Tag Archives: DC 2022 Sprig Events

May 6, 2022 · 9:29 am

The Weekend Round-Up: May 6-8

Hugs for moms this weekend — no matter where you are

 

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

Quick links for loads of fun ideas for local activities:

* Spring Things
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Mom’s the Word
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re still in need of plans to celebrate Mother’s Day, there are lots 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.

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DC
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual festival, running for over 80 years at the National Cathedral, is a wonderful way to spend a spring day. While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups, 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 experiences at the event.

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
With lots of rain ion the forecast for the weekend, this list of over 100 activities and places to go around DC that are inside will come in handy.  Some offerings at places mentioned may have changed a bit, but there are updates to reflect the current statuses. And something to note about the list: We have been to nearly every single place on it (and if we haven’t been to an actual place, like one of the roller skating rinks or indoor tennis courts, we have at least done the activity at one of the others). This is all to say the recommendations come from tried and true experience!

Mystics Tip Off
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena | Congress Heights, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $16
The Washington Mystics, our local women’s pro basketball team, begins its season this weekend with a game against Indiana Fever on Friday evening. The team plays at the Entertainment and Sports Arena located on the St. Elizabeths East Campus, in southeast DC. And KFDC readers can get a special discount on tickets using the code KIDFRIENDLY here!

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: Multiple Embassies | Embassy Row & Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Journey from Indonesia to Peru to Ethiopia to Egypt — all in one day! Cultural Tourism DC presents its annual Around the World Embassy Tour, an open house to embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. The free event showcases 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 could 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 globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect.

Maker Morning: Performance Party
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Maker Mornings are back at the Hirshhorn! The free monthly Saturday morning program series invites kids of all ages to experience contemporary art through interactive hands-on making activities.  During this session, meet in the Sculpture Garden for a morning filled with performance and celebration. Create a bold accessory, dance in a performance art parade, and make your own crown to take home, and join friends from DC Public Library to celebrate books and reading.

Bonsai Festival
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
Celebrate the tiny trees at one of the prettiest places in the city this weekend. There will be bonsai activities to entertain everyone, from the interested observer to the accomplished artist. 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!

Patterns: Here, There, and Everywhere
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $7/member, $15/non member
The National Building Museum is offering a Youth Drop-In Program for kids in grades 1-3 on Saturdays throughout May. This session will focus on patterns… Patterns are everywhere! They help us remember what comes next and organize things in the spaces we use. Learn to understand patterns that make up the built environment and decode information about the world around you! There will also be a free Story Time. Plan to stay and explore the awesome museum — tickets include access to all of the Museum’s exhibitions on this date.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
It’s DC’s cutest and funniest Cinco de Mayo celebration as The Wharf hosts the 10th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas! The day will include live music, family fun, cold Pacifico beer, and of course, the highlight of the afternoon, chihuahuas racing for fame and fun!  The event benefits Rural Dog Rescue, a non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in shelters who are often overlooked for adoption or rescue. Go here for information and to sign your chihuahua up to race visit. And read more about The Wharf here.

Art Outside: Celebrate Eid
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum on the outdoor plaza of the Freer Gallery of Art for a festive afternoon of music, food, and art to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Watch master calligraphers at work, make your own calligraphy-inspired art, enjoy henna designs and music by the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative and the Zaynab Ensemble, and view art indoors in the galleries. Food from local favorite Fava Pot will be available for purchase. In case of rain, this event will take place inside the museum.

Racing Art
Where: Around the Inner Harbour | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 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.

Wonderful World of Watkins
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free (but rides are a fee)
The Antique Carousel and Train at Watkins Regional Park open for the season his weekend! Plus, there are Old Maryland Farm, the Nature Center, Wizard of Oz Playground. and hiking trails. And it all makes for a fantastic place to spend a day with the fam.  The train and carousel each cost $2/PG County resident, $2.50/non-resident.

More Places to Go for a Spin
Where: Several locations in the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Other area carousels and trains have reopened for the season. Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel offer rides on weekends. The Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park is whirling once again. Kids can also go for a spin on the Americana-themed carousel at National Harbor (the Capital Wheel is an option, too!).  Read more about Cabin John here , Wheaton here, and National Harbor here.

NSO Pops: Disney Princesses — The Concert
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm | Saturday, 2pm & 7:30pm
Admission: $29-99
For generations, Disney’s Princesses have enchanted us with their courage and kindness. Their music has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, that beloved music will be celebrated in Disney Princess — The Concert. Be our guest as the actresses who portrayed Broadway’s Belle, Jasmine, Nala, and Anastasia celebrate all the Disney Princesses in an unforgettable evening of songs, animation, and stories!

United vs. Dynamo
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
Kick it at a DC United match on Saturday evening as they host Houston Dynamo FC. 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 before 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).

Into the Woods
Where: Creative Cauldron | Falls Church, VA
When: Friday & Saturday 7:30pm | Sunday, 2pm & 7pm
Tickets: $40/adult, $25/child
Catch a performance of this just -opened show: With an imaginative book by James Lapine that skillfully intertwines the stories and characters from Grimm fairy tales, and a luscious score by Stephen Sondheim, this Tony Award-winning musical has become a timeless masterpiece. A baker and his wife wish for a child, Cinderella wishes to go to the King’s Festival and Jack wishes to sell his cow, so into the woods they must go in search of their prize. Happily ever after eludes them, however, as they soon learn the tangled consequences of getting exactly what you wished for.

