Tag Archives: March 2025

The Best Events & Activities for Families During Cherry Blossom Season

Blossoms, kites, and people galore at the annual Kite Festival

 

It’s almost peak time in DC as cherry blossom season will soon begin!  Not only is the city at its prettiest when the famous flowers are in bloom, there are also loads of special events and activities to celebrate them. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 13 this year, presents all kinds of fun and enriching opportunities over several weeks, plus there are some blossom-inspired happenings that aren’t part of the official festivities. Here are the best of them for families to help plan for a peak experience. Happy Cherry Blossom Season!

Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Tidal Basin, DC
When: Late March
Admission: Free

DC’s famous cherry trees are predicted to hit peak bloom March 28 – 31 this year.  And viewing the cherry blossoms may just be the top thing to do during the season — and lots of people agree. The scenery really can’t get more iconic DC than the flowering trees around the Tidal Basin at their peak pink and white brilliance with our grand memorials in the background. However, viewing the famous blooms can be a bit challenging without being aware of a few things, so be sure to check out these KFDC tips before you go to see them. Get a glimpse of last year’s bloom!  And view scenes from blooms past here, here and here.

Blooming Wonders
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through April
Admission: $20-25/adult, $17/age 4-15, $72/family 4-pack

The spring  exhibition at ARTECHOUSE is always a celebration of the cherry blossoms, and this year Blooming Wonders is a best-of-spring showcase, brginging back bringing back fan favorites alongside new interactive experiences. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements always make them beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience.

Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race
Where: Basin Pedal Voats | Tidal Basin, DC
When: March 20, 4-7pm
Admission: $100/two riders, $20/additional, free to spectate

The first-ever Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race promises an exciting and vibrant kick-off to spring and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.Participants of all ages are invited to race pedal boats across the iconic Tidal Basin the beautiful body of water surrounded by famous monuments and memorials. The race features both timed heats and friendly competitions, with awards for the fastest boats per age group and best dressed participants.

Cultural Performances
Where: Tidal Basin Welcome Area
When: March 22 – April 6
Admission: Free

Catch live entertainment as you take in views of the blossoms! During the cherry blossom peak, there will be music and dance performances on a special stage set up at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area at a new location on West Basin Drive SW (between the Martin Luther King, Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorials and near the Japanese Pagoda).  The National Park Service will offer Ranger talks, Bloomin’ Junior Ranger activities, and more.  The daily live performances on the ANA stage presented by All Nippon Airways will take place 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and showcase a cross-cultural mix of American, Japanese and other performing arts celebrating 110 years since the gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC. A full list of performers and performance schedules can be viewed here.

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 22, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate the season of cherry blossoms with SAAM! Begin the day on the F Street Plaza (weather permitting) with a taiko drumming performance by drumming group Nen Daiko, then head inside in the Kogod Courtyard for Japanese pop, boogie, and more with Les The DJ. Enjoy performances while children make cherry-blossom themed crafts. Seasonal treats will be available for purchase from the Courtyard Café, and a spring-themed scavenger hunt through the galleries extends the cherry blossom fun.

Celebration at the Lab
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: March 22 – April 14
Admission:

Experience the magic of cherry blossoms at the kids’ space in Lake Fairfax Mall. Step into a world of wonder as the Lab is tranformed into a vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration and into the beauty and traditions of Japan with hands-on activities that blend art, science, and culture… Explore Magnetic Levitation: Test out the push and pull of the magnetic field and create a model of a high speed shinkansen or Japanese bullet train. Petal Perfect Origami: Master the art of paper folding and create delicate cherry blossom petals to take home. Cherry Blossom Scavenger Hunt: Explore the entire Lab as you learn science and history behind these iconic blooms. Read more about the Children’s Science Center Lab here.

Pink in the Pool
Where: Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness | Arlington, VA
When: March 22
Admission: Free

Celebrate cherry blossom season with swimming and more fun! Enjoy free access to the Long Bridge Aquatics Center, plus pink beach balls, and interactive activity stations featuring Japanese arts and culture, balloon twisters, a Japanese candy station, and more.  Register in advance.

