Tag Archives: July 2019

The Weekend Round-Up: July 26-28

Checking out the Mirror Mirror installation (and themselves) in Old Town Alexandria


Happy Weekend!

Summer Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

Embrace summer in DC this weekend with a host of activities that are best (and, in some cases, only) enjoyed this time of year. Outdoor swimming, sprayground play, concerts under the stars, special museum programs, and movies al fresco are just some of the seasonal fun. Go here for the full scoop on these joys of summer and more.

Kaypi Perú Festival
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 10am–5:30pm
Admission: Free

Join the free three-day Kaypi Perú Festival at the National Museum of the American Indian. This event highlights the South American nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and traditional arts. Kaypi Perú,which means “This is Peru” in the indigenous language of Quechua, includes an art market, music and dance performances, hands-on activities for kids, a film screening, traditional plants, and Peruvian cuisine.

Newsflash: Summer Fun Deal
Where: Newseum | Pennsylvania Ave., DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $24.95/adult, FREE for kids

Take advantage of free admission for kids to the Newseum while you can! The annual Summer Fun Deal, which runs through Labor Day, waives the entrance fee for youth 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. It’s a fantastic museum, one of my very favorites in DC! Worth the admission fee, which is actually good for two days.

Free Kids Mini Golf + More
Where: Rosslyn Putt-Putt + Candy BAR | Rosslyn, VA
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Bring the kids to Rosslyn Putt-Putt + Candy BAR for a special Family Day! They are opening early with activities for the whole family, and this Saturday only, any child under the age of 10 will get one FREE round of mini golf. They’ll also have other programming for kids, including a temporary tattoo parlor, a balloon-artist station and a face-painting station. These activities will be open from 9:30am – 12pm. In addition to a nine-hole mini golf course, the indoor Candy BAR at Rosslyn Putt-Putt has arcade games. Parents and kids can also enjoy sweet treats and beverages. Stay all day!

Secondhand Game Sale
Where: Labyrinth Game Shop | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Labyrinth is hosting its legendary annual Used Game Sale. The proceeds raised are used to buy games for local teachers’ classrooms, support the shop’s game class aftercare program, and add new games to the demo library. The sale includes live, silent, and blind auctions on the first day, and a rummage sale on the second day with prices dropping as the day progresses.

Nats vs. Dodgers
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices Vary

There are a couple of home games for the Nats as they host the Dodgers. Catch them on Friday (7:05pm), Saturday (4:05pm), and Sunday (1:35pm). There’s a new Kids Eat Free summer promo, and kids can run the bases after the Sunday game. Before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

Toe Tapping Celebration
Where: National Postal Museum | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate National Dance Day and the new USPS Forever stamp celebrating Gregory Hines. Watch a Tap Dance performance by Knock on Wood Tap Dance Studio and Capital Tap and District Tap companies featuring Baakari Wilder — and learn a few moves yourself! The performance will be followed by a workshop and audience participation. Tap shoes provided, but please wear socks. It’s a perfect activity for the whole family, all ages, toe tapping fun! Plan to stay after to the rest of the museum, too.

Family Art Programs
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free

The NGA’s wonderful Art Investigators is on again this weekend. The drop-in program for kids ages 4-7 will explore works by Jasper Francis Cropsey with a a book reading, a look at his work, then an art project that directly relates to it. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, starting at 10am on Friday and Saturday, and 11am on Sunday. Be aware that you may not get an early time slot and will have time to fill before your session, so plan accordingly. Read a KFDC review of the series back when it was called Stories in Art (it’s an older post, but still relevant, as the program is very much the same). There will also be Drop-In Art Making on Friday and Saturday 10am – 2pm, and on Sunday 11am – 3pm.

Serve Up Some Tennis Fun
Where: William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center | Rock Creek, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, gates open at 9am
Admission: Ticket prices vary

Enjoy the on-court excitement along with some special events as the Citi Open Tennis Tournament swings into action this weekend. Friday is the first day of qualifying rounds as well as Camry Family Day with lots of fun activities especially for kids. And qualifying rounds continue on Sunday.

