plan to go.
An Easy-Breezy Hang
Where: Catboat Pizza Bar | Alexandria, VA
When: Fri, 3-9pm | Sat-Sun, 12-9pm
Admission: Free, but purchase concessions
How about a fun and relaxing waterfront outing? Pizza, snacks, drinks (both boozy and non-alcolholic), a scenic riverside location, kid-and dog-friendliness, and easy-breezy vibe make Catboat Pizza Bar a great place for a family hang. Read more about it here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* How about biking & brews on the Metropolitan Branch Trail? (Many of the stops are family-friendly!)
* Nationals Park is hosting the Savannah Bananas’ Banana Bowl at Nationals Park on October 10. While the lottery for tickets has closed, you can try scoring resale seats.
* Celebrate Halloween with a real-life night at the museum… there’s going to be a special Smithsonian Sleepover on October 30.
* DC residents mourn a beloved tree. (WaPo)
* TSA is changing some post-9/11 rules on airport gate access.
* Anyone remember the J.Crew anorak? (Loved my orange one!) They are back, though currently sold out — but sharing in case they come back in stock.
* Amazing highlights from the Shelton-Alcaraz match (since most of us couldn’t stay up to watch it).
