Tag Archives: DC Festivals

September 20, 2023 · 12:03 pm

Five Things: September 20, 2023

Celebrate the giant pandas before they leave the Zoo

 

1. The pandas at the National Zoo are going home to China, and but not without a giant farewell that begins this Saturday, September 23, and runs through October 1.  Panda Palooza will celebrate the beloved bears with all kinds of special programming for the public to enjoy. Photo ops, arts & crafts activities, a ‘Kids Area’ in the Great Meadow, morning family stretching and yoga, panda talks, a scavenger hunt, live music, free film screenings of “Kung Fu Panda” and “The Miracle Panda” in the Visitor Center Theater, and more will be part of the festivities.

 

2. Tomorrow is the start of DC Theatre Week!  Celebrating the launch of DC’s new theatre season, from September 21 – October 1 there is special pricing on tickets to shows at dozens of theatres around the area.  You can see a performance for $20, $40, or $60, everything from plays to musicals to classics to new theatre — and this includes productions for children, too.  Adventure Theatre, Imagination Stage, and InterAct Story Theatre are all participating.  Learn more and view the full list of shows on sale here.  Also, there will be a Theatre Week Kick-Off Fest this Saturday at Arena Stage from 1-5pm.  See samples of programming from area theatres, join a Step Afrika workshop, watch a fight choreography demo, hear monologues from young playwrights, and so much more — all free!

 

3. All true Swifties know The Eras Tour Concert Film is coming to movie theaters October 13.  But did you know that Cinemark Theatres is offering opportunities for a Private Swiftie Party?  Starting October 19, you can reserve an auditorium to see the concert film with 1-40 guests at a flat rate of $795.60.  That might seem steep, but it’s really not so bad if you can get enough people together (or you just feel like splurging).  Could be the best movie sing-a-long ever or an amazing Swifty birthday party!

 

4. Get into the Spirit! In honor of Youth Soccer Month, the Washington Spirit is offering 50% off youth season ticket memberships for the 2024 season with the purchase of an adult membership. This limited-time offer is only available until October 2.

 

5. This new cookbook not only includes recipes from world renowned chefs, it also contains important stories from across the globe, and all proceeds from sales go to an amazing organization.  A perfect gift for someone who loves to cook — or a great one to buy for yourself.

 

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September 12, 2023 · 11:48 am

Five Things: September 12, 2023

 

Rock hopping at Winkler Botanical Preserve

 

1. Did you know that NOVA Parks regularly offers all kinds of special activities for kids and families?  The nearly 40 parks in the system host programs like scavenger hunts, story times, arts & crafts sessions, hikes, animal encounters, volunteer opportunities, and more!  This coming weekend there will be a Volunteer Service Day and Pepperfest at Potomac Overlook,  a Children’s Book Reading and Cardinal Craft at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a Secret Life of Squirrels program at Winkler Botanical Garden, and a few other fun events. There are also lots of weekday sessions for kids and ongoing activities like hiking, biking, paddling, even camping.  Read KFDC write-ups about all of the fantastic, aforementioned places: Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Winkler Botanical Preserve.

 

2. Several awesome annual events are happening this weekend, including Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage, H Street Festival, Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon, and ArtsFest at Annmarie Sculpture Garden.  Find details about all of them in the KFDC 2023 Fall Festival Guide to help you decide which to attend — and to plan for more coming up!

 

3. If you’re celebrating Rosh Hashanna this weekend and need some help with the meal,  Eater DC has a round-up of places around the area where you get food for the holiday.

 

4. Last week I shared a write-up about our Spring Break trip to Portugal, and now there’s also a post with packing recommendations for a getaway there.

 

5. If magic was a flavor, it would be this.  (You’re welcome 😋)

 

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September 6, 2023 · 4:19 pm

Five Things: September 6, 2023

The Eastern Market splash pad is one of many in DC that will remain open through September 21

 

1. Mayor Bowser’s office announced that two outdoor public pools and select spray parks in DC will remain open past Labor Day due to the extreme heat.  Hearst Pool (3701 37th St. NW) and Oxon Run Pool (501 Mississippi Ave. SE) will welcome  swimmers until September 21.  Be sure to note hours for both:  Hearst is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (but closed from 2-3pm) and Oxon Run is open Tuesday – Friday, 12-8 pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm.  And you can view the list of 18 spray parks still open here.

 

2. The Square, a brand new international food hall, just opened in downtown DC!  Currently there are six stalls and an atrium bar offering tastes from around the world.  And more eateries are coming soon!  It’s located at 1850 K Street NW.  It’s open for lunch Monday – Friday, 11am – 3pm, and teh atrium bar is open Tuesday – Thursday, 4-8pm.

 

3. In case you missed it, KFDC Contributor Emily shares 5 things to know before you go to the new Great Wolf Lodge resort in Perryville, MD.  And FYI: CertifiKid currently has an offer for up to 40% off an overnight stay and 15% off day passes.