Cherry Blossom Tea
Where: Ritz Carlton | Pentagon City, VA
When: Friday – Sunday through April 13
Admission: $88/adult, $55/age 12 & under

The Ritz at Pentagon City is offering a Cherry Blossom Tea, inviting guests to savor their unique Japanese Cherry Blossom-inspired tea sandwiches, pastries, warm scones, and a variety of luxury loose-leaf teas, all complemented by a glass of sparkling wine (for adults). Young guests c anenjoy delightful treats paired with their choice of tea or hot chocolate and a special Cherry Blossom teddy bear to take home!

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: March 29, 5-9pm
Admission: Free

The Wharf’s annual Bloomaroo is a free spring extravaganza featuring a full day of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront! Decorate koi kites, create haikus, do some karaoke, enjoy ballon art, sample matcha tea, and more.  There will also be beer gardens on District pier, s’mores at the firepit, and live music. It’ll all be capped off with a blossom fireworks finale.

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: March 29, 10am – 4:30pm (rain date March 30)
Admission: Free

The annual Blossom Kite Festival, a favorite for many during the blossom season, will be back!  And the sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument truly is a sight to behold. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like big, beautiful origami works way outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so plan to BYO. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics.

Family Day: Japanese Fashion
Where: The GWU & Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 29, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate culture, craft, and cherry blossom season with a special family day dedicated to art you can wear! People across time and cultures have expressed themselves through clothing and other adornments. This day of family-friendly art activities is inspired by beautiful kimonos, capes, robes and tunics on view in the museum’s centennial exhibition Intrinsic Beauty: Celebrating the Art of Textiles. There will be a special focus on Japan with demonstrations of traditional dance and music, as well as “kirigami” crafts. Read more about the Textile Museum here.

Wizards Cherry Blossom Night
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 29, 7pm
Admission: $38-193

Whoop it up at a special cherry blossom-themed basketball game! See the Wizards take on the Nets as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Purchase tickets through this link to get a cherry blossom Hawaiian shirt. A portion of proceeds also supports year-round care for the iconic trees through the Trust for the National Mall.

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Run, MD
When: March 30, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Join National Harbor for their annual Sakura Sunday Festival. The celebration will feature a wide array of free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary delights, and more! Read more about all there is to do at National Harbor here.

Blossom Bash
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: March 30, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Tysons is celebrating the season with a festival on the Plaza, featuring a variety of cherry blossom-themed activities and attractions. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities such as face painting, glitter tattoos, and enjoy live music. Local artists will create live cherry blossom-themed chalk art, including a contest for participants, along with art exhibits on display. The Virginia LOVE letters sign provides a perfect photo opportunity and decorations. And retailers and restarants will offer special merchandise and food for the occasion.

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 5, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

The Library of Congress hosts its annual Japanese Culture Day in celebration of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival! The event features family activities, Japanese musical instrument demonstrations, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Collection items related to cherry blossoms and Japanese culture will also be on display. Get tickets here! And read more about the Library of Congress in this KFDC post.

Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 5, 1-9pm
Admission: Free

Join the Capitol Riverfront community for Petalpalooza! This day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by the spectacular Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30pm.

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Where: Mosaic District | McLean, VA
When: April 5-6, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Welcome spring at the Mosaic District with a celebratory weekend featuring fun for all ages. Shop at the market, catch live entertainment and art exhibits, enjoy some kids activities, sip on a cocktail while you stroll, and more! Family-friendly activities include a kids’ game corner, petting zoo, cherry blossom-inspired arts and crafts, face painting, and painting stations.

The Art of Pink
Where: Metropolitan Park | Arlington, VA
When: April 11, 5-10pm
Admission: Free

Head to National Landing for Art of Pink, an immersive art and music experience celebrating cherry blossom season. Browse a pop-up gallery featuring 30+ artists, enjoy Japanese and Asian-inspired bites, and catch an electrifying breakdance showcase with beats by DJ Fleg (of Olympic breakdancing fame). Explore Met Park retailers, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and soak in the vibrant nighttime atmosphere. Free with RSVP.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 12, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free

The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities just might be the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue to watch the procession of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers roll through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $25-40, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-7th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 12, 10:30am – 6pm & April 13, 10:30m – 4:30pm
Admission: $10-15/ages 13+, $50/family package, free/12 & under

Following the Cherry Blossom parade, head over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest exhibition of Japanese culture. The 61st annual event will feature live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. And once again, it will be held over two days!  PS: Note that the family package for $50 includes 2 one-day entry tickets  (kids 12 & under are free), 2 kids T-shirts , 2 Omen masks for kids, and 2 Japanese Snacks.

