Hill Family Biking on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
1. Celebrate the new school year with a big group bike ride on Saturday! Hill Family Biking, which organizes monthly family-friendly group bike rides in and around Capitol Hill, is hosting a Back to School Ride. The “progressive bike party” will cruise by DCPS elementary schools in the neighborhood, starting at 10:30am at Maury Elementary (13th & C, NE). Participants can either begin there or join the ride at the school of their choice. Younger bikers and their families are encouraged to join at Peabody Elementary (425 C Street NE), the halfway mark.
The group’s bike rides are usually 4-5 miles at a slow pace and end at a fun activity like ice cream or a splash pad. This one will culminate at the Watkins splash pad and athletic fields to cool off after the ride and play some games. All of the rides are free, and anyone is welcome to join, not just Capitol Hill families. Volunteers will be marshaling to ensure the group stays together, and an MPD bike team will also be participating to connect officers with the community. And if your family’s bikes need some TLC, arrive 30 minutes early to get some assistance — they’ll have bike maintenance tools available, as well as some experienced amateur bike mechanics on hand to assist. And be sure to show your school pride — all alma maters welcome!
2. The National Postal Museum’s final session of their Guest Artist Series is this Wednesday evening. Geared toward families with kids ages 5-10, Mule Mail and Biblioburros: Reaching Communities in Unexpected Ways will highlight how animals have played an important role in helping bring goods to people and the many ways we still rely on animals. The free program will take place on Zoom at 4pm.
3. Feed the kids for free! Through August 31, Emmy Squared Pizza is offering a free kid’s meal with the purchase of two pizzas, burgers, or salads (at participating dine-in locations). And we can vouch for the food — the restaurant is included in the KFDC Pick for KidFriendly DC Restaurants! And on Labor Day weekend, from September 1-4, kids ages 10 and under and teachers will receive a free entree at Rosa Mexicana! Kids must be dining with adults purchasing entrees, and teachers must show a valid school identification for the 2023/2024 school year. There are locations in Pentagon City and at National Harbor.
4. I highlighted Acorns awhile back, and it’s worth mentioning again… It’s an easy way to invest and save money, offering bonuses when you buy certain brands and the option to invest “spare change” from credit card purchases. We’ve been signed up for a few years now, and always designate the fund to something like an upcoming trip or holiday gift shopping. It’s cool to see how fast it grows! (Sharing my referral link that offers a little starter gift.)
Huzzah for Ren Fest!
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $24/adults, $21/seniors, $12/age 7-15
It’s time for merriment! And the Maryland Renaissance Festival is all about it. The wonderful trip back to medieval times is an event for everyone. Enjoy jousting matches, kids shows, comedy acts, tight rope walkers, jugglers, puppetry, Celtic music…and that’s just some of the live entertainment. There’s also a pirate playground, giant slide, labyrinth and games, 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 22. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance online, as they aren’t available on site. For more about Ren Fest, go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here. (Yeah, I kinda like it.) [Note: This originally said children age 15 and under were admitted free opening weekend. In past years they were, but now only ages 6 and under are free.]
Friday Night Concert…Encore (CANCELLED)
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront DC
When: Friday, 7-9pm
Admission: Free
The Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back with a bonus concert on the Yards Park boardwalk with a grand finale performance by local favorite The JoGo Project. Get there early to let the kids play in the water features, then head over to watch the show. Food and cold Corona-brand beverages will also be available for purchase. [UPDATE: This concert has been cancelled due to projected thunderstorms.]
Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Docks | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for their summer Friday fishing program. All essentials are provided: rods, reels, bait, and lessons for first time fishers. Staff are there to answer any questions and help with casting, tips, and tricks. All ages are welcome. Register in advance. When you’re done, head to the Friday Night Concert down the boardwalk!
Funky Friday
Where: Eastern Market C Street Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 4-10pm
Admission: Free
Eastern Market Main Street is hosting a mini-fair on C St SE. Grab a bite from one of the food vendors, put on some headphones and dance at the Silent Disco., and stop by the EMMS tent for a map of the Blue Ribbon Giveaway locations where every $5 spent will earn you an entry into a giveaway of a fun bundle of local goodies.
Back 2 School Festival
Where: Second Baptist Church | District Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 10am & 12pm
Admission: Free
The Greater Washington Urban League is hosting a Back to School festival to support DC families as they prepare to kick off the school year. Bring the whole family for wellness workshops; food stations, arts & crafts activities, and a voter registration drive. There will also be a backpack giveaway, but be sure to register to reserve one, as supplies are limited!
Maryland State Fair
Where: Timonium Fairgrounds | Timonium-Lutherville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $7-12 (rides, games, etc. are extra)
If you missed the recent local county fairs or want to enjoy even more rides, games, live entertainment, 4-H exhibits, and carnival fun, head north to the Maryland State Fair. You can even see some thoroughbred horse racing! The Fair will be held this weekend and the weekends of August 31 – September 4 and September 7-10.
