The Weekend Round-Up:
September 9-11

 

 

Happy Weekend!

Link up to posts full of ideas for local activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* On the Water
* Swim Spots
* Bike Rides
* The Great Indoors
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Outdoor Movie Night: Onward
Where: Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Start off the weekend with a free film screening on the lawn of Abraham Lincoln’s summer residence. On Friday, see the Disney movie Onward, about two teenage elf brothers who get an unexpected opportunity to spend one more day with their late dad and embark on an extraordinary quest. Among other things, the Lincoln family came to the Cottage to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and the public in invited to do the same. Bring a picnic (or popcorn) and sit back and enjoy! Screenings begins at 7pm. Register to reserve your space!

DC Walls Festival Kick Off Party
Where: Alethia Tanner Park | NoMa, DC
When: Friday, 3-10pm
Admission: Free
The international mural festival brings together local, national, international artists is back this year and kicks off with a party on Friday. Spend the afternoon watching muralists at work along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, listen to music from local DJs; shop a specially curated market of local galleries, artists, and makers; and more! Food will be available for purchase from local food truck, Kam and 46.

Soar Together @ Air and Space: Expanding Our View of the Universe
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free (parking $15)
Join a Family Day in this Air & Space series that includes hands-on activities, opportunities to talk with experts, and more. This weekend, explore how scientists are expanding our view of the Universe with the help of new space telescopes and probes, like the James Webb Space Telescope. You can literally see how these tools provide insight into black holes, the earliest galaxies, asteroids, exoplanets, and more features of outer space.

Fossil Hunters
Where: Calvert and Charles Counties, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
There are several spots that are day trip-distance from DC, where you can search for shark teeth and other remnants from the Miocene and Paleocene eras. Play paleontologist and spend a day at one of them… I can assure you from a lot of experience it’s a fun and fascinating (those fossils are millions of years old!) activity. Beware that you might encounter crowds — this post is one of the most popular on KFDC if that’s any indication — so have a Plan B just in case.

Celebration of Textiles: Korea
Where: GWU & Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Korean fashion and culture at the museum during its 41st-annual Celebration of Textiles. See artist demonstrations of weaving, embroidery, quilting and more. Make your own “bojagi” patchwork and try a little K-pop dancing with friends or family. Tours of the exhibition Korean Fashion: From Royal Court to Runway will be offered throughout the day.

Prince George’s County Fair
Where: Showplace Arena |  Upper Marlboro, MD.
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $6/age 13-54, $5/age 6-12 & 55+, free/5 & under
Enjoy a variety of entertainment and attractions for all ages, including 4-H exhibits, magic and dance shows, pig and duck races, a horse pull competition, a chain saw artist, a K-9 show, and much more.

Portraiture Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
It’s the Portrait Gallery’s first festival since 2020. Join the celebration of art, identity, and creativity that will include art, music, and activities for all ages. There will be hands-on workshops, interactive gallery talks, and opportunities to meet finalists from the 2022 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, and more.

Kensington Train Show
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $7/adult, $2/child, $15/family
All aboard for the return of the Kensington Train Show! Featuring model trains and more train inspired fun, it’s an event for the whole family. Marvel at local club National Capital Trackers’ “O” gauge electric trains that will literally include al the bells and whistles. Enjoy a performances by Orleans Express on Saturday (11:30-1:30pm), and Matthew Dodd will share railroad songs and stories on Sunday, (1-4pm).

We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do…
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When:  Saturday, 1pm (gates open at 11:30)
Admission: Tickets start at $25
The Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, is playing at Audi field this weekend, as they take on San Diego Wave FC.  Watch some amazing soccer play while supporting women in sports and see a few players from the US women’s national team in action! Purchase tickets here.   PS: It’s also Pride Night OUT and there will be a pre-game celebration and drag show.

Milo the Magnificent
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Fri, 10:30am | Sat & Sun, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
See a puppet show about an aspiring magician. This wordless comedy, inspired by turn of the century vaudeville entertainers, is as highly physical as it is charming. Using stunningly innovative puppetry, Milo presents a variety of magic tricks which don’t always go as planned. Run time approximately 60 minutes. Recommended for ages 4+.

Ren Fest!
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD
When: Weekends through October 20
Admission: $24/age 16+, $12/age 7-15, free/6 & under
The medieval time trip is going strong! You just can’t beat the amazing variety of entertainment — exciting jousting matches, cheeky comedy shows, fire eaters, sword swallowers, tight rope walkers and other balancing acts, jugglers, musical performances, puppetry, plus slides, play areas, games, and some of the best people-watching ever. It all takes place in Revel Grove, the charming location that resembles a 16th-century Tudor village. KFDC Tip: Admission prices go up after this weekend, so take advantage!

