The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room at the Asian Art Museum
1. The National Museum of Asian Art is celebrating its 100th anniversary over the next two weeks with a big Centennial Festival! All kinds of events and cultural opportunities will be presented every day through May 14, including concerts, culinary adventures, special museum tours, dance performances and classes, a children’s book reading and signing, and more. The full schedule and details are available here.
2. Later this week, the Kennedy Center is welcoming the Cirque de la Symphonie to perform alongside the National Symphony Orchestra. The lively, high-flying show promises to wow audiences with jugglers, aerialists, contortionists, strongmen, and more, bringing the music of the symphony to life in unique and delightful ways. Even more, the KFDC community can get 20% off orchestra seats to see a performance May 4-6. Use the link or the code 513960online, over the phone, or at the box office to purchase tickets.
3. May the 4th Be with You this Thursday through Saturday! Dress up like your favorite Stars Wars characters and head to Barracks Row on Capitol Hill (8th Street SE) for food and drink specials and more fun. Join a meet and greet with characters; check out X-Wing & Star Wars deckbuilding demonstrations by Labyrinth; enjoy Star Wars themed art and entertainment; and lots more. RSVP here and view complete details. (Also, a sale on Star Wars clothes and PJs!)
4. It’s been a long time since I’ve mentioned Rakuten (because I had forgotten all about it until a couple of days ago), and its a great service to know about. When you shop online, just access the store via the Rakuten website — they partner with just about everyone — and you can get cash back on your purchases. It’s free to sign up!
Go, Terps!
Where: University of Maryland | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Maryland Day celebration in College Park gets a giant thumbs-up from me, and not just because it’s my alma mater. This is a fantastic event for families — and we know from experience. Every year, the University hosts a huge open house for, well, everybody. There will be hundreds of family-friendly activities for varying ages, including learning games; a sports and rec area; musical performances; arts & crafts; farm animal visits; fossil digs; insect and instrument petting zoos; and TONS more. It’s spread out all over campus — and it’s a huge campus, so be prepared for lots of walking (worth every step!) and be sure to bring a stroller for little ones.
Baseball Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Swing into the 2023 baseball season with the National Postal Museum, as they present special programming highlighting the recently opened exhibition, Baseball: America’s Home Run. The Baseball Family Festival will offer fun for all ages with activity stations, crafts, music, and virtual author readings. Of course, be sure to tour theexhibit and the rest of the museum, a KFDC favorite for all ages. Read more about it here and here!
Carousel Day Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free (carousel rides cost a fee)
This annual tradition is one of Glen Echo Park’s most popular festivals, celebrating the beautiful historic Dentzel Carousel spinning for 102 years. Along with rides on the beloved merry-go-round, guests of all ages can enjoy loads of fun activities: Music and dance performances, arts & crafts, artist studios and galleries, and more. See the day’s full details here.
Bon Jour, Georgetown!
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 10am – 5pm | Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill area of the neighborhood, bringing the signature European open air market back for its 19th year. More than 30 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more will be featured. But it’s not all about the shopping! There will also be strolling mimes, hands-on activities, live music, plus French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants. Visit the website to see the schedule of events and list of participating shops.
Kids Opening Day
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 1:35pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
On Sunday, the Nationals invite their youngest fans to help kick off the 2023 season. Lots of kids’ activities will be available before the game against the Pirates, including photo ops, face painting, balloon twisters, and caricature artists in the Center Field Plaza and Family Picnic area, plus the first 10,000 fans ages 12 and under get a kids rally cap. And after the game, ages 4-12 can run the bases. If you can’t make it Sunday, there are games on Friday & Saturday, too. No matter when you go, check out these KFDC tips on how to save money on Nats games!
Book It
Where: Bookstores in the DC area
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, and several local book shops are celebrating with special activities. East City Bookshop on Capitol Hill will have in-store flash sales, activities for all ages, giveaways, and more. Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle will be offering Blind Date with a Book — receive a surprise book for every $100 you spend at the bookstore — and hiding golden 20% off tickets in the store. Hurray 4 Books, the children’s bookstore in Old Town Alexandria is celebrating with special fun. And some other local indie stores to shop: Capitol Hill Books, Solid State Books, Politics and Prose, Loyalty Bookstores, and Busboys and Poets.
