Tag Archives: July 2021

The Weekend Round-Up: July 30 – August 1

It’s sunflower season 🌻

 

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts full of ideas for activities around the area:
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Indoor Outings
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Peaceful Places
* Bike Rides

Baltimore with Kids

‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity

Make the most of quintessential summer activities around the DC area! Hit the beach. Enjoy an open air concert. See a movie under the stars. Experience a special exhibit. Get wet at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or waterpark. Feast on crabs. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And so much more…

Explore Air & Space
Where: National Air & Space Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

One of the most long-awaited museum reopenings is finally happening! The National Air & Space Museum will begin welcoming visitors again starting Friday. Timed-entry tickets are not required, so be aware that it’s likely going to draw crowds, which means there probably will be a wait to get in. If you plan to go, have a Plan B to visit one of the other nearby reopened museums. With the exception of the African American Museum, you can walk right in to all of them. (Note that the Air & Space will be open Thursday – Sunday, 10:30am – 5pm.)

Ice Cream Social
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

The Yards is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with a larger-than-life retro ice cream experience! From Friday through Sunday, The Yards’ Sun Deck will be transformed with a 16-foot instagrammable Ice Cream Social installation for guests to enjoy a scoop in style and capture fun snaps with different backdrops including a human-sized ice cream cone and retro ice cream parlor! Even better, Ice Cream Jubilee and Jenis Ice Creams will provide a free scoop of their delicious ice cream to the first 100 guests on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 who post a photo of the ice cream-themed installation at Yards Park. To receive a free ice cream, guests must tag @TheYardsDC in their tasty pic and show it off to event staff. After posting, grab your ice cream and enjoy the last weekend of National Ice Cream Month at #TheYardsDC!

See the Sunflowers
Where: McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

Get your cameras ready for one eye-popping bloom! The sunflowers at McKee Beshers are at their peak, and visitors are welcome to take in the brilliant scene. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and they should be blooming for at least couple of weeks. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here and view some from last year’s here.  KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away or go to nearby Rocklands Farm Winery. (PS: You can also see sunflowers at Burnside Farms in Nokesville — admission is $10/child, $14/adult + you can pick flowers for an extra fee.)

World Children’s Festival
Where: Across from Capitol | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

Head to the National Mall for this annual event that celebrates creativity, diversity, and unity with all kinds of programming for kids from Friday through Sunday. There will performances, art activities, workshops, speakers, and more fun for all. Visit the website to see the full schedule. Register for free here.

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

The Nats are back home and hostingthe Cubs this weekend. Catch them on Friday and Saturday evenings (7:05pm) and Sunday afternoon (1:05pm). 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. The first 25,000 fans can get a Victor Robles Bobblehead on Friday, and the playground is open for kid play all weekend.

After Hours at the Station
Where: The Station at Riverdale Park, MD
When: Friday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free

Head to the Station at Riverdale Park for their Friday evening summer series. All are welcome to enjoy family- and dog-friendly programming on The Village Green, including live DJ sets, outdoor games, nine-hole miniature golf, a photo scavenger hunt, plus giveaways, prizes, and more.

Peach Fuzzitval
Where: Great Country Farm | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $14/child & $16/Adult

Celebrate peak peach picking season with Great Country Farms, Bluemont Vineyard, and Dirt Farm Brewing! Along with tons of fun activities, you can also learn how the peaches are grown and used in food and drink and enjoy the results as well. Kick off each morning with a Peach pancake breakfast, then later on get the whole family involved in peach eating and peach pit spitting contests and family water games. All the fun farm attractions will be open, and there will also be live music to entertain the crowd. And across the way at Bluemont Vineyard, enjoy special peach drinks and wine. (Note: The festival will also run August 1, 7, & 8.)

Take Your Pick
Where: Farms around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Along with peaches, blueberries, blackberries, and a few more fruits and veggies are among the produce that’s ripe right now.  And most area farms have something ready for harvest and welcome guests to come pick ’em themselves. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen, hat, and water also recommended.

