The great, big jumping pillow at Great Country Farms
Monday – I’m making a couple of repeat suggestions from the weekend, and with good reason — the dazzling hues and wonderful weather of autumn probably won’t last much longer, and these pursuits are great ways to take advantage of both. First, enjoy a natural oasis right in the city at the National Arboretum. Go for nature walks through the woods, bike along the winding roads, romp in open green spaces, picnic in the Grove of State Trees. Open 8am – 5pm, admission is free. Second, if you’re up for day trip, head out to Great Country Farms for Punkin’ Chunkin’ and then some. You won’t mind the hour-plus drive with a landscape encompassing fall’s full color spectrum on display along the way. And the farm has attractions to keep little ones occupied for hours — a giant jumping pillow, slides, animals, a cow train and hay rides, and more. Don’t forget to bring your jack-o-lantern for a smashing good time! Admission is $10/adults, $8/children. Concessions are available at extra cost in the Roosteraunt.
Tuesday – Bounce on over to the Prince George’s Sport and Learning Complex for open play in the Gymnastics Center. Kids can jump, swing, and slide into a big foam pit; spring on trampolines; climb rope ladders, walk balance beams, roll around on soft mats, and more. The hour-long session begins at 11:30am. Admission is $6/child.
Wednesday – It doesn’t have to be summertime to go for a swim, so suit up and plunge in at one of DC’s public aquatic centers. Find out where they are here, and be sure to call ahead for open swim times, as they might vary by venue.
Thursday – Enjoy “Flights of Fancy” – Stories for Children, the Air & Space Museum’s free program that includes a reading of a flight or space-themed book and a hands-on activity. During this session, hear Looking Down by Steven Jenkins at 11am in the Looking at Earth gallery on the first floor.
Friday – Sing along, support a cause, and save a buck at this week’s Boogie Babes shows! Bring in any gently used children’s item and take $1 off admission. Donations will go to Destination Abricots, an organization supporting orphaned and disadvantaged children in the small community of Abricots, Haiti. Mr. Knick Knack will perform at 10:30am at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. (There is also a Thursday show — John Henry, the Guitar Playing Man will play Eastern Market’s North Hall at 10:30am). Admission is $4/child with the discount.
Owen and his friend, Amelia, ham it up at last year's Hilloween
Why wait until the actual day to celebrate one of the best — no, the best in my book — holidays of the year? Besides the bonuses of getting more mileage out of costumes and having extra excuses to indulge in sweets, Halloween festivities are a treat any day. If you agree, there are loads of ways to get into the spooky spirit during the days leading up to the grand event. From skeletons at the museum to creepy train rides through the woods to costume concerts and dance parties to jack-o-lanterns on the farm, these local events will have Halloween-goers screaming for more.
Boo at the Zoo Where: National Zoo When: October 21-23, 5:30-8:30pm Admission: $20/members, $30/non-members (note: Saturday is sold out)
This annual event is the wildest trick-or-treat in town. Kids ages 2 – 12 can get costumed up for after-hours Halloween fun at the Zoo. Get ready for tasty candy, delicious snack foods, and other goodies from more than 40 treat stations. Plus, animal encounters, keeper talks, and festive decorations are yours to enjoy. And this year Boo guests get to take home a complimentary reusable treat bag. Boo at the Zoo takes place rain or shine.
Halloween at the Medical Museum: Serious Fun with Skulls Where: National Museum of Health and Medicine When: October 22, 10:30am – 12:30pm Admission: FREE
The National Museum of Health and Medicine invites little ghouls and their families to get into the Halloween spirit by learning about skulls. The theme of the program is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates the human cycle of life and death. Learn about the traditions associated with Día de los Muertos by decorating your own sugar skull (for 1st graders and up); participate in story time with books about Day of the Dead and skeletons; make your own skull mask; and more. Halloween costumes are welcome! The National Museum of Health and Medicine is now located at 2500 Linden Lane in Silver Spring, just outside of the Fort Detrick-Forest Glen Annex. A designated visitor parking lot is located off Linden Lane in front of the Museum (do not enter the Annex gates). Adult visitors will need to present photo ID upon entry to the Museum.
