Celebrate our former Presidents, sharpen the science and engineering skills, take a cinematic tour of Arabia, catch some live entertainment. There’s plenty to enjoy with the family this weekend — and you have an extra day to do it. Happy Weekend!
Happy Birthday, Mr. Presidents – From museum events to special activities at Washington’s old digs to a parade through Old Town, there are several family-friendly ways you can celebrate George and Abe’s big days. See this post from yesterday for a round-up of area events.
Family Science Days – Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have questions answered by experts convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This free event is open to all, but organized especially for middle- and high-school students. All Family Science Days events will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 19-20, in Exhibit Hall D of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Visit the AAAS website for the program schedule.
Arabia 3D –Journey through the Arabian Peninsula and its rich culture and history in the Smithsonian’s IMAX Johnson Theater’s newest film. For a full review of the movie, see this post from yesterday.
Discover Engineering Family Day – The National Building Museum and the National Engineers Week Foundation invite you to debunk the myths of engineering and discover how professional engineers turn an idea into reality. Celebrate National Engineers Week by participating in this free, hands-on and fun-filled festival. Discover Engineering Family Day is a FREE, drop-in program, though a $5 donation is suggested. Recommended for children ages 5 to 13 with adult supervision.
Centennial of Airmail Family Festival – Games and activities at the National Postal Museum bring the first airmail flight to life on Saturday. Learn about daredevil pilot Fred Wiseman, the woman who received the first mail by airplane, and the differences between the Wright Brothers’ planes and the one Wiseman flew. This free event runs from 11am – 3pm.
Theater Time – At least two new shows opened this week – The Magic Paintbrush at Synetic Family Theater and Jack and the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co. Check out this post for details and to see what else is playing on our local stages.
Billy Kelly & the Blah Bah Blahs in Concert – With jaunty aplomb and a giddy inclination to rock out, Billy Kelly and his band The Blahblahblahs will bring The Billy Kelly Show to Café Nola in Frederick on Sunday, February 20. Says Billy, “Our family show is all about dancing, shouting and laughing, both on stage and off. It’s loose, it’s a hodgepodge, it’s friendly, comfortable, and just about anything goes!” For more information about the show, visit Billy’s website.
Discover Strathmore – Looking for something to do on the day off from school? This event on Monday, February 21, promises family fun in a terrific showcase featuring performers, music, workshops, sample classes, fine art and roving entertainment throughout the Mansion and Music Center. This is part of Strathmore’s season-long Guitar Festival, celebrating the most influential instrument of the century. No tickets are required for this free event. Open at 11am. Strollers are not allowed inside the buildings. Free parking in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Garage.