DC United Cherry Blosssom Night
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 12, 7:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary

Not only will you watch some great soccer action as the United play Columbus Crew, at this special themed matchday, enjoy a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the MLS season and the cherry blossom season. There’s always extra fun going on in the concourse, and there is sure to be some pink, to boot.

Go with the Flow
Where: Local waterways
When: Starting mid-March
Admission: Rates vary

Get a new perspective of the blossoms and enjoy some outdoor recreation on a paddling (or pedaling) excursion. Several boathouses will open during cherry blossom season — the earliest the pedal boats at the Tidal Basin —  offering pedal boat, canoe, kayak, and other rentals to take you out on local waterways, where you can see the blooming cherry trees from the water. This KFDC post has more information on where to go with the flow around DC.

Extra ideas to enhance the season:
* Special cherry blossom treats from Astro Doughnuts
* Seasonal play: A LEGO kit, a cool 3D puzzle, and origami
* Dress the kids for the occasion (boys, too).
* Make your nails match the scenery.
* Pink up your decor with pretty faux cherry blossoms.

Which events are you looking forward to this cherry blossom season?

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Filed under 2025, DC, Maryland, Spring, Virginia

Five Things: March 12, 2025

 

1. Yesterday, House Republicans voted to cut $1 billion from DC’s budget, which would significantly impact funding for local government, including schools, law enforcement, and more city services. What can we do?  Call and email senators and tag them on social media (using hashtags #HandsOffDC #SaveOurCity #StandUpForDC) ASAP asking them to vote NO on the Continuing Resolution (CR).  See the Senate phone list here and the email list here.  And see more details about this issue here.

 

2. You can also join Recess at the Capitol tomorrow, March 13, from 10am to 12pm, as families gather to let their voices be heard on this issue.  Bring your kids, signs, crayons, and creativity to the Senate Hart Building Atrium (120 Constitution Ave NE).

 

3. This Friday, March 14 (3.14) is Pi Day, and here’s a FREE fun way to celebrate:  CAMP DC in Tysons Corner Center is hosting a Pi Day slime bar! Book an appointment here, choosing from three exclusive Pi Day-inspired slime recipes — Sticky Key Lime, Buttery Pumpkin, or Fluffy Banana Cream Pie — and four math-inspired topping options. There will also be free pizza and hands-on STEM activities like slime-making, beaded bracelet crafting, face painting, temporary tattoos, and more.  There are only a few time-slots left, so snag your spots soon!

 

4. If you need quick supplies for the Recess tomorrow:  This and this can be delivered today.

 

5. In case you missed it yesterday, there’s a new round-up of live entertainment coming to DC this spring.

 

 

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Filed under 2025, DC, Five Things, Spring

Live Entertainment Around DC this Spring

See Kimberly Akimbo at National Theatre this spring <br>[Photo courtesy of National Theatre]

With the new season comes a whole new line-up of shows on local stages! Here’s a round-up of live entertainment you can catch throughout spring, with shows listed in order of start date. Tickets are available for all of the shows, and discounts are noted where available. Happy viewing!

Mother Goose
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 13
Tickets: $19.50  (find discount)

Through innovative puppets, props, and original music, eight classic Mother Goose rhymes come gently and tunefully to life. The magical Mother Goose invites the children in the audience to join in with each rhyme’s story, teaching them that the very best way to do what needs to be done is to do it together. Among the rhymes the children will experience are “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Old King Cole,” and “Humpty Dumpty.” Recommended for ages 1-5.

