Happy Weekend!
Check out ideas for all kinds of ongoing DC fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Celebrate Fall
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Fall has begun, and there are so many events around the area are celebrating the season’s arrival! Fall festivals are in full swing at area farms and in local communities, and they’re welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Get details on them in this round-up of autumn celebrations around the area.
Caps vs Bruins
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $38 (find discount)
The Caps are back at the Capitol One Arena with a pre-season game at home — watch them hit the ice as they host the Bruins! Grab a pre-game bite in Penn Quarter, where there are plenty of family-friendly places to eat.
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire & Ice
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Opens Saturday
Admission: $19
Opening at the National Children’s Museum on Saturday, kids can explore the beasts of the Cretaceous period through Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice. Young visitors can dig for fossils, explore volcanic and icy climates, hone their inquiry skills at a field research station, imagine and create their own dinosaurs, and so much more, all while surrounded by large, climbable dinosaurs and settings that encourage whole-body learning, dramatic play, and motor skill development.
Welcome Home: 10th Anniversary Community Weekend
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC & The Wharf |Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is celebrating its 10th anniversary several days of festivities. There will be an array of programs at the museum, including music and dancing, art activities, an NMAAHC Kids Museum Birthday Party on Saturday, public genealogy sessions, and more. And on Sunday, don your purple garb for Violet Vibes: A Community Celebration at The Wharf. The free, family-friendly event will have live music, dancing, interactive art, a marketplace, and more. Read more about the NMAAHC in this KFDC guide to the museum.
Final Innings: Nats vs Mets
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $23 (find discounts)
If you want to catch a Nats game before their season ends, this weekend is your last chance! The series against the Mets is also Fan Appreciation weekend, and there will be some extra fun. On Friday (6:45pm) there will be a National Football Jersey giveaway and fireworks after the game. Saturday (4:05pm) there will be a pre-game live DJ on the Budweiser Terrace. And Sunday (3:05pm) is Pups in the Park, so doggos have a chance to attend one last game, too (special ticket required).
Worldwide Day of Play
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Bring the kids to enjoy Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play all about birds. Join educators from multiple Smithsonian museums for family-friendly activities and experiences that encourage the importance of play for all ages.
Leesburg Airshow
Where: Leesburg Executive Airport | Leesburg, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Leesburg Airshow will take to the skies with thrilling aerobatic demonstrations, sky divers, and more! Witness a showcase of impressive aircraft, plus a variety of exhibitors on the tarmac, food vendors, kids activities, flight schools, and aviation clubs among them.
Fiesta DC
Where: Pennsylvania Ave. 3rd-7th NW | Downtown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Latino culture at the Annual Fiesta DC. On both days of the weekend, Pennsylvania Avenue from the Navy Memorial Plaza to Freedom Plaza will be filled will lively festivities, including stages featuring a variety of performances, children’s activities, international cuisine, arts & crafts, and more!
Open House
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free
If you’re interested in trying something new, getting creative with the family, or finding a theatre class for the upcoming season, this Open House will be fun to check out! Arena Satge is offering six free 45-minute classes led by their teaching artists. Adults can try improv, musical theater dance, and Scripted, their script-reading club, while youth and families can explore musical theater dance, creative play, and more.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom the Musical
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 1pm & 4pm | Sunday, 10am & 1pm
Tickets: $16-52 (find discount)
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical bursts onto the stage in a bright, musical, and joy-filled celebration of letters, words, and imagination that will captivate kids and adults alike. With infectious rhythms, dazzling puppets, lively dancing, and playful audience interaction, this high-energy production transforms the beloved story into a whirlwind of color, creativity, and fun. Recommended for ages 3-9.
Rock Creek Park Day(s)
Where: Rock Creek Park | Northwest DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Celebrate 136 years of Rock Creek Park with a weekend of free programs and activities for all ages! Discover the park through ranger-led walks, hands-on nature and history activities, demonstrations, family-friendly experiences, and special events hosted at locations throughout the park. View the calendar for specifics.
Amazon Community Day
Where: National Landing | Crystal City, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
This event will have loads of family-friendly fun inspired by the nostalgia and excitement of fall homecoming. Guests of all ages can enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, complimentary giveaways, and plenty of game day-inspired activities — homecoming-style photo ops; face painting, glitter tattoos, and a bubble zone; foam pit; lawn games; trackless train rides; and more!
Clarendon Day
Where: Clarendon Metro area | Clarendon, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Head to the area around the Clarendon Metro station for an event that brings the local community together. Dozens of vendors, food from neighborhood restaurants, live music, and a KidZone (including an 18-foot slide!) will be part of the action.
Community Day
Where: African Art Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum for a day of art-making, live performances, exhibitions, tours, and more! The main event will be a Pan African Fabric & Fashion showcase — designers from nine nations each interpret a shared textile framework that incorporates symbolic references representing the five regions of the African continent—North, East, South, West and Central Africa and highlight the significance of African textile tradition. A Sounds of Africa concert will close the day with live arts performances.