The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
In this production, the Puppet Co. gives you the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This hilarious and smart comedy will be a great romp for adults and kids alike. Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin’s new name?! Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

empowerHER Luminaria
Where: Lincoln Memorial | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
empowerHER is on a mission to support, connect + empower girls who’ve lost their mothers. This Mother’s Day, empowerHER LUMINARIA will illuminate the night with a whimsical display of personalized luminaries (purchased for $25 from donors across the globe) and uniquely displayed on the beachfront at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool  in honor of and in memory of loved ones. Proceeds  benefit empowerHER programs. Join empowerHER at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on Mother’s Day – Sunday at sunset.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Have you heard about the Mother’s Day Strike?
* “I Was Seeing the Same Look in Everybody’s Eyes” (Images of women at protests this week…  and some of mine snapped at the Supreme Court)
* The Mormon Temple is open and welcoming the public for the first time in 50 years (through June 11). Tickets here.
*  Looking forward to seeing this movie over the weekend…have been hearing great things!
* I’m finally going to organize that kitchen drawer (we all have one, right?) and just made this purchase to help.
* This article prompted me to find this playlist, which made for an awesome, nostalgic listen.
* Talking Heads lyrics or… 🙂
* A perfect Mother’s Day share… made me laugh and tear up.
* Haha.

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April 29, 2022 · 9:45 am

The Weekend Round-Up: April 29 – May 1

Celebrate the opening day of the beautiful Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park

 

Happy Weekend!

Links leading to loads of ongoing and seasonal fun:
* Spring Things
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Bon Jour, Georgetown!
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 10am – 5pm | Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill area of the neighborhood, bringing the signature European open air market back for its 19th year.  More than 25 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more will be featured. But it’s not all about the shopping!  Kids will enjoy the strolling mimes, hands-on activities, live music, plus French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants will make everyone happy. Visit the website to see the schedule of events and list of participating shops.

Afro-Atlantic Histories Festival
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art welcomes you to join the Afro-Atlantic Histories Festival, a special day-long event highlighting the arts and culture of the African Diaspora. Highlights of the festival include Jamaican cooking demonstrations and free samples, opportunities to shop from local makers, the first live performance of visionary artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons’s When We Gather, and musical performances. Of course, plan to see the Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibit, too! See more details about the festival here.

Carousel Day
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free (carousel rides are a fee)
This annual tradition at Glen Echo Park and one of the Park’s most popular festivals is back in person this year!  Along with rides on the beloved merry-go-round, guests of all ages can enjoy a loads of fun activities: Music and dance performances, arts & crafts, artist studios and galleries, and more. See the day’s full schedule here. And purchase carousel ride tickets online here.

Go, Terps!
Where: University of Maryland | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Maryland Day celebration in College Park gets a giant thumbs-up from me, and not just because it’s my alma mater. This is a fantastic event for families — and we know from experience. Every year, the University hosts a huge open house for, well, everybody. There will be hundreds of family-friendly activities for varying ages, including learning games; a sports and rec area; musical performances; arts & crafts; farm animal visits; fossil digs; insect and instrument petting zoos; and TONS more. It’s spread out all over campus — and it’s a huge campus, so be prepared for lots of walking (worth every step!) and be sure to bring a stroller for little ones.

Welcome, Dorothy!
Where: Washington DC Temple | Kensington, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Those who really know this area well may have an idea of  that title refers to. For those that don’t, “Surrender, Dorothy” was spray painted on an overpass visible from the Beltway, just before the enormous straight-out-of-Oz looking Washington DC Temple. So many of us have wondered for years what the church, with its grand, imposing exterior, looks like on the inside. Well, now we can find out! The public will be welcome for tours for the first time ever starting late April.  All are welcome, just reserve tickets in advance — there are still some available for this weekend, and plenty available for future dates.

Book It
Where: Bookstores in. the DC area
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, and several local book shops are celebrating with special activities. East City Bookshop will have  in-store flash sales, giveaways, and more. Kramerbooks will be offering Blind Date with a Book — receive a surprise book for every $100 you spend at the bookstore.   Hurray 4 Books, the children’s bookstore in A;exandria will have special merch available.  And some other local stores to shop:  Solid State Books, Politics and Prose, and Busboys and Poets.

Porchfest
Where: Around Petworth, DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches around Petworth are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Featuring dozens of bands, the event celebrate the arts and the community. Access a schedule and a map of porch locations here.

Wu Fei
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Tickets: $20
Wu Fei is a renowned master of the guzheng, the 21-string Chinese zither. She plays in the guzheng’s language — almost 2,000 years old — by mixing Western classical and Chinese traditions with a contemporary sound. The classically trained composer and vocalist has taken her music around the world to venues such as the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing and New York’s MoMA, and collaborated with renowned artists across disciplines and genres. Recommended for ages 8+.

The Other Side
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Saturday
Tickets: $20
Catch some family theatre at the Kennedy Center! Adapted from the book by Jacqueline Woodson, in this show Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But when the two girls strike up a friendship, they’ll find a clever way to get around the grown-up rules together. Recommended for ages 5+.

NSO Family: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 2pm & 4pm
Tickets: $20-55
Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur…and a dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway! That’s just the beginning of this hilarious, fractured, symphonic take on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” as retold by Mo Willems. This new classic is presented by favorite performers and the National Symphony Orchestra, featuring original music by indie pop icon and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds.

The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
In a brand new production, the Puppet Co. gives you the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This hilarious and smart comedy will be a great romp for adults and kids alike. Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin’s new name?! Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes. (KFDC Tip:  Catch a show on Saturday when it’s also Carousel Day at Glen Echo Park!)

