Tag Archives: Black History Month

The Weekend Round-Up: May 15-17

A neighborhood-wide yard sale + more fun on Capitol Hill

 

Happy Weekend!

Go-to KFDC Posts full of ideas for fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Strawberry Season
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place

Strawberries and a few veggies are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. This post has a round-up of where to go.  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.

It’s All Greek to You
Where: Saint Sophia Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: Fri, 4-10pm | Sat, 12-10pm |  Sun, 12-7pm
Admission: Free

Opa! Saint Sophia’s annual festival brings the best of Greek food, drink, and culture to DC. Festival goers can sample dishes from the Greek Cuzina made fresh and daily across the weekend. A variety of children’s games and activities will delight young guests. A marketplace showcases wares like jewelry, pottery and home goods, and more. And every evening under the stars (and 2pm on Sunday), enjoy live Greek music played by local musicians — all are welcome to join in and dance. We’ve been several times, and it’s a super fun fest!

The Great Gatsby
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm | Saturday & Sunday, 2pm & 7:30pm
Tickets: $84-128
See the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald as a musical at the National.  The Tony Award-winning show is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth, and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage.

Baseball Beltway Series
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary

It’s a big area baseball weekend as the Nats play the Orioles — on our home field — with an evening game on Friday and afternoon match-ups on Saturday and Sunday. There are some promos to go along with the action on the diamond. Friday is University of Maryland night with a special ticket option, plus a hot dog hat giveaway.  On Saturday, the first 20,000 fans can get an Ovechkin Bobblehead. And on Sunday, fans 12 and under can score a Kids Novelty Sliding Mitt and run the bases after the game.

Capitol Hill Yard Sale Extravaganza
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free

Go secondhand shopping around Capitol Hill on Saturday!  This gigantic yard sale is back, and there will be all kinds of items for sale by residents around the neighborhood. The Hill is Home’s Yard Sale Extravaganza Map indicates where you can browse. Make a day of it on the Hill and plan to stop by the Eastern Market outdoor flea market, Folger Shakespeare Library, the Library of Congress, grab a bite to eat, and/or bring the kids to a playground.

Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Georgetown Waterfront Park | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free

The annual DC Dragon Boat Festival is back  for its 23rd year — its’s 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 there are usually cultural activities to enjoy, too. [Rain Date: June 20]

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Where: Entrance at 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate Asian heritage at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more.  While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace. Reserve free tickets here.

Truck Day
Where: MCDOT Truck Depot & Salt Barn | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is kicking off “National Public Works Week” with Truck Day. The free, family-friendly event welcomes the community for a hands-on exploration of the many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles that make the county run. Climb aboard a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck, and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, plus a chance to meet the essential workers who operate them.

Family Workshop: An Ode to the Gardens
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 12:30pm & 1-2pm
Admission: Free (recommended $3 donation)

Join the Folger for the family workshop inspired by spring! Make connections with nature in Shakespeare’s plays and throughout the Folger itself, t hen head outside to compose an “Ode to the Folger Gardens” using lines from Shakespeare and Rita Dove’s poetry! Two sessions are available — the 11:30am is recommended for ages 5-7, and the1pm is for ages 8-11.

Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
Where: Farms around Loudoun County, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free

Enjoy more than 40 local farm stops full of delicious produce, cute animals, farm demonstrations, and fun & educational programs.  Visit the website for a map of the locations and more info on each one.

Hoʻolauleʻa: Celebrate Hawaiian Culture
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 11am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free

The museum is celebrating Hawaiian culture this weekend with special activities. On Friday & Saturday, drop in for a hands-on workshop to learn the art of kapa making. And on Saturday, oin the museum to welcome Kānepō Ka Lua, a volcanic stone from the famed area of Kaʻauea, to DC with a hoʻolauleʻa (Hawaiian celebration), on loan to the museum for a 20-year period by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Bring the family to celebrate Kānepō Ka Lua with curator tours, live music, hula performances, and hands on activities. See the full schedule on the website.

KidStory Theatre Festival
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free

All year long, InterAct Story Theatre artists create stories with kids and invite them to share their epic tales. This May, they’ve chosen some of their favorites from over the years and present a series of short plays and stories performed by InterActors. Best for ages 4 and up.