 

4. Scary but true: The Halloween shopping season has already begun. 😱 Start browsing potential costumes.

 

5. I finally wrote about our Spring Break trip to Portugal for anyone interested. (Spoiler alert: I highly recommend a family vacation there.)

 

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link, which means if you click on it and make a purchase, I may get a small commission.  This helps me continue to produce KFDC, all completely free for readers.  Thank you so much for the support!

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August 29, 2023 · 9:34 am

Five Things: August 29, 2023

Hill Family Biking on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge

 

1. Celebrate the new school year with a big group bike ride on Saturday!  Hill Family Biking, which organizes monthly family-friendly group bike rides in and around Capitol Hill, is hosting a Back to School Ride. The “progressive bike party” will cruise by DCPS elementary schools in the neighborhood, starting at 10:30am at Maury Elementary (13th & C, NE). Participants can either begin there or join the ride at the school of their choice.  Younger bikers and their families are encouraged to join at Peabody Elementary (425 C Street NE), the halfway mark.

The group’s bike rides are usually 4-5 miles at a slow pace and end at a fun activity like ice cream or a splash pad.  This one will culminate at the Watkins splash pad and athletic fields to cool off after the ride and play some games. All of the rides are free, and anyone is welcome to join, not just Capitol Hill families.  Volunteers will be marshaling to ensure the group stays together, and an MPD bike team will also be participating to connect officers with the community. And if your family’s bikes need some TLC, arrive 30 minutes early to get some assistance — they’ll have bike maintenance tools available, as well as some experienced amateur bike mechanics on hand to assist.  And be sure to show your school pride — all alma maters welcome!

 

2. The National Postal Museum’s final session of their Guest Artist Series is this Wednesday evening.  Geared toward families with kids ages 5-10, Mule Mail and Biblioburros: Reaching Communities in Unexpected Ways will highlight  how animals have played an important role in helping bring goods to people and the many ways we still rely on animals.  The free program will take place on Zoom at 4pm.

 

3.  Feed the kids for free! Through August 31, Emmy Squared Pizza is offering a free kid’s meal with the purchase of two pizzas, burgers, or salads (at participating dine-in locations).  And we can vouch for the food — the restaurant is included in the KFDC Pick for KidFriendly DC Restaurants!  And on Labor Day weekend, from September 1-4, kids ages 10 and under and teachers will receive a free entree at Rosa Mexicana! Kids must be dining with adults purchasing entrees, and teachers must show a valid school identification for the 2023/2024 school year. There are locations in Pentagon City and at National Harbor.

 

4. I highlighted Acorns awhile back, and it’s worth mentioning again…  It’s an easy way to invest and save money, offering bonuses when you buy certain brands and the option to invest “spare change” from credit card purchases.  We’ve been signed up for a few years now, and always designate the fund to something like an upcoming trip or holiday gift shopping.  It’s cool to see how fast it grows!  (Sharing my referral link that offers a little starter gift.)

 

.5. Once in a super blue moon (this Wednesday evening)!

 

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August 23, 2023 · 10:19 am

Five Things: August 23, 2023

 

1. There’s something new to explore on the National Mall:  Beyond Granite features a series of installations around the Mall  “designed to create a more inclusive, equitable, and representative commemorative landscape.”  See a sculpture that recalls Marian Anderson’s famous concert at the Lincoln Memorial.  Get a close -up look at a monumental fingerprint at Constitution Gardens.  Nearby, view a map of the world of color-coded calibrated rope that traces routes of Vietnam War refugees. Stop by a bell tower and ring out the final note of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as you ruminate on what freedom means.  Stroll through a bright blue audiovisual memorial about AIDS.   Take in the scene of and play at a playground that reflects on racial division on the east side Constitution Gardens.  A great way to see them all is by bike, but most aren’t too spread out for a walk.  View the map of installation locations here.

 

2. Guess what begins this weekend? Ren Fest!   If you’ve been reading the blog awhile, then you know that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is my absolute favorite annual event in the DC area.  And if you want more specifics on that and tips for navigating it all, go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here.  This year’s faire runs every weekend from August 26 through October 22, 10am – 7pm.  Tickets are $12/age 7-15, $24/age 16+ from August 26 – September 10; $15/age 7-15, $30/age 16+ from September 16 – October 22.  View scenes from last year and get some extra tips here. Huzzah!

 

3. Looking for a unique, last minute getaway before school starts?  This weekend, August 25-27, you can relive the fun of a bygone era during The Omni Homestead Resort’s 3rd Annual Homestead Vintage Weekend.  Guests can tee it up with an authentic hickory stick competition, brush up on their dance skills with a ballroom class, view classic cars and take a dip in the iconic Warm Springs Pools, and relax and enjoy a formal afternoon tea and family etiquette luncheon. These unique activities are offered alongside classic cocktails and specially curated menus for an unforgettable blast to the past. View a full guide to the weekend fun here.

 

4. Tips for packing healthy school lunches.

 

5. Back-to-school in the 80s. (For present day, don’t miss this these BTS gear recs!)

 

 

 

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