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
Where: Oronoco Bay Park | Old Town Alexandria, VA,
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Take a culinary trip around the world right in Alexandria. The largest outdoor cultural food festival in the DC area celebrates intercultural diversity and brings together living traditions from countries around the world. Enjoy fare from ethnic food vendors, artisans and crafters, and lots of traditional performances. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
You’re the Sunflower…
Where: Montpelier Farm | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-7pm
Admission: $5
If you missed the sunflowers at McKee-Beshers earlier this summer, or you want to see vast swaths of yellow splendor again, this weekend is your chance. Montpelier Farm’s sunflower fields will be open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday. And you can bring home stems for $1 each.
Beyond Granite
Where: Around the National Mall
When: Through September 18
Admission: Free
This series of installations around the National Mall is “designed to create a more inclusive, equitable, and representative commemorative landscape.” Beyond Granite features six evocative works in different areas of the Mall. Some of them are interactive, and one is even a playground that welcomes visitors to play. See more details and get a glimpse here. A great way to see them all is by bike, but most aren’t too spread out for a walk. View the map of installation locations here.
Seize the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Time is dwindling to enjoy some of the season’s best places and activities. Outdoor pools and spray parks, special museum programs and exhibits, music and movies in the open air, beach fun, mini golf and carousels rides, a good ol’ crab feast. Check out the Summer Guide to help you enjoy the best of the season as it winds down.
International Dog Day Celebration Where: Pupatella Pizzeria | Arlington & Mosaic District, VA When: Saturday Admission: Free
Join Neapolitan pizzeria “PUP”atella on the patio for a special pet-friendly International Dog Day celebration in partnership with Bark & Boarding! They’ll be offering special drink promotions for pet owners on their dog-friendly patios all day, like $19 beer pitchers and $8 house cocktails while Bark & Boarding will be on-site sharing about their upcoming initiatives + providing ice cream treats for pets! The celebration will be happening all day at their S. Arlington and Mosaic locations.
Family Fun at the Freer
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-3:30
Admission: Free
Join docents at the Free Gallery of Art in the Peacock Room and in the Japanese art exhibition Rinpa Screens for engaging and collaborative hands-on activities that are geared toward families with kids ages 5 and up. Exciting stories, scavenger hunts, sketching, and other activities will bring the whole family together to imagine, create, and learn.
Mango Soiree
Where: THEARC | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12-2pm
Admission: $5
THEARC is hosting a cooking workshop where their former Market Champion Taylor Forsythe will teach you to make a refreshing vegan Mango crumble and coconut whipped cream using affordable ingredients. Celebrate summer flavors with these simple, yet delicious plant-based treats. The whole fam is welcome to this kid-friendly event!
Vamos United! Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC When: Saturday, 7:30pm Admission: Tickets start at $40
DC United is home this weekend, and there’s a match against Philadelphia on Saturday. As always, I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan to walk from there (and maybe grab dinner after the match — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there). Purchase match tickets here.
Beauty and the Beast
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $15
Terry Snyder’s Beauty and the Beast features half height marionettes, a projected magic mirror, and two storytellers guiding our audience through a sweet retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast tale. Will they fall in love in time to break the curse? Run time approximately 45 minutes.Recommended ages 4+.
Moulin Rouge: The Musical Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC When: Through September 24 Admission: $45-199
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Recommended for ages 12+.
Cambodian Rock Band
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $66-105
It’s 2008 and a father-daughter duo are heading to Phnom Penh; she to prosecute a notorious Cambodian war criminal, he 30 years after escaping then-Communist rule. In a psychedelic theatrical extravaganza set to some of the country’s most popular rock music, including from Dengue Fever, Cambodian Rock Band shines a light on the country’s vibrant ’70s rock scene and how an entire generation of musicians was purged by the Khmer Rouge, as it brings long-buried family secrets back to life. Recommended for teens and older.
National Cinema Day: $4 Movies! Where: Movie theaters around DC When: Sunday Admission: $4
Sunday is National Cinema Day, and many movie theaters around the area (and country, for that matter) will be offering tickets for just $4! All Regal and AMC theaters are participating, as well as the Angelika (in DC and Mosaic), Landmark Theatres (E Street), and The Alamo. (PS: If you haven’t yet seen Barbie, I highly recommend it!)
Wonderful World of Watkins
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Go over the rainbow and beyond at Watkins Regional Park – there is so much fun to be had at the PG County locale. The adorable Wizard of Oz themed playground will have kiddos frolicking for hours. Be sure to stop by Old Maryland Farm to visit the animals, and spend time at Watkins Nature Center to view even more cool creatures and birds. Trails winding through the woods make for nice hikes, too!
