Happy Long Weekend!
Find ideas for ongoing local fun in these go-to posts:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Unofficial Summer
Where: Throughout the DC area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The season may not be official on the calendar, but summer fun has begun, and much more starts this weekend! Jump in at an outdoor pool, enjoy music in the fresh air, play in the sprays, watch a movie under the stars, paddle local waterways, see a special exhibit, and pursue even more seasonal joys. The 2025 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when to experience it all.
Jump In, DC!
Where: Langdon Park Pool | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 3pm
Admission: Free
As outdoor pool season is about to begin, join Mayor Bowser and DCDPR for their annual pool party and celebration. Enjoy free food, giveaways, and the first splash of the summer! The rest of DC’s outdoor public pools will open on Saturday.
From Tee to Shining Tee
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Starting Friday (through September 1)
Admission: Starts at $25/adult, $22.50/child
Putt Across America, an immersive mini golf experience for all ages, opens at The Wharf this weekend. Guests can putt their way across the nation via 18 larger-than-life holes — from New York to Seattle, Hollywood to Hawaii, and more, including plummeting over Niagara Falls, partying down Bourbon Street, and winning the jackpot on the Las Vegas Strip. Tee times available daily from 10am – 9pm.
Tour Memorials on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
On Memorial Day Weekend, pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country by visiting the memorials on the National Mall that honor them. A loop of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial including the nearby Vietnam Women’s Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and WWII Memorial makes for a good walk. On Monday, there will be a Memorial Day observance at the Wall at 1pm and at the Korean Memorial at 4:45pm.
Nats vs Giants
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $16
The Nats are home for a weekend series hosting the Giants. Catch a game on Friday at 6:45pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There will be a NATS20 Mystery Moments Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday in honor of their 20th anniversary, and kids can run the bases after the game on Sunday.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $14/advance, $16/at gate, free/2 & under
The longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County takes place this weekend and next. 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.
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s even more strawberries activity to enjoy as the fruits are are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come pick their own. Check out this post for some of the best places 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.
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure!
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Starting Saturday through (September 7)
Admission: $18.95/age 1+
A new exhibition is opening at the National CHildren’s Museum! Based on the colorfully imaginative world of the PBS Kids show Wild Kratts, this immersive exhibit not only teaches young learners about the science of marine habitats and animals, but also fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills, promotes teamwork and collaboration, and builds confidence through inquiry-based STEM experiences. PS: The museum has extended hours for Memorial Day weekend, 9am – 6pm.
ViVa! Vienna!
Where: Historic Downtown Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
Join the family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna Community spirit. Amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment will be part of the all-ages fun. Even better, 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community, and humanitarian organizations.
Model Trains and Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
While you’re at ViVa Vienna, stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains, including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.
Meet Elephant & Piggie
Where: CAMP | Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $25/kid + 2 adults
Head to CAMP in Tysons Corner for 30 minutes of smiles and silliness with Mo Willems’ lovable pals. Meet Elephant & Piggie, take a photo, and have tons of fun with CAMP Counselors! Admission fee includes on2 child and up to two adults.
Kimberly Akimbo
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 20 – June 1
Tickets: $69-169
This new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), just opened at National Theatre. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. She is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush… and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Recommended for ages 13+.
Charlotte’s Web
Where: Adventure Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Admission: $25
It’s the final weekend to see this storybook classic… Charlotte’s mission to save Wilbur unfolds with the unveiling of her miraculous web, adorned with the proclamation “Some pig.” Thus begins a triumphant crusade, culminating in Wilbur’s salvation and a poignant gesture honoring Charlotte’s legacy. This timeless tale celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness, promising both actors and audience an enchanting afternoon filled with warmth and wonder. Recommended for all ages.
Senior Class
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Fri, 7:30 | Sat & Sun, 1:30pm & 7:30pm
Admission: $26-101
This World Premiere musical-lovers’ musical is full of dancing and comedy and dedicated to the timeless belief that the show must go on… When budget cuts to the arts program mean their high school theatre can’t pay for My Fair Lady, Colin and G.B., two Broadway-obsessed students, decide to stage their own original musical version of Shaw’s Pygmalion. The search for an actress to play Eliza Doolittle leads them to a Harlem-born-and-bred subway dancer who just might be perfect — but artistic egos and culture clashes threaten to undermine the production before the big opening night. Can the Senior Class musical be saved? (And will Colin score his much-wished-for “Jimmy” Award to launch his meteoric rise to stardom as the first-ever J-EGOT?) Recommended for teens and older.
