A view of the USS Barry from Yards Park; tours of the ship are open to the public Thursday – Saturday through October
Even on vacation, I’m keeping you in the loop on weekend happenings. And don’t forget to check the list of Everyday Play if you want more ideas for fun with the kiddos. Happy Weekend!
BrickFair
Where: Dulles Expo Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $12, free for ages 3 and under
The nation’s largest LEGO Fan Festival will be enthralling guests of all ages this weekend. BrickFair brings together LEGO enthusiasts from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Over a thousand exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGOS — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more.
Fairfax County Fair
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $25
Head on down to the county fair! Friday is a preview day and will feature carnival rides, amusements, and treats (plus it’s less crowded on weekdays). Over the weekend there will be farm animals and rabbits, rides and displays, horse and dog shows, the tractor pull, kids crafts and face painting, and plenty of good food, drinks and live music. Held at Frying Pan Farm Park, hours are 10am – 3pm and 5-10pm on Friday, 9am – 9pm on Saturday, and 9am – 5pm on Sunday . Day-of event tickets are $25, and you can download a $5 off coupon here.
Naval Explorations
Where: The Navy Yard
When: Through August
Admission: Free
For the month of August, Naval History and Heritage Command along with the support of Naval District Washington, will offer free public access via the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to the newly opened Cold War Gallery, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, and Display Ship Barry. I highly recommend checking out these hidden gems that are fascinating for all ages. Get a peek at the Navy Museum and read a review of our visit here in this post.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Catch a performance of Dr. Seuss’s A Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre. Peter Pan and Wendy and Mouse on the Move are still on the Imagination Stage. Circus! is in its opening weekend at The Puppet Co. Doktor Kaboom will be at Wolf Trap’s Children’s-Theatre-in-the-Woods on Saturday at 10:30am. And The Great Zucchini is performing at Jammin’ Java on Saturday.
Elmo’s Big Bash
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $10
Elmo, one of Sesame Street’s most beloved Muppets, turns 3 at the National Children’s Museum on Saturday. In addition to an all-day birthday party, the Museum will pay tribute to the number 3 with programs and hands-on fun. Special birthday activities will include storytime and a “Happy Birthday” sing-a-long with Elmo at 10:30am; birthday cake while supplies last at 12pm;“The Adventure to the Imagi Nation” by magician and storyteller David London at 1pm & 2:30pm; parades, dance parties, and raffles throughout the day; and arts & crafts for Elmo.
Friendship Firehouse Fest
Where: Friendship Firehouse in Alexandria
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
This annual family event hosted by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to enjoy the history of the fire department at the historic Friendship Firehouse. The popular event features antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, and live music. In addition to the day’s outdoor events, festival participants will enjoy visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855.
Drop-In Art Workshops
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art presents its Summer Drop-In Series again this weekend with art sessions for kids that are both educational and fun. Stories in Art, geared toward ages 4-7,will explore the work of Thomas Moran with a book reading, examination of his art, and a related project. Artful Conversations, designed for ages 8-11, uses observation and discussion to explore the theme See-Wonder-Sketch. Several time slots are available each day, and sign-in will take place in the West Building Rotunda, beginning at 10am on Fridays and Saturdays and at 11am on Sundays, and will continue until all spaces are filled.
Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Seize the season with a host of activities that only occur this time of year. Enjoy an open air concert at one of the many series in the area. Stay cool under the sun at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Feast on crabs. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And much, much more. Find details on all these summer pursuits here.
Sweethearts and Sweet Years
Where: JCC of Northern Virginia
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $10/family
Enjoy a morning with your family celebrating the Jewish day of love, Tu b’Av, the 15th day of the Hebrew month Av, and getting ready for a sweet new year with Rosh Hashanah, which begins September 5. Join PJ Library and the Jewish Food Experience for a lively mix of storytelling, arts and crafts and cooking projects related to the two holidays for children ages 4 and up. Learn about Tu b’Av, which is celebrated in Israel with cards, flowers, gifts including sweet foods, and music and dance festivals. Talk about Rosh Hashanah in your family and special foods associated with the holiday. The fee includes all art and cooking supplies, snacks and take-home recipes and other treats. Parents must accompany children. Register online. The JCC of Northern Virginia is located at 8900 Little River Turnpike in Fairfax.
