Tag Archives: Father’s Day Weekend

June 14, 2018 · 8:05 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: June 15-17

Quality time on the trail

There are some great reasons to celebrate — the school year is ending, summer break is beginning, it’s Father’s Day — and this round-up is full of great ways to do it. Happy Weekend! And Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Celebrate Dad
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re still in need of plans for dad’s big day, there are so many great ways to celebrate. There are activities and offerings especially for the occasion, special events that coincide with the date, and everyday outings that can be made special with a few extra touches and great company. See this post with a bunch of ideas to help plan your day.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
The calendar may not yet say so, but it’s summer for all intents and purposes, so celebrate with one — or several — of the many activities exclusive to the season. Swim under the sky, catch a concert beneath the stars, see a special exhibit, play at a water park, and more. For the whole gamut of seasonal fun, check out the 2018 KFDC Summer Guide.

Tiny House Festival
Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds | Manassas, VA
When: Friday – Sunday,
Admission: Free – $25 (see below)
TINY Houses across America, a nationwide celebration of the Tiny Living Movement is bringing its one-of-a-kind, for-charity Tiny House Festival to the Nation’s Capital. There will be a large assortment of tiny houses and micro homes, work shops, presentations, LOTS of vendors, music entertainment, fire performers, children’s activities, and more. Friday from 9AM-2PM is FREE for students, their teachers, and immediate family — you must pre-register and download tickets here http://www.unitedtinyhouse.com/shop/. Otherwise, admission is $10/age 13+ at 12pm, and free for everyone at 5pm. Saturday & Sunday is $25/day.

World Cup Watch Party
Where: Central Place Plaza | Rosslyn, VA
When: Friday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
It’s World Cup time! Join a watch party at Central Place Plaza by McDonald’s for the Portugal vs. Spain match. Rosslyn BID is partnering with DC United to bring fun activities, including a soccer kick game, a prize wheel, and a foosball set up. Adults can also grab a drink at the pop-up bar starting at 1pm.

Taste of Reston
Where: Reston Town Center | Reston, VA
When: Friday, 3-11pm & Saturday, 12-11pm
Admission: Free (purchase tickets for tastings)
The largest outdoor food festival in NoVA has also been named “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” by Virginia Living magazine for several years. Reston Town Center will be bustling for two days with restaurants and community vendors, live entertainment on three stages, a Wine ‘n Dine area, and the Family Fun Zone featuring activities, interactive games, demonstrations, and arts & crafts for all ages.

Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper MArlboro, MD
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family to celebrate this historic date and enjoy free concerts, exhibits, and activities honoring African American culture. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom — the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the name. Be sure to enjoy all of the wonderful offerings at Watkins while you’re there.

Innovations in Flight Family Day
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Head to the Chantilly arm of the Air & Space Museum for a special Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display. See military, recreational, and home-built aircraft as well as classic automobiles. Enjoy presentations, demonstrations, special tours, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Colonial Wheat Harvest
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm | McLean, VA
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5/adult, $3/child, free/under 3
Help the Claude Moore Colonial Farm family harvest their precious wheat crop. Learn how wheat became a vital cash crop in Colonial Virginia. Educational and fun. Great family outing. Read more about the 18th century living history farm here.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10 & $6
Sleeping Beauty is the Main Stage production at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo. Told with rod puppets and wonderful special effects, the show is a real treat for princesses and princes, big and small. And little ones will enjoy Teddy Bear’s Picnic, this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show on Sunday — the lights stay on, doors remain open, and performances are short for newbie theatre-goers.

Columbia Heights Day Festival
Where: 11th St NW btwn Park & Irving | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to bring the fam out for a fun, free day of excitement and activities to help celebrate the community. In its 12th year, Columbia Heights Day brings together residents and businesses for all kinds of festivities. Enjoy local food vendors, live music and entertainment, a beer garden, and tents full of fun and unique vendors, and more.

Columbia Pike Blues Fest
Where: Columbia Pike & S. Walter Reed | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 1-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy food and beverages, arts and crafts vendors, and kids’ activities as you spend the day on Arlington’s oldest and newest Main Street—in one of its most diverse, vibrant communities—listening to quintessential American music that will make it impossible not to get up and dance. The Blues Festival covers three blocks at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive. So put on your dancing shoes, grab friends and family and head to the Pike for a day of great music, food, art and fun!