“Eye Spy” Halloween Train Where: Cabin John Regional Park When: October 20-23, October 27-30 (see schedule for times) Admission: $6/person, $5 with canned food donation, free for kids 2 and under
Hop on board the Halloween! Cabin John’s “Eye Spy” features just enough “boo” power for kids age 8 and under. Along the ride through the woods on the train, kids can try to find Halloween friends hiding along the way and mark them off their “Eye Spy” game cards that they receive with admission. Guests can also enjoy Halloween movies every night, face painting on Saturdays and Sundays, and light refreshments for sale.
Haunted Train & Creepy Carousel Where: Wheaton Regional Park When: October 20-23, October 27-30 (see schedule for times) Admission: $6/person, $5 with canned food donation
Wheaton Regional Park’s Haunted Train and Creepy Carousel are back and scarier than ever! This annual Halloween attraction is designed for people 8 years old and above, because they do their best to make it VERY SCARY (and this is the website description, so take their word for it). Admission includes one ride each on the train and carousel, plus entrance to the Hall of Jack o’ Lanterns movie theater presenting scary films every night.
BooStravaganza and Hardly Haunted Hayrides Where: Frying Pan Farm Park When: October 28, 5:30-8:30pm & October 29, 12-6:30pm Admission: $8/child on 10/28, $5/child on 10/29
Make reservations for BooStravaganza on Friday, where children ages 2-8 can dress in their favorite costumes and enjoy fun, games, and a wagon ride. They’ll finish the evening with treats and a small pumpkin. On Saturday, kids of all ages can take Hardly Haunted Hayrides along with other farm fun. Reservation are recommended.
BB2 BOO – Boogie Babes Halloween Happy Hour Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center When: October 26, 5:15-6:30pm doors open at 5pm Admission: $10/family
The Boogie Babes are growing up with BB2, musical get-togethers that are cool for older kids, too. They’re kicking off the fun with a Halloween dance party. Kid and parents are invited to come in costume for entertainment, light snacks, and photos taken by Maya’s Eye Photography. Adult beverages will also be available for purchase. An RSVP is appreciated, though not required: email dcboogiebabes@gmail.com.
Halloween Harvest Family Special Where: Discovery Theater When: October 27-28 10:15am & 11:30am, October 29, 11am & 1pm Admission: $12/adults, $10/ages 2 and up, $3/children under 2, $10/resident members
Dress up in a costume and join Oran (“Chef FONZ” and “Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly”) Sandel at the Discovery Theater pumpkin patch for songs, games, and more. He’ll spin an American Indian harvest story; guests will look inside Mr. Jack O’ Lantern (what really makes him tick?) and create a pumpkin face for Discovery Theater. Bring in YOUR design, and they’ll post it on their Facebook page. On Saturday, 10/29, be sure to stop by the Ripley concourse for Discovery Theater’s First Annual Harvest Halloween Festival from 11am-2pm, where families will find lots of fabulous fall fun together.
Halloween Monster Jump Where: Pump It Up in Lanham, Md When: October 28-31, various times (See below) Admission: $13/child, $5/adult
Halloween is simply spook-tacular when you’re at a bouncing, laughing, sliding, howling, so don a costume and jump on over to Pump It Up for freaky fun and frightening food. There will be a prize for best costume and a chance to win a free birthday party. For guest safety, costumes may not include: masks, jewelry, capes or other hanging items, or heavy make-up , and 100% polyester is strictly prohibited. Must include socks. Halloween Monster Jumps will take place at the following times: 10/28 6-8pm & 8-10pm, 10/29 8:30pm-10:30pm,,10/30 is TBD, 10/31 6-8pm & 7:45pm-9:45pm. The admission fee includes 2 slices of pizza and a drink, plus goodies for everyone.
Glow Night – A Magical Evening on the Farm Where: Great Country Farms When: October 28-29, 6-9pm Admission: $10/child, $12/adult, free for ages 2 and under
See a spectacular display of over 2000 lighted jack-o-lanterns carved by local school children. The magical moment when they cut the lights (7pm) will take your breath away. Bring your carved Jack-o-lantern to enter in a carving competitions — Jack-o-lanterns are judged for Best in Glow, Scariest and Funniest. Along with the light show, warm yourself by the bonfire, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy apple cider.