Maker Morning: Build Day
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am–1pm
Admission: Free
Calling all fans of Iggy Peck, Architect! On Saturday, you can join the author of the beloved book for a day of building at the Hirshhorn Museum! Andrea Beaty will be there along with friends from the DCPS Arts team, Boolean Girl, and DC Public Library fo a hands-on exploration of design and building. Check out a giant map featuring student art, get hands-on at maker stations, join circuitry workshops with Boolean Girl, and enjoy story time with the author herself!
Truck Touch
Where: Suburban Nursery School | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $13/ages 2+, $3/adult online | $15/kids, $5/adult at door
It’s time for Suburban Nursery School’s Annual Truck Touch Event! Kids of all ages can pretend to drive a school bus, explore construction rigs, delight at the sounds of the fire truck, and hop aboard many more vehicles. Along with the cool rides, guests can enjoy homemade baked goods, pizza, Ice Cream from Scoops2U, games, bounce houses, and much more! Bounce houses and games are included in the ticket price! Face painting and food for sale. It will all take place in the school’s parking lot located at 7210 Hidden Creek Rd in Bethesda. All proceeds benefit Suburban Nursery School, a non-profit, parent-run cooperative nursery school.
Mmmm…Chocolate
Where: La Maison Française | Foxhall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $24/ages 12+ (free for kids under 12)
The DC Chocolate Festival is a celebration of artisan and fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! The event brings together over 30 chocolate vendors and thousands of chocolate lovers for a day of tasting, talking, and learning. The session looks like the better pick for families & kids, with hot chocolate making demo and tasting (though the whole event is family-friendly).
Spring Festival
Where: South Mountain Creamery | Middletown, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This annual festival is super fun and a great opportunity to experience the farm and creamery. There’s a petting zoo for the kids, hay rides for everyone, live music, corn hole, civil war reenactments, and fun farm demos, like ice cream churning and bee keeping. Shop the Farmer’s Market, plus additional food and snacks from vendors will be available for purchase.
ALX Dog Walk
Where: Around Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 8-11am
Admission
Enjoy a day a fun with your pooches to support a great cause! The ALX Dog Walk takes you on a beautiful two-mile waterfront walk around in Old Town with fun festivities for all ages (and doggos) before and after! A bubble machine, sustainable human and doggie treats, T-shirts, draw-string canvas goodie bag, bandana, dog music, doggie tattoo artist, interesting nonprofit and other tables to explore, dog competition, delicious bake-sale, coffee, and of course adorable dogs everywhere. Check in and walk start is at Oronoco Bay Park.
Garden Fair & Plant Sale Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC When: Saturday, 9am – 4pm Admission: Free
Join Friends of the National Arboretum for the annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale! Celebrate spring with a fantastic array of plants, expert gardening advice, dozens of local vendors, and free outdoor activities for all ages. Be sure to explore the vast grounds while you’re there, and don’t miss the gorgeous azalea bloom! Go here for scenes from a past bloom. And read more about the Arb — it’s one of my very favorite spots in DC — here, here, and here.
Birdland
Where: Woodend Conservancy & Chevy Chase Lake | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Experience the beauty of nature and celebrate International Jazz Day with a nature walk, culminating in live jazz performances at Chevy Chase Lake. Join Nature Forward for an immersive, hour-long educational nature and bird walk through Woodend Conservancy, Upon return, guests can celebrate International Jazz Day with a series of popular DC-area jazz bands performing in the Chevy Chase Lake Town Square alongside lunch bites, curated wines, and activities for all ages. Reserve a free spot here.
DC United vs Charlotte FC
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $28 (look for discount)
DC United is playing at home on Saturday evening, hosting Charlotte. The club is partnering with Audi of America for Sustainability Night, so along with the action on the pitch, there will also be electric vehicle on display, drawstring bag giveaways, one tree planted for every fan in attendance, and more. As always, I recommend taking public transportation or parking in the Navy Yard neighborhood and walking to Audi Field from there.