Twelfth Knight
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Fri, 8pm | Sat, 2pm & 8pm | Sun, 2pm
Admission: $20-84
Viola washes up on the shore after losing her twin brother in a shipwreck. In disguise as her twin brother, she lands in the world of Duke Orsino. A playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love. Recommended for teens and older.
Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (look for a deal)
DC United is home this weekend, and there’s a match against New York Red Bull on Saturday evening. As always, I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult, especially when the Nats are also playing. Take Metro to the Navy Yard and plan to walk from there (and maybe grab dinner before the match) — see my recs for family-friendly spots in the area.
Flowers of Remembrance Day
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 8am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
In honor of Memorial Day and those who have sacrificed for our country, members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided (do not bring your own), and visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones throughout the cemetery.
National Memorial Day Concert
Where: West lawn of the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 8-9:30pm, gates open at 5pm
(or Saturday for the dress rehearsal)
Admission: Free
Why watch on TV when you can be there in person? Yes, the public is once again welcome to the National Memorial Day Concert! Taking place on the west lawn of the Capitol on Sunday from 8 – 9:30pm, the concert will be hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinese, and an all-star line-up of artists will join the National Symphony Orchestra and several military music ensembles in honoring those who have served and sacrificed. If you’re planning to go, the FAQ page on the concert website is worth a read. KFDC Tip: If you can’t make the Sunday show or don’t want to deal with the crowds, Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public — gates open at 5pm, and the show begins at 8pm.
Memorial Day Observance
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Monday, 10:15am
Admission: Free
Observe the holiday at one of the most iconic spots to honor those who have served — special Memorial Day remembrance events ae once again open to the public. A prelude concert by the United States Navy Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:15am, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then an observance program in the amphitheater at 11am. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to these events. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery here.
National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th St | Downtown DC
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Free
The annual National Memorial Day Parade celebrates and honors American veterans with a grand procession through the city. Get a curbside view of military units and vehicles, marching bands, flag teams, and hundreds of veterans as they travel up Constitution Avenue.
Day Trippin’
Where: Around the DC area (and a bit beyond)
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
The long weekend is a great time to head a little further out and enjoy a day trip. Some ideas for where to go:
* Zip up to Baltimore, where there are so many great attractions for families
* See the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns.
* Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry.
* Go to Calvert County for art adventures at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, a beach day at Calvert Cliffs State Park, maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum, or even a pontoon boat excursion from Solomons Island.
Hike & Hang
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
Sometimes it’s just as fun to plan a hike around the après hike destination, places where you can relax and enjoy food and drinks, the kids can play, and the scenery adds to the enjoyment. And this weekend’s weather looks like it’s going to be perfect for it! There are a bunch of great combos for that detailed here. Plus, a couple more here.
Feeling Crabby?
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
Kick off summer is with one of the area’s best offerings: Blue crabs! Enjoying the seasonal treat at a waterfront crab house is a bonus. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. Kentmorr on Kent Island has a great beach scene. And you can find even more recommendations for getting crabby in the Summer Guide.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* For out-of-town guests who want to see the DC sights, but might need some assistance getting around (or just want to view them from the comfort of a ride), check out Bull Moose Tours. They offer two-hour tours of the monuments and memorials on extended golf carts, and will even pick up at some hotels. I happen to know some of the tour guides personally — one of them since the vey second he was born — so I can assure it’ll be a good experience. 🙂
* How about a fossil hunting adventure this weekend — or anytime?
* Starting this weekend, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays to visit Sandy Point and Greenbrier State Parks in Maryland.
* Eater DC’s Epic Guide to Eating Outside
* A really big list of really good Memorial Day sales!
* And if you just want sales specifically for kids, go straight to J.Crew (up to 60% off), Boden (25% off), Lands’ End (50% off), Hanna Andersson (50% off), GAP (50% off), Old Navy (50% off).
* Just added these to my summer reading list: This non-fiction book recommended by a friend and this one that sounds like a perfect beach read.
* What happened when people stopped mowing their lawns.
* A heartwarming watch for the tail end of prom season.