Montgomery County Farm Tour
Where: Montgomery County Farms | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free

Learn about agricultural heritage, promote local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food as Montgomery County celebrates the 30th Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Activities will vary from farm to farm, but several will have hayrides, pony rides, music, animals to visit, and other activities planned. All 19 participating farms will be open Saturday, and 13 will reopen on Sunday, so be sure to check the website for the schedule before you go.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue

* Disney’s Aladdin brings magic for the whole family to the Kennedy Center (look for a ticket discount).
* Enjoy fun and antics with The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre
* Go on a Treasure Island adventure at Synetic Theatre (look for a ticket discount)
* Reserve free tickets to see The Milkshake Duo, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* Experience the moon landing in Earthrise at the Kennedy Center (look for a ticket discount)
* Newsies is Encore Stage & Studio’s latest by kids, for kids production (look for a ticket discount)
* The Ballad of Mulan is now on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Balloonacy at the Bethesda theater
* Catch a performance of Circus! at The Puppet Co.
* Magic Toyshop is the featured Tiny Tots show there on Sunday
* Take ages 10 and up to The Band’s Visit at the Kennedy Center

Cirque de Soleil: Volta
Where: Under the Bog Top| Tysons II, VA
When: Through September 6
Tickets: $49+ (look for discount tickets)

Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is about finding yourself and unveiling your personal powers. VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.

Art Museum Morning
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free

There’s all kinds of fun for little ones at the Hirshhorn this weekend. On Saturday from 10am – 2pm, enjoy the Library + Art Pop-Up and find a cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of our favorite finds for kids. On Sunday at 11am, join a STORYTIME session, this one in Spanish! And be sure to stop in the Sculpture Garden outside and add a wish to Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington!

Tanabata: The Japanese Star Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate & Gardens | Northwest, DC
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: $18/adult, $5/child

Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, celebrates the legend of Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the herder, lovers separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet just once a year on one day during the summer months. Celebrate the holiday at Hillwood through storytelling, live music, crafts, and more.
 Reserve tickets in advance.

All Ages Dueling Pianos
Where: Bobby McKey’s | National Harbor, MD
When: Saturday, 12:30-2:30 (doors open at 2pm)
Admission: $7-15

The whole crew can enjoy an afternoon of music and fun at this dueling piano shows. The two hours of all-request live music paired with a lunch buffet is a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. And this is a performance where kids are encouraged to wiggle in their seats, dance in the aisles, and sing along!

Open Studio: Sacred Sounds
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday, 12–4pm
Admission: Free

Take a moment to pause and listen to sounds in Encountering the Buddha on educator-led tours (12:30pm and 2:30pm). Learn about sacred verses called mantras and how they are a part of Buddhist practice. In the studio, drop-in anytime to engage your thoughtful mind by writing and illustrating your own poems inspired by artworks on view. All ages welcome with adult companion.

Block Party and Craft Festival
Where: Arcadia Run | Manassas, VA
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free

It’s fun for the whole family as Arcadia Run celebrates summer with its 7th Annual Block Party and Craft Festival. Enjoy free ice cream and funnel cakes*, a rock wall, game truck, moon bounces, face painting, live performances by Southern Blues Rock duo, Drive In Riot, and more! There will be more than 35 vendors to browse. And kids will love meeting members of the local Nokesville Fire Department and seeing their trucks and equipment up close. Verizon will also be on hand with their Life on Fios team with virtual reality headsets. Special raffle prizes will be given away throughout the afternoon, too.

Shark Bites and Brews
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free

Kick off Shark Week with all things shark on District Pier. Ride the great white mechanical shark, cool off with a trip down the monster shark water slide, or get your picture taken at the Winks Photo Booth. For adults, they’ll be pouring shark themed beers at the bar – grab a cold Landshark Lager, Cisco Shark Tracker or Ballast Point Fathom. For the kids, there will be the pin the fin on the shark game, a coloring station, and shark piggy bank decorating. Relays with prizes, plus fun shark facts and conservation efforts on the Jumbotron screen will be part of festivities, too.

