Happy Weekend! Happy Juneteenth! And a very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
Link up to these posts full of ideas for local fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
Celebrate Dad
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s a special day for the dads this weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas, from ballgames to big feasts to outdoor recreation to Juneteenth celebrations. See a whole round-up of them in this post, some of which are included below.
Rock on the Riverfront
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend with live music in the fresh air. The Friday Night Concert series at Yards Park begins on Friday evening. Uncle Jesse is playing this first installment of the summer staple. Enjoy the music along with food and drinks for purchase (or BYO picnic), let the kids play in the grassy spaces or dance on the boardwalk — all with the backdrop of scenic river views.
Juneteeth Celebrations
Where: Around the DC area
When Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1965, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021 — though it’s been celebrated at some places around the area for many years. While the actual day is June 19, there are events to celebrate it all weekend long leading up to the day. This round-up details the best ones for families, from festivals to museum programs to live entertainment to significant sites, and an enlightening hike. A couple are listed here, too.
Awesome Con
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Square, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $45/adult, $13/child
The mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention brings a three-day celebration of television, movies, comic books, science, technology and more to DC. With hundreds of hours of programming, an impressive lineup of special guests (Lord of the Rings fans, Elijah Wood, Sean Austin, and Andy Serkis will be there), and exciting activities for fans of all ages, this is one fun event. We’ve been and have had a blast checking out games, toys, comics, art, tv and movie memorabilia, and more. And the cosplay is fantastic. Costumes encouraged.
Portside in Old Town Summer Festival
Where: Old Town Waterfront | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday, 6-9pm & Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole fam to this free festival on Alexandria’s waterfront. Enjoy an array of live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company for adult, and fun for tall ages. Saturday will have more for kids with an eclectic musical lineup, local food, hands-on art and history activities, and more.
Capital Book Fest
Where: Ronald Reagan Building | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the fam for a book fest with a variety of activities for young readers. Coinciding with the Juneteenth Weekend s, the Children’s Book Festival will offer a family-friendly day filled with engaging, educational activities and an exciting lineup of local, award-winning authorsAuthor readings, book-making and illustration workshops, a STEAM station from the National Children’s Museum, and thrilling rounds of Double Dutch are part of the fun. DC Public Library’s Discover Summer Program will also host book giveaways, bookmark making, and more. Plus, thousands of gently-used books for all ages will be on sale for $6 or less provided by Carpe Librum, benefitting Turning the Page.
Juneteenth Community Day
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
In celebration of Juneteenth 2023, the NMAAHC returns to its perennial theme, “Senses of Freedom: The Taste, Sound, and Experience of an African American Celebration.” During thisJuneteenth Community Day visitors can explore the gifts of gardening and the culinary arts, hear stories, listen to music, and discover their inner artist with crafts for all ages. The public is invited to visit the Museum’s galleries, grounds, and Sweet Home Cafe to create memories and learn more about this historic holiday both inside and outside the museum. Outdoor festivities do not require tickets, but be sure to reserve free passes to go inside.
Pride Family Day
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Pride with Glen Echo Park on Saturday, where there will be festivities for the whole family. Check out an interactive chalk maze designed by Chalk Riot. Ride the carousel for free (while comp tickets last; otherwise $2/ride or $5/all day). Pick up a carousel-themed craft activity bag for all ages (while supplies last). Enjoy snacks and specialty Glen Echo Park Root Beer. Plan to see a show while you’re there at The Puppet Co. or Adventure Theatre. The playground, picnic area, Glen Echo Park Aquarium (book tickets in advance), and a variety of art galleries throughout the park will be open, too!
All Aboard
Where: Tall Ship Providence | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $17/age 3-13, $20/age 14+
The historic tall ship, Providence, just sailed into Old Town Alexandria and will be docked at the waterfront through the end of the year. You can learn all about it and get an on a living history tours of the ship as well as sunset and specialty sails. Tours start at $17/age 3-13, $20/age 14+, and sails are $39/age 3-13, $49/age 14+. Visit the website to learn more and book tickets.
Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free passes required (note parking is $15)
Head out to the Chantilly arm of the National Air & Soace Museum for this special program. View over 50 vintage, modern, and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. You can even go into some of the cockpits and cabins and talk with pilots. Along with the outdoor display, museum educators will show how to spot and identify aircraft landing at Dulles Airport.
Nats vs. Marlins
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at (look for discount)
The Nats are hosting the Marlins all weekend. Catch a game on Friday at 7:05pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There will be a Racing Presidents bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, and kids can run the bases after the game on Sunday. Be sure to check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.
National Ice Cream Fest
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: $10-60
I scream, you scream, we all scream for the National Ice Cream Fest happening at National Harbor on Saturday. With vendors competing in various categories for the title of best ice cream, you’ll have the chance to taste and judge the delicious creations. Along with ice cream samplings there will be more entertainment, including live music by the Legwarmers.
Peter and the Wolf
Where: The Clarice | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission:
Part of the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, this event is a combination of orchestral performance and narrated story telling. In Prokofiev’s beloved symphonic fairy tale, the young Peter goes out into the forest — against his grandfather’s advice. Join Peter as he makes friends with whimsical forest creatures and faces a ferocious gray wolf, all to the sounds of the symphonny.
MudFest
Where: Woodstock Equestrian Special Park | Beallsville, MD
When: Saturday,
Admission: $20/car
Get down and dirty, jumping, slipping, and sliding in giant mud pits! Cook up a mud pie, make mud art, and play games! This muddy fun will be great for the whole family. This is a rain or shine event.
United vs Salt Lake
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 Real Salt Lake. 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.
Little Critters Nature Play
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Drop in with little ones for hands-on activities and story time at the Zoo! Have a wild time exploring animals and the natural world through creative, free-choice activity stations in a brand-new indoor/outdoor classroom. Dig for horseshoe crabs in the sand table, make lunch for a bird in the mud kitchens, or just join for a story or two. Read Aloud Storytimes take place at 10am 11am, and 12pm. The play area is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. (PS: The Zoo is fun for older kids, too… read more about it in this KFDC post.)
The Fisherman and His Wife
Where: Adventure Theater | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through August 6
Tickets: $20.50
Enjoy some children’s theater… A fisherman hits the jackpot when he stumbles upon a magic talking fish in this interactive adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s classic story. The simple, sweet fisherman is content to continue his way of life, but his ambitious wife is determined to take advantage of their good fortune. Narrated by Scat, the magical fish with a flair for jazz, this couple discovers the consequences of being greedy with the help of the audience. Recommended for all ages.
Seussical: The Musical
Where: Keegan Theatre | Northwest DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 7pm | Sunday, 3pm
Tickets: $25/youth, $60/adult
A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza for all ages, SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination — Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos in a musical adventure which tests the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community. Recommended for all ages.
Hadestown
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $60-150+ (look for discount)
It’s the final weekend for the Broadway musical… Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go. Recommended for ages 8+.
The Enigmatist
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through July 2
Tickets: $35-89 (look for discount)
An immersive, interactive experience of puzzles and cryptology! Renowned magician and New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong brings his popular in-person show to the Kennedy Center. Recommended for ages 8+.
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 7pm
Tickets: $35-75
Strathmore is marking Juneteenth with Step Xplosion, a celebration of the art form of stepping by Step Afrika! Honoring its rich roots in the African American fraternity and sorority experience, this show emphasizes the presence of stepping in the daily and future lives of students. This year’s collaborative production will feature the local premiere of The Movement, a new work choreographed by longstanding Step Afrika! performer Conrad Kelly II. Featuring dynamic performances from some of the most exciting and innovative step teams, Xplosion is a MUST NOT MISS event!
Freedom Day Celebration
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 1-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Juneteenth at National Harbor and visit the Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace in the Capital Canopy. Support the community and check out a variety of businesses, food vendors and stick around for the cultural performances starting at 5pm on the Plaza Stage.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The Library of Congress announced the author lineup for the National Book Festival taking place August 12.
* There are just a few weeks left to see One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection before it closes July 16.
* 25 easy Father’s Day dinner ideas
* Hanna Andersson has a big swimwear sale happening right now.
* A perfect beachy vacation dress.
* New Yorker’s best books they read this week.
* Who else is psyched about this?
* In honor of Father’s Day… 🙂
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