It’s peak strawberry season!
Happy Weekend!
Link up to these posts full of ideas for local fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
“Summer” Fun
Where: Throughout the DC area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It may not be official on the calendar, but “summer” is underway! Spray play, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars, and more ongoing seasonal treats have begun around DC. Start the weekend with free music at Bethesda’s summer concert series. Cool off at a DC splash park. See a family film outdoors at Union Market. Go paddling, see a special exhibit, or just plan ahead for seasonal fun. The 2023 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when you can get summer started early — and plan for even more!
Mystics Tip Off
Where: Entertainment & Sports Arena | Congress Heights, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30
The Washington Mystics, our local women’s pro basketball team, begins its season this weekend with a game against New York Liberty on Friday evening. It’s a great chance to watch some good on-court action and support women in sports! The team plays at the Entertainment and Sports Arena located on the St. Elizabeths East Campus, in southeast DC. Purchase tickets here.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult, free/2 & under
The longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County takes place this weekend and next, rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole fam. As if that’s not enough to keep the everyone entertained for the day, there’s also the five-acre play area, complete with the jumping pillow, slides, rope swings, mazes, a tractor tire mountain, and animal encounters. Get tickets in advance!
Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Thompson Boat House | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual DC Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 20th year — an experience for athletes and spectators alike! The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free, and there are cultural activities to enjoy, too.
Big Bounce America
Where: Rosecroft Raceway | Fort Washington, MD
When: Starting Saturday – June 11
Admission: Starts at $22
Boing! Big Bounce America, the world’s largest bounce house, is returning to the DC area starting this weekend. The biggest touring inflatable event includes four massive inflatable attractions: a 16,000-square-foot World’s Largest Bounce House; the newly added Sport Slam featuring a customized sports arena; the 900-foot-long obstacle course named The Giant; and a unique, space-themed wonderland called airSPACE. Three-hour sessions for varying age groups — 3 & under, 7 & under, 15 & under, and 16 & older — are $22 for the youngest group, $38 for older kids, and $41 for 16+. Reserve tickets here.
Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Where: Entrance at 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian heritage at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace. Reserve free tickets here.
Bourbon and Blue Grass
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: $86/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & under
The rollicking annual fundraiser is back for its 8th year! Featuring an extraordinary line up of music, bourbon and beer tastings, and fun activities for the whole family, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy lots of live bluegrass music. Two-day passes are also available.
Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
The 9th annual Anacostia River Festival will offer an afternoon of fun to guests! This year enjoy musical performances, canoe rides, a fishing workshop, a vintage car parade, and more fun at the park along the Anacostia River. Read more about Anacostia Park here.
Nats Weekend: Pups, the Force, & Freebies
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary (get deal for Sunday)
The Nats host the Detroit Tigers this weekend, and there’s a lot of extra fun to accompany the action on the field. Friday night is Pups in the Park when canine fans can attend the games. You needed to have a special ticket already, but you can spectate with Fido and friends. Saturday’s game is Star Wars themed, and the ballpark will transform into a galaxy far, far away with character appearances, photo booths, DJs, balloon twisters, caricaturists, face painters and more (plus Hawaiian shirt giveaways for the early fans)! Sunday there is a Teddy Handmade by Robots Vinyl Figure giveaway for the first 10,000 fans ages 3-12, plus Kids Run the Bases after the game. So much fun baseball fun! Before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
Where: Farms around Loudoun County, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Enjoy over 40 local farm stops full of delicious produce, cute animals, farm demonstrations, and fun & educational programs. Visit the website for a map of the locations and more info on each one.
Truck Day
Where: MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is kicking off “Public Works Week” with Truck Day. The free, family-friendly event welcomes the community for a hands-on exploration of the many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles that make the county run. Climb aboard a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck, and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, plus a chance to meet the essential workers who operate them. The Truck Depot and Salt Barn is located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Gaithersburg.
We Fly Together
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Join Urban Adventure Squad, a local nonprofit for this free, all ages, all-community event at the U.S. National Arboretum on Saturday. Led by UAS educator Randi Jones and funded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Celebrate Urban Birds project, you’ll perch at the Arboretum’s Arbor House and create field guides, learn to use binoculars, and practice bird identification. The event is designed for children with a range of abilities.