C&O Canal Boat Tours
Where: C&O Canal | Georgetown, DC
When: Starting Friday
Admission: $15/adult, $10/senior, $8/child
Public boat rides are back along the C&O in Georgetown! Starting this weekend, they will be available throughout the day, Wednesday – Sunday through October, offering one-hour guided historical tours along the first mile of the CC&O Canal National Historical Park. Learn about the fascinating history, technology, and culture of the Canal, and the surprising stories of the people who lived, worked and played nearby over the past two centuries, while you enjoy a cruise o the water and the surrounding scenery. (Note: It looks like this is sold out for the weekend, but plan ahead and book for a future date!)

Build Day
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Do you know a budding architect? Bring them to build with Hirshhorn Kids and friends from the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Arts and Boolean Girl. Join them for a hands-on exploration of design and building. They’ll be celebrating student artists from DCPS, and will feature activities to get everyone building and dreaming. Find them in the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden. (KFDC Tip: Go early and try to get passes to see One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhhorn Collection — free, timed-entry, day-of passes are distributed at 9:30am.)

Truck Touch
Where: Suburban Nursery School | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $5/online, $7/at door
It’s time for Suburban Nursery School’s Annual Truck Touch Event! Kids of all ages can pretend to drive a school bus, explore construction rigs, delight at the sounds of the fire truck, and hop aboard many more vehicles. Along with the cool rides, guests can enjoy homemade baked goods, pizza and Kona Ice truck, games, face painting, and much more! It will all take place in the school’s parking lot (7210 Hidden Creek Rd in Bethesda). All proceeds benefit Suburban Nursery School, a non-profit, parent-run cooperative nursery school.

Spring Festival
Where: South Mountain Creamery | Middletown, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This annual festival is super fun and a great opportunity to experience the farm and creamery. There’s a petting zoo for the kids, hay rides for everyone, live music, corn hole and bocce call, civil war reenactments, and fun farm demos, like ice cream churning and bee keeping. Shop the Farmer’s Market, plus additional food and snacks from vendors will be available for purchase.

International Family Equality Day
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the beauty and importance of family diversity with activities, rainbow-themed decor, and a special giant panda twist in honor of the Giant Panda 50th Anniversary. View the day’s schedule here. And for more info and to reserve free passes to the Zoo, go here.

The Literary Hill BookFest
Where: Eastern Market North Hall | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
This annual celebration of books and authors held each spring on Capitol Hill is back “home” in DC’s historic Eastern Market for the first time since 2019. since 2019! The event will feature more than 50 authors, poets, booksellers, publishers, literacy groups, and more, including people and activities for the whole family. Children’s book authors will be among the guests. And visitors will have the unique opportunity to contribute to a podcast for kids hosted by award-winning public radio journalist and children’s author Kitty Felde, partake in panel discussions, help compose a community-penned poem, enjoy activities in the Children’s Corner, and much and more. A poetry open mic will follow the main event. And while you’re there, plan to for time to shop around the vibrant flea market along the streets around the Eastern Market.

We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do!
Where: Audi Field
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
The Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, is playing at Audi field this weekend, as they take on Seattle’s OL Reign. Enjoy some amazing soccer play while supporting our home team and women in sports, plus see a few stars of women’s soccer (including the amazing Megan Rapinoe!) in action. Purchase tickets here.

Movie on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
National Harbor’s popular Movies on the Potomac series is back. Every Sunday at 6pm through October is “family night — guests are invited to gather in front of the Plaza Screen on the waterfront to watch family-friendly film, either a recent releases and classic films. This weekend is Sing 2! 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.)

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 last year’s bloom and info for checking it out this year.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* For even more ideas for things to do, The Great Indoors post lists over 100 suggestions for activities that take place inside.
* Kick back without the kids and help support a local DCPS elementary school: Maury @ the Market, the annual big event hosted by Maury Elementary, will take place May 7 at Eastern Market’s North Hall, 7-10pm.
*  Movie, anyone? There are some good flicks out right now. See what’s playing at our local theatres.
* We finally dined at Albi, the restaurant at The Yards featuring Levantine food, and it did not disappoint!
* And speaking of restaurants, Thrillist’s 19 Standout Places to Eat and Drink Outside in DC Right Now is one to bookmark.
* Digging all of the new styles of one of my favorite brands.
* Makes me laugh because it’s me.

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April 22, 2022 · 9:17 am

The Weekend Round-Up: April 22-24

All the cool gnomes will be at Annmarie Sculpture Garden on Sunday

 

Link up to all kinds of ideas for ongoing and seasonal fun:
* Spring Things
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Earth Days @ FUTURES: A Sustainablity Celebration
Where: Arts & Industries Building | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 5:30pm – Sunday, 3:30pm
Admission: Free
For Earth Day, the Arts & Industries Building is celebrating with a weeklong-long event that begins on Friday evening with extended hours and a guided tour.  On Saturday & Sunday, explore even more big, bold, and exciting solutions for the planet and partake in all kinds of fun, interesting, and engaging activities that explore creative, hopeful, and innovative ideas to shape a more sustainable future. See details here.  (FYI: The Friday evening sessions will be offered every week with new and interesting takes on FUTURES through special tours, pop-up experiences, guest speakers, and more.)

The Other Side
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday & Sunday, 1:30pm & 4pm
Tickets: $20
Catch some family theatre at the Kennedy Center! Adapted from the book by Jacqueline Woodson, in this show Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But when the two girls strike up a friendship, they’ll find a clever way to get around the grown-up rules together. Recommended for ages 5+.

GreenFest
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Earth Day at Brookside Gardens! This event offers a chance for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors, to come together, share ideas, and get involved. Plus, there are activities for all ages — art and craft vendors, an interactive electric car display, tree climbing, kids’ yoga, plant giveaways, face painting. and a variety of food trucks. Register for free here.

