As chillier weather starts to roll in this weekend, there are plenty of ways to stay warm and entertained — several live shows, museum programs, a fall bazaar, holiday events, and a family dance party. If you’re up for getting out in the cooler temps, there’s a Thanksgiving parade, some quidditch action, and plenty of other al fresco activities to enjoy. Happy Weekend!
Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile just opened this week and will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.
From Here to There
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12
In this show for ages 2-5, two friends build bridges from cardboard boxes and use rhythm and vocal play to create a catchy tune. It’s like jumping inside the world of a child’s imagination! Performances are followed by a “free play” session, allowing the audience to explore some of the props.
Thanksgiving Parade
Where: Downtown Silver Spring
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
The reverberating drums of the marching bands herald the coming of the 16th Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade even before you catch site of the first giant inflatable turkey. The line-up of over 100 parade units features a new Baby Smurf inflatable, a massive dinosaur, a portable skating rink, and more colorful dancing groups than ever. Emcee ABC 7 Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff will introduce glittering floats, a wide variety of high school, college, and professional marching bands; beauty queens; clowns; fire engines; and performing dog and rescue animal groups. As always, the Parade will end with Santa’s float playing holiday music and showing the smiling, rosy cheeked man in a red suit who loves to hang out with elves and give out candy canes. The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.
Quidditch (Yes, Quidditch!) Regionals
Where: Loudon Soccer Park
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 8pm
Admission: Free
The real life iteration of Quidditch is a little bit different than the sport played by Harry Potter and friends, but it still sounds unique and exciting. And this weekend, you can watch as teams from the MidAtlantic play in the regional championship. Along with the on-field action, there will be special “kidditch” sessions, quidditch games with modified rules for kids, open to any children wishing to play, plus great food, exclusive merchandise, and quite a few friendly Harry Potter fans.
Holiday Happenings
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Shows and events that embrace — and emit — the holiday spirit have begun. The KFDC Guide to the Holidays in DC has ALL you need to help make the season bright.
Peter & the Wolf — on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Varies by show
Based on Prokofiev’s popular tale of good versus evil, Peter and the Wolf is staged with half life-size marionettes. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the themes in the work, precedes this story of Peter’s, and his animal friends’, attempts to capture wily “Old Lupus.”
Movie at the Art Museum
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
Kids can explore art through film at the NGA’s monthly film program. This weekend they’ll present Azur and Asmar, dazzling modern-day fable for all ages from celebrated animation master Michel Ocelot. Recommended for ages 6 and up, you can read a synopsis of the film on the NGA website.
Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Saturday, 9:30am & 11am
Admission: Free
This week’s performance is Mary Ann Jung as Margaret Brent: Just in time for Thanksgiving, Mary Ann Jung as historical figure Margaret Brent is here to take everyone on a remarkable journey through colonial Maryland! Everyone has a role in today’s interactive story. Come and enjoy as Mistress Brent becomes America’s first female landowner, its first female lawyer, and its first suffragette. Tickets are free and distributed 30 minutes prior to each show, one ticket per each person in line. Seating is limited!
Tot Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11am
Admission: $5
The music venue in Vienna presents two kids shows this weekend: The Banjo Man Frank Cassel Family Show is Saturday morning, and Asheba: Caribbean Music for Kids is on Sunday. Tickets for both are available through the website.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $19
Christmas celebrations are just around the corner and Shirley the Partridge has got some problems to solve! The French Hens are arguing, the six geese have flown to Florida for the winter and worst of all…someone has stolen the Five Golden Rings! What will happen to Christmas? Recommended for all ages.
Gustafer Yellowgold
Where: Reston Community Center CenterStage
When: Saturday, 3pm
Admission: $5-10
The small, yellow, cone-headed fellow, who came to Earth from the Sun and has a knack for finding himself neck-deep in absurd situations is returning to the area to play a show in Reston. Equal parts pop rock concert and animated storybook, Gustafer Yellowgold concerts are a truly different multimedia experience that entrance children and adults alike. In keeping with one of his popular songs, there will be a PANCAKE LUNCH prior to the CenterStage show.
Fall Bazaar
Where: Washington Waldorf School
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the 44th Annual Fall Bazaar at Washington Waldorf School on Saturday. The Bazaar will feature crafts and activities for children of all ages, over 30 artisans and an opportunity to purchase beautiful Waldorf inspired items made by WWS parents. Have lunch in the bistro; enjoy entertainment throughout the day and snack on delicious baked goods and coffee while you are shopping. There will also be puppet shows, crafts, games, & activities for kids.
Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, 1:30pm & 4pm
Admission: $25
Best friends Gerald and Piggie find themselves on an excellent musical adventure in this world premiere stage adaptation of Mo Willems’s award-winning Elephant & Piggie books. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Tales from the Brothers Grimm
Where: Creative Cauldron
When: Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm
Admission: $15/adults, $12/students & seniors
Deep in the woods of imagination, encounter myth and mystery in a magical place filled with talking fish, evil stepmothers and enchanted princes. When the Grimm Brothers first published their folktale collection, they opened the door to timeless lessons, helping young audiences to understand the sometimes capricious and cruel nature of the world. Now Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater takes a new look at both familiar Grimm tales and lesser-known folktale gems, weaving them together in a musical performance that will bewitch and beguile audiences of every age. The Creative Cauldron is located at ArtSpace Fall Church at 410 South Maple Avenue.
Pajamas at the Disco
Where: U Street Music Hall
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: $15/all walking humans
Roll right of bed for a pajama party bash complete with cozy PJs, junky cereal, and more! It’s Pajamas at the Disco – wear your favorites and head down to the family dance party on U Street as Baby Loves Disco returns to DC. The fun will feature BLD’s signature DJ and MC, along with all kinds of kids activities. The MC will pump up the crowd, and the DJ will spin G-rated dance tunes, while kids, parents, and grandparents groove along and enjoy the party.
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 Pocahontas, a Virginia Indian chief’s daughter, in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.
