1. The annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is this Saturday, August 12! It’s always a fantastic event, and I highly recommend going if you can. Book enthusiasts, young and old, come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 70 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances. It’s a good idea to plan ahead if there are any authors you really want to see, so take a look at the complete list of them as well as the schedule — most presentations are first come-first served, and people line up early to get seats. The Festival runs 9am – 8pm, and doors open at 8:30am. Admission to all of it is completely FREE! Books and more items will be for sale.
2. Did you know that the National Portrait Gallery hosts a free program especially for children on Mondays? Portrait Gallery Kid invites all ages to join museum educators to learn, play and create as they explore a variety of topics, like colors, emotions, STEM, and history. Take a close look at art, try hands-on activities, maybe even some music and movement. It takes place weekly from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Weekend Workshops also continue on most Saturdays and Sunday, plus select Fridays. And there are even more exciting programs coming up this fall! Read more about the National Portrait Gallery here and here.
3. Washington Post readers’ top picks for burgers in DC.
4. I was a little late to the Barbie party, but I finally saw the billion-dollar, blockbuster film, and it is so deserving of the hype! If you haven’t seen it yet, plan to catch a screening — with the kids! And wear pink.💕
5. A moving and bittersweet farewell.
Hi! I haven’t been to the Book Festival before and I really don’t want to miss seeing my favorite author. When you say people line up early, how early do you mean? I tried emailing the address at LOC page but no one has replied. The author I am going to see speaks at 3:45p. Should I arrive at 3p, or earlier than that? Thank you so much!
So sorry for the late reply – just saw this! 3pm should be fine but maybe try to get there a little earlier and check out to see if people are lining up before that. Enjoy!