The Weekend Round-Up: May 3-5

Happy Weekend!

Landon Azalea Festival 
Where: The Landon School | Bethesda, Maryland
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
All are invited to the Landon School’s annual Azalea Festival, which features carnival rides, boutique shops, upscale resale, delicious food, live music, and more! Children’s entertainment in Saturday and Sunday will include performances butThe Great Zucchini and Rocknoceros. Be sure to stroll through Landon’s 2.5 acre Perkins Memorial Garden to enjoy the more than 15,000 blooming azaleas — including many rare and cultivated-for-the-Azalea-Festival specimens. And shop more than 40 vendors offering toys, jewelry, fashion, pet and home goods, and more! Proceeds benefit student financial assistance and faculty enrichment

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: 50+ Embassies | Embassy Row & Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Make Indonesian crafts, get a taste of Peruvian food, see an Albanian dance performance, enjoy stories from El Salvador – all in one day! Cultural Tourism DC presents its annual Around the World Embassy Tour, an open house to embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. The free event showcases art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.) A heads-up that there could be lines to get in some embassies, so be prepared to exercise patience. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies might conduct security checks. Read about one of our globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect.

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DC
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual festival, in its 80th year at the National Cathedral, is a wonderful way to spend a spring day . While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups, there is also music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight kids as well. While you’re there, be sure to visit the awesome Beauvoir School playground. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about one of our experiences at the event.

Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival
Where: Kingman Island | Northeast, DC
When: Saturday 12-9pm
Admission: $35, free for ages 10 & under
The 10th Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival will feature great entertainment and plenty more revelry. The celebration of local music, food, and culture as well as the revitalization of the Anacostia River features a whole day and evening of performances by local bluegrass and folk acts on multiple stages. Fuel up with DC’s favorite food trucks and beer from Sierra Nevada and Atlas Brew Works. For kiddos, Living Classrooms and a Kids Zone will have activities just for them. Kingman Island is located on the Anacostia River at 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE (at the entrance to RFK Stadium). Read more about Kingman & Heritage Islands in this KFDC post.

Old MacDonald Had a Barn
Where: Miracle Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday
Admission: $8/by May 2, $10/at door
Enjoy some wholesome family entreatment on Friday night! Kidsinger Jim & the Big Barn Puppets are performing a special show at the beautiful Miracle Theatre. “Old MacDonald Had A Barn” features well-known folk tunes and some originals, followed by a fun ‘hoedown’ finale by Kidsinger Jim & his Barnyard Band.  Show length is 45 minutes.

May Day & Musical Festival
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Get outside and join this wonderful springtime tradition!  Potomac Overlook’s May Day is full of fun activities and exhibits for all ages. The event will include a live music performance, entertainment, community exhibits, games, and much more!  All free, registration required.

Galatic Spins
Where: Capital Wheel | National Harbor, MD
When: Saturday, May the Fourth
Admission: Free for riders in costume!
May the Fourth Be with You! Join the Rebellion for a special treat at National Harbor on Saturday. The Capital Wheel is inviting fans from every galaxy to join them for the best party in the universe on to celebrate May the 4th. Guests in costume or Star Wars gear can take a cosmic ride in their own climate-controlled space pod on The Capital Wheel for FREE all day!  After a light speed ride, stop off for out of this world drink specials for only $4 at Flight Deck (for parents, obvi) and pose with your favorite characters from the Star Wars movies from 12-3pm.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
It’s DC’s cutest and funniest Cinco de Mayo celebration as The Wharf hosts the 8th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas! There will be games, a DJ, beer garden, dog costume contest, and the highlight of the afternoon, 128 Chihuahuas racing for fame and fun! The event benefits Rural Dog Rescue, a non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in shelters who are often overlooked for adoption or rescue. Go here for information and to sign your Chihuahua up to race visit. And read more about The Wharf here.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
* Join Winnie the Pooh and friends at Adventure Theatre.
* Arts onthe Horizon presents Sailing on a String
* Sesame Street Live! is at EagleBank Arena
* Junie B. Jones is at Olney Theatre this weekend only
* See P.J. Masks Live! at the UMBC Event Center in Baltimore
* Create your own adventure as you Escape from Peligro Island at Imagination Stage
* It’s the final weekend for Jack and the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co.
* Mother Goose Caboose is the featured Tiny Tots performance at The Puppet Co. on Saturday.
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java.
* Venture Into the Woods at Ford’s Theatre.