Grand Reopening Party
Where: Commas Food Hall | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 1–7pm
Admission: Free
Commas Food Hall is reintroducing itself to Silver Spring with a party featuring local food vendors, live music, games, raffles, and family-friendly fun. The food hall has remained open, but this community celebration marks a renewed chapter, and all are invited to help them celebrate.
Mosaic’s Fall Festival
Where: Mosaic District | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The big shopping center in Fairfax is hosting a fall event. Festivities include live entertainment and musical performances; the FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors; the URBNmarket with 90 handmade and vintage vendors; beer and wine gardens; kids activities like bouncy fun, balloons, and face painting; plus more special activities for all.
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Where: Mill Street in Occoquan, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday,
Admission: Free
Plan for a day of family fun as the streets of Occoquan come to life with beautiful art, live music and great food! The historic town will close its street and host hundreds of contemporary and country crafters and artisans from across the US. Find one-of-a-kind, hand crafted items galore! Located just 20 minutes south of DC, but far from the hustle and bustle of a big city, exhibitors and shoppers alike will enjoy the small town oasis nestled along the Occoquan River.
Queen City Mischief & Magic
Where: Staunton, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Plan for a weekend escape or a big day trip to this festival celebrates magic in all forms and from all fandoms. Historic downtown Staunton, VA, transforms into a wizarding wonderland. Take a family day trip and let the kids don robes, wave wands, hunt for magical treats, and meet mythical characters. Even more, it’s free to attend!
Come From Away
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Fri, 7:30pm | Sat, 2pm & 7:30pm | Sun, 1pm & 6pm
Admission: $25-95 (find discount)
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Come From Away returns to the historic Ford’s Theatre stage, telling the heart-warming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded there on 9/11. When 38 planes were diverted to its doorstep, the town of Gander doubled in size, playing host to an international community of strangers and offering food, shelter and friendship. Recommended for ages 10+. (Recently saw this, and it was wonderful!)
Spirit vs Angel City FC
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 6:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $31 (look for discount)
The Washington Spirit play Angel City FC on Saturday evening in what is sure to be a thrilling soccer match. It’s also Hispanic Heritage Day with some extra fun to celebrate. Bring the fam out for an exciting day of soccer and community!
Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival
Where: Marian Fryer Town Plaza | Wheaton, MD
When: Sunday, 10am
Admission: Free
The 10th Annual Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival returns to downtown Wheaton, bringing artists, musicians, dancers, community organizations, food vendors, and thousands of art lovers together for a uniquely Wheaton celebration. Following the parade, there will be visual arts festival featuring more than artist 50 booths, a kids zone with free activities for children, entertainment on there stages, and more fun festivities.
Echo Arts Fest
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Attend Glen Echo Park’s fall visual & performing arts festival! The celebration will showcase all of the park’s offerings across many disciplines of art — pottery, painting, dance, plays, and more.There will be performances, demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to participate in activities. It’s also the final day of the 2026 carousel season, so take the kids for one last spin on the beautiful Wendztel Carousel!
Crafternoon: Decorate the Sukah
Where: Capital Jewish Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: $8
Help the museum make their sukkah beautiful with an afternoon craft workshop! Make paper fruits, garlands and chains, and do some hands-on holiday learning with our Judaica Education Collection. Leave your craft with us for the Museum’s sukkah or take it home for your own holiday. Recommended for ages 5-15, and all kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hike + Hang
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
If you want to hike, then extend (and elevate) your outing with some some snacks (or a whole meal) and sips after, there are some awesome combos for that around the area. This post has details for where to go for good walks in the woods… and great hangs after.
Inside Info
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Looks like there could be rain this weekend, so you may be looking for indoor activities. You can find suggestions for loads of them in this post, which pulls together several round-ups with ideas for fun inside in one convenient place — just click through to explore loads of indoor activities around DC. Find everything from museums and special programs for kids to play spaces and venues for indoor action to theaters presenting live entertainment and movies, and much more!
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Have you been to Baltimore lately? It’s an amazing destination with kids… this KFDC guide has info on all there is to do there.
* To kick off World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck, the immersive experience that takes you on a journey through the galaxies, is offering FREE tickets for October 4 — snag them while you can!
* It’s a good time for fall purging… next weekend you can give away some old stuff and score new (to you) finds at Swap Palooza at MLK Library.
* The New York Times ranks the 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century (some still to be revealed).
* And Washington Post recommends these movies coming out this fall.
* Boden has a good sale going on — up to 50% off! — and they have the cutest clothes for kids (girls and boys).
* Just finished this beautiful, emotional novel and started Switzy by Emma Cline, which has been getting great reviws.
* A quick glimpse of our weekend plans 🤩
