Tag Archives: Celebrate Fairfax

June 7, 2013 · 9:38 am

The Weekend Round-Up: June 8-9

The King & O! Elvis is the focus of this week’s Portrait Story Days at the National Portrait Gallery.

Here are your weekly recommendations for fun with the kiddos over the next few days… Happy Weekend!

Celebrate Fairfax
Where: Fairfax County Government Center
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: $12/adult, $5/youth, free for 2 and under
Take a musical time trip back to the 90’s and have ton of family fun, too. The annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival has something for everyone — live music (Spin Doctors, Live ,and the B-52’s are playing), carnival rides, children’s activities, art, food vendors, and much more to keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, along with the full musical line-up, see the Celebrate Fairfax website.

World Oceans Day
Where: National Aquarium in DC
When: Saturday
Admission: $9.95/adult, $4.95/ages 3-11, 2 and under are free
If you can’t actually get to an ocean, then what better way to celebrate World Oceans Day than at Washington’s National Aquarium (yes, there is one right here in the city). Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate oceans and raise awareness about the role oceans plays in our lives and how people can help protect them. Activities include ocean-themed games and prizes, arts and crafts, mermaid storytime, an ocean pledge, a photo opportunity with Coral the mermaid and a shark feeding.

“Summer” Fun
Where: Throughout the DC-Metro
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale & activity
Many of the pursuits are weather dependent, but if the elements cooperate, you’ve got your pick of “summer” activities this weekend. Outdoor swimming, sprayground play, concerts under the stars, and berry picking are just a few of them. Go here for the full scoop on the joys of summer.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Several family shows will be at local theatres this weekend: Encore Stage & Studio debuts Sleeping Beauty this weekend. See the marionette version of Cinderella or a Tiny Tots show at The Puppet Co. At Jammin’ Java, the Diggity Dudes are playing the 10:30am performance on Saturday. And the Kennedy Center presents an NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Violins, and Trombones, and Bears, Oh, My!.

Capital Pride Parade
Where: Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Capital Pride at the 38th annual parade that’s expected to draw 100,000 spectators. The procession steps off at 4:30pm at 22nd & P Streets NW and will wind its way through Dupont, Logan, and other areas of NW. It’s sure to be a spectacular extravaganza of ornate floats, street performers, music and dancing, glitter and beads, and plenty of reveling. And I realize some elements of the parade might not seem so kid-friendly (ie, nearly-naked people dancing on floats), but, hey, you can always do a little kiddie eye-covering during those parts for the opportunity to show support for the LGBTA community and join a fabulous celebration.

CHAW Art and Performance Festival
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop presents a day (and evening) of art, music, dance, and more at the CHAW Art and Performance Festival on Saturday. Violin, a capella, and choir concerts; ballet, jazz, and tap performances, art exhibits, and a ceramics sale will be part of the festivities. The full schedule is available on the CHAW website.

Thank you, NPG, thank you very much
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery for their Portrait Story Days program. Guests can listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, Elvis Presley is the featured personality. Read about our experience checking out the program in this KFDC post.

Taste of Del Ray
Where: Virginia Commerce Bank
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: $10/adult, $5/child
Sample the flavors of the Alexandria community at their 3rd annual food fest. Along with tastes from more than 15 neighborhood restaurants, there will be live music and a chance to vote for your favorite fare. Plus, Carla Hall, a Top Chef favorite, will be one of the judges. The event actually takes place in the lot behind the bank, which is located at 2401 Mt. Vernon Avenue & E. Oxford Avenue.

Tinner Hill Blues Festival
Where: Various Falls Church locales
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by day
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and the City of Falls Church will present the 20th Annual Tinner Hill Blues Festival, featuring outstanding national and regional talent. Along with the music, there will be loads of other activities. Free ones include FIRSTfriday of Falls Church; Emily Sings Books at Mary Riley Styles Library; blues genre film screenings at the Falls Church Community Center; Call it the Blues Art Show at Art and Frame of Falls Church, and live music gratis all over town. See the website for details on all of it.

Super Science Saturday
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s a Super Science Saturday at the Dulles arm of the Air & Space Museum. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. This month’s program will focus on Energy.

Israel @ 65
Where: Union Market
When: Sunday, 12-5
Admission: Free
Spend a fun (and free!) day with your family to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday. The Mama Doni Band and the Macaroons are just two of the many concerts to enjoy. There will also be food, exhibits, and a Family Zone with arts & crafts, games, face painting, henna designs and an “archaeological dig.” Visit PJ Library at the Book Nook and make a bookmark, enroll, or take a snuggly break with your child.