Fairy & Gnome Home Festival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Sunday (timed-entry)
Admission: $8/age 2+
This annual festival at one of the most enchanting places will delight the whole family — and we know from experience. Join a magical day of family nature play as you travel through six realms of Annmarie to discover a variety of activities in the garden. Make new fairy friends, find hidden gnome homes, enjoy crafts and nature explorations, meet sweet baby animals, ride a unicorn (!), listen to live music, and frolic in the sweet Fairy Lolly.  Food and drink will be available. Advance timed-entry tickets are required for admission and unicorn rides ($10). Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and get a glimpse in this KFDC post and this one.

NASA Earth Day
Where: Union Station | Northeast DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
In celebration of Earth Day, NASA is hosting activities all weekend long in Union Station’s Mail Hall. Union Station’s main hall. Stop in for science stories, interesting trivia, hands-on activities, photo ops, a take-home kit, and more. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat and admire the grand space, one of the most stunning spaces in DC (imo).

Nats vs. Giants
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary (look for discount)
It’s a weekend of home games for the Nats as they host the Giants. There are games Friday (7:05pm), Saturday (1:05pm), and Sunday (1:35pm). Check for special promos here, and plan to stay after on Sunday for Kids Run the Bases. And before you go, get some KFDC tips  on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
In a brand new production, the Puppet Co. gives you the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This hilarious and smart comedy will be a great romp for adults and kids alike. Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin’s new name?! Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

Spring Fest
Where: The Farm @ Kelly Miller | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join local non-profit Dreaming Out Loud for Spring Fest 2022, where you can dig in the dirt, plant a seed, enjoy food, and have family fun in the sun! It’s opening day for planting at the farm and youth garden, plus there will be games, music, and pony rides. Food will be provided by The Black Farm CSA and Sweetgreen. The Farm is located behind Kelly Miller Middle School.

Open House
Where: Synetic Theatre | National Landing, VA
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to Synetic Theater’s Open House. Stop by their National Landing studio for fun activities and to learn how their Synetic Summer Camps are back. The day will feature performances of their production of The Magical Balloon, free workshops led by the fabulous team of teaching artists, free games and activities, and best of all free food!

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 last year’s bloom and info for checking it out this year.

Herring Heroes Obstacle Course
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park , DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The fish are back, and so is this fun family event! Each spring, these mighty fish travel upstream from the Chesapeake Bay to Rock Creek, where they lay their eggs. Come learn about the spring herring migration, and see if you’re as strong as a fish! Can you swim up imaginary rapids and find your way on a Rock Creek balance beam? Go up the fish ladder, and carry an egg on a spoon? After you’ve completed the obstacle course, look for herring swimming past Peirce Mill! This outdoor event is FREE, no registration required. Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW. Read more about it in this KFDC post.

Kite Fest
Where: The Boro | Tysons,VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
This family-friendly event celebrates all things Spring with kite performers, multiple crafting stations, giant board games and live music across The Sandlot Tysons and Boro Park. There will also be a pop-up bookstore hosted by Turning the Page, and The Gift of Language will be doing springtime crafts, storytime and face painting for the little ones!

Take a Hike
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Earth Day weekend is a great time to hit the trail.  And while there’s a link up top for a round-up of local hikes,  specific recs are also helpful:  Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA (paddling ops, too!); Turkey Run Park in McLean, VA; Scott’s Run Nature Preserve also in McLean, VA; Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Northeast DC;  Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD; and Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, MD.

Family Bike Ride
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The weather this weekend will be perfect for a family two-wheel outing, and you’ve got your pick of bike routes around the area to get rolling. Enjoy the scenery, get some exercise, and have fun zipping along the trails. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels,  this route being particularly ideal with little kids.

Go Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy some family time outdoors. Not only is it fun and challenging, many of the courses are set up in scenic places. This post has info about our favorite in College Park, and there are also great courses at Patapsco Valey State Park in MD,  Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA,  Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.

Spring Shopping Pop-Up
Where: Dupont Underground | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Dupont Underground is joining forces with Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets to host the Dupont Circle’s Spring shopping pop-up on Saturday. Located in the old streetcar station below Dupont Circle, you can explore the cool space and shop 50 pop-up vendors.

First Plein Air Trolley Festival & Sale
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: See below
Experience the beauty and history of the trolley era through the eyes of local artists during this special event at the museum. Dozens of professional and amateur artists from the Montgomery Art Association, alongside children from the region (bring their art supplies!), will be creating paintings of the world’s largest collection of original DC street cars. All original artwork will then be for sale during an art show and reception in the museum’s main hall, which is free and open to the public. Plan to make a day of it and visit the museum, too! Admission is $10/adults, $8/children & seniors and includes a tour, trolley ride, and artist viewing. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

United vs. Revolution
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
Kick it at a DC United match on Saturday evening as they host the New England Revolution. 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 before 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).

Drag Queen Storytime
Where: Unity Park | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: Free
The popular story hour series is returning to Unity park the last Sunday of every month through October, this session with Itty bitty Bat.The goal of Drag Queen Storytime is to inspire a love of reading, while teaching deeper lessons on diversity, self-love, and an appreciation of others. The DC Public Library will be in attendance with additional books, information about local libraries, their famous “Library on the Go-Go book bike,” and more. Perfect for the entire family, the event is free and open to children of all ages. Bring a blanket to sit on or small lawn chair. Register here.

Tula Family Tea + Drag Queen Cabaret
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Germantown, MD
When: Sunday, 2-4pm
Admission: $30-50
BlackRock Center for the Arts, providing opportunities to explore, celebrate and engage in the arts, brings favorite childhood and musical theatre songs to life with glitz and glamour onstage with Tula’s Family Tea + Drag Cabaret, a family-friendly drag show and tea party, April 24, 2022 at 3:00 PM. The queens will be serving a selection of teatime treats and English teas and beverages to patrons who purchase a seat at one of tables. Also performing will be Seneca Valley High School Chamber Choir who fill BlackRock with their beautiful harmonizing. See a behind-the-scenes story of how they became involved here.