Coco the Movie in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 8:30pm
Tickets: $40-65

This family-friendly live-to-picture concert event featuresthe beloved film Coco shown on HD screen as the National Symphony Orchestra performs Michael Giacchino’s beautiful musical score of the movie. Audience members will follow the story of a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who travels to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family.

Insectival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Solomons, Maryland
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: $5

Buzz on down to Solomons, MD, as Annmarie Sculpture Garden celebrates and investigates insects through games, art activities, bug hunts, and show & tell fun. Be sure to explore the rest of the gardens and art center while you’re there — artistic delights and play abound! Read more about Annmarie here and view scenes from a visit here.

Kidz Graffiti Party
Where: ArtJamz | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Sunday, 12:30-2:30pm
Admission: $15

Get messy like a street artist at a Kidz Graffiti Party. Children of all ages are invited to paint their very own master pieces on the ArtJamz walls.The lounge will be open for accompanying parents, and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artists. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall.

Outdoor Movie Night: The Wiz
Where: Anne Beers Elementary School Field |
When: Sunday, 6pm

Admission: Free
PorchFest presents this Sunday Dinner & Outdoor Movie series summer starting with a screening of The Wiz. Join for potluck dinner and flick. Bring your favorite dish to share or purchase food onsite from a vendor. RSVP here. Potluck starts at 6pm, the movie at 8pm.

Mirror Mirror
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Through
Admission: Free

I wouldn’t necessarily make a trip to Old Town just for this sculpture, but if you happen to be there for lunch at one of the many cute restaurants, some shopping at the great stores, or just hanging at the waterfront — you can easily make a day of it here — definitely stop to check it out. The installation “draws inspiration from the prismatic lens used at Alexandria’s historic Jones Point Lighthouse,” creating a rainbow of color and fun reflections as you peer into them.

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

This list over 100 ideas for adventures around the area that take place indoors is always a good one to keep handy in the summer (or any time of year, really). Many are well known attractions, but sometimes we need reminders about even the most obvious spots. You’ll likely find lots of nice surprises listed, too!

#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

There are tons of options around the DC-Metro for a great al fresco adventure. Take a hike, hit a playground, explore a garden, visit animals, or see what else there is to do under the blue (or gray) skies in this round-up with tons of ideas for outdoor fun.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Looking for the lowdown on dining out locally with kids? Highchair Society reviews restaurants for kid-friendliness.
* For any parents who happen to be KidFree on Saturday, Tiki Yards sounds like a really fun way to spend the day.
* This round-up of the most beautiful place in every European country will spark wanderlust.
* Have I mentioned O-ku yet? Delicious food, and we’ve brought the kids.
* This is the cutest thing I’ve seen on the Internet recently.
* We’re making like Griswolds and enjoying a European vacation — follow along!

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2019, All ages, Annual, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Special Event, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Spots Still Open in Remaining Weeks of DC Way Soccer Camp!


This post is sponsored by DC Way, however, I only promote programs, services, and events that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.


Leave a Comment

Filed under 2019, Camp, DC, Outdoor, Sports, Summer, Weekdays

The Weekend Round-Up: July 19-21

Ready for blast off 🚀🌕


Happy Weekend!

A Monumental Sight
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Thursday, 9:30-11:30pm
Admission: Free

View the Washington Monument in a whole new light. A 363-foot Saturn V, the rocket that launched the Apollo 11 into orbit, will be projected on the east face. We went to see it last night, and while gawking at an obelisk lit up by a large-scale image might sound like a simple thing to do, it was quite an awesome “Only in DC” experience, elevated by the excitement of the many other Washingtonians who were there to get a glimpse, too. It will be even more elaborate on Friday and Saturday (see below). For more ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, see this post.