In the Heights
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through May 4
Tickets: $40-103 (find discount)

Lights up on Washington Heights, NYC where the streets are full of music, and everybody’s got a dream. With the neighborhood on the brink of gentrification, and a life-changing winning lottery ticket somewhere in their midst, the vibrant inhabitants share hope, loss and love as they plan their futures while cherishing their home. Recommended for ages 8+.

The Age of Innocence
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through March 30
Tickets: $59-99 (find discount)

When Countess Ellen Olenska escapes Europe and a cruel past, only to find herself trapped behind the suffocating gilded cage of New York society and in love with the man engaged to her cousin May, she battles privilege, desire, and tradition in pursuit of her own destiny. Recommended for teens and older.

A Room in the Castle
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Through April 6
Tickets: $20-84 (find discount)

How does a woman survive the court of Denmark? How does anyone? A Room in the Castle finds Ophelia, her handmaid, and Queen Gertrude on the other end of a wild prince’s antics and realizing just how dangerous life in this castle has become. A universal thriller that explores how we help one another through harrowing times, what mothering a potential madman means, and what responsibilities generations have to each other, A Room in the Castle rebrands the stories of the women of Shakespeare’s Hamlet into a hilarious and heart-rending drama with music and defiant hope for the future. Recommended for teens and older.

Sister Act
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 14 – May 17
Tickets: $58-95 (find discount)

This riotous musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet. To escape the mob, a nightclub singer hides in a convent. While there, she helps her new sisters to discover their powerful voices while she finds her own.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: March 21-23
Tickets: $15

Ichabod Crane arrives in the quiet town of Sleepy Hollow; a valley town filled with ghosts and legends. As he tries to win the heart of Katrina Van Tassel, he faces a rugged rival, Brom Bones. Their rivalry escalates until one fateful night Icabod’s dreams turn to nightmares. Perhaps he should have heeded the town’s warnings of the Headless Horseman after all… Recommended for all ages.

Sleepova
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: March 26 – April 27
Tickets: $46-95

Whether or not sleepover parties with friends were part of your upbringing, you’re invited to join Elle, Shan, Funmi, and Rey at theirs. These four Black British teenagers are growing up fast, each coping with unique challenges. But even these issues — whether living with sickle cell disease, coming out to family, a crisis of faith, or a romantic misadventure, are confronted with humor, sincerity, and optimism. Most of all, Sleepova is a testament to the joys of friendship, centering a quartet of young women finding strength in each other, as they face the world together. Recommended for teens and older.

Sesame Street Live!
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 28
Tickets: $37-116 (find discount)

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 28 – April 6
Tickets: $25.30 (find discount)
Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just… isn’t. Then Leonardo finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo finally get to scare the tuna salad out of someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship? Watch what happens when a terrible, not-so-scary monster meets the most scaredy-cat kid, bringing Mo Willems’ book to life.

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Where: Eagle Bank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: March 28 – April 6
Tickets: Start at $20

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returns with a reimagined edition of The Greatest Show On Earth. This iconic production, designed to entertain today’s families, brings together 75 performers from 18 different nationalities, showcasing over 50 exhilarating circus acts in a fast-paced, action-packed two-hour show.

Make It Wow!
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: March 29
Tickets: $30-130

Hosted by Mindy Thomas of the Wow in the World podcast and Carly Q. Ciarrocchi of Who, When, Wow: Mystery Edition, Make it Wow! is a fast-paced, science-packed, laughter-inducing, interactive live game show where real kids are the stars! Make it Wow! features two teams of Wowzer contestants who — with the help of the live audience — will wow the world with their own inventions that they make live on stage.

NSO Family Concert: Earth to Space
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 30
Tickets: $25.30
Explore the vastness of space with music inspired by the planets, stars, and beyond! In anticipation of the upcoming voyage of Artemis II, the National Symphony Orchestra celebrates the discoveries and beauty of space through music and images. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team including Kennedy Center Youth Ambassador for the Arts and Environment Aneeshwar Kunchala and astronaut and textile artist Karen Nyberg. Recommended for ages 5+.