Haunted Halloween Pop-Ups Where: National Building Museum When: October 29, 10am-12pm Admission: $10/members, $15/non-members, adults are free
Celebrate the spirit of Halloween as you design your very own pop-up haunted house. Learn the pop-up architecture technique from guest artist Carol Barton. Decorate a spooky haunted house scene to take place on your window sill. Fun for the whole family, the festivities include crafts, treats, and ghosts stories (more silly than spooky!) about the Museum. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Prepaid registration required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Trick or Treat with the Boutiques Where: Old Town Boutique District in Alexandria When: October 29 during store hours Admission: FREE
Bring your ghosts and goblins for a day of trick or treat in the Old Town Boutique District. The OTBD’s annual Trick or Treat with the Boutiques event is a great way for families to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween day in Old Town Alexandria. All of the participating OTBD stores will offer treats. Some may also offer family friendly tricks. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Tricks and treats will be available during the day and during store hours.
Halloween Fun with the Jimmies Where: National Geographic When: October 29, 1pm Admission: $16/adults, $12/kids 12 and under, $40/family four-pack
“Gimme Jimmies” is the rallying cry of this NYC-based kindie rock band, a Parents’ Choice award winner whose clever, creative music gets kids rocking. The heavy guitar groove hooks in parents as well. Dress in your Halloween costume—maybe a lion, leopard, or tiger, to support NG’s Big Cats Initiative—and get ready to rock-and-roll.
Halloween Festivities in Penn Quarter Where: MLK, Jr Memorial Library, 8th Street NW, & Calvary Baptist Church When: October 29, 2-6pm Admission: FREE
Save the date for an afternoon of fun Halloween festivities for families of boooys and ghouls living in Penn Quarter and the surrounding DC area. From 2-4pm, costumed children can enjoy Halloween story time, light refreshments, and trick-or-treating throughout the Library. After that, join a costume Parade for a Playground as kids make their way to Calvary Baptist Church for a Creepy Crawly Fun Filled Halloween Party from 4-6pm, where there will be crafts, treats, a costume contest with prizes, a creepy guessing game, a dance party, and a moon bounce.
Flight Fest Where: College Park Aviation Museum When: October 29, 12-4pm Admission: $4/adults, $3/seniors, $2/ages 2-18, free for under 2
Wear your costume and enjoy the fun, fall-themed activities. There will be a costume contest and pumpkin bowling. Arts, crafts, hayrides, and spooky fun are waiting for kids and families.
Air and Scare Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air & Space Museum When: October 29, 2-8pm Admission: Free, but parking is $15 until 7pm
Discover the spooky side of air and space at the Udvar-Hazy Center’s 7th Annual Air & Scare! Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Bring the tiniest visitors by the Tot Zone to play dress-up and hear a story. Don’t forget to stop by the face painting station or pose for a photo with your favorite Star Wars character!
Crime Museum Halloween Kids & Candy Where: National Museum of Crime & Punishment When: October 30, 1-6pm Admission: $10/costumes child, $10/adults accompanying children
Batman, Wonder Woman, police officers, and all other costumed characters can enjoy a day of Halloween fun at this Penn Quarter museum. Festivities include a regular museum tour, Police Academy Jr. Activity Sheet, McGruff the Crime Dog appearances, finger print identification cards, candy, and more.
Kidsfest Where: George Washington University When: October 30, 11am – 3pm Admission: Free
GWU is hosting this event for families to celebrate Halloween in a safe environment. The festival will include activity booths, where kids can play games and complete arts and crafts projects; a trick-or-treating route through a Residence Hall; and a Witch’s Kitchen. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Kidsfest will take place in the Hippodrome on the 5th floor of the Marvin Center located at 800 21st NW.
Historic Halloween Spooktacular: Trick or Treat at Tudor Place Where: Tudor Place When: October 31, 3-6pm Admission: Members are free, $7/children, $3/non-member adults
Children don their Halloween costumes to trick or treat through Tudor Places enchanting gardens. The fun continues as children of all ages create tasty Halloween treats to take home. Register online.
