MLK’s words, etched into his memorial, resonate strongly right now
Happy Long Weekend… and stay safe, everyone.
Celebrate MLK
Where: Around the DMV & Online
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities that pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the whole weekend, both virtual and IRL. Volunteer opportunities, art adventures, and online entertainment are some of the ways you can celebrate the day. This post has details on all of them.
Ice Cream for Inauguration
Where: Ice Cream Jubilee | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through January 24
Admission: $22
Ice Cream Jubilee is celebrating the new year and new White House with new ice cream flavors – and tasting parties of special Inauguration Flavors where they’ll serve tasting flights of four mini-scoops (and a pint to take home). President-elect Joe Biden famously loves ice cream, so they want to use ice cream to spread enthusiasm for the new administration and get kids and families excited about elections, government, and our country as they watch the swearing in from home… with ice cream, of course!
Cinderella
Where: Kennedy Center Online
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $10
In partnership with Center Theatre Group on its Digital Stage platform, enjoy an on-demand film screening of celebrated British choreographer Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed Cinderella, which charmed Kennedy Center audiences in 2019. It will be available to stream all weekend.
Saturday Morning Live! At The National
Where: National Theatre | Online
When: Saturday, 9:30am
Admission: Free
The National Theatre is excited to present Life Now Episode One: The Book of How as a part of their Saturday Morning Live! virtual season on Facebook. Meet show host Alvin and his favorite four storytellers, discover that change can be good, and figure out ways to become a better listener. Learn crazy dance moves, how to make a paper craft, and what to do when your hat has a hole in it! This programming is best suited for children 4-10 years, but siblings and friends of other ages are always welcome to join the fun.
Winter Inspo
Where: Around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Don’t let the Covid cold months keep you from getting out around the area. This post is full of recs for activities that are accessible now. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to all-season fun, there are all kinds of things to do that keep social distancing and safety in mind. All you really need are good layers and maybe a little extra outdoor gear.
Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Enjoy the beauty of nature in winter on the trail. Tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and savor a sunny day outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places for hikes with kids. Some good recs for right now: Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, MD; Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring, MD; Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA; Riverbend Park in Great Falls, MD; and Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA.
Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Glide under the sky and stars! Several ice rinks are open for the season with Covid precautions in place for safe, socially distanced skating. Pentagon Row, Silver Spring at Veterans Plaza, Rockville Town Square, and Reston Town Center are once again welcoming guests to skate the day — and night — away. The Color Burst Ice Rink at the Merriweather District in Columbia, MD, just started its inaugural skating season. And the Winter Village at Cameron Run in Arlington also includes the ice skating ops. [Note: You need advanced reservations at just about all of these places, so plan accordingly.]
Serenity Now
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Sometimes you just want to go someplace that’s pretty and quiet, where you can chill out and think (or not) — especially during this tense time. This post has a round-up of of those very places, where you can find peace and calm, all of them right here in the city.
Go Underground
Where: Luray Caverns | Luray, VA
When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Admission: $30/adults, $15/ages 6-12, free/5 & under
Behold the spectacular underground world of stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system at Luray. Afterward, make your way through the Garden Maze or check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum. Admission does not include attractions beyond the cavern. KFDC Tip: Be sure to make a pit stop before going into the caverns, because it can be a long walk out to a restroom, and once you’re out, you may not be able to go back in.
Art & Maritime Explorations
Where: Calvert County, MD
When: Daily, except Christmas
Admission: Varies by locale
Make a day of it in Calvert County, where you can visit a couple of places for fun, fascinating, hands-on adventures. Annmarie Sculpture Garden is full of artistic delights. Tour beautiful works around the grounds (and indoors, if you want) and play in the delightful Fairy Lolly. Hours are 10am – 5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, and admission is a suggested $5 donation. Also out that way is the Calvert Marine Museum, where you can see interesting exhibits, including display cases full of fossils and artifacts, plus live fish and other creatures. There’s also a play area and a real lighthouse to tour. Hours are 10am – 5pm with two -hours sessions 10am – 12pm, 12:30-2:30pm, and 3-5pm, and admission is $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free/4 & under.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are new events from the Fairfax County Park Authority all the time, and this weekend has a fresh batch of nature-inspired activities for guests of all ages. Go on a family hilltop outing at Historic Huntley. Learn about spies at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Charm City, Hon
Where: Inner Harbor Area | Baltimore, MD
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Head up I-95 for a change of city scenery. Explore the exhibits at Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (open by appt). All of these places are open with new safety protocols in place for COVID.
A Teachable Moment
Where: Adventure Theatre | Online
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Tune in with Adventure Theatre and special guest Councilmember Evan Glass. The Councilmember will discuss what’s been happening in our nation’s capital and how this time can be a teachable moment. With Artistic Director Chil Kong leading the conversation, he will help us understand the various ways the United States can and have transitioned from one president to another. To tune in, visit Adventure’s Facebook page on Sunday at 2pm.
***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* The National Mall likely will be closed on Inauguration Day, and would-be visitors are encouraged to stay home.
* There’s a brand new post about a great day out for a hike — and après hike.
* The Rosslyn BID is helping the community keep their 2021 goals top of mind with a free virtual wellness series and locally-sourced giveaways starting January 19. Register in advance!
* Anyone else watching (and loving) Cobra Kai?
* Overlooked Indie movies.
* Thank you notes for the Capitol clean-up crew.
This is a great list for this weekend. Thanks so much for compiling it for us. Going to check out the volunteer opportunities.