Bad Books
Where: Round House Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: April 2-27
Tickets: $50-89

When a troubled teen is given a controversial book, his mother visits the local library to discuss “appropriate” reading material with the librarian. However, their reasonable discussion quickly turns into a heated confrontation, sparking a dramatic chain reaction of unexpected consequences. With both heartbreak and humor, Sharyn Rothstein offers compassion and empathy as an antidote to the deep debates that divide us. Staged in the round, this brilliant world premiere challenges us to see past our political divisions and first impressions, and asks us what it truly means to care for our children. Recommended for teens and older.

Mother Earth & Me
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 2-4
Tickets: $3-9

The magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role to protect the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick off Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away! Recommended for children in grades K-2.

Annie
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 11-20
Tickets: $49-139 

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.

Charlotte’s Web
Where: Adventure Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: April 25 – May 25
Tickets: $25

Charlotte’s mission to save Wilbur unfolds with the unveiling of her miraculous web, adorned with the proclamation “Some pig.” Thus begins a triumphant crusade, culminating in Wilbur’s salvation and a poignant gesture honoring Charlotte’s legacy. This timeless tale celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness, promising both actors and audience an enchanting afternoon filled with warmth and wonder. Recommended for all ages.

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: A Discovery Play
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 23-25
Tickets: $3-9

Join  an adventure through the neighborhood led by our favorite community helpers. We’ll meet the crossing guard, the librarian, and all become volunteer firefighters. Recycled crafting and interactive songs make this community day the perfect blend of learning and just plain fun! One of our Discovery Plays for your youngest learners.

ALICE (in wonderland)
Where: Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: April 24-27
Tickets: $25 – $100
The Washington Ballet brings his fantastical adventure will come to life with familiar characters from Lewis Carroll’s stories. Journey alongside Alice as she tumbles into the whimsical wonderland, encountering curious creatures, magical transformations, and the elusive White Rabbit. With vibrant costumes, playful puppetry and zany choreography, this production will entertain the whole family with an unforgettable escape into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure!

Matilda in Concert
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 25-26
Tickets: $29-109 (find discount)
Hosted and narrated by Matilda director and star Danny DeVito, the beloved modern fairytale comes to life on the big screen as David Newman conducts his enchanting score live-to-picture! Based on the book by Roald Dahl, Matilda tells the larger-than-life story of a little girl gifted with genius intelligence and magical powers—which she uses to survive her self-absorbed parents and an evil headmistress.

Dog Man: The Musical
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 26
Tickets: $35-118

Dog Man:The Musical is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be?

Falu
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 26, 11am & 1L30pm
Tickets: $25.30
Grammy Award–winning and internationally recognized artist,Falu introduces children to the wonders of the world. Her songs take families on musical journeys through South Asia and the day-to-day of a child’s wonder. Each concert is a celebration of how music can beautifully express both difference and connection across cultures. Recommended for ages 5+.

Mother Earth & Me
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 29-30
Tickets: $3-9

The magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role to protect the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick off Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away! Recommended for children in grades 3-5.

Marooned: A Space Comedy
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 3-4
Tickets: $25.30
Help a stranded astronaut find her way home in this innovative new puppet show. Internationally acclaimed company Alex and Olmsted presents this Jim Henson Foundation grant-awarded production with music from the Voyager Golden Record. Recommended for ages 7+.

Minty Fresh Circus
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 8, 7pm
Tickets: $25.30
With an Afro-futuristic vibe and a steam-punk look, Minty Fresh Circus features movement, music, and circus arts in a time-bending journey of redemption. Watch as the artists perform a range of spectacular circus and dance skills sourced from the African Diaspora, including vernacular dance, Lindy, hip hop, percussive hand games, and more. Recommended for all ages.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 9-11
Tickets: $25.30 (find discount)
Ten unique perspectives are brilliantly woven into one funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life. Washington, D.C.–area native, New York Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales (1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings.

The Big Jam
Where: Capitol One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: May 10, 7-9pm
Tickets: $15-25

Support young musicians & celebrate the power of music! The Vienna Jammers, a non-profit marimba and steel pan musical ensemble for kids ages 7-18, will take the stage, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of local youth. Joined by world-renowned musician Etienne Charles, these young percussionists will bring an electrifying performance filled with rhythm, culture, and high-energy beats. By attending, you’re not just enjoying an unforgettable show, you’re investing in music education and supporting the next generation of artists.