Exhibits to Experience
Where: Museums around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There are a bunch of wonderful exhibits to experience at our local museums right now, with something for all ages.  One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection is a fantastic delight!  Ive been hearing great things about Afro-Atlantic Histories at the National Gallery of Art. Kiddos can hang with Thomas and Friends at the National Children’s Museum.   Laurie Anderson: The Weather at the Hirshhorn is a really cool one, best for tween ages and up.  Enjoy the cherry blossoms a little bit longer as you immerse in Pixelbloom at ARTECHOUSE (get a glimpse here). And, of course, the rest of our Smithsonians have permanent collections that we never get tired of seeing — see links to them and loads of other museums and indoor places here.

Mother Goose
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $15
Imagination Stage presents their show on the Olney Theatre stage:  Mother Goose leads the audience through some of her most beloved nursery rhymes, using puppets and props to bring to life Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, the Eensy Weensy Spider, and more. The magical Mother Goose invites your little ones to join in with each rhyme’s story – teaching them that the very best way to do what needs to be done is to do it together.

Mean Girls
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $45-199 
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical based on Tina Fey’s movie. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Recommended for age 10+.

The Servant of Two Masters
Where: Synetic Theatre | Crystal City, VA
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $20-50
Mistaken identities, wily servants, and madcap antics abound in this laugh-a-minute tale of the ultimate trickster. Helmed by Vato Tsikurishvili and the Helen Hayes Award-nominated team from the 2019 hit Cyrano de Bergerac, The Servant of Two Masters is a raucous adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic farce.

Caps vs. Maple Leafs
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Catch some sports action on the ice. The Capitals play on Sunday Evening as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Hill Country BBQ, Carmine’s, and Shake Shack.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Don’t miss these recommendations for items to help you get have the best beach day from KFDC Contributor Emily Moise!
* Maybe not a family event, but this festival is happening on Saturday.
* 16 Affordable Family Vacations to Take This Summer
* 10 Practical Ways to Improve Happiness
* Currently reading and and so moved by this beautifully written book.
* On the recommendation from a friend, I recently started watching The Goldbergs, and it’s hilarious.  (Anyone who grew up in the 80s will likely agree.)
* Madewell has a 50% off sale items promo going on right now.
* Then vs.Now 😂

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April 15, 2022 · 8:30 am

The Weekend Round-Up: April 15-17

 

Kick off National Park Week at Great Falls — for free!

 

Happy Weekend! And if you’re celebrating…  Chag Sameach!  Ramadan Mubarak!  Happy Easter!

Quick links for go-to posts:
* Spring Things
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
National Park Week starts on Saturday, and it’s kicking off with a fee free day, so there’s no entrance fee to national parks that usually charge admission. Take advantage and hit the trail at  Great Falls, Shenandoah, Prince William Forest, Harpers Ferry, or head up to Baltimore to explore Fort McHenry. Find even more parks to visit here.

Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring at the final big event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  Petalpalooza is a day-long, all-ages celebration featuring art, music, and play on multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden (note that the bar is cashless), family-friendly hands-on activities, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening will be capped by a dazzling 15-minute fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30pm.

Pandaversary Party
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and Chinese partners have been saving giant pandas for 50 years and it’s time to celebrate! Partygoers can enjoy special treats from the Chinese Embassy, free world premiere screenings of the Smithsonian Channel documentary “The Miracle Panda,” lion dance performances, live music and, of course, special panda-themed activities. Be sure to reserve free entry passes!

Happy Emancipation Day, DC!
Where: Freedom Plaza & Pennsylvania Ave. | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 2-9pm
Admission: Free
Join in the celebration of DC Emancipation Day with a parade led by Mayor Bowser, a concert featuring local and national artists, and a fireworks display to end the night! Emancipation Day honors President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, which freed over 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia.

Opera Starts with Oh!
Where: Tregaron Conservancy | Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 10:45am – 12pm
Admission: Pay What You Can
Budding opera enthusiasts can connect back to the land with the opera Silvain and learn about all the aspects that bring it to life in this outdoor event! Opera Starts with Oh! welcomes back Guest Artists Sarah Laughland (dance) and Patrick Kilbride (tenor), and introduces new Guest Artist Penelope Musto (cello)!  Together, they’ll rotate through each guest artists different activities, which will include dance, music, and opera singing as it relates to Silvain! Tregaron Conservancy is located at 3100 Macomb St. NW.

One with Eternity
Where: Hirhshorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free (with timed-entry passes)
Try to catch the new Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn!  Including two Infinity Rooms, the yellow and black polkadot Pumpkin, plus a couple more pieces and elements that illustrate Kusama’s fascinating life and artistry, all ages will dig it.  Free same-day Timed Passes are distributed daily at the Museum starting at 9:30am. All visitors age 12+ must have a pass!  Kids under 12 do not need passes, adults with a pass can bring up to two children. Be sure to read this KFDC write-up about the exhibit that includes more info, tips, and a glimpse of what you’ll experience.

Exhibit A… and B, C, & D
Where: Museums around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There are even more great exhibits to experience right now at our local museums. The whole family will be fascinated by FUTURES at the Arts & Industries Building.  Take kiddos to hang with Thomas and Friends at the National Children’s Museum.   Laurie Anderson: The Weather at the Hirshhorn is a great one for tween ages and up.  Enjoy the cherry blossoms a little bit longer as you immerse in Pixelbloom at ARTECHOUSE (get a glimpse here). And, of course, the rest of our Smithsonians have permanent collections that we never get tired of seeing — see links to them and loads of other museums and indoor places here.

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
Where: Victura Park | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Saturday, 12-1pm
Admission: Free
Bring little ones out to the outdoor areas of The REACH at the Kennedy Center park for an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt! There will be lots of hidden treats and prizes to find throughout the grounds, plus two Golden Tickets to win a fully stocked Easter Basket! Stay to enjoy food and sips from the cafe, live music starting at 2pm, and the lovely views from the riverside park.

Egg Hunts & More
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Through Saturday
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult, $7.50/egg hunt
The Easter Bunny hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant children, and Great Country Farms welcomes kids to find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance ($7.50 extra).  Plan to see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the sprawling play area, too!

Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: $10/online, $12/at gate
Butler’s Orchards’s  popular spring festival begins this weekend, back wth all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats for young guests. Attractions include hayrides down the Day Trail, good baskets for children,  giant slides, jumping pads, farm animals, pedal tractors, and more.  Concessions are available, and there are  picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch.

Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: Daily through Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $8
Hop on over to Potomac Overlook and experience a brand-new kind of egg hunt. Pick up your egg hunt sheet at the nature center, explore the park for different “wooden eggs”, and then return to the nature center with your completed sheet for a prize!

Egg Hunt Days
Where: Clark’s Elioak Farm | Clarksburg, MD
When: Daily through Monday
Admission: $8
Little ones (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs throughout the day at this Maryland Farm that looks like something out of a story book! After hunting, they get to turn the eggs in for a goodie bag. The petting farm, rides, and play areas will be open for all to enjoy, too. Be sure to take a look at the website for a heads-up on how the egg hunts will run, so you can make the most of your day there. Read more about Clarks Elioak in the KFDC post about the best outdoor places in the area.

Go for a Spin
Where: Cabin John (Bethesda) & Wheaton Regional Park, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $2.50
All aboard! Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel are open for the season. Take kiddos for a spin around the parks on replicas of an 1863 steam locomotive. Or go for whirl on the Carousel (Wheaton only). Plan for time on the playgrounds, too — both offer lots of fun for little ones.  Read more about Cabin John here and Wheaton here.

Model Train Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
Is it time to get out and see something fun past “Zoom” sessions? Stop by the Vienna Train Station for great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. Visit our museum of train memorabilia.  Saturday, March 12, 2022  from 1-5 p.m.  FREE ADMISSION (donations accepted). Hosted by the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders.  The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.  Phone 703-938-5157 [leave a message] or check our website  www.nvmr.org  for more information and a full open house schedule.

Come From Away
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $50-95+ (find discount)
I saw this show a few years ago, and it is incredibly emotional (in the best way possible) and entertaining… Broadway’s Come From Away takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Recommended for ages 10+.

Beastgirl
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 22
Tickets: $20
This exciting world premiere for young adults is based on the chapbook Beastgirl and Other Origin Myths by New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo. The collection of folkloric poems is brought to the stage with music as the play explores the mythological and geographic identities of three first generation American sisters. From the border in the Dominican Republic to an apartment rooftop in New York City, Beastgirl considers what it means to walk the world as “beastly” beings and how the myths that make us can be both blessing and birthright. Recommended for ages 12+.

The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
In a brand new production, the Puppet Co. gives you the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This hilarious and smart comedy will be a great romp for adults and kids alike. Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin’s new name?! Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

Catch Me If You Can
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $66-105 | Find Discount
This weekend is the final chance to see this show.  Owen and I caught a performance, and it was fantastic — vibrant, and clever, and bursting with talent!  Here’s the official description:  Humor, music and dance drive this rousing musical based on true events and a critically acclaimed film. See how a charming, young con man posed as an airline pilot, a lawyer and then escaped police custody all before he turned 22. Where else, but Washington, DC, could a musical about con men and being conned be the perfect story we need right now? Recommended for tweens and up.

Mean Girls
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 24
Tickets: $45-199 (find discount)
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical based on Tina Fey’s movie. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Recommended for age 10+.

The Servant of Two Masters
Where: Synetic Theatre | Crystal City, VA
When: Through April 24
Tickets: $20-50
Mistaken identities, wily servants, and madcap antics abound in this laugh-a-minute tale of the ultimate trickster. Helmed by Vato Tsikurishvili and the Helen Hayes Award-nominated team from the 2019 hit Cyrano de Bergerac, The Servant of Two Masters is a raucous adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic farce.

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30 (look for deal)
DC United host Austin FC this weekend. Tickets are still available to cheer on the black and red! I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood (Audi Field is a short walk from there) and get a bite to eat before 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.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The Bonsai Museum at the National Arboretum has reopened to the public for the first time since 2020!
* There’s now a Wordlebot to analyze your Wordle play.
* Do you know about Greenlight, the debit card is especially for kids? Both of mine have one, and we all find it a great way for them to manage money (and for us parents to keep track of, too).
* This true crime podcast starring Jon Hamm is so gripping!
* Some great ideas. 🙂

 

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April 8, 2022 · 8:30 am

The Weekend Round-Up: April 8-10

Baseball season has begun!

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links for go-to posts:
* Spring Things
* Cherry Blossom Festivities
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

The Nats are Back!
Where: National Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Baseball season has begun! The Nats kicked it off with an Opening Day game against the Mets, and the series continues through the weekend. There are evening games Friday and Saturday at 7:05pm, and an afternoon match-up on Sunday at 1:35pm. There are special promos and happenings, including a Stephen Strasburg Bobblehead giveaway and a cherry blossom celebration.  Back this season are Signature Sundays when two Nationals players, coaches or broadcasters will be available for autographs down the first base line near the Nationals dugout. (vouchers provided at Section 103 on a first-come, first-served basis), and Kids Run the Bases where young fans can loop the in field after the Sunday game.

Outdoor Movie Night
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7:45-9pm
Admission: Free
In honor of Earth Month, The Yards and Capitol Riverfront BID are hosting The Yards Green Guide Movie Night, with a screening of The Lorax. It’s free to attend, but a $5 donation to the Anacostia Watershed Society is suggested — register in advance here. BYO chairs and blankets, and plan to pick up a food for a picnic under the stars at one of the many restaurants and eateries there.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 9, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities just might be the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue to watch the procession of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers roll through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $25-40, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day, and likely even more so after being cancelled for the last two years..

Sakura Matsuri
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-7th St NW | Downtown DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $10-15/ages 13+, $50/family package, free/12 & under
Following the Cherry Blossom parade, head over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest exhibition of Japanese culture. The 60th annual event will feature live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Even better, this year it will be held over two days!

Bluebells at the Bend
Where: Riverbend Park | Great Falls, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm & 12-2pm
Admission: $8/advance, $10/at event
Celebrate the Virginia Bluebells as they blanket the banks of the Potomac River at Riverbend Park. This annual festival is back after a Covid hiatus and will have  wildflower walks, live animals, exhibitors, live music, crafts, and food trucks. There are two ticketed sessions, and you can save a couple of dollars by registering in advance online. Read more about Riverbend in this KFDC post. And to see what else is going on at other Fairfax County Parks, go here.

Festival of Spring
Where: Burnside Farm | Nokesville, VA
When: Daily, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $8/day
Tiptoe (and stroll and frolic) through the tulips! Burnside Farm’s annual Festival of Spring showcasing the season’s flowers is open and blooming. Wander through the giant fields that contain 200 different varieties of tulips in a rainbow of colors and 30+ varieties of daffodils and pick your own to enjoy at home. Admission also includes all kinds of play opportunities — bouncy fun,  cornhole games, hop on-hop off wagon rides, antique tractors and a real life size caboose, authentic dutch wooden shoes to “klomp” around in, and more.  You can BYO food for lunch or a snack al fresco in the picnic area, too. Be sure to have your camera handy for some brilliant photo ops!

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 9, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Library of Congress is hosting a day of fun especially for kids to celebrate cherry blossom season.  All ages are welcome to learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals during the Library’s Japanese Culture day. Books related to Japan and Japanese culture will also be on display. Special highlights include a Japanese drum presentation by Miyako Taiko led by Mark Rooney (outside on the Plaza) and a karate demonstration by Tsuyoshi Takemori from D.C. Yamato-juku Club in the Great Hall.  Register here!

Food Waste Prevention Program
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Take on the role of a strawberry and try not to get wasted as you journey from farm to fork. Bring the whole family to participate in this 20 min outdoor game about food waste led by a very smart, but silly Strawberry. Players will learn about the daunting journey strawberries take in order to make it to our refrigerators – and the many obstacles they face in order to avoid the landfill. Other kid-friendly activities about food waste will round out the experience, as well as the chance to see the museum’s thought-provoking exhibition: Food for the People: Eating and Activism in Greater Washington.   Activities will take place both outdoors and indoors. Appropriate for children ages 4 and up, as well as their grown-ups.

White House Spring Garden Tours
Where: White House Grounds | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm & Sunday, 10am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free, but tickets are required
Here’s a chance to see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Kitchen Garden, and South Lawn at the White House. The annual Spring Garden and Grounds Tours are back and being held on Saturday and Sunday — and gaining admission to the event is as easy as picking up tickets the day of.  They will be distributed at a National Park Service tent located near the Ellipse Visitors Pavilion each day starting at 8:30am. (That means you could be getting entry times for  later in the day, so plan accordingly as best you can.) Go here for more details and info on how to get tickets.

Early Egg Hunts
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Through April 3
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult, $5/egg hunt
The Easter Bunny hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant children, and Great Country Farms welcomes kids to find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance ($7.50 extra).  Plan to see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the sprawling play area, too!

Bunnyland
Where: Butler’s Orchard
When: April 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11
Admission: $10/online, $12/at gate
Butler’s Orchards’s  popular spring festival begins this weekend, back wth all the trappings for seasonal fun: bunnies, eggs, and other Easter-related treats for young guests. Attractions include hayrides down the Day Trail, good baskets for children,  giant slides, jumping pads, farm animals, pedal tractors, and more.  Concessions are available, and there are  picnic tables if you prefer to pack a lunch.

Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $8
Hop on over to Potomac Overlook and experience a brand-new kind of egg hunt. Pick up your egg hunt sheet at the nature center, explore the park for different “wooden eggs”, and then return to the nature center with your completed sheet for a prize!

Egg Hunt Days
Where: Clark’s Elioak Farm | Clarksburg, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $8
Little ones (ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) will have a chance to hunt for eggs throughout the day at this Maryland Farm that looks like something out of a story book! After hunting, they get to turn the eggs in for a goodie bag. The petting farm, rides, and play areas will be open for all to enjoy, too. Be sure to take a look at the website for a heads-up on how the egg hunts will run, so you can make the most of your day there. Read more about Clarks Elioak in the KFDC post about the best outdoor places in the area.

Beastgirl
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 22
Tickets: $20
This exciting world premiere for young adults is based on the chapbook Beastgirl and Other Origin Myths by New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo. The collection of folkloric poems is brought to the stage with music as the play explores the mythological and geographic identities of three first generation American sisters. From the border in the Dominican Republic to an apartment rooftop in New York City, Beastgirl considers what it means to walk the world as “beastly” beings and how the myths that make us can be both blessing and birthright. Recommended for ages 12+.