Book Signing & Storytime with Divya Srinivasan
Where: Little Loft
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Head to the art space on Capitol Hill to hear author, illustrator, and animator Divya Srinivasan read her new book Octopus Alone. Her first book, Little Owl’s Night, received rave reviews from children and critics alike. This new story takes readers into the bustling coral reef with an octopus who is looking for a place of her own. All ages are welcome to enjoy the event!

Carnival Science
Where: Maryland Science Center
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $16.95/adult, $13.95/child, free for 3 and under
Visitors can run away and join the circus this weekend at Carnival Science, the Maryland Science Center’s annual fun-filled, three-ring-inspired extravaganza. Rhys Thomas is the star attraction, demonstrating fun physics at his Science Circus, a mix of science, stunts and comedy introducing Newton’s laws in a performance that features bowling ball juggling, yo-yo spinning, six-foot unicycle riding and glass bowl-balancing. Charm City Movement Arts will also be on-site with their own stunts, including juggling, plate spinning, and wire walking. Other Carnival Science activities will let visitors speed around in tiny clown bike races, exercise their accuracy at the bean bag toss, test their balance on the balance beam, and create their own spin art, juggling balls or pinwheels!

Central American Pottery Festival
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The American Indian Museum’s latest festival is inspired by the exhibit Ceramica de los Ancestros: Central America’s Past Revealed. The weekend will be full of activities for all ages: Learn more about Central America through food demonstrations by the museum’s Mitsitam Cafe. Take a closer look at the animals, flutes, and pottery in the museum’s latest exhibition and create a clay medallion based on designs found in the museum’s collection. Find out how various pottery flutes are played, including one filled with water. Enjoy a Maya pottery-dance performance by Aval. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by imagiNATIONS, the activities center for kids, on the third floor.

International Delivery: Postcard Making Workshops
Where: Transformer
When: Sunday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Transformer invites DC children ages 5-10 to participate in International Delivery – Capital Sister Cities Children’s Postcard Exchange, a fun & creative workshop for children in Washington, DC, to work with local artists in making handmade postcards for children in Beijing. All materials will be provided, and the workshops are free-of-charge. If you and your family are interested in attending, RSVP to Stephanie Kwak at stephanie@transformerdc.org.

The Weekend Round-Up: June 8-10

Ready to ride into summer

A quick glance at the forecast shows a very sunshiny weekend, albeit a tad hot. But the blue skies and dry days will make a great backdrop for the many exciting events happening outdoors — a county carnival, bike races, a food truck fest, a neighborhood celebration, and scores of “summer” fun. If you can’t take the heat, there are museum programs, performances for kids, even a pop-up candy store to help you keep your cool. This list has all the special goings-on, and you can find even more ideas for recreation on the new Everyday Play page. Happy Weekend!

Celebrate Fairfax
Where: Fairfax County Government Center
When: Fri 6pm -12am, Sat 10am – 12am, Sun 11am – 7pm
Admission: $12/adult, $5/youth, free for kids under 2.
Bust a move to Northern Virginia’s largest community festival this weekend. There will be tons for event-goers to enjoy, including live music (Young MC and Pat Benetar among the performers!) carnival rides, children’s activities, art and food vendors, and much more to keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, along with the full musical line-up, see the Celebrate Fairfax website.

Summer Fun
Where: All around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun. Activities exclusive to this time of year can all be enjoyed all weekend long. This post has the full scoop on summer in the city.

Truckeroo
Where: Corner of Half and M Streets SE
When: Friday, 11am – 11pm
Admission: Free
The monthly festival held May thru October is hosting its June event today! Showcasing food trucks from the DC area, Truckeroo brings together just about all of the cuisine on wheels that cruise around the city. Take the kids for lunch or grab dinner before the free weekly concert at the Yards Park.

Air Force Cycling Classic
Where: Clarendon & Crystal City
When: Saturday, 11:30am & Sunday, 11:15am
Admission: Free
The official race is for adults, but kids ages 9 and under can get in on the cycling, too – there will be special races just for them along with the main event. The Saturday kids races will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City at 11:15am. Multiple heats for different age groups will vary in distance; the older the kids, the further they ride. Participants must bring their own helmets and bikes, and trikes are welcome, too. For details and to register online, visit the Air Force Cycling Classic website. You can also print out the form and bring it day of the race.