Aesop’s Fables
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Tickets: $26
This vibrant, theatrical adventure features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers — Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barr — who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw. Each story delivers a valuable life lesson on patience, honesty, kindness, and perseverance, making it a delightful experience that entertains while inspiring young audiences to think, feel, and grow.

The Forest of the Witch
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am, 1pm, and 3pm
Tickets: $18

With a 700-year history, Turkish shadow theatre is one of the world’s oldest shadow play traditions, brought to the stage through Ayhan Hulagu’s original solo performance. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Karagöz is reimagined here through The Forest of the Witch, blending tradition with contemporary storytelling. This performance brings the past and present together in a surprising and playful way—traditional, modern, unexpected, and delightfully entertaining.

Columbia Heights Day
Where: Along 11th Street NW | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free

Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to bring the fam out for a free day of activities to help celebrate the diverse, fun, and quirky neighborhood. In its 18th year, the event brings together residents and businesses for all kinds of festivities. Enjoy local food, live music, kids activities, a beer garden, and tents full of fun and unique vendors.

Taste of Tysons
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free – $30

Head to the big mall for food sampling, cooking demos, chef appearances, live music & entertainment, gift card raffles, giveaways and more! Sample bites from eateries throughout the center, and enjoy more entertainment on the plaza. You can also step into the driver seat with PenFed Credit Union and catch a rare viewing of their Porsche 911 Cup Car — see what is feels like to drive one with an on-site driving simulator.

Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Bohrer Park | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free

The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. Bohrer Park is located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue.

Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
The 11th annual Anacostia River Festival  will offer an afternoon of fun for guests. This year enjoy musical performances, fishing workshops, arts & crafts, and more fun at the park along the Anacostia River.  Read more about Anacostia Park, where it’s taking place, here.

Tiny Streets 4 Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill., DC
When: Saturday, 4-6pm
Admission: Free

It’s the fourth edition of Hill Family Biking’s Tiny Streets Ride! What’s a Tiny Street? A cute, one block street, and Capitol Hill is full of them. Join Hil Family Biking for a 4+ mile bike ride on some of the most picturesque one-block streets on the Hill followed by FREE ICE CREAM at The Capital Candy Jar. Let them know you’ll be joining here.

DC United vs St. Louis
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)

DC United is back home and playing St. Louis on Saturday night. Go early to watch warmups or just soak in the excitement ahead of the crowds. Or plan for a pre-match bite nearby — here are a bunch of recs for family-friendly spots to eat in the area.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
Where: King Street | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community –​ history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style, energy. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! the National Breast Center Foundation, and Community Lodgings.

Hikes You’ll Like
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

It also looks like beautiful weather this weekend, and getting out for a walk in the woods is a great way to it along with some family time. Some suggestions for places to go: Huntley Meadows in Alexandria,  Roosevelt Island in DC,  Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, and Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington.  Find even more places to hike here.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* It’s a good time to bookmark the round-up of public swim spots around the area.

Jazz in the Garden, a favorite DC summer music series, returns May 22.  Tickets will be through lottery which take places the week before, Monday 10am – Friday 12pm, each concert — there is still a little time to enter the lottery for the first show!

* Have you heard about the Great American State Fair  coming to the National Mall this summer?

* Eater says these are the best sushi restaurants around DC.

* If your kids are fans… KATSEYE is coming to DC in October, and tickets go on sale this coming Wednesday, May 20.

REI’s big Anniversary Sale is May 15-25, and you can score some awesome deals on all kinds of recreational gear and apparel.

* Wayfair’s Memorial Day Sale has also begun.

*  You Will Buy From Quince and You Will $@#&!% Like It. LOL.  (Related story… Levi recently bought a new pair of pants that he really likes, and when I asked where get got them, he excitedly said, “Keen-say!” I immediately knew what he was talking about, but couldn’t stop cracking up as I explained it was pronounced “Kwince.”  He didn’t believe me until I actually pulled up an ad so he could hear someone say the name!  Of course, it has now become a family joke. 😂)

* And speaking of, this dress is great (I have and like).

* And speaking of dresses, they are 50% off at J.Crew right now.

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Filed under 2026, DC, Maryland, Spring, Virginia, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: May 8-10

Celebrate the opening of The Source (& mom) this weekend!

 

Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

Posts full of ideas for ongoing local fun:
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Celebrate Mom
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

If you’re still in need of plans to celebrate Mother’s Day, there are plenty of last-minute ways to make the occasion special. This round-up has ideas ranging from fairly mellow to very active, totally free to a total splurge – there’s sure to be something to make every mom’s day.