Apollo 50 Festival
Where: 4th – 7th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free

It’s been 50 years since Apollo 11 made its historic moon landing, and the National Air & Space Museum and NASA are marking it with a big celebration. Join them for the Apollo 50 Festival on the National Mall for all kinds of festivities on Friday & Saturday. A stage and 20 tents will feature hands-on exhibits and activities from exhibitors like NASA, Boeing, Raytheon, The LEGO Group, and PBS’s Ready Jet Go!; live performances featuring costumed characters; and exciting speakers including Adam Savage, ISS astronauts, authors, and NASA scientists and engineers, with more special guests to be announced.

Apollo 50: Go for the Moon
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Friday & Saturday evenings
Admission: Free

The celebration will continue in the evenings with “Apollo 50: Go for the Moon.” The 17-minute show telling the story of the first moon landing will be projected onto the Washington Monument and supporting screens on the National Mall. The free spectacle will run at 9:30pm, 10:30pm and 11:30pm and can be viewed from the area in front of the Smithsonian Castle, btwn 9th & 12th Streets.

Kids in the Castle: Scavenger Hunt
Where: Heurich House Museum | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free

Once again, the Heurich House Museum will open its doors for free, kid-friendly, self-guided tours. Kids in the Castle: Scavenger Hunt gives families the chance to explore the ornate details of the Heurich family home. Children and parents are invited to wander through the house at their own pace and complete a photo scavenger hunt to win prizes. Once visitors have finished their tour, they can relax and play games in the museum’s Castle Garden (weather permitting). Typically, the museum is not open to children under 10, but during this special event, children are the main focus. This event is free, but registration is suggested.

Family Day: Secrets of Egypt
Where: National Geographic Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $5 (free for members)

Join the fun at Family Day, National Geographic’s annual event where you and up to five guests can visit the amazing museum, see award-winning films, and hear live talks from National Geographic Explorers to learn about the incredible work they are doing around the world. This year, they’re taking guests back in time to ancient Egypt! Embark on a virtual visit to the land of the Nile some 3,500 years ago, when the queens of the 18th and 19th dynasties ruled over this storied empire. Check out the multisensory exhibition, “Queens of Egypt,” where you’ll learn about the lives of seven incredible queens, visit the “Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt,” and see more than 300 precious artifacts from every aspect of Egyptian women’s daily lives. Then try your hand at some hands-on activities, play Egyptian-themed games, see an Egyptian dance performance, and much more! Recommended for kids ages 3-12. Register in advance!

Dig an Archaeology Fest
Where: Dumbarton House | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Be part of a celebration of archaeology, at the annual Day of Archaeology Festival. Talk to archaeologists in person and learn about the science and art of archaeology. Kids can enjoy engaging activities, including mock‐excavations, hands‐on artifact displays, crafts, and demonstrations. The archaeology of local prehistoric and historic inhabitants will also be featured — a great way to learn about local history! Live music, face painting, and visits from some of DC’s best food trucks will also be part of the day’s festivities.

Family Art Programs
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free

The NGA’s wonderful Art Investigators is on again this weekend. The drop-in program for kids ages 4-7 will explore works by Jasper Francis Cropsey with a a book reading, a look at his work, then an art project that directly relates to it. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, starting at 10am on Friday and Saturday, and 11am on Sunday. Be aware that you may not get an early time slot and will have time to fill before your session, so plan accordingly. Read a KFDC review of the series back when it was called Stories in Art (it’s an older post, but still relevant, as the program is very much the same). There will also be Drop-In Art Making on Friday and Saturday 10am – 2pm, and on Sunday 11am – 3pm.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue

* Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing at a performance of Earthrise at the Kennedy Center.
* Disney’s Aladdin is also beginning it’s run at the Kennedy Center.
* It’s opening weekend for Treasure Island at Synetic Theatre
* Enjoy fun and antics with The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre (look for discount tickets)
* See a storybook character come to life in Matilda the Musical at Olney Theatre (look for discount tickets)
* Reserve free tickets to a Gemini Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* Newsies is Encore Stage & Studio’s latest by kids, for kids production
* The Ballad of Mulan is now on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Balloonacy at the Bethesda theater
* Catch a performance of Circus! at The Puppet Co.
* Dragon Babies is the featured Tiny Tots show there on Sunday
* Take ages 10 and up to The Band’s Visit at the Kennedy Center
* Enter the lottery for tickets to Hamlet, this year’s Free for All production from Shakespeare Theatre Company

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Through July 28
Tickets: $18+ (look for a ticket deal)

The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 24th 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!

Artscape
Where: The Lyric | Baltimore, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free

America’s largest free arts festival is happening all weekend long in Baltimore, featuring more than 100 artists of all kinds. There will also be concerts on outdoor stages, street theater, jazz, opera, and classical music. Kids can enjoy lot of activities, and concessions will be available for purchase.

The Lion King (in Luxury)
Where: IPIC Theater | North Bethesda, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16

The new Lion King film opens this weekend, and you can take your viewing up a notch to see it. IPIC is a luxury movie theater with on-demand food and drink service brought directly to your seat, a convenience amenity only seen at IPIC Theaters that comes in handy when taking the kids to the movies. Note there are other flicks playing, too!

Dance Your Style Street-Dance Battle
Where: Howard Theater |
When: Saturday, 2:30-6:30pm
Admission: $15

Red Bull Dance Your Style is bringing the top dancers from DC and across the mid‐Atlantic region together for the ultimate freestyle street‐dance battle. Sixteen competitors across hip‐hop, house, popping, waacking, locking, and more will take their talents to the dance floor in front of a live audience at Howard Theater for an all‐ages event.

Kick it with Spirit
Where: Maryland SoccerPlex | Boyds, MD
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25

Keep the World Cup fever going at a Washington Spirit match! Our local women’s pro soccer team has . two players from the championship team on their roster: Rose Lavelle (who scored the second goal in the final match against Netherlands) and Mallory Pugh. This weekend, they’re hosting the Houston Dash at their home field near Germantown. It’ll be a hot one, but you’ll get to see some great soccer!

Tennis, Anyone?
Where: Kastles Stadium | Union Market, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $58

The Washington Kastles, the DC franchise of World TeamTennis, will serve up exciting action on the court on the rooftop of Union Market. (Yes, you can enjoy some fantastic DC views along with the pro tennis play.) Plan to go early and have dinner in the market before or grab something mid-match and bring it up to your seat. For some background on WTT, see this post from a few years back (but note the location has changed since then). PS: Venus is on the roster, so there’s a chance you’ll get to see a legend play.

Table Tennis Showdown
Where: Union Market | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 7-10pm
Admission: Free

Leave the courts to the professionals, and enjoy another kind of tennis at ground level. Union Market is teaming up with DC Fray to host the ultimate table tennis show down to celebrate Kastles Stadium. Battle it out for the chance to win awesome prizes. Walk-ups registration is open until 6:30pm. Want a guaranteed spot? Pre-register here. Open to all ages + skill levels.

Summer Time Sing-a-Long
Where: Balducci’s | Reston Town Center, VA
When: Saturday, 11-11:45am
Admission: Free

Bring the littlest ones to enjoy live music and air conditioned fun! And get some tasty bites while you’re there. Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market in Reston is sponsoring this free Baby Jams singalong. RSVP here.

National Ice Cream Day Celebration
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free, but reserve tickets!

The Yards and Ice Cream Jubilee invite you to celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a sweet event: DC’s longest sundae will be created – and eaten! Each participant will receive a 2-scoop sundae with Ice Cream Jubilee’s signature flavors as you create a new city record! Tickets can be reserved here or in person at Ice Cream Jubilee’s Yards Park location. The event will take place at the Yards Park Sun Deck, next to Ice Cream Jubilee.

