Baseball season has begun, but you don’t have to go to the ballpark to celebrate it this coming weekend. On Saturday, April 6, the National Postal Museum is hosting a fun-filled family festival to kick off the MLB season as well as the one year countdown until the opening of their exhibition Baseball: America’s Home Run.
The Baseball Opening Day Family Festival will be loaded with festivities for all ages. In addition to an array of food vendors, visitors can enjoy a variety of baseball-inspired activities that will make the day a grand slam!
19th Century Baseball Re-enactors
Explore origins of our national pastime with the Diamond State Base Ball Club of Delaware, the Mutual Base Ball Club of New York, and the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia.You’ll not only learn how the game has evolved over time, you’ll also be able to partake in old bat and ball games!
Bat-Making Demonstrations with Juan Baret
Ever wonder how a baseball bat is made? Juan Baret, the founder and owner of Baret Bats, will perform live bat-making demonstrations throughout the day. Following his career in the U.S. Air Force, Baret taught himself how to make baseball bats and started his own company. Learn his amazing story as you watch his craft in action!
Story Time
Before the Nationals became the Major League team of our Nation’s Capital in 2005, another baseball club with the same name played here from 1886-1889. William Hoy played for the Nationals from 1888-1889. As a deaf ballplayer, Hoy cleverly invented many of the non-verbal signs that are now a fundamental part of the game. An ASL-interpreted Story Time will explore Hoy’s incredible life and career.
Crafts Station
Use your favorite team as inspiration for decorating a pop-out baseball stadium card at the crafts station. Mail your 3-D card to someone special or take it home as a keepsake.
Picnic Area
Refuel on the outdoor terrace with a cold beverage and some creative baseball grub catered by Rasa, DC Central Kitchen, and the Washington Nationals. Food offerings will include classic options like hotdogs and nachos as well as more modern ballpark cuisine like samosas and slow-roasted pork sandwiches. Enjoy lawn games and the arrival of spring while you snack.
Baseball Opening Day Family Festival
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, DC
Location: Across from Union Station (Metro Red Line)
When: Saturday, April 6, 2019, 10am – 4pm
Admission: FREE!