CycleFest
Where: National Harbor
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Kids can get their bikes and trikes ready for summer and enjoy an afternoon of cycle-related fun with the National Children’s Museum at National Harbor! Activities will include safety-gear sizing and giveaways, bicycle rodeos, maintenance workshops, arts and crafts, raffles, live music and more. CycleFest will be held on the surface lot at Waterfront Street and National Plaza, and additional activities will take place at the NCM Launch Zone.

A Sweet Pop-Up Event
Where: The tabular rasa
When: Saturday 11am – 7pm, Sunday 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Sugar & Ice – and everything nice! Join the gourmet candy gift boutique for an irresistibly cool, uniquely sweet rush. They are putting a modern twist on the classic candy shop with a pop-up event this weekend at The Tabula Rasa on Capitol Hill (731 8th Street SE). Browse an amazing array of candy from nostalgic treats to popular favorites and plenty of scrumptious delights in between. Pop in for candy shopping, plus $2 snow cones and free balloons!

World Oceans Day
Where: DC National Aquarium
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $9.95/adult, $8.95/seniors, $4.95/ages 3-11,ages 2 and under are free
If you can’t actually get to an ocean, then what better place to celebrate World Oceans Day in DC than at the National Aquarium (yes, there is one right here in the city)! Renowned children’s author Debbie Dadey will be onsite to read from her new book series, Mermaid Tales, which focuses on friendship and ocean education — story times and book signings will take place at 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm. Guests can also have their picture taken with a very special mermaid, participate in ocean-related arts and crafts, and learn from Aquarium experts about the ocean’s inhabitants.

Make it Mount Pleasant
Where: Throughout Mount Pleasant
When: Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Mount Pleasant will come alive this weekend with a Handmade Craft and Vintage Market, sidewalk sales & specials, and local bands and DJs. Organized by the Mount Pleasant Business Association, Make it Mount Pleasant will bring together local restaurants, shops, community groups, artists, artisans, and musicians for a day of special events. The pop-up market will be located in the parking lot of McCormick Paints at Mount Pleasant and Kenyon Streets NW. Live music and spinning DJ’s will be at Lamont Park. And sidewalk sales will take place out front of many local businesses.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
Goldilocks!, is opening at The Puppet Co. (get half-price tickets through Goldstar here). The Boogie Babes are hosting a Saturday morning show at The Atlas. This week’s Saturday Morning at the National is a Solar System Show from the Pointless Theatre Company. It’s the final weekend to catch Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Charlotte’s Web. And Grandsons, Jr. is performing at Jammin’ Java. Just click through all the links for details and tickets.

Sculptures and Stories
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: $10/members, $15/non-members
Children ages 4-8 and accompanying adults are invited to participate in this family workshop that takes explores some of the art in the area. Guests will see three sculptures in the Museum’s neighborhood, and touch and learn about the materials. Back at the NBM, they’ll listen to a story and then create a sculpture to take home. Admission fees are for children only; adults attend free. Prepaid registration is required.

The Magic of Spying
Where: International Spy Museum
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $12.50
Briefing: In the real-life world of espionage, spies often call upon the art of magic and illusion to distract the enemy, make evidence disappear and escape unnoticed. Kids ages 7 and up are invited to join professional magician, Peter Wood, as he demonstrates the art of misdirection and sleight of hand used by skilled spies. Attendees will also receive free general admission into the Spy Museum.

Women’s History in Postage Stamps
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at this Family Workshop to discover fascinating figures in Women’s History through postage stamps. Design your own stamp honoring an important woman and start your own stamp collection to take home.

Super Science Saturday
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s a Super Science Saturday at the Dulles arm of the Air & Space Museum. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. This month’s program will focus on Energy.

National Get Outdoors Day
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
It’s National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, and all around the country there will be events celebrating the occasion with a day full of activities that encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. A few area parks in Virginia will be hosting festivities – go here to find out where they are.

Of course, you don’t need an official event to enjoy the outdoors. For more ideas, see this post listing the best places in the DC area to hang outside with the kids. And if you want to take shelter from the sun, check out this post with suggestions for indoor recreation.

Get Out this Weekend

Enjoying the outdoors on the trail

Ah, the great outdoors. Most of us have been avoiding them the last few days, but we’ll soon reconnect as temps return to double digits — and just in time. There’s an entire day dedicated to celebrating outdoor recreation this weekend, along with many more events and pursuits taking place under the sun. Of course, there’s fun to be had in the AC, too. Here’s where it’s all happening, outside and in. Happy Weekend!

