Tag Archives: August 2018

August 23, 2018 · 6:09 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: August 24-26

Huzzah for the weekend!





Happy Weekend!

Ren Fest!
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $19/adults, $16/seniors, free/15 & under
Merriment, anyone? The Maryland Renaissance Festival is all about it. The fantastic trip back to medieval times is an event that appeals to all ages and sensibilities. Enjoy jousting matches, kids shows, comedy acts, tight rope walkers, jugglers, puppetry, Celtic music…and that’s just some of the live entertainment. There are also pony and elephant rides, a pirate playground, a giant slide, and some of the best people watching opportunities ever. Walk among knights, maidens, pirates, and wizards in a 16th-century Tudor village as you chomp on turkey legs and down cups of mead. It all begins Saturday and will run every weekend through October 21. And this weekend only, kids ages 15 and under get in for FREE!

Comcast Outdoor Film Fest
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Thursday – Sunday, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
‭Enjoy summer fun under the stars during the Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival. The free event gives the community an unrivaled outdoor movie experience with digital cinema ‬projection. ‬See Coco on Thursday, Black Panther on Friday, The Lion King on Saturday, and Wonder Woman on Sunday. Gates open at 7:30pm, and movies begin at dusk.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s not much time left to enjoy some of the best activities of the season… Outdoor pools and spraygrounds, special museum programs and exhibits, music and movies in the open air, beach fun, mini golf and carousels rides, a good ol’ crab feast. The guide to Summer in DC has all the inspo you need to eke the most out of the summer wind-down.

Dragon Boat Regatta
Where: The Wharf | Southwest, DC
When: Saturday, 8am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The 5th annual Capital Dragon Boat Regatta will be an experience for athletes and spectators alike. The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free! And plan for even more fun at The Wharf — read more about it in this KFDC post.

Community Day
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Join Arena Stage to celebrate the upcoming 2018-19 season! This Community Day is fun for the entire family with live entertainment, dance performances, face painting, story telling, poetry readings, cultural presentations, and more! You’ll also have a chance to get in on some of the fun with dance workshops, juggling demos, and pony rides. You can even meet, adopt, and go home with your new best friend — the Humane Rescue Alliance’s mobile adoption vehicle will be onsite with adoptable cats and dogs.

Celebrate 17th Street
Where: 1500-1600 blocks, 17th Street NW | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: $10
The event in the Dupont Circle neighborhood will feature all kinds of activities for the whole fam. Live entertainment; more than 60 artists and makers selling food, art, and other cool wares; a Kids Zone with bouncy fun, face painting, games, and more; exhibits by non-profit groups; and appearances by city officials will be part of the festivities that celebrate the community and businesses.

Summer in the City Family Day
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Beat the heat and still play in the sun! Enjoy summertime games, crafts, and scavenger hunts, all while listening to relaxing island music in the museum’s beautiful Kogod Courtyard. While you’re there, treat the fam to refreshing summer snacks, available for purchase from the Courtyard Café. And be sure to tour the galleries filled with art that all ages will enjoy! See more of the America Art Museum here.

Circus Science Day
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $15.95/age 2+
Join Post Discovery under the big top for Circus Science Saturday! Engage in interactive Circus Circuit stations: Learn the tricks of the trade such as juggling, balancing feathers, and much more. Stop by art tables to make-and-take a sound sandwich that you will use during a fun Circus Parade. Plus, hop in the backseat of the Circus Train Ride before the day is over and enjoy the view! 

Sensory-Friendly Screening
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50
Catch a Sensory-Friendly Screening of A.X.L. on Saturday morning. The newest My Way Matinee from Regal gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the trailer for the movie here.

Weekend Workers: Drawing Like a Shipbuilder
Where: Baltimore Museum of Industry | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $12/adult, $7/age 7-11, free/6 & under
Join the museum for a Weekend Workers session that will let your child’s creativity set sail! Visitors will learn about the history of shipbuilding in Baltimore, view material from the BMI Archives’ shipbuilding collection, and use actual drafting tools to draw their own ship blueprints. Read more about the Museum of Industry in this KFDC post.

Irish Festival
Where: Waterfront Park | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Head to Old Town for a day of fun and music to celebrate Irish history and culture. Along with lots of live Celtic music and Irish dancing, shop the vendor booths featuring a variety of Irish items, arts & crafts, and traditional festival foods.

Irish Dance Open House
Where: Fuse Pilates | Foxhall Square, DC
When: Saturday, 12-1:30pm
Admission: Free
A new Irish Dance Academy is opening in Northwest DC with classes for ages 5 and up taught by a Riverdance and Broadway performer! This weekend you can check out District Irish Dance Academy and an intro class at an Open House.

StepFest

Where: Kingman and Heritage Islands | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission: Free
Join Step Afrika! for StepFest, the culminating event of their annual Step Xplosion on Saturday. The show will feature performances by Step Afrika!, Coyaba Dance Theater, Dem Raider Boyz Step Squad, and many more dance groups as well as activities for all ages. Be sure to check the website for schedule and details to help you plan. ! Register for free here.

Tinker Bell
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through August 26
Admission: $19.50
This weekend is your last chance to catch Adventure Theatre’s summer production! Get to know Tinker Bell as the fiesty fairy tells her side of the story! Tinker Bell is a world premiere play that presents the tale of Peter Pan from the eyes of everyone’s favorite fairy friend. Recommended for all ages.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $6-12
Peter and the Wolf is the Main Stage performance at the puppet theater in Glen Echo Park, recommended for children of all ages. And really little ones will love Mother Goose Caboose, this Sunday’s featured Tiny Tots show, where the lights stay on and doors stay open for an atmosphere suited to small fries.

Little Mover & POP! Open Houses
Where: CityDance | Tenleytown, DC & Rockville, MD
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
CityDance invites Little Movers ages 3 to 7 to sample dance classes at an Open House this weekend. Children can try out Ballet, Hip Hop, Flamenco, and Sri Lankan – for free! Register for Tenleytown here and Rockville here.

Play-Ka-Rah: The Ice child
Where: Keegan Theatre
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $17
Keegan Theatre’s series that encourage theatrical experiences for families features The Ice Child, a tale of growing up different. It’s a fairy story — a story told by the fairies about people. And it’s a love story – a story about love. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

KIDZ Bop Live 2018
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 6pm
Tickets: $30-70
KIDZ BOP Live 2018 is the ultimate family concert experience, “sung by kids for kids.” The KIDZ BOP Kids headline this new show, performing some of today’s biggest hit songs that have also kept them at the top of the US Kids charts for over 15 years.

Shakespeare Free for All
Where: Sydney Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
See Romeo & Juliet for free as Shakespeare Theatre Company presents its annual Free For All program, when they offer complimentary performances of a Shakespearean classic to the public. Tickets are available through an online lottery or by waiting in line day-of with a limited number available.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Need some school lunch ideas? Not-So-SAHM recently shared 25 Bento Box Lunches for Kids.
* Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win tickets to see InterAct Story Theatre’s Voytto Tech: a scifi fable!
* Smithsonian Magazine’s annual Museum Day is coming up on September 22, offering free admission to many museums that usually require an entrance fee (and there actually are some in the DC area).
* If you’re looking for book recommendations, here are a few good ones from a great source.

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August 21, 2018 · 10:02 am

Let the Merriment Begin…Ren Fest Returns this Weekend!



In case you weren’t aware (which must mean you’re new to KFDC), the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my very (very, very) favorite annual event in the area. I’ve rambled on about why so many times over the years, I’ll just direct you here, here, here, here, here, here, and here for the gist on why I love it so much.

In this post, you’ll find all the new info you need for this year’s event, plus some pics from last year to give you a glimpse of what to expect get you even more excited to go. Huzzah!

Logistics
The merriment begins this Saturday, August 25, and runs every weekend, rain or shine, through October 21 in the lovely 16th century-style hamlet of Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD. Hours are 10am – 7pm. Admission is $19/adults, $17/seniors, $8/ages 7-15, free for 6 and under through September 9. After that, tickets go up to $26/adults, $22/seniors, $11/ages 7-15, still free for 6 and under. Multi-day passes that offer a discount are also available. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.

Special Days:
* August 25-26: Children’s Weekend – FREE admission for ages 15 and under with adult
* September 3: Senior’s Day – FREE admission for ages 62+
* September 8 & October 7: ASL Interpretation Days
* September 9: Renewal of Vows Ceremony — couples are invited to renew their commitment
* September 15-16: Celtic Celebration
* September 22-23: Special Guests – The Mediaeval Baebes
* September 29-30: Pirate Weekend — dress in your pirate best, aaargh!
* October 6-7: Shakespeare Weekend

KFDC Tips
* Bring a stroller or carrier for little ones, as there’s a lot of walking. I recommend a stroller that navigates over dirt paths easily.
* Get a map and schedule on your way in to help you navigate and plan your day
* If there’s show you really want to see, get to the stage a few minutes ahead of time to get good seats, so the kids have a good view.
* You might encounter less crowds on Sunday, when many folks are watching football
* Plan to spend on extras like food, games, and fun for kids (all reasonably priced, but it can add up)
* Let the kids dress up! Princesses, knights, fairies, pirates will fit right in.

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD ( get directions)
When: Weekends August 25 – October 21, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $19-26/adult, $17-22/senior, $8-11/age 7-15, free/6 & under













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August 16, 2018 · 5:40 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: August 17-19

Take a hike and enjoy the scenery at Great Falls Park





Happy Weekend!

Joys of Summer
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Activities exclusive to the season are happening all weekend See a special museum exhibit, like Fun House or Fractal Worlds. Have some water-inspired fun. Enjoy free music outdoors and movies under the stars. Go with the flow on local waterways. Hit the beach. Feast on seasonal treats. And so much more. Details on all of these joys of summer in DC can be found here.

Fair Game
Where: Arlington, Montgomery, Prince William Counties | MD & VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
County fair season continues as Arlington’s annual fest is underway, and Montgomery and Prince William counties host their final days. All are chock full of amusement for everyone, with carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races, and so much more. This post has the whole scoop on all of the county fun.

Summer Swap Shop
Where: Wunder Garten | NoMa, DC
When: Friday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Join for a fun day of music, treats, and swapping! This Summer Swap Shop will bring together people from the DC community to trade clothing, shoes, and accessories.  Bring items in any condition — ‘unswappables’ will go to a textile recycling table hosted by DC Sustainable Fashion Collective. There will be a clothing and accessory repair table in partnership with Stitched with Style — Sign up for a complimentary repair appointment here.  This event is a great opportunity to shed your children’s outgrown clothing, and the venue is dog, kid, and bike-friendly.

Summer Step Xplosion!
Where: Around DC
When: Through August 25
Admission: Free
Experience Step Afrika! for free as the annual Step Xplosion kicks off the 2018-19 season with ree performances, workshops, dance parties, and more in all 8 DC wards. This weekend, catch them at Raymond Recreation Center on Saturday from 2-3pm and The District Wharf on Sunday from 4-5:30pm. Be ready to stomp along!

Juggle Jam
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 6pm
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Throw caution to the weekend! Conquer the thrilling challenge of juggling with veteran juggler Christian Kloc. All ages are invited to get loose and throw some crazy tricks at this all-levels workshop focusing on the power of play and the joy of performance. Equipment is provided. Wear comfortable clothes that allow relaxed movements.

Nats vs. Marlins
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Marlins this weekend, and there a some special promotions to enjoy along with the baseball action of the field. There is a Hwaiian shirt giveaway on Friday, and Saturday is Game of Thrones® Night with a Michael A. Taylor figurine for the first 10,000 fans. Sunday ages 12 and under get a Kids Night Light, plus they can run the bases after the game. Before you plan your ballpark outing, checkout these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Colonial Tobacco Harvest
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm | McLean, VA
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5/adult, $3/child, free/2 & under
It’s harvest time at Claude Moore! Tobacco was an important crop in Colonial Virginia, used as currency by the farm family to buy supplies and other goods. This Saturday, you can help them clean the tobacco leaves, gather the cut plants, and hang them on the tobacco sticks inside the tobacco barn to cure. It’s a fun and educational outing for the whole family!

Around the World Cultural Food Festival
Where: Freedom Plaza | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrating the rich intercultural diversity, this annual food festival brings together authentic living traditions from different countries around the world. And the public will have the opportunity to learn, eat, dance, shop, and witness these vibrantly connected cultures and create their own connections with each and every single country presented in the event. Food and drinks are for purchase.

The Big Dig Potato Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult
Grab your shovel and reusable grocery bag and join Great Country for their Annual Pancake Breakfast and Potato Harvest! Start your morning off with our All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, served from 9-10:30am, then jump on a wagon ride to dig for your potato treasures in our U-dig field. Plan for lots of play time on the sprawling grounds of the farm, too!

Tinker Bell
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through August 26
Admission: $19.50
You only have two more weekends to catch Adventure Theatre’s summer production! Get to know Tinker Bell as the fiesty fairy tells her side of the story! Tinker Bell is a world premiere play that presents the tale of Peter Pan from the eyes of everyone’s favorite fairy friend. Recommended for all ages.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: $6-12
Peter and the Wolf is the Main Stage performance at the puppet theater in Glen Echo Park, recommended for children of all ages. And really little ones will love Jellybean Friends, this Sunday’s featured Tiny Tots show, where the lights stay on and doors stay open for an atmosphere suited to small fries.

Dave on Stage
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through
Admission: Tickets start at $40
Remember the movie, Dave, about the President’s doppelgänger who fills in as POTUS when he suffers a stroke? It’s now a world premiere musical at Arena Stage! With modern day updates, references to the current political climate, Arena’s signature “DC” vibe, and opps for spontaneous audience interaction, it’s one pretty fantastic show. Recommended for ages 13+.

Harry Potter Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

Puppet Performance
Where: Durants Arts Center | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 10am & 11:15am
Admission: $5
The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and the National Capital Puppetry Guild are presenting a series of monthly family-friendly shows starting on Saturday! Blue Sky Puppet Theatre will kick off the fun with two performances. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Smithsonian Sleepover
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday-Sunday, 7pm – 9am
Admission: Starts at $125
Enjoy an overnight adventure at the Chantilly arm of the Air & Space Museum! Grab your flight checklist and take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities, and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies. Udvar-Hazy Center staff are on hand to offer lots of great information and insights about the aviation treasures on view. Start the countdown to a one-of-a-kind adventure! For ages 8-14. Registration is by phone only — see the website for details.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Enjoy s’mores around an evening campfire at Hidden Pond Nature Center on Friday. See grinding demos at Colvin Run Mill. Go on a treasure hunt at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Details and registration for these and more activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

DC United vs. New England Revolution
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $22
Wind down the weekend at a soccer match on Sunday evening, as the DC United host the Colorado Rapids. Word has it the new stadium is awesome. And if you go a little early, there should be some pre-match pop-ups and activities on the plaza.

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Hit the trail to enjoy some outdoor time with the fam! Check out the flora, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post, started in the early KFDC days and updated several times since, has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids.

DC, Inside & Out

Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend

Admission: Varies by adventure

Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

The Great Indoors

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August 9, 2018 · 6:59 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: August 10-12

The Montgomery County Fair begins this weekend!





Happy Weekend!

All’s Fair
Where: Montgomery, Prince William, & Howard Counties | MD & VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
County fair season continues as Montgomery and Prince William kick off their annual fests that are chock full of amusement for everyone in the fam. Carnival rides and games, farm animals, live entertainment, pony rides, the junk food gamut, pig races, and so much more. You can also find it in Howard County, where the fair is on for its final couple of days. This post has the scoop on all of the county fun.

Kids in the Castle
Where: Heurich House Museum | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
A suit of of armor, woodcarvings of animals & magical beasts, towering ceilings… for children, the Heurich mansion is a magical castle to explore. Held every few months, Kids in the Castle encourages children and their families to wander through the house at their own pace, complete photo scavenger hunts to win prizes, and take a more detailed self-guided tour if they desire. During the warmer months, families can also relax and play games in the Castle Garden. Register for free tickets; only a limited number will be available at the door.

Summer Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The summer break from school may be starting to wind down, but summer fun around the area continues. Catch a concert outdoors to start the weekend on a musical note — Jazz in the Garden on the National Mall and the Friday Night Concert series at Yards Park are local faves. Keep the seasonal pursuits going with a variety of options: Head to a farm for peach picking. Enjoy some water fun, either at an outdoor pool or a spray park. Feast on crabs. Take advantage of free admission for kids at the Newseum or see seasonal exhibit like Wings of Fancy at Brookside Gardens, Fairy Houses at Annmarie Garden, or FunHouse at the Building Museum. This post has all the details you need on all these summer joys.

Down by the Riverside
Where: The District Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There’s no special event going on there this weekend, but The District Wharf is a great place to spend a day with the fam, especially if the weather is nice. Play in sprays, rock on swinging benches, rent a kayak, grab a bite to eat by the water, people watch, and more. This new post has the scoop on all there is to do at the southwest waterfront locale.

Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend
Where: Rock Hall, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
Buccaneers and landlubbers of all ages! Head out to the Eastern Shore for a fun, unique experience. This town-wide family-friendly event will be loaded with kids activities, shows, and costume contests. Check out the website for details and schedules. Pirate attire is highly encouraged!

English Learners’ Back to School Fair
Where: Columbia Heights Education Campus | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2:30pm at (3101 16th St. NW).
Admission: Free
DC Public Schools, in collaboration with several DC agencies, will be hosting this fair that targets linguistically and culturally diverse families and English Learner students with the goal of connecting them to academic and community resources. The event will feature dozens of local organizations that provide a wide range of services, and there will be workshops for caregivers interested in learning about tips and tools to help their children succeed in school. There will also be free backpacks, school supplies, food, face painting, and even children’s haircuts!

Otakun
Where: Washington Convention Center, Downtown DC
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $100
This weekend long convention is a celebration of Asian pop culture and it’s fandom. There will be loads to experience — anime, manga, music, movies, video games, and more. Visitthe website for the schedule and more details about the exhibitions.

Anatomy of Sports
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Bones and muscles need to work together for optimal performance. Athletes of all ages should know how their bodies work in order to compete and stay healthy. During Anatomy of Sports, athletes will demonstrate their sport while medical illustrators and physical therapists reveal how muscles and bones work together. This session is perfect for families with children playing sports, the recreational athlete ,or the practiced sports enthusiast. Read more about the museum in this KFDC post from a few years back.

Family Mindfulness
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am-12pm & 1-2:30pm
Admission: Free, but registration is required
Beat the heat with little ones during this summer meditation series! Take a moment to pause and reflect in front of lush landscapes and other storied artworks in our permanent collection. Then, admire the natural beauty in the Freer courtyard with a series of facilitated activities to help deepen self-awareness. Finally, slow things down and experience guided breathing, storytelling, and other beginner-friendly mindfulness techniques led by instructors from Yoga District. Come ready to move in comfy clothes. Mats are provided. For ages 4+ with adult companions.

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Tinker Bell is lighting up the stage at Adventure Theatre
* Follow the yellow brick road to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Synetic Theatre
* The Olney Theatre presents HMS Pinafore and families are encouraged to go!
* You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is on the Imagination Stage
* It’s opening weekend for Peter and the Wolf at The Puppet Co.
* And Jellybean Circus is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theater.
* Teen ages and up can see Second City’s Generation Gap at the Kennedy Center
* Enjoy the music of Gustafer Yellowgold at the McLean Central Park Gazebo on Sunday.

Reels on the Ramp
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Bring the family for a movie night under the stars on the Udvar-Hazy Center’s outdoor airplane ramp. Don’t forget your chairs, blankets, and insect repellent! Food is allowed, but alcohol and glass bottles or containers are prohibited. Doors open at 8pm and the movie will begin at dusk. Planes, a spin-off of the Cars franchise, follows Dusty Crophopper, a crop duster plane who practices aerobatic maneuvers in his free time and dreams of becoming a racer.

Dave on Stage
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through
Admission: Tickets start at
Remember the movie, Dave, about the President’s doppelgänger who fills in as POTUS when he suffers a stroke? It’s now a world premiere musical at Arena Stage! With modern day updates, references to the current political climate, Arena’s signature “DC” vibe, and opps for spontaneous audience interaction, it’s one pretty fantastic show. Recommended for ages 13+.

High Wheelin’
Where: Frederick, MD
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Get a curbside seat to America’s only high wheel race in historic downtown Frederick, MD. The National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race is a unique event that celebrates the history of bikes with an antique bike display and more festivities throughout the day at the Best Fest — live music, face painting, bouncy fun, beer garden, and more.

Tall Tales on the Big Screen
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
Enjoy some highly unlikely stories, from a greedy rat and a sailor cat to some flying dinosaurs and a lonely bear! The children’s short films program includes The Highway Rat, How Dinosaurs Learned to Fly, Bear Story, and The Gallant Captain. Recommended for ages 6+, runs approximately 60 minutes.

Tour the Fun House
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16/adult, $13/age 3-17, free/members
There are only a few weeks left to jump into fun at the Building Museum’s annual Summer Block Party. This year’s exhibition, Fun House, was created by Snarkitecture, the same group that brought us The Beach a few years ago. It’s full of clever details and neat features that welcome all ages to engage and enjoy. It even comes with a big backyard pool, and visitors are invited to take a dip!

Art Museum Morning
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Fun for little ones at the Hirshhorn! Enjoy the Library + Art Pop-Up and find a cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of favorite finds for kids. And be sure to stop in the Sculpture Garden outside and add a wish to Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington!

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse
Enjoy the weekend on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also paddle from nearby Thompson Boathouse and Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45. If you’re up for a bigger excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island. And you can see where else you can explore by water in this round-up of great places to go with the flow.

Farmers Market at the Ballpark
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Nats may be on the road this weekend, but there’s still something happening at he ballpark! The Nationals, along with Kaiser Permanente, present the first annual Farmers Market at Nationals Park. Located in Center Field Plaza, fans and neighbors will have access to locally sourced produce, meats, dairy products and more. Fun games will also be set up for everyone to enjoy, and Screech and the Racing Presidents will be in attendance! Visit the website for the full vendor list. Garage C will be open with free parking.

DC, Inside & Out
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The weather seems to be all over the place lately, so these go-to posts are good to keep on hand: The Great Indoors post has 100 ideas for things to do. And if you’re aiming to get outdoors, check out this robust round-up of the best outdoor adventures in the DC area.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Starting this Sunday through next Saturday, it’s Tax-Free Week in Maryland. All qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less, per item, are exempt from the state sales tax.
* The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Free For All program featuring Romeo and Juliet this year begins on August 21 and runs through September 2.
* The most wonderful time of the year, REN FEST, begins in just two weeks. Huzzah!
* The Library of Congress National Book Festival is coming up soon, too, on September 1 with another great lineup of presenting authors.


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August 2, 2018 · 6:11 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: August 3-5

Beach day at Flag Ponds Nature Park



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Happy Weekend!

Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Depends on activities (details below)
Head on down to the 4-H fair! Through Sunday, enjoy carnival rides, amusements, treats, farm animals and rabbits, rides and displays, horse and dog shows, the tractor pull, kids crafts and face painting, plus plenty of good food, drinks and live music. Held at Frying Pan Farm Park, hours for the many activities vary by day, so be sure to check the website before you go. Carnival ride tickets are $1 or 24 for $20 (most rides take 3-5). Unlimited carnival ride tickets are $25.

Tennis, Anyone?
Where: Rock Creek Park Tennis Center | Rock Creek, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Enjoy the on-court excitement along with other fun activities as the Citi Open Tennis Tournament wraps up. With the quarterfinals on Friday, the semis on Saturday, and the championship matches on Sunday, the event is sure to serve up some excellent tennis.

Black Panther at the Drive-In
Where: Union Market | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 8:45pm (lot opens at 6pm)
Admission: $10/car, free for walk-ups
Black Panther is this month’s featured film at Union Market’s outdoor movie series. See T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, in action on the big screen from the comfort of your car in the UM parking lot. Get there as early as 6pm and have a bite to eat in the Market or bring food back to your car. The lot closes at 8:15pm, and the film begins at 8:30pm. Advance purchase is recommended.

‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Make the most of quintessential summer activities around DC! Hit the beach. Enjoy an open air concert at one of the many series in the area. See a movie under the stars. Enjoy a special museum program. Get wet at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Feast on crabs. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And so much more…

Art Investigators
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
This weekend’s sessions of Art Investigators, the National Gallery of Art’s drop-in program for kids ages 4-7, will explore works by Edgar Degas. Young art museum-goers will learn about his art, then use that as inspiration to create a work of their own. Sign-in takes place in the West Building Rotunda, starting at 10am on Friday and Saturday, and 11am on Sunday. Be aware that you may not get an early time slot and will have time to fill before your session, so plan accordingly. Read a KFDC review of the series back when it was called Stories in Art (it’s an older post, but still relevant, as the program is very much the same).

BrickFair ’18
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $17, free for ages 3 and under
The nation’s largest LEGO Fan Festival will be enthralling guests of all ages this weekend. BrickFair brings together LEGO enthusiasts from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Over 800 exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGO — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more. And guests can use it all as inspiration to do some building there themselves!

Nats vs. Reds
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Thursday – Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Reds all weekend with games Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon, and there are a couple of special promotions to enjoy along with the baseball action of the field. Friday is an Anthony Rendon bobblehead giveaway, and fans can get a Nationals radio lanyard on Sunday as well as run the bases after the game (ages 4-12). And before you plan your ballpark outing, checkout these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Peach Daze Fuzztival
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10/child & $12/Adult
Celebrate peak peach picking season with Great Country Farms, Bluemont Vineyard, and Dirt Farm Brewing! Along with tons of fun activities, you can also learn how the peaches are grown and used in food and drink and enjoy the results as well. Kick off each morning with a Peach pancake breakfast, then later on get the whole family involved in peach eating and peach pit spitting contests and family water games. All the fun farm attractions will be open, and there will also be live music to entertain the crowd. And across the way at Bluemont Vineyard, enjoy special peach drinks and wine.

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Tinker Bell is lighting up the stage at Adventure Theatre
* Follow the yellow brick road to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Synetic Theatre
* Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players are the final performance of Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods on Saturday
* The Olney Theatre presents HMS Pinafore and families are encouraged to go!
* You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is on the Imagination Stage
* It’s the final weekend for Snow White and the 7 Dwarves at The Puppet Co.
* And Snow Show is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theater.
* Teen ages and up will enjoy Second City’s Generation Gap at the Kennedy Center

Dave on Stage
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through
Admission: Tickets start at
Remember the movie, Dave, about the President’s doppelgänger who fills in as POTUS when he suffers a stroke? It’s now a world premiere musical at Arena Stage! With modern day updates, references to the current political climate, Arena’s signature “DC” vibe, and ops for spontaneous audience interaction, it’s a pretty fantastic show. Recommended for ages 13+.

Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Landover, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats aren’t the only baseball team in town. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Reading Fightin Phils all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy, too — Daddy Daughter Night, Pirates & Princesses Night, a U.S. Naval Academy celebration, beachy fun, fireworks, and more. Plus, there are always fun and games especially for kids. Read more about Baysox games in this KFDC post.

World’s Fair
Where: DAR Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Experience the excitement, innovation, and wonder of a c.1900 World s Fair. Do you know what foods debuted at these fairs? Or what games children played? Learn about inventions that thrilled fairgoers and taste the snacks made popular by these grand events. Celebrate cultures around the world by exploring the booths of local embassies and cultural centers. Fun for children and adults alike, this event is not one to miss!

Friendship Firehouse Fest
Where: Friendship Firehouse | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
This annual family event hosted by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to enjoy the history of the fire department at the historic Friendship Firehouse. The popular event features antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, and live music. In addition to the day’s outdoor events, festival participants will enjoy visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855.

Howard County Fair
Where: Howard County Fairgrounds | West Friendship, MD
When: Through August 11
Admission: $5/ages 10 and up, $2/seniors, free for under 10
The 73rd annual fair begins this coming weekend, and you have through next Saturday to enjoy rides, magic shows, musical entertainment in the evenings, pig races and pony rides, the Kids & Critters barn, Demolition Derby, a pro rodeo, and more. Most of the rides cost extra, and packages are available, so be sure to check out the website to see what’s available if you plan to go. And for details on the rest of the county fairs coming up around the area soon, see this new KFDC post.

Global Big Latch On
WHere: Breastfeeding Center | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am-12pm
Admission: Free
Join The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washingtonfor food, fun, and community to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Events include the latch on at 10:30am and a panel discussion at 11:30am. There will also be raffle prizes and some light refreshments. Register here.

Beachy Keen
Where: Flag Ponds Nature Park | Lusby, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $8/vehicle
Do something quintessential summer and hit the beach! And you don’t have to go all the way to the ocean — there is sand and surf and shark tooth hunting within day trip distance from DC! Flag Ponds Nature Park in Calvert county is one of our favorite spots for a beach fix. In fact, we just spent a great day there!

Ice Cream Making at the Mill
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am & 1pm
Admission: Free
Lean how to make hand-cranked ice cream the old fashioned way! This demonstration will show you how ice and salt creates a brine that reduces the temperature below freezing, and cranking the handle for 30 minutes can whip this frozen treat made famous by Dolly Madison after her return from France. A historic recipe will be distributed to those in attendance. Peirce Mill is located in Rock Creek Park at 2401 Tilden Street, NW, at the intersection of Beach Drive and Tilden Street, NW (Park Road if approaching from the east). Read more about Peirce Mill here.

Tinker Bell’s Fairy Festival
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Sunday,
Admission: $75 or $250/4-pack
Enjoy a day full enchantment for kids as they are transported to a magical fairy world. This special event at the beloved children’s theatre includes a performance of Tinker Bell, a handmade Tinker Bell costume (or make your own pirate hat and bandanna for those who don’t like fairy dresses), refreshments, and a painted fairy face mask by La Jolie Faces. Guests can also make their own Butterfly Fairy Crowns and Fairy Wands, as well as mix their own magic Fairy Dust with a written recipe card. And once kids’ fairy transformations are complete, they can enjoy a special photo op with Tinker Bell!

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like it’s going to be great weather to hit the trail with the fam! See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post, started in the early KFDC days and updated several times since, has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* It’s county fair season, and there’s a new post with the scoop on where and when they’re all taking place around the DMV!
* KidFriendly DC has partnered with Thrively to curate Activity Boards with seasonal picks for family fun, starting with Summer Indoor Picks and Summer Outdoor Picks.
* This sounds like a fun, new read.
* Tickets are on sale for Zoo Uncorked, a wild after hours wine tasting (for adults, obvi) at the National Zoo on on September 13.

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