Category Archives: Library of Congress

September 12, 2013 · 3:35 pm

The Library of Congress 2013 National Book Festival

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Book lovers, mark your calendars! On September 21 & 22, readers of all ages are invited to join some of the country’s most celebrated authors on the National Mall for the 13th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival.

More than 100 authors, illustrators, and poets will be part of the Festival weekend focusing on “Books That Shaped the World.” Book enthusiasts, young and old, come from all over for presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more reading-related activities. In 2012, over 200,000 people attended over the two days of the event.

If you were following KFDC last year, you might remember this is where Owen got to meet and interview one his favorite authors, Mary Pope Osborne, who writes the oh-so-popular Magic Treehouse series. And while that was a special opportunity, it really is possible to meet many celebs of the book world, even exchange some words with them.

Several pavilions will be set up throughout the Festival where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment set up by book category — Children, Teens & Children, Fiction & Mystery, History & Biography, Contemporary Life, Poetry & Prose, Graphic Novels & Science Fiction — as well as special programs. The Pavilion of the States salutes the literary traditions of all 50 states, the Library of Congress Pavilion provides an inside look into the workings of the world’s largest library, and a Book Sales Pavilion gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors. The Let’s Read America Pavilion offers lots of activities for children and families to enjoy, including story time, live entertainment, and arts & crafts.

If your children love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there (Owen author Kevin Henkes, creator of the How Do Dinosaurs… series Mark Teague, and Smash Crash author Jon Scieszka are among the children’s book writers). And there’s bound to be a writer — or many — that you parents will be excited about, too. I know there are several on the list that I can’t wait to see. Have a look for yourself and start planning your Festival weekend.

The National Book Festival will will be held on the National Mall between 9th and 14th streets on Saturday, September 21, from 10am to 5:30pm and on Sunday, September 22, from 12pm to 5:30pm, rain or shine. The event is free and open to the public.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Fall, Festival, Free, Library of Congress, Live Entertainment, Outdoor, Weekend

Tagged as 2013 DC Fall Festivals, 2013 Library of Congress National Book Festival, DC Events, DC Festivals, DC Weekend Septmeber 21-22, National Mall, Things to do with Kids in DC, Washington DC Family Activities, Washington DC Kids Activities, Weekend Activities in Washington DC

March 22, 2013 · 4:45 am

The Weekend Round-Up: March 23-24

Cherry blossom silhouettes

The weather may not signal spring’s arrival, but many events around DC indicate the new season is here. Cherry Blossom festivities, Easter celebrations, annual museum programs, and other activities that occur this time of year are reminders that we’ve moved beyond winter, despite the cold. And luckily, many of them are happening indoors, so you can stay warm and cozy while enjoying your days out. Read about them below and get even more ideas in this post about inside fun around the DC-Metro. Happy Weekend!

Kites of Asia Family Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free
The first aviation-related objects collected by the Smithsonian were a group of Chinese kites, donated in 1876. Celebrate this unique start to the National Air and Space Museum’s collection by visiting on the Kites of Asia family day. Experience the artistry and beauty of Asian kites, see indoor kite flying, and make your own kite!

National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Days
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the start of cherry blossom season at the National Building Museum’s 8th annual family festival for kids of all ages. The weekend will feature hands-on activities, interactive art demonstrations, and performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design. View the website for specifics. And to see what other festivities are on the Cherry Blossom Festival calendar, see this post from a couple of days ago.

Eggcellent Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Many places around the area are hosting egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. See this post for a list of them.

DC United vs. Columbus Crew
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Saturday, 3pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
The DC United takes on the Columbus Crew at home this weekend, and you can catch the match along with loads of other family fun. Games are always a blast, and the VW Garage offers activities for all ages — face painting, a Zig Zag challenge, trivia, and more. Even better, you can score a Family Pack — 4 tickets, 4 hotdogs, and 4 drinks – for just $108! Get more info on the match and deal here.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Here’s the live entertainment on local stages this weekend:
– The Washington Ballet presents Cinderella at the Kennedy Center
– Catch Jack & the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co. or see a Tiny Tots show there.
– Enjoy theatre and reggae sounds at Adventure Theatre’s Three Little Birds
– See The Big Meow at Wooly Mammoth Theatre.
– From Here to There is Imagination Stage’s newest Early Childhood program
– Mother Goose: Jazz’n Blues! is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance.
– The Creative Cauldron in Falls Church presents Peter Pan and Wendy
– Jason Invisible opens at the Kennedy Center this weekend.
– Hello Dolly! is the latest Ford’s Theatre production.
– Marsha Goodman-Wood is playing the Saturday 10:30am show and The Banjo Man will provide the family entertainment on Sunday at Jammin’ Java.
– The NSO Family Concert: Tchaikovsky Discovers America will be perfomred at the Kennedy Center on Sunday.
Get details on all of these production in this post about entertainment this season.

Environmental Film Fest
Where: Various locations
When: Through March 24
Admission: Varies by film
Nearly 200 diverse and arresting films from 50 countries will be screened at 75 venues around the DC-Metro area during the 21st annual Environmental Film Festival. And there are several family-oriented flicks among them. Young film viewers can watch An Original Duckmentary, follow the journey of a sea turtle, enjoy the remarkable true story of an orphaned baby otter, learn about hummingbirds and hippos, and see many more engaging and inspiring films that salute the environment. View the website for showtimes and details on films.

Mary Poppins on Ice
Where: Gardens Ice House Patrick Arena
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1pm & 3:30pm
Admission: $10
See a children’s classic come to life on ice as the Gardens Figure Skating Club presents its ninth annual spring show Mary Poppins on Ice. The figure skating performance portrays a magical nanny who skates with her umbrella into an English household to care for rambunctious children and to teach the entire family that they love and need each other. Featuring over 60 skaters performing to music from the 1964 Disney musical and the ongoing theater adaptation based on the children’s book series by P.L. Travers, the cast includes local skaters from age 4 to adult, integrating skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced, creating a visually exciting theatrical experience. (Note: The giveaway has ended.)

Lowe’s Build and Grow
Where: Local Lowe’s Stores
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Head to Lowe’s on Saturday, where kids can make a free wooden project with parent help. This session’s creation will be a Piranhakeet Chomper inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s THE CROODS! Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Go here to register.

Women in Aviation and Space
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Bring the whole family the Dulles arm of Air & Space to learn about the incredible contributions of women in aviation, science, and aerospace. Enjoy hands-on activities, guest speakers, a theatrical presentation, book signings, and Flights of Fancy Story Time for young visitors.

Wahzhazhe, An Osage Ballet
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Friday & Saturday, 3pm
Admission: Free
This contemporary ballet brings together unique and diverse qualities of Oklahoma history and culture: a reverence for classical ballet that was the legacy of two famous Osage ballerinas, Maria and Marjorie Tallchief, and the richness of Osage traditional music, dance, and textile arts. Catch a free performance in the American Indian Museum’s Rasmusen Theatre. And a word of advice: Get there on time! (We were a few minutes late on Wednesday and were not allowed to enter). Afterwards, head to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on the third floor for play time, arts & crafts, and more.

Read! Build! Play!
Where: Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Join neighbors and friends at your local library for creative building sessions filled with guided activities, inspirational songs and time for free build especially for little ones. The LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! experience demonstrates how reading coupled with construction play can engage, excite and encourage early literacy development, and spark exploration. Families are introduced to new ideas to encourage play and learning at home. The Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library is located at 1630 7th Street NW. (Note: These will be happening throughout the week at other venues, so if you can’t make it Saturday, there will be more opportunities… I’ll keep you posted.)

Stories in Art
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Kids ages 4-7 can explore the work of artist René Magritte, as they hear a reading of the book Magritte’s Marvelous Hat by D. B. Johnson and step inside René Magritte’s imaginative world and explore the art of creating illusion. Then, they will do an art project inspired by her work. Sessions are at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm on Saturday, and 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30 on Sunday. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 10am on Saturday (11am on Sunday) and continues until all spaces are filled. Admission is free. Read a KFDC review of the Stories in Art program here.

Clean Up at the Colonial Farm
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Help the local living history museum and working farm prepare for the 2013 season! Volunteers can rake leaves, clear and mulch paths, haul brush and firewood, move rail fences, waterproof outbuildings, whitewash the colonial farmhouse, split firewood, fill garden pots and more. There are jobs for every age and skill level – families are welcome. A picnic hot dog lunch and complimentary pass to one of the Farm’s 2013 Market Fairs will be given out to all volunteers. Bring work gloves and dress for weather. RSVP to volunteers@1771.org.

March Madness, Beyblade Style
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $5 entry fee
If your kid is a Beyblade enthusiast, consider checking out this tournament taking place in Silver Spring this weekend. Word has it these events are super fun, inclusive, and a great bargain. Registration begins at 11am, and the tourney time is around 12:30pm. The day should end around 3pm for most, 4pm for finalists.

Open House
Where: Theatre Lab
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Learn about Theatre Lab’s programs and offerings at their free Open House. There will be information their about camps and classes, plus the whole crew can enjoy some activities while you’re at it: Mini-classes for kids and adults as well as arts and crafts will be available to all guests.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4pm, Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about early environmentalist Rachel Carson.

Explore Japanese Culture
Where: Library of Congress
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Inspired by Japan’s connection to the Cherry Blossom Festival, this event welcomes children and adults to explore Japanese culture through a variety of activities. Try your hand at origami, enjoy theater presentations, see a kimono demonstration, and more. This all takes place in the Young Readers Center located on the Ground Floor of the LOC’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

Culture Shock Dance
Where: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: $30/ages 6 and up, $20/5 and under
Culture Shock DC presents its 4th Annual Youth Showcase—”One Nation Under A Groove,” featuring the freshest and most talented young Hip Hop/Urban dance teams from ages 4 to 18 in the DMV and internationally. The schedule of events includes performances, workshops, dance battles, and more! Purchase tickets online here.

The Weekend Round-Up: September 22-23

Creating a pipe structure at last year's Big Build

Happy Weekend!

National Book Festival
Where: National Mall
When: Saturday, 10am – 5:30pm & Sunday, 12-5:30pm
Admission: Free
One of the biggest annual events to take place in Washington, DC, is this weekend: The 2012 National Book Festival. Organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, the Festival regularly attracts over 100,000 visitors to the National Mall for a fantastic celebration of books and reading. More than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators from every literary genre will be presenting and doing readings and book signings. These will take place along with many other reading-related activities for all. See this post for more about the event.

The Big Build
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30
Admission: Free
We attended last year, so I know firsthand that this is one super cool event. Budding builders can start honing their skills as they work alongside professionals, including architects, designers, builders, artisans, and trades people at the National Building Museum. Guests can try their hands at a variety of construction techniques, build a miniature house from sticks, create mosaics, talk with the experts, play in a KaBOOM imagination playground, and more. While admission to the event is free, a $5 donation is suggested. Recommended for ages 4-12.

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
It’s opening weekend for several new shows on stage at area theatres after a few weeks’ break between productions. The Puppet Co. presents both Tiny Tots and “Carnival of the Animals” (ticket discount here). Next door, you can catch “Big, the Musical” at Adventure Theatre. The National Theatre is bringing back its free Saturday Morning at the National series with a performance by the Bright Star Theatre Company. Local kids fave Rocknoceros is playing a Friday Happy Hour show at Jammin’ Java. And the Big Apple Circus will be wowing crowds under the Big Top at Dulles Town Center. For details and ticket info for all of these shows, see this post about live entertainment this fall.

Barracks Row Fall Festival
Where: 8th Street SE, Capitol Hill
When: September 22, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Showcasing the marine barracks and commerce on 8th Street SE in Capitol Hill, this annual festival is fun for all ages. This year’s festivities will include tours of the historic barracks, live entertainment, a petting zoo, food and art vendors, aerialists from the trapeze school, and tons of fun for kids. And chefs from all branches of the military will be back again for a Military Culinary Competition. Go here for a schedule of festivities.

Colonial Market & Fair
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $15/adults, $7/kids 6-11, children 5 and under are free
Take a day trip back to 18th-century America at Mount Vernon’s Colonial Market & Fair. Watch artisans and craftspeople from all over the country demonstrate early techniques of their crafts, many of which will be for sale. Enjoy live entertainment including music performances, puppet shows, a sword swallower, a fire eater, and a miracle medicine man. Admission to the Fair is included in the entrance fee to the estate. Food will be available at extra cost. For more information and the full performance schedule, visit the Mount Vernon website.

Dulles Plane Pull
Where: Dulles Airport
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
See people pull planes! This annual event is Special Olympics Virginia’s “heaviest” fundraiser, pitting teams of 25 against one another to see who can pull a 164,000+ pound Airbus 12 feet the fastest. And the public is invited to watch it all go down. Along with the tug o’ airplane, there will be live music, a car show, military and civilian aircraft displays, business exhibits, and children’s games and entertainment. Gates open at 10:30am. Go here for directions and parking information.

Fallin’
Where: Around the DC-Metro
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
Fall has officially begun, and you can celebrate the season and then some at one of many festivals happening this weekend, from city neighborhoods to country farms. The 17th Street Festival is on Saturday, Renn Fest gets medieval very weekends through October, and several farms are welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Get details on all of them in this post about fall festivals.

Jim Hensen Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the birthday – and the creative mind – of Muppet creator Jim Henson. See his portrait in the Twentieth-Century Americans exhibit and enjoy music, hands-on puppet-making activities, interactive puppet theater, gallery talks, and a special treat (while supplies last). Most activities will take place in the Kogod Courtyard.

Reel Portraits: The Muppet Movie
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 3:30pm
Admission: Free
After the Jim Hensen Family Day, stay to catch a film starring all of the puppet master’s creations. The Muppet Movie will be shown in the McEvoy Auditorium on the museum’s lower level. Doors open 30 minutes before the film starts, and seating is on a first come, first served basis. (After writing about it I can’t get “Why are there so many songs about rainbows” out of my head…and now you won’t be able to either. Love the Muppets.)

Cider Festival
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $10/children, $12/adults
Great Country Farms is celebrating apple season with a focus on one of the fruit’s yummiest products – cider. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be cider pressing demos with the farm’s antique cider press as well as tastings. Visit the website for activity times. Admission also covers hayrides, wine tasting across the street at Bluemont Vineyard, visits with barnyard animals, and loads of fun for kids, including a pumpkin jumpin’ pillow, 60-foot slide, five mazes, and pedal tractors.

Pride of Baltimore II Tours and Sail
Where: Gangplank Marina
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Tours are free, sails are $45/adults, $30/children
The Pride of Baltimore II, a reproduction of an 1812-era topsail schooner privateer, has sailed in to DC waters and will be docked at the Gangplank Marina this weekend. Free general deck tours will be available to the public on Saturday from the boat’s arrival until 3pm and on Sunday 10am – 3pm. You can also cruise the Potomac on a sailing adventure from 3-5:30pm.

DC VegFest
Where: The Yards Park
When: 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Explore and celebrate the best of everything vegetarian in and around the nation’s capital at the fourth annual DC VegFest. This free outdoor (and dog-friendly) festival will feature engaging speakers, cooking demonstrations, free food samples, more than 100 exhibitors, a kids’ area, a cupcake eating contest, a beer and wine garden for adults, and much more. The Yards Park is located at 300 Water Street SE near Nationals Park.

Clarendon Day
Where: Clarendon Metro
When: 11am – 5:30pm
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, music on two stages, fitness classes, and a KidZone will be part of the action. And Virginia Hospital Center is once again hosting its own “avenue” at Clarendon Day, where guests can enjoy performances, kids’ fun, free health screenings, seated massage, visits from local sports mascots, and more.

Takoma Play Day
Where: Takom Park Middle School
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Rally the troops for a day full of play! The fourth annual Takoma Park Play Day will feature many of the activities that guetsts have enjoyed in previous years, including Simon Says with Takoma Park’s own Senator Jamie Raskin, Just Boxes, face painting, tennis, Touch a Truck, zumba and dress up. Musical performances by the Takoma Park Community Band, plus Anna Grace and Joe Uehlein, a Violin Ensemble from the Keri Tomenko Violin Studio, and the Scrub Pines will help keep everyone entertained all day. New this year will be Imagination Playground (provided by Rolling Terrace Elementary School), an obstacle ourse, an oil painting demonstration by Takoma Park artist Jamie Combs, a giant chess set, and skate boarding demonstrations in Takoma Piney Branch Park.

Plant Literacy
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Drop by the USBG for the 3rd annual Plant Literacy Festival to learn more about the amazing world of plants. From roots to fruits and microbes to menu items, travel through various activity stations highlighting how plants work and explore all the parts that make plants unique, valuable and tasty. This will all take place in the Conservatory Terrace.

Calvalcade of Street Cars
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: $7/ages 18 and up, $5/ages 2-17
Hop on for a day of fun! Along with the museum’s array of exhibits and regular trolley rides, there will be several European trams and North American street cars offering visitors a spin through Northwest Branch Park during a single visit.

Riverside Music
Where: The Yards Park
When: Sunday, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
Head to Yards Park on Sunday afternoon for a family-friendly lineup of live music. Bach to Rock, featuring Healthy Addiction, will kick off the concert. Then Scott Kurt and Memphis 59 will take the stage for a two-hour performance. These concerts are always casual and fun, and this one will be especially so with a moonbounce for kids. There is a Nats game that day, so plan accordingly for parking and transportation.

Sport
Where: Area stadiums
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by game
Three of DC’s pro sports teams are bringing the action home this weekend. The post-season bound (yeah!) Nats host the Brewers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (and Monday). The Redskins’ home opener is Sunday against Cincinnati. And the DC United plays Chivas USA on Sunday evening. Tickets are available for all games — just follow the links above.

And find even more ideas in these popular posts:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors