A daddy-daughter bike ride 🙂
No more pencils, no more books! Between the end of the school year for most area kids, Father’s Day, and the almost official start of the summer, there’s a lot to celebrate this weekend. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to do just that, and this round-up has the scoop on the best of ’em. Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
Father’s Day Fun
Where: Around the area
When: Sunday
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re still looking for ways to celebrate dad’s big day, don’t stress. You’ve got plenty of options to plan something great. From medieval entertainment to outdoor pursuits, special events to everyday fun, freebies to splurges, this post has a variety of ideas to make Father’s Day an awesome one.
Joys of Summer
Where: Throughout the DC-Metro
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
As school ends for many, and summer is just about to officially begin, 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 2016 Summer Guide.
Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Park
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper at the dock at Diamond Teague Park for catch and release fishing. This evening kicks off the series that will take place every Friday through September 4. Rods, reels, bait, and instruction are all free. No registration required — just show up! Diamond Teague Park is located at 100 Potomac Avenue SE, between Nationals Park and Yards Park.
National Maker Faire
Where: University of DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Join curious, inventive peops from across the country at the Second Annual National Maker Faire. Kicking off the “Week of Making,” the event give innovators a place to share what they love to make. And attendees at theis family-friendly affair have the opportunity to interact with technologies like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, electronics, and 3D printers as well as STEM projects, textiles, crafting activities, homemade robots, and more. And be sure to stop by the DK Publishing booth for book giveaways and prizes, plus the chance to get in on the action with our dinosaur dance party computer coding photo opp!
Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Walker Miller Regional Park
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. Performances include Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clarke, The Doo Wop Cops, Malcom X Drummers, master story teller Baba Jamal Koram, a Tribute to Prince, and a Tribute to the Music of Motown by the BRENCORE Allstars Band.
Taste of Reston
Where: Reston Town Center
When: Friday, 3-11pm & Saturday, 12-11pm
Admission: Free (purchase tickets for tastings)
The largest outdoor food festival in NoVA has also been voted “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” by Virginia Living magazine since 2012. 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.
Summer in the City Family Day
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Stay cool and celebrate the hottest season in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s indoor Kogod Courtyard. With water scrims to play in, steel drums to dance to, and crafts and games for the whole family, what’s not to love about summer in the city.
Saturday Family Jazz Session
Where: Strathmore
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $10
Jumpstart a love for jazz with classes that nurture talent and spark musicality! Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of jazz appreciation at this fun, creative, kid-friendly class with renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* It’s opening weekend for Jumanji at Adventure Theatre! (look for discount tickets)
* Reserve free seats for Saturday Morning at the National, featuring Groovy Nate this wee
* Catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs at The Puppet Co.
* And World on a String is their featured Tiny Tots show
* Two of a Kind are playing the Saturday morning kids show at Jammin’ Java
* See Creative Cauldron’s production of The Wind in the Willows
* Be entranced by The Magic of Bill Blagg Live at Alden Theatre on Saturday evening
Columbia Heights Day Festival
Where: Harriet Tubman Elementary School field
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to rbing the fam out for a fun, free day of excitement and activities to help celebrate the community. In its 11th year, Columbia Heights Day brings together residents and businesses for festivities that will stretch along 11th Street between Park Road and Kenyon Street and take over the Harriet Tubman Elementary School Field. Enjoy local food vendors, live music and entertainment on the Main and Bloombars Stages, a beer garden, six group tents full of fun and unique vendors, as well as many unique stand-alone vendor tents. And this year, there’s a carnival, to boot!
Petworth Park Summer Jam
Where: Petworth Recreation Center
When: Saturday, 5-9:30pm
Admission: Free
Petworth is putting a spin on the summer music series — literally. While most present live entertainment by local artists, the Summer Jam features a swath of the most talented DJ’s the city has to offer. And all ages are welcome to come dance the third Saturday of the month in June, July, and August.
Market Days
Where: North Bethesda Market
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
North Bethesda Market’s first Home and Garden Market is an outdoor event for the entire family on Saturdays through June. Shop for plants and fresh cut flowers, find decor to refresh your home and garden, and enjoy live music and a fresh grilled lunch al fresco. Whole Foods will offer gardening items just for kids, and you can get tips on flower arranging and creating a succulent garden during free weekly seminars.
Innovations in Flight Family Day
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
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
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adult, $2/child
Help the Claude Moore Colonial Farm Family harvest their wheat and rye crops. After, participate in baking breas on the hearth using those very grains. This fun and educational activity is great for families! Learn more about the Farm here, and read about a KFDC experience here.
Chesapeake Exploration
Where: Calvert Marine Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free for 4 and under
Discover how the prehistoric past, natural environment, and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. Fascinating exhibits, including display cases full of fossils and artifacts, live fish and other creatures, and a real lighthouse to tour are engaging for all ages. Even better, there are things to see both indoors and out, so you can enjoy the weather and scenic views, too. Read more about it and get a glimpse of what’s there in this new KFDC post.
*A heads-up on fountain fun this weekend: The water features at Yards Park will be unavailable this Saturday & Sunday. If you still want to splash around in the Navy Yard, head to the southern block of Canal Park (200 M Street SE). For water play elsewhere, check out another spray park in the area.