DC United Game Watch Party
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Sunday 2-6pm
Admission: Free

Head to the Pearl Street pitch to cheer on DC United as they take on Atlanta. Pearl Street gets United as the street is transformed into an away game viewing party destination. The game will be broadcast live on the jumbotron and DJ Stylus Chris, official in-game DJ of DC United, will spin tunes pre-match. Parents can grab a beer from the Heineken bars, all all ages can play games and sign up for cool team gear. Plus, enter to win jerseys, game tickets, and a chance to win a trip for two to see the team take on Portland in Oregon!

Summer Time
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Summer is whizzing by, so enjoy the season while you can with activities that only occur this time of year. Start off the weekend with a free outdoor concert, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Or take it indoors at special summer program like LAWN at the Building Museum or free admission for kids to the Newseum. Wind it all up with crab feast or a movie under the stars. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2019 Summer Guide.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The results are in for Washingtonian’s Best of 2019 Reader’s Poll. Do you agree with them?
* After months of searching for a great one-piece swimsuit, the Amalfi from this company is finally a keeper! (PS: That referral links gets you a discount!)
* For your radar: The REACH Opening Festival, 16 days of creativity in action — September 7-22 at the Kennedy Center.
* I frequently revisit this post, particularly the comments, for good book recommendations.
* Speaking of books, I just finished and loved Fleishman is in Trouble and am about to read this one that I learned about via the post above.
* Awhile back, I mentioned my architect/designer friend Margaret and her blog about the tear down/rebuild of their home. Well, it’s finished and they are back in — and it’s amazing. See for yourself!


4 Comments

Filed under 2019, All ages, Annual, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Special Event, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: July 12-14

Keep the soccer fever from the World Cup going at a DC United match on Friday!


Happy Weekend!

Family Art Programs
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free

The summer session of the NGA’s wonderful Art Investigators series begins this weekend. The drop-in program for kids ages 4-7 will explore works by Winslow Homer with a a book reading, a look at his work, then an art project that directly relates to it. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, starting at 10am on Friday and Saturday, and 11am on Sunday. Be aware that you may not get an early time slot and will have time to fill before your session, so plan accordingly. Read a KFDC review of the series back when it was called Stories in Art (it’s an older post, but still relevant, as the program is very much the same). There will also be Drop-In Art Making on Friday and Saturday 10am – 2pm, and on Sunday 11am – 3pm.

Old MacDonald Had a Barn
Where: Miracle Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 10:30-11:15am
Admission: $8/thru July 11, $10/at door
E
njoy some wholesome family entreatment on Friday night! Kidsinger Jim & the Big Barn Puppets are performing a special show at the beautiful Miracle Theatre. “Old MacDonald Had A Barn” features well-known folk tunes and some originals, followed by a fun ‘hoedown’ finale by Kidsinger Jim & his Barnyard Band. 

Check It Out: A Library + Art Pop-up Program
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
Time: Friday & Saturday, 10 am- 2 pm
Admission: Free

Check it out! This ongoing program at the Hirshhorn invited young museum-goers to find the cart in the gallery and check out a kit to use inside the galleries. Kits include a children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on materials. This program is a partnership between Smithsonian Libraries and the Hirshhorn.

DC United vs. New England Revolution
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30

Kick it at a DC United match on Friday evening as they host the New England team. If you haven’t been to Audi Field yet, you’re in for a treat — it’s a great arena with excellent views of the action on the field as well as the city skyline. I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood, grab dinner at one of the many eateries (El Bebe, The Salt Line, and All Purpose are my top recs), then walk from there.

Lotus & Water Lily Festival
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens | Northeast DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free

See the glorious beauty of the wild wetlands of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens as you celebrate world cultures! The annual Lotus & Water Lily Festival is full of free, family friendly festivities, including traditional Latin, Asian, and African dancing performances; gardening workshops; face painting; lotus tea tasting; Junior Ranger and educational activities; and more. Of course, the spectacular beauty of blooming lotus flowers and water lilies at the only national park dedicated to growing aquatic plants is a main focus of the event, too. Get a glimpse of the spectacular flower display before you go — and consider biking there for a little extra adventure!

French Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate & Gardens | Upper Northwest, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $18/adult ($12/members), $5/ages 6-18, free/5 & under

Calling all Francophiles: Celebrate Bastille Day in grand French splendor! With exquisite French 18th-century interiors, collections, and gardens as a backdrop, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a perfect place for a fête. Throughout the day, games, lively theatrics, dance, pantomime, French fare, and music bring the life of the French court to the lush gardens at Hillwood.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue

* Enjoy fun and antics with The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre (look for discount tickets)
* See a storybook character come to life in Matilda the Musical at Olney Theatre (look for discount tickets)
* Reserve free tickets to a concert by 123 Andres, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* The Ballad of Mulan is now on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Balloonacy at the Bethesda theater
* Catch a performance of Circus! at The Puppet Co.
* Imaginary Friends is the featured Tiny Tots show there center
* Take ages 10 and up to The Band’s Visit at the Kennedy Center
* Enter the lottery for tickets to Hamlet, this year’s Free for All production from Shakespeare THeatre Company

Mornings at the Museum
Where: Renwick Gallery | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free

Mornings at the Museum is a sensory-friendly program for children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities and their families. The program includes early entry into the museum, facilitated and thematic activities, a take-a-break space, and pre-visit materials like social narratives and sensory maps.

Say “Om” at SoundHealth: Second Saturday
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am & 11:30am
Admission: Free

This series of free monthly workshops designed for families with young children explores the power of the arts to promote wellness of the mind and body. During this session, join Angelyn Shapiro of New Beginnings Yoga for an energizing morning of movement and exploration! Kiddos and their grown-ups will move through an all-levels yoga practice designed to increase body awareness, coordination, and spacial relations using songs, rhymes, and games. Children will explore basic poses and simple breathing techniques through creative play. No prior experience is required. Most enjoyed by ages 0-5.

French Immersion Class and Bastille Day Party
Where: Les Petites Marrionnettes | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 10:00 am – 11: 00 am
Admission: Free/adult & child

Join Pia and Nairouz for an hour of fun en Français and stick around for a Bastille Day celebration. Children will learn about France’s National Holiday while participating in engaging activities including song, dance, puppetry, arts & crafts, and more! The whole family will be invited to enjoy a crêpe after class. Geared for children ages 3 to 6 with little to no exposure to French. Registration is required. Check the website for more details! Les Petites Marrionnettes is located at 3020 N Pershing Dr. in Arlington.

SPINBLEDON Kids Day
Where: SPIN DC | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free

With inspiration from Wimbledon, SPIN, the popular ping pong social club, is teaming up with KIDZ BOP to host a popping afternoon of music and ping pong activities for the whole family at SPINBLEDON Kids Day. KIDZ BOP music, ping pong lessons, and arts and craft activities like face painting and album art coloring pages promise to keep all family members entertained. One lucky family will win a four pack of tickets to the “KIDZ BOP World Tour” when the concert experience comes to town later this year. The event will feature an exclusive menu designed with SPIN’s younger players in mind, including Superstar Pizza, Hop Bop Chicken nuggets, and Burger Sliders.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Do Storytime
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 1pm & 6pm
Admission: $20-35

Mo Willems & the Storytime All-Stars present this Concert Hall Storytime like you’ve never experienced before, featuring your favorite performers from TV, movies, and stand-up. Presenting Mo Willems’s books as sketch comedy, these hilarious performers invite the audience to laugh, sing, and draw along! Recommended for ages 5+.