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from DC
Where: Orchards & farms around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
We’re in the thick of apple season, and there are several spots around the region where you can pick your own. This round-up of area farms and orchards offering PYO opportunities has details. And I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the pickings are good the day you plan to go.

Corn Maze & Apple Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Through September 30
Admission: $16/adult, $14/child, free/2 & under
September may mean back to school for many, but at Great Country it means back to the farm for freshly pressed cider and apple picking. You can celebrate it with apple picking, award-winning apple cider donuts, a romp in the 12-acre play area, and in the Stories from the Stars Corn Maze where you can learn about the constellations of the Zodiac. On weekends, there’s live music, marshmallow roasting, pig races,  and cider pressing demos, too!

Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Where: Gateway Park | Rosslyn, VA
When: Saturday, 1-7pm
Admission: Free
Jazz is back in Rosslyn this milestone year! Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, we’re bringing a diverse lineup of four fantastic acts to the stage at Gateway Park for an afternoon of music, food trucks, yard games, the Arlington Art Truck, community table experiences, and tons of fun.

Sculpture Tour
Where: NGA Sculpture Garden | National Mall, DC
When: Friday – Sunday, 12pm
Admission: Free
Get a more in depth look at some of the outdoor art on the National Mall! The National Gallery of Art is now offering free guided tours Thursday – Sunday at 12pm. Stroll among the modern and contemporary sculptures with an expert tour guide to learn more about the art. And there are several large, even quirky works that kids will dig seeing, too! Tours are one hour, and no reservations are required — just meet at the Pavilion Café.

Adams Morgan Day
Where: Throughout Adams Morgan, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate one of the city’s most diverse communities at the 44th Annual Adams Morgan Day, offering a day full of music, art, culture, dancing, and more. The family-friendly event will have activities for all ages, including free crafts, multiple stages of entertainment, all kinds of demos, a whole Family Fun Zone, and tons more. More details and the schedule of performances are available on the website.

Takoma Park Folk Fest
Where: Takoma Park Middle School | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Regroovinate at the annual Takoma Park Folk Festival, where folk music and performances from around the world will be on four stages. Back in person after two years, the family-friendly event will be held entirely outdoors.  Along with the music, a crafts show and sale will showcase the works of local artisans. Pack snacks or purchase food from vendors there. Rain or shine.

DC State Fair
Where: Gateway DC – St. Elizabeths East | Anacostia, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Apparently, being an actual state isn’t a requirement to have a state fair. But this annual event in its 11th year is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary, and creative talents and a day-long celebration of all things homegrown. While inspired by time-honored state fair traditions — growing and gardening, animal husbandry, and deep-fried foods — it also honors the things that make the District unique. This fair holds competitions to find the tastiest mumbo sauce, best honey, and most creative hula hoopers in the city; puts on a Pet Parade instead of a pig race; and works with local businesses and organizations that are committed to helping our community thrive.

Dear Evan Hansen
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through September 25
Tickets: $79-199 (look for discount)
A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Recommended for age 12+. (This is one of my favorite shows of all time!  Read a KFDC review  from when it debuted at Arena Stage several years ago.)

Doggie Swim Days of DC
Where: Select public pools in DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
Bring your pooch to the pool!  With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one-day opportunity to jump in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games. All dogs must have a valid and original DC Department of Health issued dog license (no photo copies) and tag to enter the pool. If an application for a license is needed you must have the required documentation (i.e. proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations; and proof of spaying/neutering). Dog licenses will be issued on site.

Arts Alive!
Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center | Manassas, VA
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to join this free community arts festival. Enjoy live performances and exhibits by local artists and art organizations, visual art on display and for sale, and hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages. Food and beverages available for purchase, plus there will be even more fun.

DC, Inside & Out
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
There’s both rain and sunshine in this weekend’s forecast, plus more options for fun things to do with the kids are never a bad thing. If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Two giveaways going on right now! Enter for a chance to win a private music lesson with International School of Music and a Family 4-Pack of tickets to InterACT Story Theatre’s The Hero of Everything!
* There’s a new round-up of live entertainment coming to the DC area this fall.
* CiNoMatic, NoMa’s free fall outdoor movies series, starts this Wednesday, September 14, with Shrek. Register for free here.
* A week of easy dinners as you get into the back to school groove.
* If you like Lily King’s novels (Euphoria, Writers and Lovers), you’ll love her collection of short stories.
* In her own words.