Bike to Market
Where: Markets in Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday (& thru June 22)
Admission: Free
Dust off your bikes, pump up your tires, and bike to your local farmers market! The Fairfax County Farmers Markets will be celebrating Bike to Market Week at select locations in collaboration with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Bring your family and friends along and you will receive a free bike map and giveaways.

Strawberry Fields in Petworth 
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | Petworth, DC
 When: Saturday, 4-8pm 
Admission: Free 
Okay, maybe not fields, but a Strawberry Festival is even better! St. Paul’s Episcopal Church welcomes all to the the 152nd Strawberry Festival to celebrate the season. Free family fun will include moon bouncing, pony rides, face painting, field games, crafts, rock climbing, music, and tours of Rock Creek Cemetery (where the church is located). There will be BBQ, strawberry shortcakes and other food items for sale — cash only! Located in Petworth DC, the main entrance to the grounds is on Rock Creek Church Road NW & Webster St NW.

Family Stroller Strides
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:130am
Admission: Free
Start the weekend with a free family fitness class! FIT4MOM Capitol Hill offers prenatal fitness, mommy & me fitness, and HIIT classes in Capitol Hill, NOMA, and Brookland, and you can try out a FREE family Stroller Strides class on Saturday morning. The stroller-based fitness program is a 60-minute, total body workout that incorporates cardio, strength, core, songs, and activities. Register here.

Sound of Music Sing-a-long
Where: Wolf Trap
When: Saturday, 7:15pm
Admission: $25-45
A few of your favorite things are back! A Wolf Trap tradition, the Oscar-winning movie will be shown on big screens in-house and on the lawn, accompanied by an audience sing-a-long. Be sure to dress in your Sound of Music best — the sing-a-long is paired with an unforgettable costume contest.

Dragon Boat Fest
Where: Thompson Boathouse | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free
The Washington, DC Dragon Boat Festival is a two day celebration held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing. The event is sponsored by the Taiwan-U.S. Cultural Association to promote Taiwanese culture in the DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing.

Harry Potter Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

DC Way Soccer Festival
Where: Tyler Elementary | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday,
Admission: Free
Join DC Way in a free day of family fun! It’s a great chance to introduce kids to the magnificent game of soccer, test your own skills, participate in fun competitions, and ask the DC Way coach questions regarding the game and sports in general. Festival programs will include multiple games and activities such as soccer tennis, a kids vs. parents game, sharpshooters game, 2v2 tournament, penalty and accuracy contests, and obstacle courses. Plus, there will be prizes like drawstring bags, water bottles, T-shirts, bracelets, soccer squeeze balls, and sunglasses, gift cards, and more. Parents and kids all ages welcome to participate in the fun.

Kids Pajama Party Jam
Where: AMP by Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: $12
It’s time for a pj party! Slip into some slippers, zip your little ones into their favorite jammies, and get ready to dance, sing, and play. Grammy-winning funk and hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings the excitement and energy of hip-hop to children’s music in this special Father’s Day performance. 23 Skidoo will be joined by students from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras for a performance of Mozartistic. Kick back and relax while your kids enjoy a fun afternoon of music that wraps up well before bedtime.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* The Library of Congress has announced the author line-up for the annual National Book Festival and, as usual, it’s pretty stellar!
* The next batch of free tickets for Carne Y Arena, the incredible virtual reality immigration experience for tween ages and up, will be released Friday, June 15, at 8am.
* Need name labels for all your kids’ camp gear? Mabel’s Labels has a great Flag Day Sale going on.
* If you haven’t watched every episode of A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations, or Parts Unknown, put them on your binge list. This is why I think you should.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Special Event, Spring, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as Best Ideas for Activities with Kids in Washington DC, DC Adventures, DC Kids Activities, DC outdoors, DC Summer Activities, DC Weekday Activities with Kids, DC with kids, DMV Children, Family Fun, Family fun in DC, Father's Day Weekend, Free Things to do in Washington DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, June 2018, Kid Friendly Adventures in DC, Kid Friendly DC, Spring 2018, Weekend June 16-17

June 29, 2017 · 8:54 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: June 30 – July 2

Stay cool and have some summer fun at Yards Park!