Bubble Days
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: $20.95/adult, $16.95/child

See the sudsiest spectacle of the summer at the annual Bubble Days. Hop into the foamy fun pool party, bounce special bubbles in your hand, experiment with bubbling beakers, and more! See the world-renowned bubble artist Casey Carle in his suds-tacular show, BubbleMania. Get ready for two days that’re going to be bursting with fun.

Model Trains and Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)

Stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains, including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.

On the Fringe
Where: Theatres around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performances

The Capital Fringe Festival is underway, and while most of the entertainment lineup this weekend is recommended for tween ages and up, there are a few all ages events, too. More details and ticket sales are on the Capital Fringe Festival website. And, parents, consider catching a performance for a KidFree night out.

Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner
Where: Dio Wine Bar | H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, 3:30pm
Admission: Just the cost of your food & drinks

One Saturday a month, Dio Wine Bar hosts Saturday happy hour for parents, guardians, and their children. Families are welcome to enjoy drinks and food without the added expense of finding a sitter or getting the stink eye for bringing their little ones to the bar. This Saturday, they open at 3:30pm and are excited to host Lola & Pear Publishing for a children’s book reading as part of their Book, Babies, and Booze Tour. Sip on sangria while listening to The Adventures of Duke, the Therapy Dog: Duke Finds A Home. No tickets required, just bring yourselves!

HBD, Alexandria!
Where: Oronoco Bay Park | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 6-10pm
Admission: Free

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 269th (and the USA’s 242nd belated) birthdays this weekend. Enjoy festivities for the entire family, including musical entertainment, children’s activities, community exhibits, and birthday cake. The highlight of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks to close out the celebration.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $13+ (look for discount tickets)

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!

Hang out on the Lawn
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16/adult, $13/age 3-17

LAWN, this year’s big summer installation at the National Building Museum transforms the Great Hall into an inviting, expansive green space that encourages recreation and relaxation, whatever your preference. Kids of all ages (that includes us really big kids 😉) are welcome to frolic along the turf, roll down hills, play lawn games, get bird’s eye views, enjoy special programming, or just relax in a hammock and listen to stories of summer.

Fancy This
Where: Brookside Gardens
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $8/ages 13 and up, $5/3-12, free ages 0-2

Walk amid a garden of butterflies at Brookside Garden’s amazing Wings of Fancy exhibit, on view through August 31. The seasonal display featuring live butterflies and caterpillars from all over the world is sure to delight. Read about a KFDC experience at the exhibit. And plan to tour the rest of Brookside’s lovely grounds while you’re there and see if there are any other special kids’ programs to enjoy.

Infinite Space
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16/adult, $8/age 2+

The latest exhibition at ARTECHOUSE, Infinite Space explores the concept of infinity and “invites visitors to open their senses to the endless transformation and infinite possibilities at the intersection of man and machine.” Six immersive installations will delight and amaze and some will make you feel like you’re floating in, well, Infinite Space. Family-friendly hours are 10am -5pm, and evening hours 5:30-11:30pm for ages 21+ when exhibit-themed cocktails are served make for a fun date night.

Summer Staples
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, sprayground, 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 2019 KFDC Guide to Summer in DC for the full scoop on these and even more summer favorites.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The USWNT is going on a victory tour. Stops are TBD, but cross fingers DC is one of them!
* A bunch of us had a Trader Joe’s love fest over on Instagram where we shared our favorite TJ products.
* The Washington School of Ballet is holding auditions this weekend for the 2019-20 school year.
* Reserve free tickets for next weekend’s Kids in the Castle: Scavenger Hunt event, when the historic Heurich House opens its doors to young visitors.
* The meal delivery service, Sun Basket has a great deal going on: Get $70 off–$30 off your 1st order, $25 off your 2nd, $15 off your 3rd.
* Just started this book and cannot put it down!


Leave a Comment

Filed under 2019, All ages, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Special Event, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Don’t Miss Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, Running Through August 3!


This post is sponsored by Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.


Leave a Comment

Filed under 2019, All ages, Live Entertainment, Music, Outdoor, Seasonal, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend