The Weekend Round-Up: January 17-19

As we head into the weekend, I’ve got another special shout-out for a birthday honoree — and I’m not talking about MLK. My baby boy, the big kid pictured right above, whose chubby 2-year-old face also lights up the banner on this blog, is turning 9. And despite sounding utterly cliché I have to say that, wow, time flies. It seems like yesterday he was born and this whole wild, wonderful adventure of parenthood began. And as the cliché goes, it sure has been fun. That’s in no small part because of my bright, curious, amusing, dynamic, immensely loved little man.

And with that, here are your recs for fun over the next few days. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Birthday to my sweet O.

Smithsonian MLK, Jr. Celebration
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Join the Anacostia Community Museum to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy with the theme, “The Beloved Community, “ in the American Indian Museum’s Rasmuson Theater. Enjoy entertainment by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, Alfred Kiger Savoy Players in collaboration with DC Youth Ensemble, and the 2014 DC Schools Latin Dance Competition Winners. Kica Matos, Director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice, Center for Community Change, will be the keynote speaker. Sign up for the event here.

More Ways to Celebrate MLK
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities to honor and celebrate it throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for ways to observe the holiday, this post has a few ideas.

Super Fly
Where: National Building Museum
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The birds won’t be the only thing flying around the Building Museum this weekend. The DC Maxecuters are back to demo all kinds of model planes in and across the Great Hall, and all ages are welcome to drop in on Sunday and spectate. And I can tell you from experience, it’s quite mesmerizing to watch the many varieties of model crafts soar. Of course, you can enjoy all the other NBM offerings the rest of the weekend, including the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit ($8/adults, $5/children, free for members).

Children’s Theater Festival
Where: Artisphere
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $15/adults, $10/ages 4-13, free for under 4
Enjoy a full day of theater and so much more. Artisphere presents six hours of “Teatro de la Luna,” featuring all kinds of artistic activities to delight the entire family. Coloring, reading, drawing, ballet, music, and dance performances will be part of the day’s festivities. And all of it is presented Bilingual.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See theatre “by kids for kids” at Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Cinderella (look for a deal on tickets)
* 101 Dalmations is on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will enjoy interactive theatre with Inside Out at the Bethesda theatre
* Be part of opening weekend of “Circus!” at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park
* Justin Roberts is playing 11am & 2pm show at Jammin’ Java on Saturday
* Bastian & Batsianna, a comic fairy tale opera-musical by the 12-year old Mozart, will be at the Source Theatre
* Mockingbird opens at the Kennedy Center this weekend (look for a deal on tickets)
* The Great Zucchini is doing a special holiday show at Jammin’ Java on Monday

Archaeological Adventures
Where: Freer Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Kids with an interest in archaeology and art will dig this workshop related to Unearthing Arabia: The Archaeological Adventures of Wendell Phillips. After taking a self-guided tour of the exhibit, guests can explore a mini “excavation site” that includes shards found in Yemen and create clay models inspired by works in the exhibition. Recommended for ages 8-14.

College Hoops
Where: Local universities & Verizon Center
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
See some exciting basketball action on local college courts. The #11 Maryland men take on Michigan State on Saturday. (Go Terps! Tickets here.) And the Terp women play Illinois on Sunday (tickets here). It’s a Revolutionary Rivalry as the GW Colonials play the George Mason Patriots on Saturday (tickets here). The Hoya men’s team is hosting Butler on Saturday and Villanova on Monday (tickets here). And American University’s women are hosting Lafayette on Saturday (tickets here).

Skate Under the Sky
Where: Local ice rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Glide the day away at an ice skating rink. Skate amid art at the Sculpture Garden; join Canal Park’s Cartoon Skate on Saturday from 10am – 12pm; skate by the Potomac at Washington Harbour; or shop then skate at Pentagon Row, Veteran’s Plaza, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on both al fresco and indoor ice skating options in the area.

Wizards vs. Sixers
Where: Verizon Center
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Spend some time with John Wall and the gang on the day off. The Wizards are playing the 76ers at the Verizon Center on Monday for some rare weekday afternoon basketball action. Check for a ticket deal here.

The Ins & Outs
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Looking for ways to stay active and entertained, yet still warm? Then The Great Indoors post, a list of over 60 ideas for places to go inside, should have you covered. And if you find exploring in the cold air exhilarating, The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids, has a bunch of recommendations, too.