Opera Starts with Oh!: Bringing Silvain To Life
Where: The Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 1:30-3:30pm
Admission: Pay what you can
young opera-goers can join the program that dives deep into Silvain and learn about all the aspects that bring it to life! Guest Artists: Sarah Laughland (dance), Jeannette Christensen (costume design), and Rachel Felstein (soprano) will rotate through different activities — dance, costume design, and opera singing — as it relates to the opera.

The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through May 15
Tickets: $15
In a brand new production, the Puppet Co. gives you the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This hilarious and smart comedy will be a great romp for adults and kids alike. Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin’s new name?! Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Super Cello!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Tickets: $20
The city is safe with the help of a unique cellist: professional musician by day, superhero by night. SCOTTIE ROWELL of Atlanta’s TELLER PRODUCTIONS and NSO cellist DAVID TEIE unite to tell a fantastic story using puppets, props, and plenty of music to help a very super musician save the day. Recommended for ages 3+. Following select performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with some of the artists.

Catch Me If You Can
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through April 17
Admission: $66-105 | Find Discount
Owen and I just saw this show recently, and it was fantastic — vibrant, and clever, and bursting with talent!  Here’s the official description:  Humor, music and dance drive this rousing musical based on true events and a critically acclaimed film. See how a charming, young con man posed as an airline pilot, a lawyer and then escaped police custody all before he turned 22. Where else, but Washington, DC, could a musical about con men and being conned be the perfect story we need right now? Recommended for tweens and up.

Mean Girls
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 24
Tickets: $45-199 (find discount)
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical based on Tina Fey’s movie. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Recommended for age 10+.

Oklahoma!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Sunday
Tickets: $49-159
This is Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen or heard it before — reimagined for the 21st century, and now the Tony winner for Best Revival of a Musical. Funny and sexy, provocative and probing, “this production shocked me and moved me. This is the OKLAHOMA! that was there all along,” raves New York Magazine. Direct from an acclaimed run on Broadway, OKLAHOMA! “lets us experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatness anew” (The New Yorker). Note that the show contains fog, loud gunshot effects, moments of total darkness, and violence. Recommended for ages 12+.

The Servant of Two Masters
Where: Synetic Theatre | Crystal City, VA
When: Through 24
Tickets: $20-50
Mistaken identities, wily servants, and madcap antics abound in this laugh-a-minute tale of the ultimate trickster. Helmed by Vato Tsikurishvili and the Helen Hayes Award-nominated team from the 2019 hit Cyrano de Bergerac, The Servant of Two Masters is a raucous adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic farce.

Brigadoon
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: April 8-10
Tickets: $60 (find discount)
Enjoy a concert performance of the Broadway classic. New Yorker Tommy Albright unexpectedly arrives at mysterious Scottish Highland village of Brigadoon, which only appears for one day every 100 years. When Tommy meets and falls in love with Fiona, a beautiful villager in this magical hamlet, he must decide whether to return to his old life, or stay in Brigadoon — forever. Featuring such standards as “Almost Life Being in Love”, “Come to Me, Bend to Me”, and “Heather on a Hill.”

Enchanted Rhapsody
When: Saturday, 4-7:30pm
Where: 6th St S & S Ball St, Arlington, VA 22202
Admission: Free; Registration required.
Welcome the bliss of springtime with a starlit night listening to a live set of Taylor Swift versus Queen songs performed by the Edgewood String Quartet. Specialty drinks and food will be available for purchase from RĀKO and other local eateries. Registration is required to experience this night of Enchanted Rhapsody and to break free from the winter blues, embracing an evening of being fearlessly you.

Planet Curious
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
This complimentary family and community event will explore the causes and effects of climate change and help you and your family learn how to have a role in reducing its impact on your community and the world. Designed for all ages, NBM Climate Day will offer essential information and hands-on, interactive activities for the whole family led by architects, landscape architects and builders that show new ways that they are addressing climate change. Talk with community activists to learn how you can support their efforts and become engaged in their work. Attend a series of quick, engaging talks to learn about solution-based projects already in progress. Experience family-friendly hands-on activities designed to inspire children ranging from 5 to 12. Explore a curated exhibition of projects inspired by the Green New Deal Superstudio that translate its core goals—decarbonization, justice, and jobs. And more! Free, drop in. No registration required. All ages welcome.

Cherry Blossom Jubilee
Where: Torpedo Factory | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Cherry Blossoms on the other side of the Potomac, too! Head to the heart of Alexandria for cherry blossom-themed activities and other events at the Torpedo Factory, the wonderful riverfront arts center. The fun kicks off with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko on the Waterfront side. Afterward, view the Art Center-wide exhibition of cherry blossom-inspired works by resident artists and galleries while enjoying music and live art demonstrations from participating TFAC artists.

Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Anacostia River Festival is a premier event of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year enjoy a series of musical performances, including the sights and sounds of Go-Go music, local drum lines, and military bands. Along with live music, the Festival will feature pre-registered and socially distant river activities such as canoeing and fishing along the Anacostia River.  Sign up here!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Spring break is beginning for most DC students, so be sure to check the guide for Where to Go and What to Do if you’re going to be in town and looking for fun activities.
* Plan ahead: The National Zoo is hosting a Pandaversary Party next weekend.
* Interesting read about baby names — and picking the wrong one.  (True story: Owen arrived a little early, and we weren’t yet totally decided on the name, so he was Matthew for one day!)
* A friend this recommended this film for a family movie watch, saying if we like Sing Street (which we looove), we’ll enjoy this, too.
* Ukraine still really needs support, and this is an easy and tasty way to offer it.
* 10 Happy Things for April 🙂

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