Twelfth Night
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: May 13 – June 22
Tickets: $20-84
Viola washes up on the shore after losing her twin brother in a shipwreck. In disguise as her twin brother, she lands in the world of Duke Orsino. A playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love. Recommended for teens and older.

Senior Class
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: May 16 – June 22
Tickets: $26-101
When budget cuts to the arts program mean their high school theatre can’t pay for My Fair Lady, Colin and G.B., two Broadway-obsessed students, decide to stage their own original musical version of Shaw’s Pygmalion. The search for an actress to play Eliza Doolittle leads them to a Harlem-born-and-bred subway dancer who just might be perfect — but artistic egos and culture clashes threaten to undermine the production before the big opening night. Can the Senior Class musical be saved? (And will Colin score his much-wished-for “Jimmy” Award to launch his meteoric rise to stardom as the first-ever J-EGOT?) Amy Anders Corcoran (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) directs this World Premiere musical-lovers’ musical full of dancing and comedy, dedicated to the timeless belief that the show must go on! Recommended for teens and older.

Kimberly Akimbo
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 20 – June 1
Tickets: $69-169

A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Recommended for ages 13+.

Frankenstein
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: May 27 – June 22
Tickets: $39-142 (find discount)

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production reimagines Mary Shelley’s romantic gothic science fiction masterpiece as a chilling exploration of what it means to create a new life. Visceral and provocative, this production reveals the inner lives of Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein in bold new ways. Riding the edge of cinematic thriller and intense drama, Frankenstein redefines the legend we know, the name we fear, and the monstrous act at the heart of the story. Recommended for teens and older.

Jojo’s Backyard Safari
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: May 28-30
Tickets: $3-9
It’s time for high adventure as Jojo goes on the lookout for all kinds of fascinating creatures in the wilds of his very own yard. What will he find hidden in plain sight? Come along on the trek as we learn, create, and play in this musical mini-travelogue about the hidden natural world close to home. One of our Discovery Plays for your youngest learners. Recommended for ages 3-6.

The Wizard of Oz
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: May 30 – June 8
Tickets: $15/adult, $13/child

Encore Stage & Studio presents this theatre by kids for kids show… When a tornado rips through Kansas, young Dorothy is whisked away to the magical land of Oz. She bravely embarks on a journey to Emerald City where she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. Will Dorothy prevail over evil and make it back home? Follow the yellow brick road and find out with us! We recommend this production for ages 4+.

Les Misérables
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 11 – July 13
Tickets: $49-219 (find discount)
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries, 438 cities, and 22 languages, Les Misérables is unquestionably one of the world’s most popular musicals. Recommended for teens and older.

A Wrinkle in Time
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: June 12 – July 20
Tickets: $69-119 (find discount)

Meg Murry’s father was experimenting with time travel and the fifth dimension when he mysteriously disappeared. Now, Meg, her friend Calvin, and her younger brother Charles Wallace must race to rescue him. Can they outwit the forces of evil they will encounter on their heart-stopping journey through space? Join Meg on this epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery Medal-winning classic novel that will energize your spirit, expand your imagination, and inspire you to believe that love, friendship, and courage can conquer all.

Legally Blond
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 13-22
Tickets: $59-325 (find discount)
The fabulous, feminist modern classic! When the effervescent Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend, she follows him to Harvard Law School, determined to win him back. But what starts as a plot to regain her relationship turns into much more as Elle realizes her true potential—in law, love, and life. Legally Blonde is a hilarious, inspirational romp that proves you don’t have to change who you are to achieve your dreams. Recommended for ages 12+.

Kendrick Lamar & Sza
Where: Northwest Stadium | Landover, MD
When: June 18
Tickets: Check for resale here

One of the biggest concerts coming to the area in the next few months. Northwest Stadium is formerly Commander Field and Fed Ex Field. While tickets are sold out, plenty of resale tickets are still available.

What’s your family excited to see this spring?

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