Hilloween
Where: 7th Street SE in front of Eastern Market
When: October 31, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: FREE
Capitol Hill’s annual event is legendary for little ones. The block of 7th Street SE next to Eastern Market will be closed to traffic for one of the best community Halloween celebrations in the city. Hayrides, moon bounces, goody giveaways, and even a mini carousel will add to the excitement. The best part is seeing the masses of jubilant kids in all kinds of costumes indulging in the neighborhood extravaganza.
Operation Disguise Where: International Spy Museum When: October 1-31 Admission: Take $5 off these fees with a disguise – $18/ages 12 and up, $15/ages 5-11
Celebrate Halloween at the Spy Museum all month long. When you wear the right disguise, you get $5 off the regular admission price. Go covert October 17-23 with a pair of glasses, and don a moustache from October 23-31. And if you’re looking for help with a Halloween costume, there will also be a disguise/makeup event in the Spy Museum Store on Saturday, October 29th, from 12-7pm.
Sample fare at the Taste of DC, delight in seasonal fun on a farm or at a festival, connect with your inner artist, take in a performance or special museum program, listen to live music, get out and enjoy the delicious weather… these are just some of the ways you and the kids can relish in the next few days. Read on for details and even more ideas. Happy Weekend!
Taste of DC – The annual festival celebrating food, wine, and culture in the city will take place through the holiday weekend – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Along with the obvious, samples from more than 60 DC restaurants, there will be cooking demos, and live entertainment, including performances especially for kids (read: Rocknoceros). See the schedule to find out who’s playing when.
Fall Fun – Celebrate the season at one of many area festivals or farms. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to corn mazes and hayrides to giant slides and jumping pillows, there are activities galore to help folks embrace the autumn spirit. This post has details on many fall festivals happening around the region.
Peep the Weekend – Start the weekend with Peeps! At 4pm today, the Peeps store at the National Harbor is ushering in the fall season with delicious free treats, mascot appearances, coupons from neighboring retailers and chances for savings on some great new store items. This all kicks off their DC Monumental Weekend – on Saturday and Sunday, PEEPS & COMPANY® Brand Ambassadors will take the Peepster Chick Car on a tour of D.C. and the monuments, spreading sweetness around town.
Alexandria Arts Safari – On Saturday from 12-4pm, the Torpedo Factory will host a free day of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and their families. Kids can get creative with fun new art activities and old favorites, including painting, clay sculpting, paper-mache, origami art, block printing, fabric collage, and much more. The Art League will present the popular Gallery Scavenger Hunt and fiber activities. And the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory, will present The Potter’s Art, where children can draw or paint patterns on paper inspired by designs on salt-glazed stoneware pottery shards excavated from local archaeological sites.
Dino-Mite Dinosaurs – Have a dino-mite time with prehistoric friends at the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone. Celebrate International Dinosaur Month with fossil digs, skeleton puzzles, claw printing, and more. They guarantee a rex-citing time! Admission is free. Drop in anytime from 11am – 4pm.
Super Science Saturday – Head to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Dulles arm of the National Air & Space Museum, for its monthly program for families on Saturday from 10am – 3pm. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration, this month’s theme being balloons and blimps. Admission is free, though parking is $15.
Saturday Morning at the National – This week’s performance will feature beloved children’s author Pamela Duncan Edwards, author of Dinosaur Starts School, Clara Caterpillar, and Roar! A Noisy Counting Book. Edwards will make a special guest appearance and enchant children of all ages with an imaginative “spooky” story. Kids will be encouraged to help tell this morning’s tale, and afterwards Ms. Edwards will answer questions on how she creates her delightful stories. Performances take place at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets are required for admission. Free tickets are distributed half an hour prior to the start of shows on a first-come first-served basis. Only one ticket per person, and all attendees must be standing in line to receive a ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult who remains present for the entire performance. Seating is limited, so get there early!
That’s Entertainment – Even more live performances are gracing area stages all weekend. From plays to puppet shows to live music to a circus, this post has the details on this season’s shows.
Portrait Story Days – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday from 1-4pm and Sunday from 2-5pm, to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about Eleanor Roosevelt.
Ren Fest – The merriment continues in Crownesville, MD. On weekends through October 23, you can time trip at the charming medieval village that hosts the annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. For details on admission and what you will find there, check out this post about the event.