With the holiday just a few days from now, it’s time start shifting into celebration mode. This round-up of special events and local adventures will help get you there. Happy Weekend!

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The annual Festival celebrating living cultural heritage and community traditions is underway. Visitors of all ages will have ample opportunity to discover and enjoy Circus Arts and the movement of people to and in America through special exhibits, performances, exhibits, demos, and more, including plenty of activities especially for children. For specifics, see the festival schedule. And it all takes place right on the National Mall, where you can have even more advetures at all of the museums.

Happy, Birthday, America!
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $7-10/child $5/adult, free for veterans & military families
Celebrate Independence Day with the family at the home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter and five generations that followed. Salute our nation’s service members! Also play traditional American outdoor games, tour verdant garden “rooms,” make patriotic crafts like a traditional whirligig toy, and of course, savor patriotic sweets. All ages welcome.

Lovin’ Summer
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Get your summer on this weekend with a host of activities exclusive to this time of year. Kick it off with an outdoor concert or free fishing; enjoy some water fun at an outdoor pool, spray ground, or water park; check out a special seasonal exhibit; do some crabbing (the feasting kind); catch a flick under the stars, and so much more. See the 2017 KFDC Guide to Summer in DC for the full scoop on these summer favorites.

Kids Free at the Newseum
Where: Newseum | Near the National Mall, DC
When: Begins Saturday!
Admission: FREE for kids, $22.95/adult
Take advantage of the Newseum’s annual program that welcomes youth visitors for free during the summer, from July 1 through Labor Day. The Summer Fun Deal waives the regular $13.95 entrance fee for kids with one paid adult admission. The deal benefits kids ages 7 and up most, since children 6 and under always get in free, and much of the Newseum’s collection will be better appreciated by older children.

Tee Up for a PGA Tourney
Where: TPC Potomac | Potomac, MD
When: Through Sunday
Admission: Start at $20-40/day for adults
The Quicken Loans National, a premier PGA TOUR tournament and a staple of the DC area’s must-attend sporting events is back with exciting golf action, plus all kinds of fun off the course. Programs for kids include complimentary tickets (with paid adult), golf clinics, and a kids village with game and activities just for them. Read more about it all here.

Family Nature Walk
Where: Woodend Nature Sanctuary | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free
Take a hike — and advantage of the Audubon Naturalist Society’s free monthly family program. On the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am, join Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Sanctuary. Each outing will have a unique and exciting natural history theme that’s appropriate for family members of all ages. Be prepared to hike in sneakers and don’t forget your water bottle. Meet at the amphitheater by the main house. Read more about Woodend in this KFDC post.

Show Time
Where: Theatres Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Dinorock returns to Wolf Trap for Children’s THeatre-in-the-Woods
* Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook is running at Adventure Theatre
* Go down the rabbit hole for Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Raton en Movimiento!, also playing at the theatre in Bethesda
* Finding Neverland is at the Hippodrome in Baltimore
* See a classic on stage as the Kennedy Center presents The Sound of Music
* See another classic on strings as The Puppet Co. presents The Wizard of Oz
* And Mother Goose Caboose is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo
* Hedwig and the Angry Inch is running at the Kennedy Center is recommended for ages 12 and up
* Make it a KidFree outing at a performance of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s The School for Lies
* My Fair Lady at Olney Theatre is recommended for ages 10 and up
* Catch Shakespeare in the Park As the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings The Tempest to PFI Historic Park in Ellicott City, MD

Skate of the Union
Where: Anacostia Park & RFK Stadium | DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Varies by activity (free to spectate)
Skate or spectate at the country’s premiere all-skating event happening here in the DC area all weekend! There will be skating activities for all types of wheels – inline, roller, and skateboard – and ability levels, from beginner clinics and demos to professional competitive races. You can also just go to watch others roll. Be sure to check the website for the schedule of events and registration details.

First Sunday Arts Festival
Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Start celebrating America’s birthday at the monthly festival in downtown Annapolis. The popular First Sunday Arts festival brings thousands of locals and visitors out on the town to shop directly from local artisans in historic downtown Annapolis. Browse and buy American-made from area and regional artisans, listen to great local bands, and eat at the food trucks and cafes along West and Calvert Streets.

