A jousting match at last year's Ren Fest
And just like that summer break is nearly over (for us, anyway). But there’s still time to savor the all the fun that comes with this time of year… and then some. This list has details, and don’t forget to check the Everyday Play page for even more ideas. Happy Weekend!
Ren Fest
Where: Revel Grove in Crownsville, Md.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $17/ages 16 and up, $8/ages 7-15, free for 6 and under
Huzzah! One of my very favorite annual events begins this weekend: The Maryland Renaissance Festival! Take a day trip back to medieval times at the annual faire. Besides the amazing variety of entertainment — jousting matches, cheeky comedy shows, fire eaters and sword swallowers, juggling acts, Celtic music, and much more — walking among knights, maidens, pirates, and villagers in puffy shirts in a 16th-century village as you chomp on turkey legs and down cups of mead is an interesting little jaunt back in time that any age can enjoy (well, maybe not the mead). The faire runs every weekend through October 21, and you can save on admission the first nine days it’s open. Get a little more background on the event here and here, both previous posts about my love of Ren Fest.
Savor Summer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s not much time left to enjoy some of the best activities of the season. Outdoor pools and spraygrounds, music and movies in the open air, mini golf and carousels rides at local parks and museums , or a good ol’ crab feast. This post has all the inspiration you need to get the most out of the last of summer.
Greenberg Train and Toy Show
Where: Dulles Expo Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $7/ages 13 and up, free for 12 and under
Train enthusiasts young and old will have plenty to be excited about at the largest traveling expo in the northeast showcasing model trains. There will be intricately crafted model train displays, hundreds of tables with model train paraphernalia, a mini train for kids to ride, and a variety of workshops and demos, and more.
How ‘Bout them Apples?
Where: Area farms
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The apple picking season has begun! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. This list of area farms and orchards offering pick-your-own opportunities was just posted last night. And I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the fruits are available.
Tortoise and Hare Day
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday,
Admission: $13.95/ages 2 and up
Find out if “slow and steady” really wins the race at the Baltimore children’s museum this weekend. The annual Tortoise and Hare day features a few special programs: Create your own rabbit ears, FutureVet, Mr. Norman, and Wildlife Adventures – Animal Crackers. Of course, you can also enjoy the host of other fun for kids that Port Discovery offers.
Battle of Bladensburg: Bicentennial Celebration
Where: Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
All ages are invited to celebrate the War of 1812 Bicentennial. The new Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center is hosting a day of family activities, music, re-enactments, demonstrations by 1812 soldiers, and more.
Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
See a Tiny Tots shows for little ones or “Snow White and the 7 Dwarves” at The Puppet Co. Adventure Theatre presents “If You Give a Moose a Muffin.” See a free jazz concert at the National Building Museum on Sunday at 2pm. And Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem” is wowing audiences at National Harbor — see an afternoon show with the kids or save it for a date night.
BlackRock Open House
Where: BlackRock Theatre
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The theatre in Gaithersburg is hosting its annual open house to showcase its offerings for all ages. Meet the faculty and sample a class, take a tour of the venue, do some arts & crafts, and find out what shows are on the schedule for the coming season.
Make a Topical Stamp Collection
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 12-3:30pm
Admission: Free
Drop by to start your own stamp collection focusing on favorite topics, such as art, animals, or transportation. All ages are invited to learn stamp basics such as the parts of postage stamps, stamp vocabulary, and the variety of topics featured on stamps. Youngsters will also enjoy designing their own stamp.
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
Where: Wolf Trap
When: Saturday, 7:15pm
Admission: $15-38
The Wolf Trap hills are alive with the sound of music and this Oscar-winning movie, which will be shown on huge screens. A hilarious host leads the audience through various sing-a-longs, a costume contest, and other fun activities. This annual event is a popular one at the venue every summer!
Dance DC Festival
Where: Various venues
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is hosting its Ninth Annual Dance DC Festival, August 2012. This festival highlights rich traditions from cultures across the globe, presenting an array of folk and traditional music and dance groups from the area. Performances will take place at several venues aorund the area – go here for the schedule and locations. All events are free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Suggested time of arrival is half an hour before the show begins.
Wags n’ Whiskers
Where: Village at Shirlington
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Animal lovers of all ages are invited to join the Fifth Annual Wags n’ Whiskers, a community-oriented event for animal enthusiasts and their four-legged friends. The afternoon animal extravaganza will feature pet adoptions, pet contests, demonstrations, exhibitions, pet portrait photos, live music, and children’s activities. including face painting, balloon animals, and more. The merchants at Village at Shirlington will also host in-store specials, promotions and free giveaways.
Portrait Story Day: Georgia O’Keefe
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm & Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who revolutionized flower paintings in the 1920s with her unique, close-up style.