And for recreation beyond the special events, these posts list tons of recreational mainstays in the DC area:
Monday – Check out the brand spanking new imagiNATIONS Activity Center at the National Museum of the American Indian. Learn about Native people, history, and culture through interactive exhibits, stories, hands-on activities and more. Open during museum hours, 10am – 5:30pm.
Tuesday – Explore the grossest and weirdest of the animal world at the National Geographic Museum. Two of their newest exhibits are right up kids’ alleys: Animal Grossology spotlights some of the “slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on Earth,” while its companion exhibit Weird But True features the “wackiest, weirdest, and totally true facts about the animal world.” Both exhibits are included in museum admission – $8/adults, $6/ages 12-18, $4/ages 5-12, children under 5 are free.
Wednesday – Take advantage of smaller weekday crowds at one of several fall festivals that are already underway. See this post to find out where you can celebrate the season.
Thursday – Discover the world of Amelia Earhart through an interactive puppet show presented by Discovery Theater at the National Air & Space Museum. Showtimes are 10:15am, 11:15am, and 12:15pm. Tickets range from $3-8. (Note: The show will also be performed on Friday at the same times.)
Friday – Spend the day at the National Zoo and be sure to check the Daily Programs schedule to help plan your visit. Admission to the Zoo is free, but parking is $15 for the first three hours, $20 for more than three. You can save that by taking Metro to Woodley Park and walking a couple of blocks, or if you drive, you might get lucky and find parking along Connecticut Avenue or a side street.
Getting up close and, perhaps, a little too personal with a funky car at last year's H Street Festival
This weekend is one of those times I wish there were seven of me, so I could attend multiple events at one time. Yes, there is that much good stuff happening over the next few days — and that’s just counting the special one-off events, not the ongoing assortment of recreational mainstays in the DC-metro. And it’s all forecast to go down amid superb weather conditions. Whatever you and the kids end up doing, you’re practically guaranteed a great time. Happy Weekend!
H Street Festival – I have very high hopes for the Festival this year. We attended last fall, and it was pretty good, but all of the street construction going on at the time posed some obstacles, making it somewhat difficult to navigate with kids in tow. But with the corridor now free of barriers and pavement back in place, I think this year’s H Street celebration is going to be excellent. There will be live entertainment on four stages, plus a kids stage; art exhibits; a fleet of food trucks; art exhibits; crafts for sale by local vendors; fashion shows; pie eating contests; dancin’ in the street; and lots of kids’ activities, including face painting, story telling, and moon bounces. And you can leave the car at home—free shuttle bus service will be available from Gallery Place and Eastern Market Metros. Enjoy the festivities from 12pm – 7pm.
An Apple a Day – One of fall’s most anticipated traditions is underway: apple picking! Many area orchards and farms offer pick-your-own opportunities, and with so many apple varieties that ripen at different times, the pickings often last through October, sometimes even into November. This post has a good selection of farms and orchards where you can reap the fruits.
The Big Build – Budding builders can start honing their skills as they work alongside professionals, including architects, designers, builders, artisans, and trades people at the National Building Museum on Saturday from 10am – 4:30pm. Guests can try their hands at a variety of construction techniques, build a miniature house from sticks, create mosaics, talk with the experts, enjoy a live Bob the Builder show, and more. This free event (a $5 donation is suggested) takes place
Harvest Time, Honey – Discover the busy world of bees and other pollinators as the Patuxent Research Refuge host the Maryland Honey Harvest Festival on Saturday from 9am – 3pm. Guests can enjoy arts& crafts, honey tastings, candle-making demos, environmental tram tours and much more — all for free! The event will be held at the Refuge’s National Wildlife Visitor Center. More information about the Refuge is available on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Greek Festival – There’s music, dancing, and a marketplace full of Greek goods, but if you go to this annual Festival at the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in 16th Street Heights, be sure to go with an appetite. Because, really, it’s all about the food. We’re talking authentic Greek fare, and a huge variety of it. Be prepared to stand in line if you go at a mealtime, but the queue moves fast, and the wait is beyond worth it. After indulging, sit back, relax, and enjoy the entertainment. All in all, a good time for the whole family. The Festival runs Friday and Saturday from 12 – 9:30pm and Sunday 12 – 7:30pm. Admission is free, but you pay food and drinks.