Complimentary Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world.

Arrrr, Mateys!
Where: Potomac River via Washington Harbour | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $20 (get a deal here)
Explore the high Potomac “seas” on a Boomerang Family Treasure Hunt Cruise. During the pirate adventure, you’ll help recover stolen treasure from scallywags who pilfered the ship’s booty. Several sail times are available throughout the weekend. When you book on the site, be sure you are looking at Treasure Hunt Cruise times, and not the Party Boat Cruise. For more pirate voyages on local waters, see the 2017 Summer Guide.

The Ins and Outs of DC
 Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend 
Admission: Varies by adventure 
Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits: 
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids 
The Great Indoors

**MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW**
* Two new exhibits at the Hirshhorn to check out: Ai Weiwei: Trace at the Hirshhorn features 176 portraits of political dissidents all made of LEGOs, and Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington in the Sculpture Garden encourages visitors to write their wishes on tags and tie them to a Japanese dogwood tree.
* Parallax Gap, opening at the Renwick this weekend, sounds wonderful, too.
* A new, cool play space just opened in Rockville: Look for a review of Badlands here soon!
* Poke Papa in Penn Quarter. Yum!

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Filed under 2017, All ages, Annual, Art, Date Night, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as Best Kids Activities in DC, DC outdoors, DC with kids, Family Activities DC, Family Friendly DC, Father's Day Weekend, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Indoor Activities, Kid Friendly Activities, Kids Entertainment in DC, Summer 2017, Things to do with Kids in DC, Washington DC Events, Weekend July 1-2

June 22, 2017 · 7:55 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: June 23-25

The lovely Fairy Lolly at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, where there’s a Mud Day on Sunday

It’s the first “official” weekend of the summer, and there are so many cool ways to enjoy it! A Giant BBQ Battle, summer fun, all kinds of live entertainment, a day of play for little ones, art and mud, baseball, plus the myriad Everyday Play options around DC that practically guarantee a good time. Happy Weekend!

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts, outdoor swimming, special exhibits, movies under the stars, sprayground fun… Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed all around the area throughout the weekend. Get the full scoop on all of these joys of summer in the 2017 Summer Guide.

Barbeque Battle
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Downtown DC
When: Saturday 11am – 9pm & Sunday, 11am – 7:30pm
Admission: $15/adults, free for ages 12 and under
Join one of the biggest summer barbeques around as the Giant National Capital Barbeque Battle returns to pit some of the nation’s best barbequers against each other to compete for big prizes. The reward for attendees: Samples from all the entrants (plus, more food), live music, cooking demos, kids’ fun, and more. It all takes place along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, from 3rd to 7th Streets.

Heritage Days
Where: Various locales | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County, MD, as more than 30 historic sites welcome visitors for guided tours, re-creations of historic events, children’s activities, and more — all free of charge. Learn about the history of dairy farming, railroads, and trolleys; African American communities, astronomy, local arts & culture, and outdoor recreation. Check the online brochure for participating locations and activities.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: FedEx Field | Landover, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $17-40
The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 23rd year of FUN. UniverSoul connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing and celebrating the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a stellar production that blends circus arts, theater and music. A fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

Dance and Bagels
Where: CityDance POP
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Add some entertainment to your brunch! CityDance POP invites you for a morning of dance and bagels. Bring the family to a sample class and mini performance, and maybe even get the kids signed up for dance lessons.

Refurbished Bike Sale
Where: Impala | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Kick off Summer with a “new to you” ride! All sale support Phoenix Bikes and their mission to educate youth, promote bicycling, and build community. The sale will be held in the courtyard of Impala Cantina y Taqueria located at 1358 H Street NE.

National Day of Play
Where: Gymboree Play & Music | Cleveland Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Gymboree Play & Music is opening their doors for all to join in the play event of the year. All families with children from birth to 5 years old are welcome to drop-in for spectacular play activities, flying parachutes, bubbles, art, music, and more! Sites are located in Alexandria, Burke, and Chantilly. Jump in and enter to win this $150 gift basket, filled to the brim with bubbles and play products.

Show Time
Where: Theatres Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* David Engel Jedi Training Academy! is this weekend’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods performance at Wolf Trap
* Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook is running at Adventure Theatre
* It’s the first weekend for Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Raton en Movimiento!, also playing at the theatre in Bethesda
* Company | E presents Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book at the Kennedy Center
* Rent: 20th Anniversary Tour is now running at the National Theatre – see it with older children or on a KidFree outing
* See a classic on stage as the Kennedy Center presents The Sound of Music
* See another classic on strings as The Puppet Co. presents The Wizard of Oz
* And Panda Monium is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo
* Creative Cauldron has a production of The Wizard of Oz on their stage, too
* Hedwig and the Angry Inch running at the Kennedy Center is recommended for ages 12 and up
* Make it a KidFree outing at a performance of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s The School for Lies
* My Fair Lady at Olney Theatre is recommended for ages 10 and up
* Catch Shakespeare in the Park As the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings The Tempest to PFI Historic Park in Ellicott City, MD

Room for Children
Where: House of Sweden | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Visit the space for family fun at the Swedish Embassy on Georgetown’s waterfront. This library and arts studio for the young is designed to stimulate children’s interest in books, music, storytelling, and self-expression. Room for Children pushes the boundaries of what a library can be. Parents are encouraged to engage in it all with kids and share the experience! It’s open on weekends through December, and every Saturday, there is a storytime session at 2pm.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Local parks | Fairfax, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Celebrate the great outdoors at Huntley Meadows, take a wagon ride at Riverbend, enjoy colonial games and icecream at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, and more! Go here to see all of your options, this weekend and beyond, and register for activities.

Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

Vine on the Waterfront
Where: Oronoco Bay Park | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
This food and wine festival in Alexandria may sound like a grown-up event — and the main festivity is, for the most part — but there will be activities for little ones, too! The festival will showcase some of the best of Alexandria’s restaurants and Virginia wineries. And to complement it all will be live entertainment, a children’s corner (moon bounce, arts & crafts, and more), and cooking demos. While admission is free, you will need to purchase tickets to sample food and wine – $20 for 8 tickets, $20 for the wine sampling. Rain or shine.

Get the Blues
Where: Homestead Farm | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $3
Blueberries are currently ripe for the picking at Homestead Farm (along with tart cherries, too!). While admission to the farm is free, it’s $3 to access the patches. BYO container or purchase one there. Be sure to visit the goats and pigs while you’re at the farm. And for more places to PYO produce, see this post.

Mud Day
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Solomons, MD
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: $5, free for members and kids under 4
Join Annmarie for this popular family-friendly event where everyone is encouraged to stomp, splash and get dirty! Giant mud play areas like the Mega Mud Pit and the Mini Mud Pit will welcome little ones to play. Make mud pies in the Mud Kitchen and create a Mud Masterpiece in the Mud Gallery. Give the trees at Annmarie Garden some personality with a Squish-a-Face Forest Friend activity, using clay, mud and natural materials to make faces on the trees. Take home mud creations including a Terrific Terrarium and Seed Cake to remind you of the wonderful mud-a-licious day you spent there! Light snacks will be available for purchase. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic, beach chairs, sunscreen and bug spray, and extra clothes.

Nats vs. Reds
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Reds all weekend and there are a bunch of special evens and promotions to enjoy along with the baseball action of the field, including Game of Thrones night on Friday and Pups in the Park on Sunday. Before you plan your day at the ballpark, checkout these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Author Reading
Where: Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe | Shaw, DC
When: Sunday, 3-4pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a reading of the children’s book, Niama’s Adventures, by the author herself! Renina Jarmon will be at the bookstore to read the tale about Niama, a little African-American girl who uses her magic wand to time travel to various places and meet trailblazing black women. She visits the astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, Queen Nefertiti in Egypt and Ms. Ella Fitzgerald in Harlem. Niama is happy and free and she wants you to be free, too

Flamenco Juntos
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre
When: Sunday, 4-6pm
Admission: $20/adult, $17/child
How about some flamenco to spice up your Sunday? A KFDC reader let me know about this flamenco student recital, showcasing the students of Yolit Yospe-Kachlon, Alexa Miton, and Edwin Aparicio. The show will also feature performances by the teachers and guest artists. A small reception will follow the showcase.

Screen Time – Wonder Woman
Where: Movie Theaters around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by theater
If you haven’t yet seen Wonder Woman on the big screen, make a plan to go. Our family caught a screening last weekend, and everyone loved it! The movie isn’t a cheesy remake of the 70’s TV series, but a well thought out, action-packed, dramatic story. And that it spotlights a female superhero makes it all the better.

UniverSoul Circus on the Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Sunday is Target Family Night at the Kennedy Center as UniverSoul circus brings its amazing spectacle to the Millennium Stage. The combination of circus arts, theater, music, and audience interaction that embraces and celebrates urban pop culture from around the world.

**MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW**
* Sibley Memorial Hospital is hosting a diaper drive for DC Diaper Bank. Help them reach their goal of 7,000 diapers by October and support families in need!
* There’s lots of good theatre to catch this summer. See what’s coming to local stages and save your seats!
* Tour de Fat, the zany-in-the-best-way-possible festival celebrating bikes and beer, is coming up on July 22, and this year it will be a ticketed event.
* Bargain alert: 100 Montaditos, the Spanish chain at Yards Park specializing in mini-sandwiches, has tons of $1 menu items on Wednesdays. Plan for fountain play then yummy food!
* XYZT: Abstract Landscapes is a must-experience exhibit this summer. It’s sold out for the weekend, so reserve tickets for a later date!

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Filed under 2017, All ages, Annual, Art, Competition, Date Night, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Special Event, Sports, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

June 15, 2017 · 10:55 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: June 16-18

Celebrating this fun dad this weekend

School is out, summer is almost officially in, and it’s Father’s Day. All great reasons to celebrate, and this round-up is full of ways to do it. Happy Weekend! And Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Awesome Con
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Square, DC
Whne: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $35/day, free for 10 and under
The mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention brings a three-day celebration of television, movies, comic books, science, technology and more to DC. With hundreds of hours of programming, an impressive lineup of special guests, and exciting activities for fans of all ages, this is going to be one fun event. More details here, but note that the chance to enter the giveaway has ended.

Jazz It Up
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free on Friday, starts at $49/day Sat/Sun
The annual DC Jazz Festival presents a selection of the genre’s most acclaimed artists as well as emerging artists at venues all around the city over a whole week. And it culminates this weekend at The Yards with a three-day blowout of music and good times.

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper at the dock at Diamond Teague Park for catch and release fishing. This Friday evening kicks off the series that will take place every Friday through August 25. Rods, reels, bait, and instruction are all free. No registration required — just show up! Diamond Teague Park is located at on the Anacostia River, between Nationals Park and Yards Park.

Joys of Summer
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
The calendar may not say so, but it’s summer for all intents and purposes, so celebrate with one — or several — of the many activities exclusive to the season. Swim under the sky, catch a concert beneath the stars, see a special exhibit, play at a water park, and more. For the whole gamut of seasonal fun, check out the 2017 Summer Guide.

Spy Fiction Writer’s Workshop
Where: International Spy Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: $30, $25/members
The shadow world of spying has captured the imagination of authors for centuries. Kids ages 9-14 can join this writing workshop for young spies led by Melissa Mahle, former CIA intelligence officer and author of Anatolia Steppe: Lost in Petra and Camp Secret. Learn from her hands-on work in disguise, surveillance, and spy gadgetry and be the one to develop a plot and storyline that grips readers’ attention and quickens their pulses. Dinner included.

Show Time
Where: Theatres Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* It’s opening weekend for Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre
* See a classic on stage as the Kennedy Center presents The Sound of Music
* See another classic on strings as The Puppet Co. presents The Wizard of Oz
* And Panda Monium is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo
* Creative Cauldron has a production of The Wizard of Oz on their stage, too
* Hedwig and the Angry Inch running at the Kennedy Center is recommended for ages 12 and up
* Make it a KidFree outing at a performance of Shakespeare Theatre Company’s The School for Lies
* Catch Shakespeare in the Park As the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings The Tempest to PFI Historic Park in Ellicott City, MD

Strawberry Fields in Petworth 
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | Petworth, DC
 When: Saturday, 4-8pm 
Admission: Free 
Okay, maybe not fields, but a Strawberry Festival is even better! St. Paul’s Episcopal Church welcomes all to enjoy free family to celebrate the season, including two bounce houses, face painting, crafts, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, and tours of Rock Creek Cemetery (where the church is located). Food, including strawberries and strawberry shortcakes, can be purchased there. Located in Petworth DC, the main entrance to the grounds is on Rock Creek Church Road NW & Webster St NW.

Creative Spark!
Where: National Building Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 1–5 pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to experience innovation and creative expression in the world we build for ourselves through activities designed and facilitated by the National Building Museum’s Teen Council. Complete a digital scavenger hunt that connects you to the collections and historic building and share your vision of DC’s future through collage-making. A teens-only workshop and hangout space will be available. Some activities require exhibition tickets, but high school students receive free admission with a valid school I.D.

Columbia Heights Day Festival
Where: 11th Street Park btw Park & Irving | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to bring the fam out for a fun, free day of excitement and activities to help celebrate the community. In its 12th year, Columbia Heights Day brings together residents and businesses for all kinds of festivities. Enjoy local food vendors, live music and entertainment, a beer garden, and tents full of fun and unique vendors, and more!

Shaw Open House
Where: Shaw Neighborhood, DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Everyone from arts enthusiasts and the health conscious to foodies and families are invited to Shaw Main Streets Open House for tastes from some of DC’s best restaurants and bars and fun family-friendly experiences at distinctive retail and art establishments in central Shaw. Attendees can look forward to an afternoon full of discounts, fun and freebies, including fun prizes for the kids, cocktail samples, lots of free bites and an array of specially curated experiences.

Celebrate the Inka Road
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Learn how to dress a llama, see how the Inka engineered a bridge out of grass, and participate in an interactive weaving project. This festival will transport you to the Andes with live performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities found along the Inka Road. A pop-up planetarium featuring the constellations of Inka sky culture will be available courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. For lovers of Andean music and dance, Tradiciones Bolivianas and Centro Cultural Bolivia will perform throughout the weekend.

Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Walker Miller Regional Park | District Heights, MD
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family to celebrate this historic date and enjoy free concerts, exhibits, and activities honoring African American culture. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom — the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the name.

Around The World Cultural Food Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The largest cultural food festival in the DMV brings together diverse, authentic, living traditions from different countries around the world. With a mission to preserve and strengthen the culture of each country while presenting it to the public, all the participants have a chance to learn from one another and understand the cultural differences and similarities. And the public will have the opportunity to learn, to eat, to dance, to shop, to witness these vibrantly connected cultures and create their own connections with each and every single country presented in the event.

Colonial Pickling
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm | McLean, VA
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5/adult, $3/child, free for 3 and under
Homemade pickles prepared from the kitchen garden will preserve the Claude Moore Colonial Farm family’s crops and bring flavor to the family’s meals in the coming year. Help the farm wife pickle vegetables as she combines salt, water and homemade vinegar. Enjoy samples, too!

DC Way Soccer Festival
Where: Tyler Elementary School Field
When: Sunday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
The goal of this festival is to gather parents & children to play soccer, socialize, and have fun! It’s a great chance to introduce your child to the magnificent game of soccer, test your own skills, participate in fun competitions, and ask the DC Way coach all the questions regarding the game — and sports in general. Festival programs will include multiple games & activities such as soccer tennis, a parents vs. children challenge, best strike contest, and more. Bring the kids and let them fall in love with the game of soccer.

**More Good Stuff to Know**
* The next Wizard School Scavenger Hunt by Watson Adventures is June 24 at the National Gallery of Art. These tend to sell out so reserve your spots soon!
* In case you haven’t heard (or seen it all over local Instagram feeds) yet, XYZT: Abstract Landscapes is the must-experience exhibit in DC this summer.
* I’ve already declared myself a big fan of Joselito, and it looks like I’m in good foodie company. Give it a taste if you haven’t yet!
* Watch the sky Friday night shortly after 9pm, as a rocket launch from Wallops Island creates colorful clouds (if it’s not scrubbed due to weather like the several previous attempts).