Bonsai Festival
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
See the tiny trees at one of the prettiest places in the city this weekend. Each day features demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, and the renowned collection of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. While you’re at the Arboretum, be sure to see the beautiful, blooming azaleas, too! Read more about the Arboretum here and here.

Drive-In Movie: Mulan
Where: Union Market | Northeast, DC
When: Friday, 7-10pm
Admission: $25/car, walk-ups free

Catch an outdoor screening of Mulan at this season’s first 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 early to enjoy delicious foods from market vendors! The lot opens at 7:30pm (closes at 8:30pm), and the film begins at 8:40pm. Advance purchase is recommended.

Masque at the Museum
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7:30-9:30pm
Admission: Free

Teens in grades 9-12 are invited to celebrate the end of the school year with a party in the Kogod Courtyard. If you like making art and hanging with friend, join the Portrait Gallery’s Teen Museum Council for a fun evening. Dress in masquerade-themed formal attire, cosplay, or anything in between. Featuring art activities in partnership with the Museum of the Contemporary American Teenager, BeyondPhotos DC and more.

Get to The Source
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free (with passes)

The May Family Day at the Library of Congress celebrates the opening of The Source, the new experiential research gallery for young people and families, with a day of free, family-friendly fun. Enjoy activities highlighting Library materials, staff specialists, and performances. Join an author talk with bestselling cocreators Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud as they discuss their middle grade graphic novel, “The Cartoonists Club.” And explore the space loaded with interesting interactive elements. I had a chance to check it out, and it’s very engaging and cool! Reserve passes.

Free for All at the NBM
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: FREE
On Saturday, enjoy free access to all of the National Building Museum’s exhibitions. Take kiddos to the magical Building Stories and Lego themed Brick City and enjoy activities in the magnificent Great Hall. It’s also a STEAM Saturday from 1-3pm when there are special activities for kids related to Brick City. Register here.

Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC
Where: 1521 20th St NW | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free

At this outdoor market in Dupont Circle, over 100 young entrepreneurs ages 6-14 will be selling handmade products including homemade soap, original jewelry, marbled note cards, baked sweet treats, and more. It’s a fun event for the whole family!

EU Open House
Where: EU Embassies | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free

Avoid the hefty airfare and jet lag and explore the Continent from this side of the pond. Join European Union embassies and the EU Delegation for a day of international culture. Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the embassies, some of which are among Washington’s historic and architectural treasures, and savor their cultures while you’re there through art, performances, cuisines, and more. Get an idea of what to expect in this post about one of our experiences at an Around the World Embassy Tour.

Saturday Morning Live!
Where: National Theatre | Downtown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
Catch a free performance at the National Theatre’s entertainment series especially for kids! This Saturday morning, catch a free show by 123 Andres. Reserve tickets in advance, but note that walk-ins are often accepted if slots are full.

Where the Buffalo Roam
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free

There’s a new exhibition to check out. Part of the Smithsonian’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Bison: Standing Strong “explores the enduring legacy of the American bison from ancient times through the present and traces the animal’s central role in North America’s ecosystems, cultures and national history.”

Books in Bloom
Where: Color Burst Park | Columbia, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The free, annual festival brings the community – from Columbia to Baltimore, DC and beyond – together with top storytellers for a day of fun and discovery, packed with exciting activities for all ages. This year’s event features a Local Author Village and an array of fun activities, including a reading garden with family-friendly crafts and activities, face painting, and glitter tattoos, an outdoor bookstore, a community book swap, and more.

Look, Learn, Create: “Water’s Edge”
Where: American Indian Museum| National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am & 1:15pm
Admission: Free

Join a museum educator for a family-friendly interactive tour of the Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe exhibition. Engage with three of his artworks, participate in guided discussions, and experience items from the museum’s Teaching Collection. After finding inspiration from the artworks, families can continue into the imagiNATIONS Activity Center and create their own water-inspired artwork to take home. Recommended for children ages 4-10 and their families.

Build Day
Where: MLK Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free

Calling all budding architects and engineers! Take a tour of the Enchanted City, a showcase designed and built entirely by elementary school artists in partnership with the Hirshhorn, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Arts, Boolean Girl, and George Washington University Fab Lab.  View it  in the lobby of MLK Library and join in additional crafts and activities brought straight to you from Hirshhorn Art School.

Family Film Program: Lilo & Stitch
Where: American History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free

Relive the original adventure of Lilo and Stitch, who learns the meaning of “ohana” (family). This program is part of Visions & Voices: Stories on the Screen, a film festival presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. Along wit the f eature film, a couple of shorts, “Bao” and “The Queen’s Flowers,” will be screened, too.

Aesop’s Fables
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Tickets: $26
This vibrant, theatrical adventure features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers — Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barr — who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw. Each story delivers a valuable life lesson on patience, honesty, kindness, and perseverance, making it a delightful experience that entertains while inspiring young audiences to think, feel, and grow.

The Forest of the Witch
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am, 1pm, and 3pm
Tickets: $18

With a 700-year history, Turkish shadow theatre is one of the world’s oldest shadow play traditions, brought to the stage through Ayhan Hulagu’s original solo performance. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Karagöz is reimagined here through The Forest of the Witch, blending tradition with contemporary storytelling. This performance brings the past and present together in a surprising and playful way—traditional, modern, unexpected, and delightfully entertaining.

Cinderella
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Fri, 7pm| Sat, 2pm & 7pm | Sun, 2pm
Tickets: $76+

Join The Washington Ballet for a powerful reimagining of a timeless story: Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella. This production dives deep into the heart of the tale, revealing a Cinderella defined by her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. The choreography offers a blend of classical artistry and contemporary sensibility, creating a stunning showcase for our company and student dancers alike. It’s an emotional journey that mirrors the complexities of modern life, reminding us all that even in the darkest moments, change is within reach.

Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $18/age 10-17, $24/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 a variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books provide a bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together — kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

Open House
Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free

Explore the historic Peirce Mill, Rock Creek Park’s only remaining grist mill. Stop in to see and hear what life in the mill was like during the 1800s. Talk to a ranger, learn about local history, and get tips for suggested hikes in the surrounding area — maybe even hit the trail to the Nature Center, where you can explore exhibits and catch a planetarium show. See more about Peirce Mill in this KFDC post.

Duck Pond Party
Where: Sixth & I SW | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 3-5pm
Admission: Free

The Southwest BID is celebrating spring and the return of ducks to the pond. Join the free, family-friendly party at the Southwest Duck Pond with live music, BBQ, duck-themed games, and creative activities. Expect a duck feed station, a duck race, yard games, animal balloons, free food, and more.

The Big Jam
Where: Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 6pm
Admission: $16.85+

Get ready for an electrifying evening of rhythm, energy, and world-class percussion! This high-energy performance will feature the Vienna Jammers, a dynamic youth percussion ensemble known for their explosive beats and infectious enthusiasm, together with Snubby J, they’ll take you on a global musical journey, from steel pan rhythms to heart-pounding drum cadences that will have everyone clapping, dancing, and feeling the beat! Perfect for music lovers of all ages, this interactive concert promises a night of inspiration, joy, and unforgettable performances.

Strawberry Fields…this Weekend
Where: Farms around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest — a few area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. 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.

Charm City Fun, Hon!
Where: Around Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

Not only is it nice to get a change of metro area scenery sometimes, Baltimore, our sister city just a 45-minute drive away, is full of fantastic, family-friendly things to do. This post has info about all of them, including big attractions, suggestions for places to eat, and neighborhoods to explore.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* Ideas for “me” time on Mother’s Day.

* There’s a chance of rain this weekend, so you might want to keep the round-up of indoor places for fun and games handy.

* If you’re still looking for summer camp options for your kids, you can find some ideas on the Classes & Camps page.

* Can’t wait to fins out what the summer installation will be at the National Building Museum. Hope it’s as awesome as The BEACH!

Mother’s Day brunch ideas to make at home.

* This Bogg bag is a great tote to bring on summer outings, especially with the food and drink tray.

We’re sprucing up our outdoor areas, and considering adding a planter with a trellis – so pretty!

* Artemis astronauts answer great questions from kids in a recent episode of The Daily.

* Such a fun watch!