Cider Festival – Great Country Farms is celebrating apple season with a focus on one of the fruit’s yummiest products – cider. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be cider pressing demos with the farm’s antique cider press as well as tastings. Visit the website for activity times. The $8/child and $10/adult admission also covers hayrides, wine tasting across the street at Bluemont Vineyard, visits with barnyard animals, and loads of fun for kids, including a pumpkin jumpin’ pillow, 60-foot slide, five mazes, and pedal tractors.
Collection Connections – Drop in at the National Postal Museum on Saturday from 11am – 2pm to make a stamp collection to take home. Guests can choose a collection topic from thousands of international postage stamps. While there, kids can sit in the driver’s seat of mail truck, take a Pony Express journey, and view the Owney the Postal Dog exhibit among other mail-related fun.
Tales of Beatrix Potter – Be among the first audiences to see The Puppet Co.’s latest production. Tales of Beatrix Potter, which explores the fantasy world of one of Victorian England’s best-known authors and illustrators, opens today and runs through October 9. Showtimes are 10am and 11:30 on Fridays, and 11:30am and 1pm on Saturdays and Sunday.
A Century of Women in Aerospace – The National Air & Space Museum is celebrating National Aerospace Week with a family event that recognizes the women who have contributed to technological advances in aviation and space. On Saturday from 10am – 3pm, meet women who are today’s role models and learn about the historical women who have inspired them through storytelling, arts & crafts, and more. Just like admission to the museum, the event is free.
Shiver me Timbers, It’s Pirate Day! – Ahoy, mateys! In preparation for International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19), the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone needs all hands on deck! Batten down the hatches and head on over for a day full of pirate-themed activities, including a treasure hunt around National Harbor. Be there or walk the plank, savvy? The free event takes place on Saturday from 11am – 4pm.
Maryland Renaissance Festival – I’ve recommended the faire in Crownsville, Md, for three weeks now, and its going to remain in the weekend round-up until it closes in late October. Enjoy a village full of medieval amusement, spend a day outdoors, and get some good ideas for Halloween costumes all in one fun day. This post has all the details you need.
Washington Youth Garden Turns 40 – The garden on the ground of the U.S. National Arboretum is celebrating a big anniversary with a loads of festivities on Saturday from 11am – 3pm. There will be children’s activities, a juggler, live music, a food tent, hand cream making and bee-keeping demos, and much more. Go here for more details and the schedule of events.
Nationals vs. Marlins – It’s a weekend of home games for the Nats as they host the Florida Marlins. There are games tonight and Saturday evening at 7:05pm, and on Sunday at 1:35pm. Don’t miss the special promos — Signature Sundays welcome fans to arrive early to meet select players and get autographs and Kids Run the Bases means young fans 12 and under can loop the infield after the game. Tickets for all of the games are available for purchase online or at the Box Office.
Brookside Gardens Children’s Day – This year’s theme for the annual event is “Adventures with Food – Let’s Move and Groove!”. From 11am – 4pm this Saturday, children will move and groove throughout the day keeping fit while they enjoy activities throughout the gardens. There will be a Little Sprouts area for toddlers, an activity circuit, face painting, fruit and veggie bingo, a kids’ farmer’s market, story time, and lots more. Admission is free.
Colonial Market & Fair – Take a day trip back to 18th-century America at Mount Vernon’s Colonial Market & Fair. Watch artisans and craftspeople from all over the country demonstrate early techniques of their crafts, many of which will be for sale. Live entertainment will include music, puppet shows, a sword swallower, a fire eater, and a miracle medicine man. Admission is included in the entrance fee to the Estate: $15/adults, $7/kids 6-11, children 5 and under are free. Food will be available at extra cost. For more information and the full performance schedule, visit the Mount Vernon website.
Fiesta Musical – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the National Zoo on Sunday from 11am – 5pm The annual event will include animal demos, Hispanic and Latino music and foods, costumed dancers, and crafts for sale. Admission to the event is free, but if you drive and park in the Zoo lot, be prepared to pay – $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. Parking is free for FONZ members.
And just to make heads spin a little more, this post has tons of ideas for savoring the glorious early fall weather:
