On the Radar this Weekend: Kids’ Films, Peeps, Pirates… and Rain

So, last weekend I posted this screen shot from my phone on my personal Facebook page (it garnered quite a few “likes”).

And what a glorious week  it was weather-wise here in DC.  But it looks like Mother Nature is ready to balance things out a bit. The current forecast couldn’t be more different than last week’s brilliant outlook.

Luckily, there’s plenty to do this weekend regardless of how many little suns or rain showers and lightening bolts my phone’s weather app displays.  (But, just in case, I’m still including some outdoor picks in this round-up of activities for the family.)  Happy Weekend!

Kids World Cinema  – Passport DC presents this showcase of international children’s films that aims to introduce international children’s films to Washingtonians, compare significant cross-cultural differences in this genre, and inspire the artistic development of DC children through the discovery of quality foreign films. The festival targets 6 to 13-year-olds and will showcase a selection of the most significant international productions for young audiences. Each screening will be followed by children’s workshops and discussions addressing the films’ cultural contexts. Age group will vary with each film and workshop.  Screening will take place tonight at 6pm and on Saturday at 2pm.  Full details are available on the Cultural Tourism DC website.

PEEPS Show – Artisphere has partnered with Artomatic to bring highlights from the 5th Annual Washington Post PEEPS® Diorama Contest to Artisphere through Tuesday, May 31. The 2011 The exhibition features over 20 entries from the contest. On Saturday from 12 – 4pm, kids and families will be able to join in the PEEPS® fun with free activities, including a special children’s tour of the dioramas and PEEPS® diorama-making workshops. The free events will include PEEPS® treats, compliments of Just Born, the manufacturer of PEEPS®.

Turtle Park May Fair – Friendship ‘Turtle’ Park’s annual spring carnival and largest event of the year is on Saturday from 10am – 4pm. There will be moon bounces, pony rides, games, face painting, a bake sale, silent auction, and more. A dunk tank and entertainment will also be among the festivities, and food from Masala Art, Potomac Pizza, Robeks, hot dogs, ice cream, and popcorn will keep bellies full.  For the live entertainment line-up, see the Turtle Park website.

Pirate’s Fest – Ahoy, matey! Have you ever dreamed about life on the high seas in the 18th century? Why did sailors swab the deck? Did they really walk the plank? The Pirate Fest at Darnall’s Chance House Museum has answers to these questions and more on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. The event will feature swashbuckling re-enactors, hands-on children’s activities, live music, concessions stand, children’s pirate costume contest, a treasure hunt and more for wannabe pirates and landlubbers alike!  Admission is $5.

Portrait Story Days: Andy Warhol – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 4pm to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art.  The focus of this weekend’s free program will be American pop artist Andy Warhol.

Public Art for You and Me! – Join staff at the National Building Museum on Sunday from 1 – 2:30pm for a Family Workshop that explores art in the outdoors community. Participants will go on a guided walk through the Museum’s neighborhood with a special focus on public art. They’ll take in the art and architecture of the city, then return to the Museum to enjoy murals and mosaics in two of the Museum’s exhibitions. Using all that they’ve seen as inspiration, guests will then make their own murals to take home and enjoy. Cost is $10 for museum members, $15 for non-members. For registration info, see the National Building Museum website.

Live it Up on the Loop – Enjoy a fun family event with a focus on leading a healthy, active lifestyle at Market Common Clarendon on Sunday from 10am – 2pm. Kids activities will include a moon bounce, live entertainment, glitter tattoos, hula hooping, and more. All activities are free, and the event is on rain or shine!

Baby Loves Disco – Tickets are still available to the dance party for the sippy cup set taking place at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel on Sunday from 2- 5pm.  Kids ages 6 months to 7 years and their parents are welcome on this dance floor. Bubble machines, games, toys, and a DJ spinning cool tunes are all part of the kiddie entertainment. Parents will appreciate healthy snacks, diaper changing stations, and the chance to see their babes have a blast.

Pendragwn Youth Film Festival – The public is invited to view the winning entries submitted to the Festival by students ages 11 – 18 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on Sunday. Along with the film screenings, attendees can participate in a variety of creative workshops (registration is required) and enjoy a performance by the critically acclaimed step group, Step Afrika.  This will all happen from 12 – 6pm.  A schedule of events is available on the Festival website.

That’s Entertainment – A variety of performances will be on local stages this weekend, from puppet shows and plays at Glen Echo to productions at Ford’s Theatre and Imagination Stage. This post has details on what’s playing around town.

Rainy Day Recs – There’s a very good chance this list of rainy day suggestions will come in handy. If the forecast makes good on its promise of a wet weekend, this post contains many ideas on where to have fun indoors.

Hello, Sunshine? – The list of best places to enjoy the outdoors with the kids keeps growing.  Check it out for ideas on where to have fun under the sun — if we see it this weekend, that is.