 

 

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Filed under 2026, DC, Maryland, Spring, Virginia, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: May 1-3

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to go-to posts with tons of activity recs:
* The Great Indoors
* Indoor Action
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
Local Hikes with Kids
Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
Baltimore with Kids
Peaceful Places
Stunning Spaces

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DC
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free

The annual festival, now in its 87th year at the National Cathedral, is a great way to spend a spring day. While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to adults, there is also music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight kids. While you’re there, be sure to visit the awesome Beauvoir playground. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about one of our past experiences at the event.

Star Wars Weekend
Where: Barracks Row | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free

The Force will be strong on Barracks Row this weekend to celebrate May the 4th early. Starting Friday evening through Sunday, there will be all kinds of Stars Wars-inspired fun on 8th Street SE, from lightsaber training to a performance by the Galactic Empire Band to Star Wars-themed food and drinks to a Kids Zone with activities inspired by the movies — and, of course, showings of Star Wars at Miracle Theater. Guests, young and old, are encouraged to dress up in their Star Wars best!

PAW Patrol Live!: A Mighty Adventure
Where: EagleBank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: Fri, 6:30pm | Sat, 10am & 2pm | Sunday, 10am
Tickets: Prices vary

Paw Patrol is coming to town and bringing A Mighty Adventure for their fans! Filled with heroic action, catchy tunes, and bark-loads of interactive fun, the show is sure to be a tail-wagging good time.

The Book of Mormon
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm | Saturday & Sunday, 2pm & 7:30pm
Tickets: $89-380+
This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation.

Nats vs Brewers
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)

The Nats are hosting the Brewers all weekend, and there are a bunch of special activities and promos to enjoy along with the baseball action on the field. Friday (6:45pm) is Grateful Day Day, plus there will be fireworks after the game.  Saturday (4:05pm) is Star Wars Day in honor of May the 4th coming up with all kinds of themed fun, including a Grogu Bobblehead giveaway. And on Sunday (1:35pm) young fans can run the bases after the game. Before you plan your ballpark outing, check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

DC Truck Touch
Where: RFK Lot 8 | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 8am -2pm
Admission: Free

The Truck Touch event that easily is the Mac Daddy of them all is on Saturday. The DC Department of Public Works welcomes guests to climb aboard and explore all kinds of cool vehicles. There will also be demos of electric cars, more kids activities, and wheel-to-wheel racing. RFK Lot 8 is located at 2400 East Capitol Street SE – enter off of Independence Avenue SE. Reserve a spot in advance here. And get a glimpse of a past DC Truck Touch here.

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: Multiple Embassies | Embassy Row & Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 5pm
Admission: Free

The wonderful Around the World Embassy Tour is like a local passport to countries across the globe as embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania open their doors to the public.  It’s a free showcase of art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.)  A heads-up that there likely will be lines to get in some embassies, so be prepared to exercise patience. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies might conduct security checks.  Read about one of our past globetrotting-in-DC experiences for an idea of what to expect.

Sound Scene 2026: A Distant Mirror
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am- 5pm
Admission: Free

Make some noise for Sound Scene, DC’s premier interactive sound and multisensory arts festival. Hosted throughout the museum, hear a polyphonic 14th-century composition with a twist, turn your voice and movements into vibrations, take a guided soundwalk, and revel in all things aural. Registration is recommended.

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 105 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 much more. See the day’s full details here.

Aesop’s Fables
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Tickets: $26
This vibrant, theatrical adventure features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers — Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barr — who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw. Each story delivers a valuable life lesson on patience, honesty, kindness, and perseverance, making it a delightful experience that entertains while inspiring young audiences to think, feel, and grow.

The Forest of the Witch
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am, 1pm, and 3pm
Tickets: $18

With a 700-year history, Turkish shadow theatre is one of the world’s oldest shadow play traditions, brought to the stage through Ayhan Hulagu’s original solo performance. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Karagöz is reimagined here through The Forest of the Witch, blending tradition with contemporary storytelling. This performance brings the past and present together in a surprising and playful way—traditional, modern, unexpected, and delightfully entertaining.

Amphibian Week Kick Off Celebration
Whee: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free

Drop in to celebrate Amphibian Week at this special kickoff event. Learn about amphibians with friends from the US Geological Survey, and more. Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, see live amphibians, and explore play, art, and related museum collections in the Q?rius Science Education Center.

Pet Festival
Where: Village of Leesburg | Leesburg, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free

Enjoy a day full of tail-wagging fun with a wide array of pet exhibitors, rescue adoption organizations, a luring course, face painters, caricaturist and more. Furry family members welcome — and if you don’t have one, maybe you’ll find one there through one of the many rescues at the event!