Adventure Awaits Storytime
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday, 11:30am
Admission: $15
Something to include in your Carousel Day festivities: Adventure Theatre is back in action after a brief hiatus, presenting storytime and more activities to kids (with their parents) and Saturdays. This weekend there will be a reading of The Day The Crayons Came Home along with activities that bring the book to life. Be sure to register as space is limited!
Jack & the Beanstalk Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD When: Through April 9 Admission: $15
In the Puppet Co.’s version of Sleeping Beauty, a funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this lovely Legacy rod-puppet show. Directed by Elizabeth Dapo. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 55 minutes.
Les Misérables
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Saturday
Admission: $69-225
[Note: These tickets are just about all sold out, BUT Standing Room tickets will be available at the box office prior to sold out performances beginning at 6:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. for matinees).] In 1986, the Kennedy Center hosted the pre-Broadway run of what has become, undisputedly, one of the world’s most popular musicals. Now, they are bringing her home. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Recommended for ages 12 +.
Each Kindness
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday, 1:30pm & 4pm
Admission: $20 (look for discount)
This world premiere concert features Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson reading the book, Each Kindness, onstage to music composed, arranged, and performed by six members of celebrated string production company Rootstock Republic, along with projections of E.B. Lewis’ striking artwork. About the book: Every time the new girl Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya. Recommended for ages 7+.
The Taming of the Shrew
Where: Synetic Theater | Crystal City, VA
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $35-50 (look for discount)
Glam! Glitteratzi! Fashionistas! High art! In a world surrounded by the rich and fabulous, two unlikely suitors — her a rebel, him steampunk — find themselves embroiled in a passionate battle of wills. This electrifying “Silent Shakespeare” adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew follows Katherina and Petruchio as they discover the journey to love isn’t always the easiest of roads. This is a Synetic Teen Company production.
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest at a few area farms, and guests are welcome to pick their own. Be sure to check websites/Facebook or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
Moonshot Studio
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free Get creative at the studio within The REACH at the Kennedy Center. All ages are welcome and encouraged to partake in various art projects and activities. Drop in to build your own instrument, try your hand at animation, and explore the intersection of music, motion, and visual art. Plan for time to stroll the lovely outdoor areas as well.
Little Critters Nature Play
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Sunday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Drop in with little ones for hands-on activities and story time at the Zoo! Have a wild time exploring animals and the natural world through creative, free-choice activity stations in a brand-new indoor/outdoor classroom. Dig for horseshoe crabs in the sand table, make lunch for a bird in the mud kitchens, or just join for a story or two. Read Aloud Storytimes take place at 10am 11am, and 12pm. The play area is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. (PS: The Zoo is fun for older kids, too… read more about it in this KFDC post.)
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Where: Movies theaters around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by theater
I know I’m not the only one who is excited to see the movie version of the beloved July Blume classic. (My childhood besties and I, all of us 50, have been anticipating it for months!) The book is practically a bible for those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s, and it’s one of several of Blume’s books that I made sure was on my daughter’s shelf, too. And reviews suggest that we’ll all be quite happy with the film adaptation.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Starting this Monday, May 1, the National Museum of Asian Art is celebrating 100 years with a two-week-long Centennial Festival! * It’s almost pool season, and KFDC contributor Emily has some great recs to gear up for it! * C&O Canal Boat Tours are returning starting Friday, May 5. (And I recall that opening weekend sold out in advance last year, but tickets are still available for it now.) * Six great ways to secondhand shop (& sell) online. * A great documentary to watch to complement the movie. * A loely simple and sophisticated (and on sale!) summer dress. * Perfect Mother’s Day gift. * Or for something experiential and local… one of these. * What weekends looked like in the 80s.
1. We’re going to be near Harpers Ferry this weekend for soccer, so we’ll likely take advantage and enjoy some fun there, too. Have you been? It’s a fantastic day trip or weekend destination from DC with great outdoor recreation and opportunities for historical explorations. Read more about the West Virginia town in this KFDC post!