National Get Outdoors Day – All around the country there will be events celebrating the occasion with a day full of activities that encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. The DC-area celebration will take place at Kingman Island from 11am – 3pm on Saturday. The public is invited to try fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, golfing, and much more. There will also be face painting, live music, bird watching, costumed characters, flower planting, GPS activities, and a chance to win cool prizes. And it’s all free!

Celebrate Fairfax – Northern Virginia’s largest community festival is happening this Friday thru Sunday. Live music, carnival rides, children’s activities, art and food vendors, and much more will keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, including the musical line-up (The Bangles and Third Eye blind among them), see the Celebrate Fairfax website. Tickets are $12/adult, $5/youth, free for kids under 2.

Ride Like the Wind – The annual Air Force Cycling Classic is this Saturday and Sunday, and kids ages 4-9 can get in on the competition, too – there will be special races just for them along with the main event. The Saturday race will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City at 11:15am. Multiple heats for different age groups will vary in distance; the older the kids, the further they ride. Participants must bring their own helmets and bikes, and trikes and big wheels are welcome, too. For details and to register online, visit the Air Force Cycling Classic website.

Pony Express Family Day – Saddle up for the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express on at the National Postal Museum on Saturday from 11am – 3pm. Hit the trail with tall tales, puppets, activities, and more. Admission to the event is free.

Summer Regulars – Free concerts, outdoor swimming, garden play, sprayground fun. Activities exclusive to the season can all be enjoyed this weekend. This post has the full scoop on these joys of summer.

Show Time – Be among the first to solve “The Great Dinosaur Mystery” at The Puppet Co. The Show just opened for its five-week run yesterday. Find out what else you can see on area stages in this post about the season’s live family entertainment.

More Outdoor Options – If you can’t make it to Kingman Island for the official gathering, you can still celebrate the outdoors on your own. This list will give you some ideas for al fresco fun with the kids.

Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival – A convenient locale of you’re going to the National Outdoors Day event on Saturday — head over to hear the music after the celebration. The free festival starts at 1pm, the bluegrass bands will be playing until 8pm. See the line-up on the Festival website.

Mr. Lincoln’s Air Force Family Day – One hundred and fifty years ago this month, Thaddeus Lowe demonstrated to President Lincoln how a gas-filled balloon might be used to spy on the enemy, thus helping the Union Army and establishing the earliest “air force.” The Air & Space Museum is marking the anniversary with a day of activities. On Saturday from 10am – 3pm, discover the secrets of espionage through tours and hands-on activities, construct balloons and binoculars, design a Civil War Balloon Corps Patch, and more.

Truck Touch at RFK – Kids love these events where they can explore some of the coolest wheels on the road. On Saturday from 9am – 2pm, experience the high-tech equipment and vehicles used to provide vital city services as they climb aboard, work the gears, honk the horn, and have a blast.

Celebrate Winter at Frostival

If you’ve been saying “been there, done that” to the bulk of this holiday season’s family events, then here’s something to refresh your celebratory excitement, and just in time for New Years weekend. Frostival, the 2nd annual winter festival from Celebrate Fairfax Inc., will take place from December 30 – January 2. The four days of fun will include musical performances, rides, games, crafts, storytelling, exhibits, and more.

The indoor carnival will take pace at at the Dulles Expo Center from 10am – 5pm each day, except for December 31 when it closes at 4pm. Among the attractions will be more than 15 interactive rides, bounces, and play areas, entertainment from Rocknoceros, The Great Zucchini, and Reptiles Alive!, puppet shows, storytellers, kids karaoke, arts & crafts, and science activities. For a complete schedule of activities and performances, see the Frostival website — the performance line-up changes daily, so if there’s a particular act you want to see, be sure to get tickets for that day.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Cost is $5/adults, $10/kids 3 -12, free for ages 2 and under. Weekend passes for all four days are available for both adults ($8) and kids ($18), but must be purchased online. Note a couple of specials: On Thursday, December 30, all grandparents 55 and older are free with valid ID, and on Sunday, January 2, all activity duty military and veterans are free with valid ID.

The Dulles Expo & Conference Center is located at 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center in Chantilly. Parking is available in the lots in front. Visit the website to access a map and directions.