Bourbon & Bluegrass
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: $50-70/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & under

The rollicking annual fundraiser is back for its 11th year!  Featuring a special line up of music honoring te nation’s 250th, bourbon and beer tastings, and fun activities for the whole family, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy lots of live bluegrass music.  Two-day passes are also available.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free

The Wharf’s annual event includes live music, family fun, a Pacifico Beer Garden for adults, and of course, the highlight of the afternoon: Chihuahuas racing for fame and fun!  It’s a family and pet-friendly event — all dogs are welcome, though only chihuahuas can race. If you don’t have a dog yet, keep an eye out for your forever furry friend during the Adoptable Dog Parade that takes place between the Chihuahua races. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Racing Art
Where: Around the Inner Harbour | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free

You might see giant pink poodles and other outrageous works of art “race” down Baltimore streets at the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetinauts (the pilots of the moving sculptures) will compete for the Grand East Coast National Mediocre Champion, awarded to the competitor who finishes exactly in the middle (that is the BEST). Vehicles are wacky and whimsical, straight from a lunatic genius imagination and constructed out of all kinds of materials. They may be a small one-person machine or a 50-foot feat of engineering navigated by many. This is one of those spectacles you just have to see for yourself.  Read more about the race presenter, the American Visionary Art Museum here.

Adams Morgan PorchFest
Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches of homes and store fronts of local businesses are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Enjoy a variety of music styles from about 80 bands playing on porches, patios, and stoops in the neighborhood. At the corner of Adams Mill and Columbia Road NW on Porchfest Day, pick up a music map and free wristband that will get you discount at dozens of Adams Morgan businesses.

Free Community Day & Makers’ Market

Where: NMWA | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free


Discover ethically produced, sourced and handmade items this market featuring a lineup of women and gender-expansive makers, artists, and vendors offering jewelry, ceramics, art and vintage finds in the museum’s Great Hall. As with every Free Community Day (held the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month), visitors of all ages can exploe the museum for free and join free, self-directed drop-in art-making activities inspired by artworks on view.

Catch the Ultimate Breeze
Where: Catholic University | Northeast DC
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: $23-28, free/age 12 & under

How about a sporting event that probably isn’t on your radar… Bring the fam out for fun, fresh air, and Pro Ultimate Frisbee! See some exciting disc action as local team DC Breeze plays the Montreal Royal. Mobile concessions ordering will be available, and there will be beer, wine, and hot food available for purchase. The gameday MC and DJ will keepthe party going throughout the game, and a Fun Zone Games will keep the kids entertained.

Strawberry Fields
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest at a couple of area farms, Shlagel and Swann 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.  See this post for info on those farms and more that will be offering PYO soon.

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.

Movie on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 6-8pm
Admission: Free

WInd down the weekend with an outdoor film, as National Harbor’s popular Movies on the Potomac series starts up for the season. Every Sunday at 6pm through September is “family night” — guests are invited to gather in front of the Plaza Screen on the waterfront to watch a family-friendly film, recent releases and classic films. This weekend is Lilo & Stitch! Movie goers are encouraged to bring chairs and order take-out from one of the many restaurants right around the plaza. (PS: Thursday evenings are “date night” films.)

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

Mother’s Day is next weekend, and there are so many great ways to celebrate around the area.

* The National Children’s Museum offers birthday parties full of all kinds of STEAM-inspired fun and play!

* Great Wolf Lodge is having a one-day-only It’s Gonna Be May Sale on Friday, May, 1 for stays from 5/1/26 – 8/13/26! Use code BEMAY to book.

* Which reminds me of this.  And this. LOL

* May the 4th be with you at Astro Doughnuts this coming Monday as they celebrate Star Wars Day with the return of their movie-themed doughnuts.

* Heads up, Olivia Rodrigo fans… she’s playing a concert at Capital One Arena on October 3, and tickets go on sale May 7 at 12pm.  (FYI: Amex Presale tix go on sale May 5.)

* This 50% off sale is a great time to stock up on kids’ summer clothes. Also, I can vouch these pants that I mentioned a few weeks ago (as an alternative to the much pricier pair), are great!

* I would not be mad about this Mother’s Day gift.

* Happy Maycember!

 

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