2. Boing! Big Bounce America, the world’s largest bounce house, is returning to the DC area May 20 – June 11 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. The biggest touring inflatable event includes four massive inflatable attractions: a 16,000-square-foot World’s Largest Bounce House; the newly added Sport Slam featuring a customized sports arena; the 900-foot-long obstacle course named The Giant; and a unique, space-themed wonderland called airSPACE. Three-hour sessions for varying age groups — 3 & under, 7 & under, 15 & under, and 16 & older — are $22 for the youngest group, $38 for older kids, and $41 for 16+. Tickets can be reserved here.
3. And speaking of Fort Washington, it’s been a long time since I’ve highlighted Fort Washington Park, a great place to enjoy a day outdoors and get a glimpse of the past. You can explore the historic remnants of the fortress dating back to 1824 — including bastions and barracks and cannons — within the grounds and enjoy beautiful views along the Potomac River. Hours for the Fort and Visitor Center are 9am – 4:30pm, Thursday – Sunday. Admission is $10/vehicle to the park, free to Fort Washington.
4. A shirt almost exactly like this one (that I’ve had for years) was one of my most worn items in Portugal. Perfect as a “spring shacket” to throw on over tanks and T-shirts or even a dress when it got a little chilly, also cute enough to wear on it’s own with pants. Also love this one that’s more of a jacket, but not a typical denim jacket.
5. A fantastic feature about one of my (and I’m sure many others’) all-time favorite authors. Those books we loved as kids, are often some that stick with us the most! And they are still great kid reads… Sasha loved this one, and Owen actually did a book report about this one back in elementary school. And in case you haven’t heard, this movie comes out on Friday!
Swing into the 2023 baseball season with Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum this Saturday, April 29, as they present a special Baseball Family Festival highlighting a recently opened exhibition!
Baseball: America’s Home Runexplores our national pastime through a unique, postal lens. Using material from the National Postal Museum’s collection; original stamp art from the United States Postal Service; and artifacts loaned by other Smithsonian museums, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and private collectors, this exhibition explores the surprising ways that baseball and postal history have been deeply intertwined since the early twentieth century.
The Baseball Family Festival will offer fun for all ages with activity stations, crafts, music, and virtual author readings. In-person American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for the author readings.
Baseball Bingo: Check off the activities you complete on a bingo card in the event program. and claim a prize (while supplies last) for completing any row of three!
Play Ball: Practice pitching, batting, and running the bases in the Historic Lobby using plastic bats and beach balls.
Baseball Stamp Puzzles: Flex your puzzles skills with postage stamp puzzles of famous baseball players.
Baseball Sewing Activity: Craft a baseball by sewing together two small paper plates with yarn.
Make Your Own Pennant/Stamp: Design your own postage stamp and sports pennant.
Tattoos & Trivia: Display your baseball pride with a temporary tattoo and test your baseball knowledge.
Book Corner: Explore baseball history with a wide variety of baseball-themed children’s books.
Virtual author readings and Q&A: At 1pm, Barb Rosenstock will read her book The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero and at 3pm, Rob Skead will read his book Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio. These will take place on Zoo, and both will answer questions afterwards.
There will also be activities from the museum partners, the National Museum of American History and National Portrait Gallery. Explore the role that Latinos have played in the history of baseball with hands-on crafts and real objects from the American History’s exhibit Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues/En los barrios y las grandes ligas. And guests can try on baseball uniform pieces and pose like a baseball player for an instant portrait to use for making a baseball trading card.
Of course, be sure to visit the Baseball: America’s Home Runexhibit and tour the rest of the National Postal Museum, a KFDC favorite for all ages — read more about it here and here!
Baseball Family Festival
Where: National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, DC
When: Saturday, April 29, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot!
This post is sponsored by the National Postal Museum, however, I only promote programs, events, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
National Park Week starts on Saturday, and it’s kicking off with a fee free day, so there’s no entrance fee to national parks that usually charge admission. Take advantage and hit the trail at Great Falls, Shenandoah, Prince William Forest, Harpers Ferry, or head up to Baltimore to explore Fort McHenry. Find even more parks to visit here.
