The view from Roosevelt Island on a great hike last weekend
Happy Weekend!
Link up to all kinds of ideas for ongoing DC fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Swim Spots
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Back to the Yards
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Get ready to groove at Back to the Yards, the annual electrifying retro neon dance party at Yards Park! Celebrate the best of the 80s and 90s with an epic playlist featuring chart-toppers, one-hit wonders, and fan favorites. Be sure to rock your brightest neon gear as you dance the night away. This family-friendly event offers a variety of exciting activities for kids and adults — enjoy thrilling breakdance performances, get creative with groovy crafts, and have fun with face painters and glitter tattoos. Registration encouraged.
Celebration of Textiles: Colors of the Silk Road
Where: Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole fam to the annual Celebration of Textiles, this year featuring vibrant textile traditions from along the Silk Road through artist demonstrations, crafts and performances for all ages. See cultural displays provided by the embassies of China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and the American Turkish Association of DC. Meet local artists demonstrating spinning, weaving, lace making and embroidery. Join in colorful dance performances from the Silk Road Dance Company. Outside, see silkworms at various stages of their development.
First Saturday
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Gallery of Art for their monthly First Saturday, a special day-long affair with multiple free programs for kids of all ages. This month, DC-area artist Kayti Didriksen joins the museum to live-action draw to music. Draw alongside Didriksen, join a book talk that brings you behind the scenes at a museum, attend a lively and playful Storytime for your little ones, and more!
The World & Me: Caring for the Future of our Planet
Where: NMNH | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Museum of Natural History for a special program celebrating diversity found in nature, movement, and the planet we call home with local dancers from Company | E, musicians from Sound Impact, and museum educators. Watch a performance titled “Letters to Earth*, explore different hands-on activities with museum specimens, and discover ways to make an impact in taking care of Earth for future generations. Performances will be 10:20-10:50am & 11:30am-12pm. Hands-on stations and activities will be open 10:50-11:30am.
Mini Golf
Where: East Potomac Golf | Hains Point, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: $15/adult, $9/child
The Mini Golf Course at East Potomac Park just reopened after several months’ being closed for maintenance and repairs. Fun fact: It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and listed as the oldest continually operating miniature golf course in the country! The 18 holes are fun for kids but challenging for adults, too, plus they give a nod to DC with models of some of the city’s iconic structures along the course. Bok a tee time here.
Take a Hike
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s a link up top for a round-up of local hikes, but specific recs are also helpful. Here are some good places to hit the trail this weekend: Roosevelt Island within the Potomac; Fountainhead Regional Park in Lorton, VA; Riverbend Park in McLean, VA; Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, VA; and Manassas Battlefield National Park in Manassas, VA.
DC State Fair
Where: Franklin Park | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Apparently, being an actual state isn’t a requirement to have a state fair. But this annual event in its 15th 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 top local photogs. There are also live performances, fun contests, demos, and activities for all.
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 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. Play an an I Spy Train Game and take a train themed StoryWalk. 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).
Teaching Africa Day
Where: Arts & Industries Building | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This annual, interactive, family-friendly event brings together educational resources on Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The Arts 7 Industries building will be full of books, films, games, programs, and other resources on Africa and its rich and vibrant heritage in one place. Enjoy an intergenerational panel discussion, readings, performances, an African marketplace, and artmaking workshops, all aiming to increase students’ appreciation for the Arts of Africa.
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond Opening Festival
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the opening of Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond, an exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center that showcases the impacts of Asian American culture and creativity on Washington, DC. Enjoy an afternoon of martial arts presentations, visual arts demonstrations and hands-on craft activities, a discussion with local Asian American chefs, and music and dance performances, including DJ sets.
Women in Sports ’24 (& Tennis!)
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 12–8pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Women in Sports at The Wharf on Saturday! Watch the US Open Women’s Finals on the Transit Pier big screen, learn to play tennis on the Washington Tennis Education Foundation’s mini court, find out who has the fastest serve as you take on the Howard University Women’s Tennis Team and meet the teams from Black Girls Tennis Club and the Washington Area Tennis Association.
Capitol Hill Art Walk
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Head to the Hill for a day of art and community! Local artists and artisans will display their work in their own micro-galleries, in Capitol Hill home-studios, on porches, and in yards. Most will have work for sale. Stroll around to check it out all and enjoy some time in one of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods.View a map here of where you can find the art.
Arena Stage Community Day
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-6pm
Admission: Free
Dive into a world of interactive art, backstage tours, outdoor fun, live music, and delicious bites from some of the area’s best food trucks. This celebratory event is FREE* and open to all—no registration required. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors and drop on by Community Day at Arena Stage! Stay for a few hours or the whole day—either way, there’s a world of fun waiting for you.
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Where: Downtown Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday 11am – 6pm & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
All ages are welcome to join one of the region’s most exciting and esteemed outdoor festivals. Bethesda Row’s Shopping and Entertainment District is transformed into an outdoor art gallery, featuring more than 200 juried fine arts and crafts from artists around the nation.
Game (Sale) Time
Where: Labyrinth | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday,
Admission: Free (but plan to spend o good deals!)
Labyrinth is hosting its legendary annual Used Game Sale. The proceeds raised benefit their community initiatives, including the Teacher Fund, community game nights, and the demo library. The sale includes live, silent, and blind auctions on the first day, and a rummage sale on the second day with prices dropping as the day progresses.
Gold Meal Spirit
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $23
Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, are playing at Audi Field on Saturday evening against the Portalnd Thorns. Along with what is sure to be some amazing socer play, the match will feature a gold medal celebration honoring the four Spirit players who won gold in the Olympics, a meet-and-greet with legend Michelle Akers, a small business market, a special appearance from new Spirit investor Magic Johnson, and activations for Disability Awareness Day. Purchase tickets here.
Doggy Paddle DC
Where: Select public pools in DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free but reserve a dog spot
Bring your pooch to the pool! With the end of the outdoor swimming season (at most pools), 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.
DC Bike Ride
Where: Throughout Washington, DC
When: Saturday, 8am – 12:30pm
Admission: $85/adult, $43/age 8-17, free/3-7
This closed-roads, car-free, 20-mile bike ride through the District gives bicyclists ages 3 and up the opportunity to pedal past some of the capital’s most iconic sites with the city’s two-wheelin’ community. End up at a Finish Festival by the U.S. Capitol with beats, eats, and fun activities for all ages. BYO ride or rent bikes on-site for only $12, thanks to a partnership with Unlimited Biking — they can pick-up and drop-off their bike at the event finish line for a seamless experience, and youth pricing is available for young riders.
Ren Fest
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD
When: Weekends through October 20
Admission: $26/adults, $23/seniors, $14/7-15, 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!
DinoRock Productions Presents Dinosaur Babies
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $15
DinoRock returns to the Puppet Co. with the production they first graced the stage with in 1998! Bring the kids to see their life-sized, colorful prehistoric friends, the creations on the beloved puppet stage. Recommended for ages 5+.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through October 13
Tickets: $45-99 (look for discount)
Step into the vibrant world of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a riotously funny yet deeply resonant play by Jocelyn Bioh. Set in the pulsating heart of Harlem, this comedic gem unravels the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream within the African immigrant community. Follow the uproarious escapades of Maria, Bea, Miriam, Aminata, Ndidi, Jaja, and others as they navigate life and laughter in Jaja’s bustling hair braiding salon. With humor as rich as its characters, this Tony Award-winning production weaves hilarious moments with profound insights, celebrating the indomitable spirit and interconnectedness that define us all. Recommended for teens and older.
Takoma Park Folk Fest
Where: Takoma Park Middle School | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 6:30m
Admission: Free
Regroovinate at the annual Takoma Park Folk Festival, where folk music and performances from around the world will be on four stages. Along with the music, the family-friendly event features a crafts show and sale, showcasing the works of local artisans. Pack snacks or purchase food from vendors there. Rain or shine.
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 46th 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.
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.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* We’re heading into fall festival season, and there’s a new round-up with details for this year’s celebrations.
* The National Portrait Gallery’s 2025 Teen Portrait Competition, for students ages 13-17, opens September 15.
* DC Theatre Week, when you can see shows at discounted prices, is September 26 – October 13, and tickets go on sale September 9.
* If you’re looking for last minute tickets to the Bruce Springsteen concert on Saturday, they’re available, and prices aren’t outrageous.
* Fall decor for the front door. (And more for the rest of the house.)
* A cute cardigan for the season, too.
* Just bought a new pack of these great hair ties to share with Sasha.
* Family movies coming this fall.
* A far-too-often repeated headline.
* Let’s end on a positive note: 10 Happy Things for September 🙂
