Catch evening games all weekend at Nationals Park
Just because summer is coming to its unofficial end, that doesn’t mean the fun is, too. While you savor the final days of many quintessential seasonal activities, you can start enjoying some of autumn’s best. And then there are plenty of special events and DC mainstays in between (find a list of the latter on the Everyday Play page). Happy Long Weekend!
Season Finales
Where: Various locales
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This weekend is the last of many pursuits that we’ve been enjoying all summer long – outdoor swimming, concerts and movies under the stars, Mini Golf at the museum among them. If you’re hoping to get in one final jazz show in the Sculpture Garden, round of golf at the Building Museum, or day at an outdoor public pool, then check out the Summer 2013 guide, which has details on all of those diversions and many more.
Hear the Blues
Where: Carter Barron Amphitheater
When: Saturday, 12-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Head to the outdoor stage in Rock Creek Park for the 25th Annual DC Blues Festival. Along with the line-up of performers, there will be musical workshops throughout the day, where both children and adults can learn about Blues music. Kids will especially enjoy the opportunity to try making their own music at an instrument petting zoo. View the schedule of both musical acts and extra fun here.
Ren Fest
Where: Revel Grove, Crownsville, Md.
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $17/adults, $10/ages 7-18
The merriment continues in Crownesville, MD. On weekends through October 20, you can time trip at the charming medieval village that hosts the annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. For more details on what you will find there, check out this post about the event.
Page-to-Stage Festival
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
More than 40 theater companies will present readings and rehearsals of plays and musicals during the Kennedy Center’s 12th annual Page-to-Stage Festival. And they are all free and open to the public. Performances will take place at several venues around DC, and there are a few that are family-friendly, including The Three Musketeers, by Faction of Fools, The Young Spectaculars and the Front Yard Adventure by Arts on the Horizon, “Mockingbird” from the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences, One More Night by 1st Stage Theatre, A Mile in My Shoes from Bowie State University, and The Inaugural Election for President of Mrs. Jacobson’s Sixth Grade Class by the Federal Theatre Project. For details, times, and dates, see the full schedule.
The Ol’ Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Mets this weekend, with an evening games on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack promo and enjoy other extras on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are still available for all of the games. And it’s not too late to get in on the Jr. Nationals Kids Club – this post has more details about it.
Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
The children’s theatre selection is still slower than usual this time of summer, so right now there are only a few options that kids will enjoy. You can still catch a performance of Dr. Seuss’s A Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre. Or head to the Puppet Co. where they’re presenting Circus! on strings all weekend. At the same venue, really little ones will enjoy this weekend’s Tiny Tots shows, Old MacDonald’s Farm on Saturday and Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Sunday – both begin at 10am. the grandson’s jr. are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java, and Rocknoceros will be there for a special Labor Day performance on Monday. Olney Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line is on stages for a few more weeks. And the classic Sing-A-Long Sound of Music is back at Wolf Trap on Saturday evening.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Where: Roosevelt Center
When: Friday through Monday
Admission: Free (rides, activities, concessions cost extra)
There’s something for everyone at this shindig in Greenbelt happening all weekend – carnival ries, art shows, live entertainment, crafts and activities for kids, a talent show, and more. It all begins today with the carnival part opening this evening from 6pm – 10pm. Over the weekend it’ll be open Saturday 11am – 9:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm, and Monday, 11am – 6pm.
Virginia Scottish Games
Where: The Plains, Virginia
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Admission: $20adults, $5/ages 5-12, free for under 5
Celebrate Scottish heritage at this annual fair featuring everything from music and dance to sports and game to food and cars, even Scottish dogs. Much of it will be showcased through competition, but there is plenty that all visitors can partake in, too. Two-day adult passes are available for $30. Festival gates will close at 6pm both days, but concerts will continue until 9pm.
Labor Day Concert at the Capitol
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra continues its annual Labor Day Weekend tradition with a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, this year’s Americana-themed concert features Time for Three, a young ensemble of two violins and double bass, whose genre-bending performances have earned international attention. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and if the 8pm show is too late, you can catch the open dress rehearsal at 3:30pm. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Eisenhower Theatre. You can call the NSO Summer Concert Hotline at 202.416.8114 after 2:30pm for updates.
The Big Dig
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
Great Country Farm’s annual Potato Harvest takes place this Saturday and Sunday. Take the scenic drive out to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains early for all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with homemade fruit syrups, then hop on a hayride that will take you out to u-pick fields where you can dig for gold — yukon gold potatoes, that is. Breakfast is served from 9am – 12pm, and the hayrides run all day, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Along with breakfast and the Dig, admission includes access to the rest of the farm’s attractions, including a cow train, mazes, barnyard petting area, pick your own fields, and more. Visit the website for more information and directions.
How ‘Bout Them Apples?
Where: Area farms
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The apple picking season has begun! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. This list of area farms and orchards offering pick-your-own opportunities was posted last year, but links have been updated, and the apples are ready for harvest once again. I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the fruits are available the day you plan to go.
Real Pirates Sailing Off
Where: National Geographic Museum
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $11/adults, $9/ages 5-12, free for under 5.
It’s your last chance to get on board Nat Geo’s Real Pirates exhibit, which illustrates the history of a notorious slave-turned-pirate ship and the world of the diverse people whose lives converged on the vessel. Follow the ship’s history as you tour the displays, see and even touch artifacts recovered from its sunken wreckage, feel like you’re there as you view replicas of the ship, try your hand at knot-tying, hoist the Jolly Roger, and more.
Labor Day Open Studio
Where: Little Loft
When: Monday, 9:30am – 12pm
Admission: $15/child
Fun activities for ages 18 months – 10 years! Check out the space, try the tactile stations, and make a sunburst as you say goodbye to summer and head into fall. Plan to stay at least 45 minutes. Pay at the door — cash, check, or credit card accepted. Adult caregiver must be present.