Revolutionary War Weekend
Where: Mount Vernon | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $18-20/adult, $11-12/age 6-11, free/5 & under
Step back in time during one of the largest Revolutionary War re-enactments in the region! Watch hundreds of Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate. Throughout the weekend, learn more about life in the 18th century, discuss military techniques, and watch battle re-enactments. Wander through the encampment and meet the soldiers. This family-friendly event features a youth muster on the bowling green and even meeting General Washington!

Spring Fling At SSFS
Where: Sandy Spring Friends School | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 9-11am
Admission: Free
Join us for a fun-filled family event for children ages 2-5 and their families! Our Spring Fling event features a fun morning full of FREE activities including a petting zoo, face painting, a moon bounce, story time, and fun on our playground. Admission staff will be available to answer questions and show our preschool classroom space.
RSVP encouraged, but not required.

Silver Spring Truck Touch
Where: Silver Spring Nursery School | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $5, Under age 2 are free
Kids can explore all kinds of cool vehicles, including Montgomery County construction trucks, a fire engine, rescue vehicles, a school bus, a Metro bus, and more. Also enjoy live music from local favorites Mr. Gabe and RockStarts, as well as yummy food and drinks, arts & crafts, games and face painting. And returning again this year is the popular Silent Auction, where you can bid on lots of amazing items. Park at the CHI Center (10501 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring), then head one block South to SSNS at 10309 New Hampshire Ave.

Racing Art
Where: Around the Inner Harbour | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 7pm
Admission: Free
You might see giant pink poodles and other outrageous works of art “race” down Baltimore streets at the American Visionary Art Museum’s 21st annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetinauts (the pilots of the moving sculptures) will compete for the Grand East Coast National Mediocre Champion, awarded to the competitor who finishes exactly in the middle (that is the BEST). Vehicles are wacky and whimsical, straight from a lunatic genius imagination and constructed out of all kinds of materials. They may be a small one-person machine or a 50-foot feat of engineering navigated by many. This is one of those spectacles you just have to see for yourself.

Raptor Festival
Where: Meadowside Nature Center | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Experience the thrill of seeing raptors — real owls, hawks, eagles and other predators — up close and face to face! Explore the world of these beautiful birds through all kinds of games and crafts, flight demonstrations, and presentations from local experts. Mascot Otus the Owl will be there to greet you, too. Don’t forget your camera!

Creativity Workshop
Where: Phillips Collection | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $18/adult & child
Let your creativity fly in several art-making stations — it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Each station has a different project with art materials, instructions, and artistic inspiration from The Phillips Collection. A professional art educator is on site to support families who would like guidance. Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8. See the website for more details! Read more about the Phillips and an upcoming annual event in this KFDC post.

Mmmm…Chocolate
Where: La Maison Française | Foxhall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $10-40
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! The event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking, and learning. The Morning Block (10:30-11:15am is perfect for families & kids, with a hands-on, interactive experience perfect for younger chocolate enthusiasts.

Family Yoga: Earth Yoga
Where: Roda Movements | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10:30–11:30am
Admission: $15/family (siblings/parents/relatives included)
Finally you can go to yoga class with your children! Prepare to sweat, dance, sing, strike poses, balance, play games, do partner acro-yoga,  go on yoga adventures, and enjoy meditative time to relax, reflect and connect.  Class includes smoothies and themes like “Earth Yoga,” “Yoga Dance Party” and “Happy Yoga.” 

Commit to Be Fit
Where: Rhode Island Row
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join friends and neighbors and commit to being the healthiest you at the Commit to Be Fit event. Enjoy free fitness classes, health screenings, healthy food offerings, kids activities, giveaways, and more! See the complete schedule here.

Children’s Arts & Crafts Workshops
Where: House of Sweden | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Let your creativity loose and draw inspiration from the current exhibits in House of Sweden and participate in STEAM activities for kids, encouraging innovation and children’s curiosity. Children will be able to create abstract art, make small popsicle stick homes in honor of Folkhem’s sustainable wooden home design in Sweden, and more! You can also check out the interactive room Children in the City – Little Library & Funky Town or listen to a Swedish children’s book (in English) after you are done crafting, during Storytime at 3pm. Located at 2900 K Street NW.

