Whether for Jazz in the Garden, viewing art, or relaxing by the fountain, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is a great summer hang out
Along with this round-up of special events, don’t forget to check the list of outdoor faves in the area and the post full of indoor suggestions for even more family fun options. Happy Weekend!
Bear Awareness Day
Where: National Zoo
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Between Rusty the Red Panda’s adventures on the lam and the black bear appearance in Rock Creek Park earlier in the week, this event couldn’t come at a better time. Guests are invited to become more Bear Aware at the Zoo’s free family event celebrating bears of all kinds. There will be educational and fun activities for children, plus keeper talks and animal demonstrations. Learn how to bear-proof a camp site, compare bears from around the world, and take the Bear Awareness pledge.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall
When: All weekend
Admission: Free
The annual Festival celebrating living cultural heritage and community traditions is underway. Visitors of all ages will have ample opportunity to discover and explore it all through special exhibits, workshops, performances, exhibits, demos, and more, including plenty of activities especially children. For specifics, see the festival schedule. And it all takes place right on the National Mall where you can easily pop into museums when you need a break from the heat.
Family Obstacle Course Challenge
Where: Brambleton Town Center
When: Saturday, 8am – 12pm
Admission: Starts at $10
If you missed the last KazokuFit family obstacle course race in DC, you have another opportunity to step up to the challenge this weekend. Families are encouraged to run, jump, crawl, climb, and, of course, have fun as they complete a course designed with all ages in mind. You can read more about KazokuFit here, and get specifics about this weekend’s race here.
Lovin’ Summer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun… Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed all weekend long. Get the full scoop on all of these joys of summer.
Stamp Collecting Saturday
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Drop by the Postal Museum to make a memorable souvenir to bring home. Start your own collection of stamps focusing on favorite topics such as art, animals, princesses, or transportation at the Activity Cart. And while you’re there, be sure to tour the exhibits – many of them interactive and fun for kids of all ages.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
See Peter Pan and Wendy at Imagination Stage during its first weekend. Catch a performance of Dr. Seuss’s A Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre. Bathtub Pirates are entertaining young audiences at The Puppet Co. You can also head to the venue early on Saturday for Tiny Tots, puppet show performances especially for little ones. Enjoy ¡Mucha Música! A Musical Journey with Cantaré at this week’s Saturday Morning at the National. The Jammin’ with the Smithsonian series goes to Jammin’ Java Saturday morning as Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band play the 10:30am show. And Dinorock is performing at Wolf Trap’s Children’s-Theatre-in-the-Woods.
“A” is for America
Where: A Town Bar & Grill
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: Free, but food and drinks cost extra
A-Town Bar and Grill is celebrating America this weekend with a pre-Independence Day bash. The Arlington community will come together to celebrate and honor the region’s brave active duty and veteran service members. The day-long, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, face painting, photo booths, silent auctions, sparklers and other prizes and takeaways. The event aims to raise awareness for service members returning wounded from combat, as well as the continued attention and care they may need to integrate back into society. Proceeds raised will benefit the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Where: LivingSocial’s 918 F Street
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $39/parent & child
Take advantage of this blossoming experience from LivingSocial’s 918 F Street: admission for one child and one parent to a hands-on lesson in the art of gardening. Kate Lee of Capital City Farm Co. will sow the seeds of excitement as kids use paint markers and googly eyes to decorate their own pot. Then — with Mom or Dad’s expert help — they’ll plant two edible herbs (think basil or oregano). Kids will learn all about growing healthy plants, the cycle of life through composting, and more — and you’ll have gotten your young environmentalist’s hands off the remote and into the dirt.
Unity Thunder Car Show
Where: Sheehy Nissan in Waldorf
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Sheehy Nissan in Waldorf and Unity Thunder Car Club will host the first annual Summer Unity Thunder Car show featuring as many as 50 hot rods and muscle cars. Trophies will be awarded in a variety of categories including Best in Show, Most Chrome and Best Paint Job. Winners will be determined by attendees and votes cost $1 with proceeds benefitting Race for the Cure. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary food and refreshments courtesy of Foster’s Grill. The event is FREE to the public. Two show vehicles will also be on display: 1948 replica Harley Davidson courtesy of Presidential Detailing and a 1969 Ford Mustang valued at $250,000 courtesy of National Dent Repair.
Get Kids Movin’
Where: National Harbor
When: Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Families can jump-start their summers with fitness, entertainment and an afternoon of health education during the fourth edition of Get Kids Movin’ at National Harbor, MD. Get Kids Movin’, presented by Sports Zone Elite and Think Brown INK, is an interactive afternoon that fights childhood obesity by engaging youth in music, fitness, entertainment, health and arts-related activities. Activities will include a performance by Chi Chi Monet, a fitness session with Nike Trainer Deanna Jefferson, moving with Beans-N-Frank “Edutainment” Puppet Duo, zumba with Kena Hodges of Zumba Fitness, dramatic performances from Dreams, a healthy eating cooking demo with Kitchen Cray, and much more.
Cashore Marionettes: Simple Gifts
Where: Strathmore’s CityDance Studio Theater 405
When: Sunday, 1pm & 3pm
Admission: $15
This show is part of the “Puppets Take Strathmore” festival running through August 17. From the internationally renowned masters of the marionette, this series of touching portrayals and poignant scenes from everyday life is set to stunning music by such composers as Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland. Stay after the 3PM show for a short presentation and Q&A with Cashore on how marionettes are brought to life. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm, Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery 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 Alexander Calder.