Tennis, Anyone?
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 annual Citi Open Tennis Tournament returns to DC and swings into action this weekend. Saturday is the first day of qualifying rounds, and they’ll continue on Sunday.  Tickets are very limited.

A Brief Shakespeare Festival
Where: Veterans Amphitheater | Fairfax, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 6pm
Admission: $25

Join the City of Fairfax Theatre company for a dinner theatre whirlwind of Shakespeare performances from and for all ages. The Brief Shakespeare Festival consists of three groups of student actors performing some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. Each group will perform two, 15-minute versions of different plays while playing several characters each. Each production will be bookended with monologues, sonnets or scenes performed by adults. There will be music, food, laughs, tears, magic, love, and more.

BrickFair
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $15+, free for ages 3 and under

The nation’s largest LEGO Fan Festival is back this summer and will be enthralling guests of all ages this weekend. BrickFair brings together LEGO enthusiasts from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Hundreds of exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGO — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more. And guests can use it all as inspiration to do some building there themselves, plus enjoy all kinds of fun activities.  Hand sanitizer will be available at the many hands-on stations, and masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests. Note that strollers are not permitted.

Fashion + FUN
Where: Georgetown Park | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm | Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $28/adult, $19/age 4-15

Go “Inside the Wardrobe” at this new art installation/fashion funhouse in Georgetown. The 20,000 square foot space contains more than 20 exhibits/spaces, all them wildly creative, fashion-inspired, interactive, even kind of trippy.  You can try on paper doll cutouts, play with size in a fun house, get a close look at beautiful handiwork, take pics in whimsical and delightful settings, strut the catwalk, and much more. Read more about it and see some snaps from a visit there in this KFDC post!

Circus Vasquez
Where: Tysons III | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: $25

Enjoy some thrilling family entertainment at this circus that I learn about on Goldstar. Here’s their description: “Circo Hermanos Vazquez will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! Delivering their best show yet with a turbo-charged take on the traditional circus that’s sure to thrill audiences of all ages. From graceful dancers and daring trapeze artists to a hilarious clown. This gasp-inducing performance gathers tons of amazing world known talent under the big top for a huge dose of family fun.” Note: Reviews of it mentioned the show is mostly in Spanish.

Fairytales in the Sun
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am, 2pm, & 4:30pm | Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Admission: $20.50 (look for a discount)

Adventure Theatre is presenting live, in-person family entertainment again! Two one-act plays, The Flood in the Future by Lyra Yang and From Cinders to Ella by Michelle Lynch, will be performed outside in the grassy field next to ATMTC and the Irish Inn. Covid protocols will be followed. BYO blanket or chair.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $27+

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!

Free Community Day (& Week)
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! Even better to go now as the museum will be closing for renovations after August 8 (and entry is free until then). Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world.

#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, 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***
* Mask up!
* We’ve spent the past week in Asheville, NC, a great family vacay destination from DC — see more here!
* The National Children’s Chorus is holding auditions soon for its Fall 2021 season.
* Highlighting some recent posts/great area places to visit: Kreeger Museum and Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.
* This fun game has been in our rotation this week.
* Tom Sietsema’s 7 favorite places to eat right now.
* Toddler…or ghost?

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, DC, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: July 23-25

Riding the trails at Fort Dupont Park

 

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts for ongoing and seasonal activities:
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

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.

No Tickets Required
Where: Museums in DC & VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

Timed-entry tickets are no longer needed at many reopened museums. You can now just pop in to the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Air & Space Udvar-Hazy Center, American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Renwick Gallery, National Museum of the America Indian, National Museum of Asian Art/Freer Gallery,  National Museum of African Art, and the National Gallery of Art.  Yay!

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Docks | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free

Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for their summer Friday fishing program — all ages are welcome! All essentials are provided: rods, reels, bait, and lessons for first time fishers. Staff are there to answer any questions and help with casting, tips, and tricks. Be sure to register and fill out a waiver if you plan to go. When you’re done, head right down the boardwalk to Yards Park for the Friday Night Concert or get a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Live Music by the River
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7-9pm
Admission: Free

Kick of the weekend with some Blue Grass and Americana music in the fresh air.  The 19th Street Band will be playing this week’s Friday Night Concert the Yards Park.   Bring the kiddos early to play in the water features, then head over to hear the music. BYO food for a picnic, but note that no outside alcohol is allowed (wine, beer, and seltzer will be available for sale). If not fully vaccinated and over the age of 18, they ask that masks are worn.

Millennium Stage: Adobo Gigante
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free

This weekend’s Millennium Stage will feature live performances from some of the top local artists in D.C., as well as DJ sets from Pedro Night, DJ Bembona, DJ Alizay, DJ Bo, and more.  This will all take place on the Plaza outside.  And plan to visit Victura Park while you’re there. The pop-up wine garden and cafe on the grounds of The REACH is a great place to hang out and enjoy a nice day. (Note: Victura Park is also open n Sunday.)

Insectival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: $7

Buzz on down to Calvert County as Annmarie Sculpture Garden celebrates and investigates insects through educational and artsy activities, crafts, demos, challenges, and fun photo ops.. 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.

Olney Outdoors: Disney Sing-A-Long
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Saturday, 12pm
Admission: $12

Olney Theatre is presenting Theatre for Young Audiences outdoors this summer, and this weekend is a singalong of Disney songs with Imagination Stage. It will take place on The Root Family Stage outside. Purchase tickets in advance here. If you are vaccinated, masks are encouraged but not required. Those who have not been vaccinated should follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask.

Carpe Librum
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free

Shop a mobile bookstore on Saturday.  Browse through thousands of books all under $6 in a safe, outdoor setting.  There’s something for everyone — children’s books, teen reads, brand-new bestsellers in amazing condition, classic vintage hardbacks, and more. Capacity will be limited to 50 people at any given time. Look for it in the southern block of the park.

Sea of Sunflowers
Where: McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

Get your cameras ready for one eye-popping bloom! Word has it the sunflowers at McKee Beshers are reaching their peak, and visitors are welcome to take in the brilliant scene. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and they should be blooming for at least couple of weeks. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here and view some from last year’s here.  KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away. (Or go to Rocklands Farm Winery, also nearby.)

Beachy Keen
Where: Several destinations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Do something quintessentially summer and hit the beach! You don’t have to go all the way to the ocean — there is sand and surf (and shark tooth hunting, in some places) within day trip distance from DC. Head a bit past Annapolis to Sandy Point, go to one of several spots in Calvert County, or make fossil hunting your main focus at the Purse Area in Charles County. See the 2021 Guide to Summer in DC for details and links on all of these beaches.

Nats in Another City
Where: Camden Yards | Baltimore, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary

Catch a Nats game and enjoy some different ballpark scenery as our team plays the Orioles all weekend in Baltimore. You can even make a day/night of it and enjoy some other great Charm City attractions while you’re there. See the KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids for lots of ideas!

Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: Starts at $10

If you want to enjoy baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Hartford Yard Goats all weekend, and there’s extra fun to enjoy — post-game fireworks, a Latin celebration on Saturday, and Heroes Day on Sunday.  Read about one of our past Baysox experiences here.

Bike+
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Add some extra adventure to a bike ride and go mountain biking. There are several MTB trails to ride around the area, a few miles even right here in the District at Fort Dupont Park in Anacostia — a good place for newer mountain bikers. Schaffer Farms in Gaithersburg is also great for those just starting. And for even more recs, the post about biking around the DC area includes a list of places to hit the mountain biking trails (scroll down). (Note: This activity is better for older kids with more experience riding.)