DC United vs. Columbus Crew
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
Kick it at a DC United match on Saturday evening as they host the Columbus Crew. If you haven’t been to the new stadium yet, you’re in for a treat — it’s a great arena with excellent views of the action on the field as well as the city skyline. I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan to have dinner, then walk from there.

Rockville Arts Festival
Where: Rockville Town Square | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This two-day event will feature 140+ artists at an outdoor gallery in Rockville Town Square in Rockville, Maryland (Maryland Ave. and E. Middle Lane). This year’s festival places emphasis on arts organizations in Rockville, featuring performances by local theater and dance groups, hands-on art demonstrations by VisArts faculty, and a special community mosaic project.

Taiwan Day
Where: KID Museum | Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: $12/child + 2 adults
Join KID Museum and the Vogai Children’s Choir to explore Taiwanese culture through creative hands-on projects. The whole family can enjoy building mechanical bears, making water soakers from bamboo, tasting homemade Taiwanese fig jelly, and many other activities. KID Museum’s Taiwan Day will feature performances by visiting children of the Bunun tribe, an indigenous group from Taiwan. Join them for traditional dance, music, and song.

BlackRock SpringFest
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Sunday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Join this free celebration at BlackRock! Taking place on the Center’s front lawn and Outdoor Stage, the event will be filled with traditional music, dance, and more featuring local musicians and entertainers, craft vendors, food trucks, and 100 performers from Washington Revels. The highlight of SpringFest will be May Revels, Washington Revels’ long-running family-friendly performance that revives old spring traditions from the United Kingdom that will include opportunities for audience participation. After the performance, children from the audience can join the Revels cast in a Maypole dance.

Literary Hill BookFest
Where: Eastern Market North Hall | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The BookFest is an annual celebration of Capitol Hill-based books and authors. This family-friendly event has become a local tradition, and features more than 50 authors, booksellers, publishers, libraries, and other exhibitors, putting book lovers of all ages face to face with some of the most respected writers and literary institutions in the country. This year, exhibitors including the Library of Congress and award-winning children’s publishers Platypus Media and Shout Mouse Press will share the spotlight with beloved children’s author Katy Kelly, Tom Noll of Green Kids Press, acclaimed author and illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh, and many others. Families will love the lively Children’s Corner, with readings, poetry, crafts, puppetry, and more. 

International Family Equality Day
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity at the National Zoo. Enjoy family-focused activities, including field games with prizes, special animal enrichment demonstrations and live entertainment. See the website for the schedule of events.

STEM Expo
Where: Gaylord National Resort | Nation Harbor, MD
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
The Navy League of the United States and Office of Naval Research are bringing the biennial STEM Expo back to the DC area on Sunday. This event, aimed at students in grades 5-12, is packed with fun opportunities to explore a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and is free for all attendees.Parents, teachers and students can look forward to experiencing exciting exhibits from 20 different vendors, including live robotics demonstrations, VR experiences, video games, 3D printing and other hands-on demos, hourly engineering-themed magic shows from mentalist Paul Draper; live liquid nitrogen ice cream-making demos a a mpecial performance by the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team; and more.

Model Rocket Launch
Where: Goddard Space Flight Center | Greenbelt, MD
When: Sunday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Join the monthly model rocket launch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Anyone is welcome, and if you’ve got a model rocket to fly, bring it along (though there are some restrictions – see them here). The program takes place the first Sunday of every month at 1pm. Read more about it in this post.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* In case you haven’t seen it yet, there’s a brand new round-up of ideas for Mother’s Day celebrations.
* There’s also a new write-up about the active entertainment center and indoor waterpark at The St. James.
* I’m giving Stitch Fix another go. If you want to try it, too, this referral link will get you a $25 credit.
* A great idea for a Mother’s Day gift: A family photo session with Darcy Troutman. She’s an amazing photographer — the best at capturing the beauty and fun of real life moments. (She’s a super cool person, too!)
* The Library of Congress is hosting a conversation with Kevin Kwan, author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” on May 22 as part of their Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month programming. Tickets are free, but required — register for them here.
* The National Building Museum’s Great Hall will be transformed into a giant lawn this summer.
* I’m currently reading Small Fry, the memoir of Lisa Brennan-Jobs (daughter of Steve Jobs) and highly recommend it!