Adams Morgan PorchFest
Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches of homes and store fronts of local businesses are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Enjoy a variety of music styles from about 70 bands playing on porches, patios, and stoops in the neighborhood. At the corner of Adams Mill and Columbia Road NW on Porchfest Day, pick up a music map and free wristband that will get you discount at over 30 Adams Morgan businesses.
Gon’ Country Family-Friendly Concert
Where: The Hall CP | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/age 4-12 & under, free/3 & under
Will Overman along with fellow Virginia natives and Country powerhouse Crawford & Power will be performing at The Hall CP’s Gon’ Country Concert. The show will kick off UMD Graduation Weekend along with a portion of the proceeds benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Overman’s heart-worn vulnerable lyrics and dynamic vocal delivery are front and center in his recent releases “Dotted Line,” “Heartpine” and “The Winemakers Daughter.” Watch the official music video for “Dotted Line” here. The show this Saturday is [extra] significant because it comes on the heels on the announcement of Overman becoming an official ambassador of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!
KidStory Theatre Festival
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
InterAct Story Theatre presents this theatrical celebration of stories written by kids for kids. All year long, InterAct artists create stories with kids, and invite them to share their epic stories with them. Now, they’ve chosen some favorites from over the years that they’ll as short plays and stories performed by InterActors! Best for ages 4 and up.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Bohrer Park | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. Bohrer Park is located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue.
United vs Galaxy
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $29 (look for discount)
DC United is playing at home on Saturday evening, hosting LA Galaxy. 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.
Fairy & Gnome Home Festival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Sunday (timed-entry)
Admission: $8/age 2+
This annual festival at one of the most enchanting places will delight the whole family — and we know from experience. Join a magical day of family nature play as you travel through six realms of Annmarie to discover a variety of activities in the garden. Make new fairy friends, find hidden gnome homes, enjoy crafts and nature explorations, meet sweet baby animals, ride a unicorn (!), listen to live music, and frolic in the sweet Fairy Lolly. Food and drink will be available. Advance timed-entry tickets are required for admission and unicorn rides ($10). Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and get a glimpse in this KFDC post and this one.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
Where: King Street | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community – history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style, energy. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! and Campagna Center.
Once Upon a Mattress
Where: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis | Annapolis, MD
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday, 11am & 4pm | Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $18/age 13+, $15/12 & under
Catch a performance of this show at the nonprofit children’s theatre… Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larkin and Sir Harry to the altar? This rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans.[Note: The theatre is just 35 minutes from DC, 10-15 minutes from Cantler’s crab house, and less than five minutes from Sandy Point State Park beach — perfect for a day out!]
Jack & the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 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 55 minutes.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $69-325
Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail in song, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a chorus line of knights, men in tights, killer rabbits, and sexy dancing divas. The score will be performed onstage by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Recommended for ages 13+.
Beetlejuice
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through May 28
Tickets: $60-140 (look for discount)
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Row Your Boat
Where: Fletcher’s Boathouse | Foxhall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Rentals start at $/hour
On the water pursuits are linked at the top, but one of our favorites is paddling the Potomac from Fletcher’s Boathouse. That area of the river is particularly pretty, verdant with trees flanking the shoreline. Wildlife sightings are likely — we always see turtles, egrets, and ducks, and have spotted hawks and herons, too. And if you paddle east toward Georgetown, you’ll catch views of the Washington Monument. Read about our first Fletcher’s paddling adventure here. And find more places for recreation on the water here.
Pick Your Own
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries and a few veggies are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. This post has a round-up of where to go. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
Hikes You’ll Like
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Getting out for a walk in the woods is a great way to enjoy some family time on the weekend. Given the hot weather on the way, you’ll probably want to opt for spots that offer good shade. Some places to find it: Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Mason Neck State Park, Prince William Forest Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, Rock Creek Park. Find even more places to hike here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* In case you haven’t seen it yet, The 2023 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area was just posted!
* This summer exhibit looks fantastic and worth the drive.
* Cool news for teens — they can now have their own Uber accounts!
* 25 family summer vacation ideas.
* Can’t wait to watch this new show with my soccer girl.
* A perfect solution for organizing sports gear.
* So many great swimsuit styles (and the best fitting, imo)!
* I recently received a sweet note from the mom of a 10-year-old letting me know about the five books she’s written, all available here for free or for a small fee.
* A moving essay by Emilio Estevez on his family’s travels.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. This helps me continue to bring you KFDC, all completely for free. Thank you so much for the support!
