1. The Maryland Renaissance Festival begins this Saturday, August 29, and this trip back to medieval times is full of merriment for everyone — jousting matches, kids shows, comedy acts, jugglers, puppetry, Celtic music… and that’s just some of the live entertainment. There’s also a pirate playground, giant slide, labyrinth, games, and fantastic people watching opportunities as you walk among knights, maidens, pirates, and wizards in a re-created 16th-century Tudor village. It all begins Saturday and will run every weekend through October 25. Note that there’s a waitlist for tickets for this coming Saturday and still some for Sunday — I recommend snagging them soon as they have been selling out in recent years.
2. Something fun to plan ahead for Labor Day weekend… DC JazzFest will be happening at The Wharf, and there’s going to be some extra fun for young festival-goers. On both Saturday and Sunday, kids can join a Scavenger Hunt that encourages them explore the festival, check out performances, interact with sponsors, and learn more about JazzFest. The hunt entails completing a series of activities in different areas of the event. Upon the completion of each activity — they can be done at any pace, in any order — attendees will collect a sticker, and once they’ve has collected at least eight of them, they can receive a free DC JazzFest legacy t-shirt. Participation is free for all ticket-holders. There is also a Jazz Bops concert especially for kids both days at 11am. Tickets for that are free.
3. Or if you’re considering a heading out of town for the long weekend coming up September 5-7, here are some ideas for driveable family getaways.
4. DC Restaurant Week, when you can enjoy multi-course, prix fixe menus at dining spots all around the city, began yesterday and runs through Sunday, August 30. If you’re planning to take advantage, check out Let’s Eat, DC, a free website that let’s you search and filter specific dishes, menus, restaurant vibe (eg, family-friendly), and deals.
5. The latest Smartless episode with Sandra Bullock is a such a good (and emotional) listen.
A few days ago there was a waitlist for early October Renfaire tickets, so they may already be scarce in general.
You’re right. It looks like a waitlist for most dates, but now some available for this Sunday. Just revised my note above.