Summer Block Party: Inside Out
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $7/youth, $10/adult
The National Building Museum’s Summer Block Party is back for the season, albeit on a smaller scale. This year’s exhibition features a handful of smaller projects and programs both in the museum and on the West Lawn that are better for the early post-pandemic era of smaller gatherings and social distancing.  Aptly titled Inside Out, the Block Party includes Maze of Knowledge, a wooden maze filled with books; a hand-built cathedral truss; interactive art; outdoor films; and more! And for memories’ sake, have a look at some of the past Summer Block Parties: The Big MazeThe BeachIcebergs, HiveFun HouseLawn.

Al Fresco Films
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location

Several movies series and drive-ins are screening films on weekend evenings. Catch a flick at the Alexandria Drive-in, PG Stadium, and in Greenbelt. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on what’s playing where. And be sure to check that they aren’t cancelled due to weather.

Summer GLOW
Where: Alleys in Georgetown, DC
When: Starting Friday through September 26
Admission: Free
There’s a new season of Georgetown GLOW, the free public art experience, happening. Summer GLOW features three light installations that have transformed a few of the neighborhood’s alleys. The pieces are viewable by day, but brighter by night. I always recommend making an evening of it — take then fam out to dinner at one of the many dining options in Georgetown, then stroll around to enjoy the art!

Animal Odyssey Concert
Where: Wakefield Park | Annandale, VA
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free

Join this “Animal Odyssey,” a tuneful animal kingdom adventure at this concert that is part of Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. Ray Owen, a GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter will take the audience on a journey through a land of rousing songs, down a river of rollicking stories, through a rolling valley of wide-eyed surprises to a sea of kids comedy. Featured highlights include a great farm animal impersonation competition – a zany Chicken Karaoke contest for kids!

Fairytales in the Sun
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $20.50

Adventure Theatre is presenting live, in-person family entertainment again!  Two one-act plays, The Flood in the Future by Lyra Yang and From Cinders to Ella by Michelle Lynch, will be performed outside in the grassy field next to ATMTC and the Irish Inn. Covid protocols will be followed. BYO blanket or chair.

Fashion + FUN
Where: Georgetown Park | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm | Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $28/adult, $19/age 4-15

Go “Inside the Wardrobe” at this new art installation/fashion funhouse in Georgetown. The 20,000 square foot space contains more than 20 exhibits/spaces, all them wildly creative, fashion-inspired, interactive, even kind of trippy.  You can try on paper doll cutouts, play with size in a fun house, get a close look at beautiful handiwork, take pics in whimsical and delightful settings, strut the catwalk, and much more. Read more about it and see some snaps from a visit there in this KFDC post!

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $27+

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!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The Olympics Opening Ceremony will be televised tonight at 7:30pm on NBC. And Thrillist has a round-up of places where you can watch the games in DC.
* Help decide names for the new black-footed ferret kits at the National Zoo!
* Save the date: Ford’s Theatre Society is presenting a concert version of the fantastic musical Come From Away at the Lincoln Memorial on September 10.
* And something to look forward to in 2022 — I’ve always wanted to go inside!
* Sharing these recs for outdoor lawn games again in case anyone is looking for new ones to play.
* Season 2 of Never Have I Ever is just as good as the first!
* It’s all about the ‘gram.

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Filed under 2021, DC, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Five Things for Today: July 20, 2021

 

1.  The Olympic Rings are on the National Mall through this evening!  DC is the second to last stop of NBC’s 8,000-mile Rings Across America tour through 25 states to celebrate the games starting this weekend.  The rings head to New York’s 30 Rock from here, where they will be on display outside when the Opening Ceremonies begin on Friday.

 

2.  Starting tomorrow, timed-entry tickets will no longer be required to visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Renwick Gallery.  Yep, more places where you can walk in at your convenience — when they’re open, that is.  Hours at SAAM/NPG are 11:30am – 7pm Wednesday -Sunday — read more about them here and here.  Renwick hours are 10am – 5:30pm — read more about it and see scenes from the fantastic, current exhibition here.

 

3. La Collina may just be my new favorite neighborhood restaurant — can’t wait until hours expand beyond weekends. It’s sister restaurant, The Duck & The Peach, right next door is excellent, too!

 

4.  Do you know about ThredUp?  I’ve mentioned it before, but in case you missed it or forgot, here’s another shout-out:  The online secondhand store is great for getting deals on all kinds of apparel, including kids’ clothes, from just about every brand. Not to mention thrifting is good for the environment and really satisfying when you score those perfect pieces! The link provided is my referral code, which gives you $10 to shop when you place your first order.

 

5. New Nat ❤️

 

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, DC, Summer

The Weekend Round-Up: July 16-18

Picnic, play, or just hang out on the Capitol lawn this weekend

 

Happy Weekend!

These evergreen posts are full of ideas & inspo for local adventures:
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Indoor Outings
Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Peaceful Places
* Bike Rides

Seize the Season
Where: Around the DC Area
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. Some ideas: Start off the weekend with a free outdoor concert at Yards Park, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Or enjoy a special summer program like Inside Out at the Building Museum or Fairies in the Garden at Annmarie Sculpture Garden. Wind it all up with crab feast on Sunday. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2021 Summer Guide.

DC Reopenings
Where: Smithsonians on the National Mall, DC
When: Starting Friday
Admission: Free

The National Museum of Asian Art/Freer Gallery and National Museum of African Art reopen this weekend — with no timed-entry passes required. Both will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm. See what other Smithsonians are open and reserve passes where you need them here.

Fashion + FUN for All Ages
Where: Georgetown Park | Georgetown, DC
When: Friday, 5-9pm | Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $28/adult, $19/age 4-15

Go “Inside the Wardrobe” at this new art installation/fashion funhouse in Georgetown. The 20,000 square foot space contains more than 20 exhibits/spaces, all them wildly creative, fashion-inspired, interactive, even kind of trippy.  You can try on paper doll cutouts, play with size in a fun house, get a close look at beautiful handiwork, take pics in whimsical and delightful settings, strut the catwalk, and much more. Read more about it and see some snaps from a visit there in this new post!

Summer GLOW
Where: Alleys in Georgetown, DC
When: Starting Friday through September 26
Admission: Free
A new season of Georgetown GLOW, the free public art experience, begins this weekend! Three local artists will show commissioned artworks during Summer GLOW with light installations transforming a few of the neighborhood’s alleys. The pieces will be viewable by day, and brighter by night. I always recommend making an evening of it — take then fam out to dinner at one of the many dining options in Georgetown, then stroll around to enjoy the art!

Al Fresco Films
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location

Several movie series and drive-ins are screening films on weekend evenings. Catch a flick at the Alexandria Drive-in, PG Stadium, and in Greenbelt. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on what’s playing where. And be sure to check that they aren’t cancelled due to weather.

Free Music in the Fresh Air
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

There are bunch of places where you can enjoy free live music around the area. Kick off the weekend with a concert at Yards Park. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is outdoors this summer. The US Air Force Band presents shows at the Air Force memorial. And there’s more music at a few more spots — get details on all of it in the Summer Guide.

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

The Nats are hosting the Padres all weekend, with games at 7:05pm Friday and Saturday, and at 1:05pm on Sunday. There will be Freedom Fireworks after the Saturday game and a kids’ mask giveaway on Sunday.  And a reminder that the ballpark is back at 100% capacity, and the playground is open again.

Capitol Picnic
Where: Capitol Southeast Lawn | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The fence around the Capitol finally came down, and there’s going to be a community picnic to celebrate. BYO fare and blanket and meet on the southeast section of the lawn.

Model Trains + Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)

Chug on down to the Historic Vienna Train Station for their first Open House since the pandemic  began. 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.

Big Bloom: Lotus and Water Lilies
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free

It’s peak time at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens as the annual lotus and water lily bloom is on, and this is the most stunning of them all, imo.  View scenes from a past bloom here and consider a great bike ride to go see them (and another ride that incorporates a visit there).  And this post has more general info and background on Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Summer Splash
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

It’s the season for splashing around, and there are plenty of  spray parks, outdoor pools, and waterparks  around the area where you can have fun and cool off.  The 2021 KFDC Summer Guide has details on where to go for water play — see info for sprays here, outdoor pools here, and waterparks here.