We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: $15
The Washington Spirit return to Audi Field after nearly a month to face the Portland Thorns in an epic regular season showdown between the 2021 and 2022 NWSL Champions. It is also Women’s Empowerment Night, a celebration of equality and inclusion for all women in soccer and beyond. (PS: Arrive early to enjoy $2 beers from 3:30-4:30pm.)
Open Swim
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Something quintessentially summer to do this weekend: Seek out some cool spots to go for a swim. This round-up has details on where to do that. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip.
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale Apples are now available at some spots for PYO, and berries, peaches tomatoes, and a few others crops are some of the pick-your-own options at local farms right now. This post has info on some good places to gather them. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
1. There’s something new to explore on the National Mall: Beyond Granite features a series of installations around the Mall “designed to create a more inclusive, equitable, and representative commemorative landscape.” See a sculpture that recalls Marian Anderson’s famous concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Get a close -up look at a monumental fingerprint at Constitution Gardens. Nearby, view a map of the world of color-coded calibrated rope that traces routes of Vietnam War refugees. Stop by a bell tower and ring out the final note of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as you ruminate on what freedom means. Stroll through a bright blue audiovisual memorial about AIDS. Take in the scene of and play at a playground that reflects on racial division on the east side Constitution Gardens. A great way to see them all is by bike, but most aren’t too spread out for a walk. View the map of installation locations here.
2. Guess what begins this weekend? Ren Fest! If you’ve been reading the blog awhile, then you know that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my absolute favorite annual event in the DC area. And if you want more specifics on that and tips for navigating it all, go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here. This year’s faire runs every weekend from August 26 through October 22, 10am – 7pm. Tickets are $12/age 7-15, $24/age 16+ from August 26 – September 10; $15/age 7-15, $30/age 16+ from September 16 – October 22. View scenes from last year and get some extra tips here. Huzzah!
3. Looking for a unique, last minute getaway before school starts? This weekend, August 25-27, you can relive the fun of a bygone era during The Omni Homestead Resort’s 3rd Annual Homestead Vintage Weekend. Guests can tee it up with an authentic hickory stick competition, brush up on their dance skills with a ballroom class, view classic cars and take a dip in the iconic Warm Springs Pools, and relax and enjoy a formal afternoon tea and family etiquette luncheon. These unique activities are offered alongside classic cocktails and specially curated menus for an unforgettable blast to the past. View a full guide to the weekend fun here.
Summer Fun
Where: Around the DC area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Summer break is starting its wind-down as kids begin heading back to school on Monday (mine, anyway). But plenty is still going on to enjoy the season… Spraygrounds, special exhibits, music and movies in the open air, beach fun, crab feasts, mini golf and carousel rides. The Guide to Summer in DC has all the inspo you need to eke the most out of the season.
Fair Play
Where: Arlington, Montgomery, and PW Counties | VA & MD
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 at the Reach
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Enjoy free programming all weekend at the The REACH at the Kennedy Center. On Friday evening, see a screening of A League of Their Own at sundown. On Saturday, enjoy performances and activities by Youth Poet Laureate All Stars at the River Pavilion from 1-5pm, then happy hour with DJs, dancing, and lawn games from 6-11pm. And the Moonshot Studio will be open with artsy fun for all on Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm.
MTB in the DMV
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies, but mostly free
There’s a brand new post, written by our very own Owen, with recs for places to mountain bike around the area. As he says,”whether you already have a genuine interest in mountain biking, are thinking about getting into it (with or without kids), or you’re into the outdoors and looking for more ways to enjoy it, this round-up of places to MTB will help get you going.”
Peace Out
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Sometimes you just want to go someplace that’s pretty and quiet, where you can chill out and think (or not), and enjoy your serene surroundings. This post has a round-up of of those very places, where you can find peace and calm, all of them right here in the city.
Big Dig Potato Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $12/child or $14/adult
Head to Great Country for take a wagon ride out to the fields to dig up your own potato treasures. After digging, play all day in the five-acre play area, with attractions including Putt Putt golf, the Farm Ninja Warrior obstacle course, mazes, swings, slides, animals to visit, and feed, and so much more! PYO peaches will also be available this weekend.
Chuck Brown Day
Where: Chuck Brown Memorial Park | Northeast, DC
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate a local musical legend that took the spirit and culture of DC across the world. BYO lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of free live entertainment with Rare Essence, Doug E Fresh, and the Chuck Brown Band will be performing. Bring the whole fam — there will also be a kids activities area, food trucks on site, and The Chuck Brown Foundation will be giving out free backpacks for the kids (starting at 1pm). Limited free parking will be available on the field at 24th & Franklin Streets NE.
Dolley Day
Where: Dumbarton House | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join Dumbarton House to celebrate the anniversary of Dolley Madison’s flight from the White House to Dumbarton House in 1814. On Saturday, Dolley herself will be there to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! There will also be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.
Beauty and the Beast
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through August 27
Admission: $15
Terry Snyder’s Beauty and the Beast features half height marionettes, a projected magic mirror, and two storytellers guiding our audience through a sweet retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast tale. Will they fall in love in time to break the curse? Run time approximately 45 minutes.Recommended ages 4+.
Moulin Rouge: The Musical Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC When: Through September 24 Admission: $45-199
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Recommended for ages 12+.
Cambodian Rock Band
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $66-105
It’s 2008 and a father-daughter duo are heading to Phnom Penh; she to prosecute a notorious Cambodian war criminal, he 30 years after escaping then-Communist rule. In a psychedelic theatrical extravaganza set to some of the country’s most popular rock music, including from Dengue Fever, Cambodian Rock Band shines a light on the country’s vibrant ’70s rock scene and how an entire generation of musicians was purged by the Khmer Rouge, as it brings long-buried family secrets back to life. Recommended for teens and older.
Guided Hike
Where: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Saturday 10-11:30am
Admission: $8/age 6+, free/5 & under
Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. The hike covers two miles on a natural surface hiking trail, and the content is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Admission to the Woodlawn Museum is included.
Sunflower Festival
Where: Summer Farms | Middletown,MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $19.50/age 3+
Escape to Summers Farm for their 4th Annual Sunflower Festival and enjoy the beauty of the 8-acre field glowing with thousands of blooms! Over 35 different varieties and colors make for very Instaworthy photos. Walk through, pick your own, take stunning pictures, sip a local drink in their spacious tent, and relax at the farm.
Savor the Bay Where: City Dock & Susan Campbell Park | Annapolis, MD When: Saturday & Sunday Admission: $15, free/12 & under
How about a day filled with delicious seafood, live entertainment, kids activities, food demos and competitions, loads of shopping options, vendors, exhibits, contests? You can enjoy all that and more at the annual Maryland Seafood Festival. Even better, it all takes place right in charming Annapolis.
Family Day
Where: Oatlands Historic House & Garden | Leesburg, VA
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: $30/family
Join an afternoon of fun games, crafts, snacks, and activities, along with a scavenger hunt for the entire family. The Little Red School house (which is rarely open to the public) will be open for visits along with self-guided tours of the mansion. Bring along food to enjoy lunch in one of two picnic groves.
Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
Row, row, row your boat or kayak or canoe or SUP! Paddle season is flowing on, and the weather this weekend looks like it will be perfect to enjoy some time out on the water . Boating in DC has several locations in the District and a few NoVa Parks offer it, too. This post about places to go with the flow has more details.
Beachy Keen: Sand, Surf, & Fossils
Where: Around the area
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by beach
Summer calls for beach time, and there are several places within day trip-distance from DC that are nice for sand and surf — and maybe a little fossil hunting. Head out to Calvert Cliffs State Park or Flag Ponds Nature Park. Or go east to Sandy Point State Park. Play paleontologist and look for prehistoric fragments along the Potomac at the Purse Area in Charles County, MD (be sure to check the tide table). You can also make a bigger trip out to Westmoreland State Park, about a two-hour drive away in Montross, VA, where you can hike, beach, fossil hunt, and even camp.
1. Have you taken the kids to play at the US Botanic Garden this summer? There’s a whole outdoor Children’s Garden with interactive features for young visitors to enjoy. A platform discovery structure welcomes climbing and displays panels to show the diversity of plants. Watering cans are available for watering plants in the area. Tools and plants are sometimes provided to do a little gardening. There are also a kiwifruit tunnel to walk through and misters to help cool off on hot days. The Garden was renovated a few years ago, but the former version had many of the same concepts, and my kids loooved playing there when they were little! The Children’s Garden is open from spring to fall during the same hours as the Conservatory, from 8am – 5pm. Admission is free. Read more about the US Botanic Garden here.
2. Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, and more crops are available for picking at many farms in Maryland and Virginia, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a day out (when it’s not too hot). This KFDC post has info for a bunch of great places where you can reap the fruits (and veggies) of your labor.
3. If you haven’t yet enjoyed a crab feast this summer, start planning for one! The KFDC Summer Guide has a little round-up of places to go . We’ve been to all of them, so recommendations come from experience.
5. Enjoy a tasty meal and help families impacted by the Maui wildfires: Through August 18, Surfside is donating all proceeds from the sale of Surfside “Maui” Tacos to Maui United Way. They have locations at the Wharf and Tenleytown, and Dupont Circle. You can also order online.
