The Weekend Round-Up:
March 10-12

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to ideas for ongoing fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Ice Skating
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Intersections Family Fun Day
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
This third weekend of the annual Intersections Festival at the Atlas includes a morning especially for kids and families. Bring the whole gang for youth-oriented shows and activities. The lobby will be filled with music, performances, an instrument petting zoo, and a creation station offering crafts and coloring for kids and their grown-up friends. And you can catch Imagination Stage’s production of Aquarium all weekend, too (tickets $15)!

NSO in Your Neighborhood
Where: Several DC neighborhoods
When: Through March 13
Admission: Free
In this annual program, the National Symphony Orchestra musicians have been performing free concerts in Brentwood, Brookland, Eckington, Fort Lincoln, Trinidad, University Heights, and Woodridge.  This weekend see them at the Basilica of the National Shrine, Turkey Thicket Rec Center, Busboys and Poets,Bookland Arts Walk, Bluebird Sky yoga and more local venues — with pre-concert festivities at some of them. See details here.  All are open to the public with first-come, first-served seating.

Prehistoric Sea Monsters
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:45am – 12pm
Admission: Free
In this month’s session of the museum’s The World & Me program, learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture. Families will explore the discovery of mosasaurs, sharks and fish fossils in Angola, Africa. After a book reading of Tylosaurus by Gerry Bailey, sift for and identify fossils to learn more about how paleontologists make discoveries about animals that lived long ago and are no longer alive today. Recommended for children aged 3-8. Be sure to register in advance.

Oscars Prep
Where: Movie theaters around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by theater
With the Oscars happening this weekend (plus chance of rain in the forecast), it’s a perfect time to catch a flick, either to see a nominated film or get in the spirit of it all by seeing something new. The Alamo is a great place to go for a movie and a meal. Or see what’s playing at other theaters around the area.

Saturday Morning Live! At The National
Where: The National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am & 11am
Admission: Free
Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live! Join us Saturday mornings for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment with  We Can Do It: American Women In History. This is the perfect show to inform and inspire audiences – girls and boys alike! An incredible adventure featuring some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers, your audience will discover incredible and groundbreaking women like Amelia Earhardt, Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony and more!

Maker Morning: Bloom Your Way
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am -1pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring at the Hirshhorn! Join a Maker Morning: Bloom Your Way session to welcome the new season through art making. Hands-on maker stations throughout the Museum include felt garden play, nature library, wearable nature-art, organic shape play, and more. Kids and adults are welcome to enjoy it all!

Creativity is Magic: Maya Lin Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Join this all-ages festival to celebrate Women’s History Month and the life and work of Maya Lin. Known best as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the architect, sculptor, and environmentalist creates work that meets at the intersection of art and environmentalism. At the festival, you can tour the museum’s One Life: Maya Lin exhibition, participate in Lin’s multi-site memorial “What is Missing?”, take part in workshops, and create art inspired by her designs. Read more about the museum here and here.

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Opens Saturday – June 11
Admission: $20-25/adult, $17/age 4-15, $72/family 4-pack
The exhibits at ARTECHOUSE often reflect the season in some way, and they’re highlighting spring by celebrating the cherry blossoms with a gorgeous digital exhibit that immerses you in the blooms and a butterfly world. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements are sure to make this one beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience.

BGR!Fest
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Vary by activity
This multi-day, live, immersive experience celebrates and recognizes the exceptional cultural contributions of Black women artists, thought leaders, and creatives. The festival’s headlining feature is the Black Girls Rock Concert boasting a lineup of Black women artists Alice Smith, Estelle, and Jade Novah. There will also be a more live performances, a late-night music and DJ series, and a film screening. Find more details along with the full schedule of events on the website.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Admission: $12-39 (look for discount)
On the Imagination Stage this weekend… Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.

Beauty and the Beast
Where: Synetic Theater | Rosslyn, VA
When:Through April 3
Admission: $35-65
This fresh adaptation is a sparkling and inspiring Gothic romance full of wonder, mystery and redemption expressed through Synetic’s unique stage effects, expressionistic design, puppetry and movement. No sing-alongs or talking teacups from Disney’s animated film in this piece of theater art. Though just as magnificent, this show’s got bite. Note that this production of Beauty and the Beast contains fantasy violence and may be scary to younger children.

Sleeping Beauty on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Fridays, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Admission: $15
In the Puppet Co.’s version of Sleeping Beauty, a funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this lovely Legacy rod-puppet show. Directed by Elizabeth Dapo. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 45 minutes.

Fitting In
Where: Theatre on the Run | Alexandria, VA
When: Through March 26
Admission: $10
Arts on the Horizon presents this show for littles… Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not so simple task- to put things in their proper place. However, they soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. Through clowning, movement, and original music, three performers will transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Is a blanket a blanket? Or is it the sail of a boat setting off on an epic voyage? Together, we can find the magic buried in the bottom of every box, and hidden inside the world around us! Recommended for ages 2-5.

What Makes a Winner
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through March 12
Admission: $15/adult, $12/child
Join Encore Stage & Studio for this updated retelling of the famous Tortoise and the Hare and other classic fables… What happens after the Tortoise beats the Hare in the race? Join Encore Stage & Studio for a new spin on the classic story in its world premiere of What Makes a Winner written by Lynne Childress. When Terri the Turtle and Ray the Rabbit become co-captains on a new racing team, Ray comes to find that he’s got a lot to learn about the true meaning of friendship. This unlikely duo meet all kinds of woodland creatures in their journey to make the perfect team. Together they learn that the most rewarding med

The Mortification of Fovea Munson
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: Through March 19
Admission: $20
Mary Winn Heider brings her uproarious book to musical life in this world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Fovea Munson is stuck working at her parents’ cadaver lab, but she is by no means Dr. Frankenstein’s snuffling assistant, Igor! That is, until three disembodied heads start talking. To her. Out loud. And they need a favor. March 18 at 11am is a sensory-friendly performance. Recommended for ages 10+.

Into the Woods
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through March 19
Admission: $35-159 (look for discount)
Here’s a reason to be happy ever after…  Into the Woods just opened at the Kennedy Center, and this production is recommended for ages 4 and up.   Bring the whole family for a show that got rave reviews on Broadway! And FYI: $35 Rush tickets will be available for every performance beginning each performance day at 5pm at the Kennedy Center Box Office, except matinee performances when Rush tickets will go on-sale at 12pm. Tickets are subject to availability and have no guaranteed location. Two tickets max per person.

Celebrate Women’s History
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment, attend a festival… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. This post has details on where you can do that over the next month — and beyond!

Carpe Librum
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Shop a mobile bookstore on Saturday.  Browse through thousands of books all under $6 in a nice, outdoor setting.  There’s something for everyone — children’s books, teen reads, brand-new bestsellers in amazing condition, classic vintage hardbacks, and more.  Look for it in the southern block of the park. While you’re in the area, grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby eateries and enjoy some time by the river right across M Street at The Yards.

Wonderful World of Watkins
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Go over the rainbow and beyond at Watkins Regional Park – there is so much fun to be had at the PG County locale.  Visit the Old Maryland Farm to see the animals, and spend time at Watkins Nature Center to view even more cool creatures and birds.  The adorable Wizard of Oz themed playground will have kiddos frolicking for hours. Trails winding through the woods make for nice hikes, too!

Soar Together at Air and Space Family Day: Messages in the Sky
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
You may already be familiar with a banner pulled by an airplane, advertising a beachside restaurant. But what are the other ways aircraft are used to deliver messages in the sky? Explore this topic at this month’s Soar Together at Air and Space Family Day!

Baba Bomani: The ABC’s of Rap!
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Join InterAct Story Theatre for a new installment of their Wheaton Family Theatre Series with FREE performances and events for kids and families. Get ready to move and explore with this month’s Family Arts Workshop! There will be two programs at Highland Elementary School, 3100 Medway Street, 20902: Saturday, March 11 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public!

DC United vs. Orland City
Where: Audi Field | southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $27
Check out some soccer action on Saturday evening. DC United is hosting Orlando City SC at home. As always, I recommend taking public transportation or parking in the Navy Yard neighborhood and walking to Audi Field from there. Plan for a pre-match bite — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are conveniently located and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there. Purchase match tickets here.

Clean City the DC Way
Where: Tyler Elementary School Area | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
DC Way does more than teach soccer — they also do good in the community! The organization is part of an environmental project, where they clean four blocks in the Capitol Hill area surrounding Tyler Elementary School. Volunteers are needed to help us with the clean-up, and all are welcome to join!  Register in advance.

Nowruz Family Day
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Persian New Year at the museum’s annual Nowruz Family Day. Welcome spring with free attractions for all ages, including storytelling, hands-on fun, and more.  There will be crafts and other activities, interactive storytelling, gallery tours, Persian food vailable for purchase, and featured exhibitions Journey of Color, Engaging the Senses, and Feast Your Eyes.

Later, Skaters
Where: Ice rinks around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
This is the last weekend to hit the ice al fresco at most local outdoor ice skating rinks, as many are getting ready to shut down their Zambonis for the season. See this post listing them all for details on where you can glide under the sky one last time this winter.

Take a Swing
Where: Parks in Northern Virginia
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
Batter up! And tee up! Batting cages and mini golf courses are opening at several NoVa Parks. At Cameron Run, Upton Hill, and Occoquan Regional Parks, choose slow pitch softball, or take a crack at baseballs featuring a variety of tough speeds.  And you can putt around at Cameron Run, Upton Hill, Pohick Bay, and Algonkian Regional Parks.

Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
This weekend is the last chance until the fall to take advantage of free admission to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens. From November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the beautiful grounds.  (One of my favorite KFDC Tips to impart because it’s one of my favorite places in DC!) Stroll among the many plats, find lovely tucked away places to sit, and enjoy a delightful, relaxing wander around a peaceful place. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door, a hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park right behind the the garden, and/or a bite to eat at one of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some nearby food recs.

Bloom Town: Magnolias
Where: A couple of DC locations
When: Through the warm months
Admission: Mostly free
Saucer magnolias are now blooming, and they’re sensational in some areas! One of the best places to see them is the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle, and you can plan on museum visits, too. There is also a gorgeous display of  blooming magnolia trees at Indiana Plaza, at the corner of 7th Street, Pennsylvania, and Indiana Ave. — plus, picnic tables with swing seats and nearby places to get a good bite (or bring back to the tables) make it worth the stop.  And for more about upcoming local blooms, see this post — it was created a few years ago, but it’s updated every year to reflect new dates for festivals and any other pertinent info.

Off-the-Mall Museums
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
Take kids to one of the many great museums for kids off the well trodden path of the National Mall. If you don’t veer from it now and then, you could miss out on some amazing exhibits and experiences that aren’t as well known. Check out this round-up of some places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.

Starry Night Online Auction
Where: Ross Elementary School Online & In Person
When: Through March 18
Admission:
Silent bidding is open for the 2023 Ross Elementary School “Starry Night” Auction! You now can bid on nearly 200 items and experiences, including an incredible baseball package; a pair of tickets to a New York Fashion Week show; a Specialized kid’s bike; theater, museum and sports tickets; and dozens of restaurant, health & beauty, and other gift certificates … and so much more. The auction is only two weeks away! You can also bid in person on March 18, 2023, from 6-10pm at Toolbox Pilates Art Studio. (Event open to adults only.) Select items will only be available for in-person bidding, during the live auction portion of the event. Start bidding, buy your tickets, consider being a sponsor – and there’s still time to donate an item or experience! Bidding closes on the evening of March 18.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* In case you haven’t seen it, there’s a new post about upcoming openings for kids around the area.
* Washington Spirit’s home opener is March 26 at Audi Field, and tickets are now on sale.
* Enjoyed a eally good Mexican-inspired dinner at Paraiso last weekend.
* Recipes inspired by Oscar nominees.
* Loved so many movies last year, but I think this one deserves Best Picture. (Also highly recommend The Fabelmans, Triangle of Sadness, The Banshees of Inisherin, and Decision to Leave.)
* Guide to Eternal Youth 🙂