Swim in Nature
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

If want to find some spots to swim in fresh or saltwater, check out this round-up of places. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip!

Fairytales in the Sun
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $20.50

Adventure Theatre is presenting live, in-person family entertainment again!  Two one-act plays, The Flood in the Future by Lyra Yang and From Cinders to Ella by Michelle Lynch, will be performed outside in the grassy field next to ATMTC and the Irish Inn and Covid protocols will be followed. BYO blanket or chair.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $27+

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!

Charm City Fun, Hon!
Where: Around Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

Not only is it nice to get a change of metro area scenery sometimes, Baltimore, our sister city just a 45-minute drive away is full of fantastic, family-friendly things to do. Find a whole post about all of them, including big attractions, suggestions for places to eat, and neighborhoods to explore.

I Scream, You Scream
Where: Ice Cream Jubilee & Kilwin’s | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
We all scream for ice cream! Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, and a couple of ice cream shops in the Capitol Riverfront ‘hood are celebrating with free scoops. Ice Cream Jubilee (301 Water Street, SE) is giving them away from 1-3pm in an effort to encourage vaccinations among the younger population — everyone who pledges to get vaccinated as soon as they can and encourage their friends and family to do the same, receives a free sweet treat. And Kilwins (1250 Half Street, SE) is offering freebies 11am – 1pm. Just stop in the new shop and show a staff member that you’re following Kilwins on Instagram and Facebook.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Children’s Performances are returning to Wolf Trap this coming week!
* The Library of Congress just reopened to visitors. Read more about the local and national treasure here.
* Just started watching The White Lotus on HBO and love it so far (though it’s hard to wait for new weekly episodes)!
* Where Should You Go On Vacation Next?
* Gen Z Lingo (and good use of it here).

 

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Filed under 2021, DC, Maryland, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

Go “Inside the Wardrobe” for a Fun & Unique Fashion Experience

Give David some new duds at Inside the Wardrobe. XO

 

As we emerge from the pandemic — and our comfy “house” clothes — many of us are ready and excited for new, unique experiences.  One just opened in Georgetown, and it’s timely, relevant, and so much fun to explore: Inside the Wardrobe, an interactive art installation and fashion funhouse celebrating the return to getting dressed in real clothes and going out again.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first heard about the “journey through more than 20 interactive experiences focused on the fun and tactile nature of engaging with your closet.”  But I was intrigued.  I like clothes and fashion (though actually being fashionable is another story), plus I love checking out new things around town, especially after missing them for so long. So I visited with my friend, Torey, last weekend (my kids were way at camp) and we had a blast exploring it all!

The 20,000 square foot space in Georgetown Park contains more than 20 exhibits/spaces, all them wildly creative, fashion-inspired, interactive, even kind of trippy.  It’s meant to be very Instagrammy — there is even a Hall of Selfies and placemarks on the floor for getting your best shots — which is not usually my thing; I prefer to be behind the camera.  However, the imaginative environments and fun experiences had me both snapping and posing away!

There are interactives and photo ops galore as you explore different components of fashion. You can try on paper doll cutouts, play with size in a fun house, get a close look at beautiful handiwork, take pics in whimsical and delightful settings, strut the catwalk, and so much more.

I can’t wait to return with my kids when they get back — I know they’ll dig it, too.  (Though I can also see this being something teen friends would love doing on their own.)

What’s your favorite outfit?

 

Inside the Wardrobe runs through August 29 September 26 (extended!) in Georgetown Park located at 3720 M Street NW (across from the DMV). Hours are Thursday – Friday 5-9pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 9pm. Admission is $28/adult | $24/students, seniors, military | $19/age 4 and up — a little steep, but worth it if you’re looking for something unique and delightful to do.

 

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Filed under 2021, All ages, DC, Exhibit