Do the Loop Where: Around Northwest DC When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm Admission: Free
Enjoy a day of FREE indoor and outdoor arts programming in collaboration with several wonderful museums and other places in DC, including Dumbarton Oaks, the Katzen Museum, Jackson Art Center, Kreeger Museum and galleries on Georgetown’s Book Hill. Each organization has their own exciting activities including performances, art openings, food trucks, and more. Easy to access — there will be free shuttles to take you between locations! — and open to all. No tickets or reservations needed.
Blooming Azaleas
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 8am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The azalea bloom at the National Arboretum is well known among flower enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over every year. And for good reason: It’s absolutely gorgeous! Even more, the Arb is a great place to spend a day with the family, with something for all ages to enjoy. Go here for scenes from a past bloom.
Drive-In Movie: A League of Their Own
Where: Union Market | NoMa, DC
When: Friday, 8:20pm (gates open 6:45pm)
Admission: $20/car, walk-ups are free
Catch an outdoor screening of A League of Their Own at this installment of Union Market’s Drive-In Movie Series. Watch the film from the comfort of your car (or walk up and sit in the fresh air) in the UM parking lot. Get there as early to enjoy delicious foods from market vendors and fun pre-show activities for movie-lovers of every age! The lot opens at 6:45pm and the film begins at 8:20pm. Advance purchase is recommended.
Maker Morning: Big, Beautiful Earth
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Kids (and adults) of all ages can sustain their creativity with earth-friendly making. Join the Hirshhorn, Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum, the National Postal Museum, and DC Public Library to explore the transformative power of art by remaking everyday materials into something new, discovering the possibilities of a simple piece of paper, and taking a scavenger hunt of nature-inspired artworks. Activities will take place on the Plaza and in the Museum.
The Ice Cream Truck Is Broken! & Other Emotional Arias
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 1pm & 4pm | Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $25
Join Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor Renée Fleming and Education Artist-in-Residence (and beloved author) Mo Willems for a family-friendly event exploring our strongest emotions through one of the world’s most dramatic genres…opera! Together with the Washington National Opera Cafritz Young Artists, Mo and Renée present famous arias as you’ve never heard them before, bursting with Mo-ified lyrics to explore the range of human emotions in a way audiences new and old can appreciate and enjoy. Recommended for ages 5+.
Living Earth Festival 2023 Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm Admission: Free
Join the museum for a weekend of conversations, demonstrations, and artmaking to learn how Indigenous communities are stepping forward with aggressive plans to protect their ways of life. Don’t miss the imagiNATIONS activity area that’s full of hands-on fun for kids.
GreenFest
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Earth Day at Brookside Gardens! This event offers a chance for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors to come together, share ideas, and get involved. Plus, there are activities for all ages — art and craft vendors, an interactive electric car display, tree climbing, kids’ yoga, plant giveaways, face painting. and a variety of food trucks. Register for free here.
Earth Day Market Where: Outside Woodley Park Metro | Woodley Park, DC When: Saturday, 11:30am – 5:30pm Admission: Free
Celebrate this incredible planet we live on and shop small with Woodley Park Main Street on Saturday at their Earth Day Market featuring over 20+ unique vendors. Shopping at small businesses helps reduce your personal carbon footprint — just don’t forget your reusable bag! The market will be on Connecticut Avenue, right outside of the Woodley Park Metro Station.
Open House
Where: Washington Waldorf School | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Exploring preschool or Kindergarten options for your child? Washington Waldorf School is hosting an Open House on Saturday. Meet the faculty, enjoy some typical preschool/kindergarten activities, and bring kids to play. Visit the website for more information about the school.
Disney’s Aladdin
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through April 30
Tickets: $29-155 (look for discount)
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical.From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Company | Glen Echo, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
Enjoy this multimedia Legacy production that tells the story of a lazy lad whose life changes because of some magic beans! Using rod puppets and full masks and costumes, TPC fans may recognize The Giant from the annual Nutcracker show. Recommended for ages 4+.
Sense and Sensibility
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm | Sunday, 6pm
Tickets: $12
A student production from Imagination. Stage… A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters When Elinor and Marianne Dashwood’s lives are turned upside down by the sudden death of their father, they must navigate financial challenge, romance, and the talk of the town while using good sense or risk their chance at love and happiness. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold. Recommended for ages 11+.
The Taming of the Shrew
Where: Synetic Theater | Crystal City, VA
When: Through April 30
Tickets: $35-50 (look for discount)
Glam! Glitteratzi! Fashionistas! High art! In a world surrounded by the rich and fabulous, two unlikely suitors — her a rebel, him steampunk — find themselves embroiled in a passionate battle of wills. This electrifying “Silent Shakespeare” adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew follows Katherina and Petruchio as they discover the journey to love isn’t always the easiest of roads. This is a Synetic Teen Company production.
Porchfest
Where: Around Petworth, DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches around Petworth are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Featuring dozens of bands, the event celebrate the arts and the community. Access a schedule and a map of porch locations here.
Kick It with Spirit
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $20
The Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, is playing at Audi Field this weekend hosting Houston Dash. Enjoy some amazing soccer play while supporting our home team and women in sports. Plan for a pre-match meal nearby — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are conveniently located and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat in that area.
Earth Day Celebration Where: Color Burst Park | Columbia, MD When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm Admission: Free
The Earth Day celebration will offer something for everyone to enjoy while highlighting ways you can make a positive and sustainable impact on your community through engaging and fun activities like learning how to upcycle your clothes. Attendees can bring and upcycle their old t-shirts to create brand new tie-dye t-shirts with local Columbia business Roll Up N Dye. There will also be lawn games, a dance party with music from a local DJ, and children’s activity stations — decorate flower pots, paint wind chimes, get faces painted, receive a glitter tattoo, or adopt a pet rock.
The Dr. Seuss Experience
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $29-38/child, $27-43/adult
This experience is an imaginative and interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss. Journey through favorite stories and come face-to-face with iconic characters as if they jumped right off the pages. Venture through the brand new 1,300 square foot “Stars Upon Thars Sneetches Mirror Maze,” swing among Truffula Trees from The Lorax, gaze upon a balloon-filled installation from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, and take a spin on a carousel inspired by If I Ran the Circus!
Little Critters Nature Play
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Sunday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Drop in with little ones for hands-on activities and story time at the Zoo! Have a wild time exploring animals and the natural world through creative, free-choice activity stations in a brand-new indoor/outdoor classroom. Dig for horseshoe crabs in the sand table, make lunch for a bird in the mud kitchens, or just join for a story or two. Read Aloud Storytimes take place at 10am 11am, and 12pm. The play area is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children. (PS The Zoo is fun for older kids, too… read more about it in this KFDC post.)
Spring Yoga Where: Takoma Park Library | Takoma Park, MD When: Sunday, 11am Admission: Free
Tweens, teens, and adults who like to move and breathe are invited to join Ms. Elisa, RYT 200, for a free yoga class at Takoma Park Library. This is the second in a series of three that will take place this Sunday and May 7. All levels are welcome, and mats are available. Be sure to register in advance as space is limited.
Spring Breakin’
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s the last weekend of Spring Break for many DC kids, so if you’re looking for extra activities to keep everyone entertained, this KFDC guide has plenty of ideas. (Of course, you can also use it for finding more weekend fun, Spring Beak or not.)
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * We’ve been in Portugal this past week for Spring Break, and I can’t recommend it enough for a family trip! View some of our pics for a glimpse. * This coming week, April 26 & 27, Strathmore presents Gravity & Other Myths Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space, a family-friendly Cirque du Soleil-type acrobatic show. They are offering special discount — 25% off tickets with the promo code FAMILY. * Suggestions for seeing the Lyrids meteor shower around DC this weekend. * Where to eat crabs in and close to DC. * Can’t wait to try making this Portuguese dish at home — muito delicioso! * Just started reading this book and intrigued so far. * How cute is this?
