Tag Archives: Spring 2016

June 10, 2016 · 7:38 am

The Weekend Round-Up: June 10-12

Fun comes in all forms around DC!

There’s a great mix of special events and activities to enjoy around the area over the next few days. And for even more ideas for family outings, check out this compilation of the best outdoor places and this big list of indoor pursuits. Happy Weekend!

Seize the Season
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Enjoy summer fun with a host of activities that only occur this time of year. Catch an open-air concert at one of several series in the area. Stay cool at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. See a movie under the stars. Check out a seasonal exhibit. Go berry picking. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And much, much more. Check the Summer 2016 guide for details on all of these great pursuits.

Celebrate Fairfax!
Where: Fairfax County Government Center
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: $12/adult, $5/youth, free for 2 and under
The annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival has something for everyone — live music (Plain White T’s, B-52’s, and Living Colour among the performers), carnival rides, children’s activities, art, food vendors, and much more to keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, along with the full musical line-up, see the Celebrate Fairfax website.

Astronomy Festival
Where: National Mall, 15th & Constitution NW
When: Friday, 6-11pm
Admission: Free
Get an eyeful of the night sky at the 7th Annual Astronomy Festival. This free public stargazing event will feature solar, optical, and radio telescope observations of the Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn; hands-on activities, demonstrations, hand-outs, posters, banners, and videos; a planetarium show with a portable blow-up dome, speakers from scientific and educational organization, and a chance to mingle with astronomers.

Nats vs. Phillies
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket Prices Vary
It’s a weekend at home for the Nats as they host the Phillies. There are games tonight, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday late afternoon. Check for special promos here. And before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

Capital Pride
Where: Northwest DC & Pennsylvania Ave.
When: Saturday, 4:30-7:30pm & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate gay pride in our nation’s capitol at the 41st annual Capital Pride Parade and Festival that are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people. The procession on Saturday kicks off at 4:30pm at 22nd & P Streets NW and will wind its way through Dupont, Logan, and other areas of NW. It’s sure to be a spectacular extravaganza of ornate floats, street performers, music and dancing, glitter and beads, and plenty of reveling. Sunday’s family-friendly festival will feature three stages of live entertainment and will host 300 exhibitors, including local and community groups, national sponsors, local businesses, and food vendors. It’s all a fun and fabulous opportunity to show support for the LGBTA community and join the celebration.

Air Force Cycling Classic
Where: Clarendon & Crystal City
When: Saturday, 11:30am & Sunday, 11:15am
Admission: Free
The official race is for adults, but kids ages 9 and under can get in on the cycling, too – there are special races just for them along with the main event. The Ethan Klancnik Memorial Kids Race to support the Tay-Sachs Awareness and Prevention Organization will be raced in honor of Ethan Klancnik, who lost his battle with the disease. The Saturday kids races will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City around 12:25pm. Multiple heats for different age groups will vary in distance; the older the kids, the further they ride. Participants must bring their own helmets and bikes, and trikes are welcome, too. For details and to register online, visit the Air Force Cycling Classic website.

Maryland Faerie Festival
Where: Darlington, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $5/ages 3-12, $15/ages 13-99
Indulge little faerie dreams at the annual festival inspired by faerie folklore and literature. Apparently, it’s kind of like Renn Fest on a much smaller scale with facets that will delight children, especially those who believe in faeries. Treasure hunts, craft projects, nature walks, and acrobats are some of the activities kids (and adults) will enjoy. Art, crafts, musical performances, and jewelry vendors will appeal to the bigger faeries in the crowd.

Family Day: Migration, My City
Where: Textile Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the Textile Musuem in celebrating DC and the stories of how we arrived here. Create a watercolor city scene of Washington and enjoy a professional storytelling performance by Diane Macklin. Activities are fun for all ages and inspired by the exhibitions Stories of Migration: Contemporary Artists Interpret Diaspora and For the Record: The Art of Lily Spandorf.

National Parks Family Day
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Help the Postal Museum celebrate 100 years of our National Parks with a day of family fun! Visitors will have the chance to create their own stamp album, experience what it’s like on the mail mule train down the Grand Canyon, and so much more, including the chance to check out the new exhibit Trailblazing: 100 Years of Our National Parks .

Cherokee Days
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the NMAI for the 3rd annual Cherokee Days Festival on the National Mall. The three federally recognized Cherokee Tribes—the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians—will come together to celebrate their common heritage and showcase celebrated artists, storytellers, musicians, and dancers. Children’s make-and-take activities will delight little ones. And Tsa-La-Gi Dancers performing the Bear Dance, Bison Dance, Quail Dance, and Friendship Dance will entertain all ages.

Suncatcher Crafts
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: $5 (register ahead online)
Join a workshop at the Building Museum to celebrate the birthday of one of America’s favorite architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. Create a faux-stained glass suncatcher inspired by Wright’s geometric glass designs and take it home to hang a piece of architectural art in your own sunny window. Walk-up registration is based on availability, so sign up online to reserve a spot – registration for Musem programs closes at midnight the day before the scheduled program.

Strawberry Fields in Petworth
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
When: Saturday, 4-8pm
Admission: Free
Okay, maybe not fields, but a Strawberry Festival is even better! St. Paul’s Episcopal Church welcomes all to enjoy free family to celebrate the season, including two bounce houses, face painting, crafts, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, and tours of Rock Creek Cemetery (where the church is located). Food, including strawberries and strawberry shortcakes, can be purchased there. St. Paul’s is located at 201 Alison Street NE.

Alice: A Wonderland Trip
Where: Fringe Theatre
When: Saturday & Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $20
ALICE: a Wonderland trip. Why does a girl need to create a Wonderland, and what happens there? This family dance and theater show offers a unique interpretation of a classic, starring young performers of Momentum Dance Theater’s Jazz Hip Hop Academy with professional performers in cameo roles.

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
– Reserve your free seats for Blue Sky Puppet Theatre’s
The Barker of Seville, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
– Catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs at The Puppet Co.
– And mother Goose Caboose is the featured Tiny Tots show
– See Creative Cauldron’s production of The Wind in the Willows
– Encore Stage & Studio presents Cul de Sac, theatre by kids for kids
– Gustafer Yellowgold, the friendly fellow who cam from the Sun is landing at Alden Theatre on Sunday

Woodlawn Opening
Where: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
When: Saturday, 12-4
Admission: Free
Watch history come alive as Montgomery Parks celebrates the opening of the Woodlawn Visitor Center. The opening ceremony will feature the Wahsington Revelers Jubilee Voices, and the festivities will continue with activities for kids, guided tours, blacksmith and farm demos, live music, and food truck fare.

Celebrate Mama
Where: Rockville Town Square
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This free family event features live entertainment, giveaways, a fabulous vendor marketplace, and much more! And even though moms are the honorees by name, there will be tons of activities for kids, plus great local resources for the family.

Market Days
Where: North Bethesda Market
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
North Bethesda Market’s first Home and Garden Market is an outdoor event for the entire family on Saturdays through June. Shop for plants and fresh cut flowers, find decor to refresh your home and garden, and enjoy live music and a fresh grilled lunch al fresco. Whole Foods will offer gardening items just for kids, and you can get tips on flower arranging and creating a succulent garden during free weekly seminars.

Bo Obama Storytime
Where: Walls of Books
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Head to Petworth for storytime about the First Pet! Hear Heather Patterson read her children’s book “Passing the Bone: America’s Next POTUS” at Walls of Books. Bo Obama, Pup of the United States, shares the dos and don’ts of being the First Dog as he prepares to pass the bone to the next White House pup. The entire nation is wondering – Who will be the next POTUS? May the best dog win!

Yoga in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Saturday, 10-10:30am & 10:45-11:45am
Admission: $10/adult & child
Get outside and enjoy the benefits of yoga and and quality time together, while relaxing and experiencing nature. This class is filled with yoga postures, partner poses, yoga games, breath and relaxation techniques, and lots of smiles. The 10am class is for ages 3-5; the 10:45am class for 6 and up. Dress for the weather, bring a mat or beach towel and water bottle. No yoga experience necessary. Afterwards, stay and play in the park or enjoy the artLAB!

Paint with Me: Kids Edition
Where: ReCreative Spaces
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $50
Join Imagination Station and Camilla Schaeffer as they present Paint With Me: Kids Edition! Parents, grandparents, or close friends — enjoy an opportunity to bond with a special child in your life during an afternoon of creating beach-themed art while enjoying some delicious snacks! This event will also feature vendors, raffles, and more!

Health and Safety Summit
Where: Girard and 14th St. NW Park
When: Saturday, 12-3:30pm
Admission: Free
ANC 1B is hosting this family friendly, interactive event where community members can talk with local government and community organizations and get their questions and concerns addressed. There will also be free health screenings, hands on CPR demos, and a fire engine and police car for kids to explore.

Disc Golfin’
Where: Calvert Road or Seneca Creek State Parks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a day outdoors with the family. Read about one of our outings enjoying the Frisbe-golf combo here. We’ve also enjoyed it at Seneca Creek. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses are set up in pretty parks with opportunities for more recreation at both.

Family Dance
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Sunday, 3-5pm
Admission: $5 ages 4 and up
Take the whole gang to a Family Dance with Eric Maring & Friends. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington offers social dance events and classes at Glen Echo Park, including one on Sundays that all ages are welcome to enjoy.

Gluten-Free Expo
Where: Doubletree Bethesda Hotel
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: $15/adult, $5/child
The Children’s National Health System Celiac Disease Program is hosting the sixth annual Gluten-Free Expo. The day-long event is aimed at educating children and families with celiac disease and gluten-free diets.

The Weekend Round-Up: June 3-5

Taking in the views from the Sugarloaf Mountain summit — a great place to hit the trail with kids

I hope you’ve got a little time to spare because you’ll need it to read about all of the excellent events happening around the area this weekend. Pop culture, folk music, jazz, trucks, wine, space, nature, live entertainment, and local communities are among the many things you can celebrate and enjoy. Details on all of the above are below. Happy Weekend!

Awesome Con
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 7pm & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $40-50
This celebration of popular culture is DC’s comic-con, embracing all aspects of geekdom and pop culture. Expect a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay, a Kids Zone, and appearance from more than fifty movie and television celebrity guests throughout the weekend. Kids will love the chance to draw along with noted comic book artists, attend Superhero University and make Superhero symbols and capes, see a wizard magic show, and participate in a kid’s costume contest and puppetry class.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts al fresco, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun, and much more! Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed all around the area, several taking place on Friday evening – a perfect way to kick off the weekend. The 2016 Summer Guide has the whole scoop on all of them.

Keep on Truckin’
Where: RFK Lot 7
When: Saturday, 8am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The Truck Touch event that easily takes the title as Mac Daddy of them all. This is the 9th year that the DC Department of Public Works welcomes guests to climb aboard, honk the horn, work the gears, and explore all kinds of neat vehicles that serve our city. There will also be opportunities to test ride Segways, spec out a helicopter, and sit atop police horses. Read more about it and see images from a past Truck Touch here (and be sure to note that it was posted a few years ago, so the dates don’t confuse you).

Washington Folk Festival
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Get folksy at Glen Echo Park this weekend, as the 36th annual Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in Washington. All of the artists hail from the DC area, but cultures from around the nation, as well as the world, will be represented through music, dance, crafts, and stories.

Jazz ‘n’ Families Fun Days
Where: The Phillips Collection
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Leading up to the DC Jazz Festival starting next week and part of The Phillips Collection’s Museum Walk events, there will be special performances and activities for guests, especially young ones. Enjoy both the art and live jazz throughout the museum, including musicians improvising to paintings in the galleries. Kids can join a scavenger hunt, visit an instrument petting zoo, create their own masterpieces to take home, and view the permanent collection, too. Read more about the event and museum in this post about our experience there last year.

Walk the Museum Walk
Where: Dupont-Kalorama Neighborhoods
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Get off the Mall and explore the many museums in the Dupont-Kalorama neighborhood during its 33rd annual Museum Walk Weekend. (You can also check out the Obama’s future neighborhood!) See the exhibits and enjoy special programs for free at seven diverse museums, including The Phillips Collection, Dumbarton House, Heurich House, and Woodrow Wilson House. If you don’t want to use the shoe leather express, there will be a free shuttle running between sites.

Imagination Bethesda
Where: Downtown Bethesda
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate children, art, and all things fun at the 22nd annual Imagination Bethesda. Where Woodmont Avenue meets Elm Street, activity tents will line the streets, face painters will bring butterflies and pirates to life, and a stage of live entertainment will have the whole street dancing. Activity details and the entertainment line-up are available on the website.

Acton Children’s Business Fair
Where: Cleveland Park – 3400 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Do some shopping at the Acton Children’s Business Fair an outdoor market where children ages 6 to 14 become entrepreneurs for a day, creating a business, selling to real customers for real money, and keeping the profits. Like Eastern Market run by kids! There will be over 30 children’s businesses with products/services such as jewelry, original art, cupcakes, bath soaps, pet treats, hair braiding, facepainting, and more. A cash prize of $50 for best business will be awarded in each of the four age groups (6-7, 8-10, 11-12, and 13-14). Rain or shine!

Space Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
This annual favorite Family Day welcomes visitors to enjoy STEM-inspired hands-on activities, meet an astronaut, and learn about space from experts from the Museum and NASA. And all of it takes place amid the awe-inspiring collection of historic aviation and space artifacts in the much-loved museum on the National Mall.

World Ocean Day
Where: National Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Interactive activities throughout the museum will be open to explore ocean science in celebration of World Oceans Day. Appreciate the beauty of the sea and express yourself through art, njoy family activities in Q?rius Jr., talk with experts in the Ocean Hall and Q?rius and more!

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
– Reserve your free seats for Monkey Tales, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National perfromance
– Catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs at The Puppet Co.
– And Old McDonald’s Farm is the featured Tiny Tots show
– It’s opening weekend for Creative Cauldron’s production of The Wind in the Willows
– Encore Stage & Studio presents Cul de Sac, theatre by kids for kids
– See the student show Collide-O-Scope at Imagination Stage
– Spend Saturday morning with the grandsons jr. at Jammin’ Java
– See the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance perform at Saturday’s free Millennium Stage show at the Kennedy Center

Community Day
Where: Kalorama Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the re-opening of Kalorama Park with a big, old-fashioned Community Day. Enjoy new playgrounds, a beautifully re-designed plaza, and a healthier Rock Creek Watershed, thanks to a sustainable stormwater system installed by the City. While the kids test out the new equipment, grown-ups can listen to local Bluegrass band By and By, Mayor Bowser’s remarks, and the James Benson Jazz Quartet. In between, there’ll be classes for adults, face painting for kids, and more!

Saturday Family Jazz Session
Where: Strathmore
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: $10
Jumpstart a love for jazz with classes that nurture talent and spark musicality! Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of jazz appreciation at this fun, creative, kid-friendly series featuring classes with multi-instrumentalist and local jazz legend Seth Kibel and renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Celebrate Petworth
Where: 800 block of Upshur Street NW
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Head to the heart of the Petworth neighborhood to celebrate creativity, diversity, culture, people, and quality of life, the core components of what make Petworth a vibrant and wonderful place to live.

Youth Fishing Day
Where: Blackwater Wildlife Refuge
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Kids can cast a line and then some at this free fishing event. Staff will be on hand to help young fishers learn the basics, plus a free hotdog lunch will be provided along with photos of participants with their catch. Bait and poles supplied, or feel free to BYO.

Vintage Virginia Wine & Food Festival
Where: Bull Run Park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $30/adults, $10/kids
A wine fest might sound like a grown-ups-only event, but this one offers plenty of fun for kids, too. Chef demos, food truck fare, live music, and a whole family area with activities especially for children are among the festivities. Of course, there will be plenty of opportunity for wine tasting, too!

Please Do Touch the Art
Where: Torpedo Factory
When: Through July 17
Admission: Free
Target Gallery, the contemporary exhibition space for the Torpedo Factory Art Center, encourages people to touch, feel, dine upon, and even lick the artwork in Please Touch, which opens Saturday for a six-week run. The all-media exhibition features 20 works with which audiences can get hands-on.

Happy Trails
Where: Around the area
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Saturday is National Trails Day, and you can celebrate by taking part in one of many special events around the area. Take a hike, do some volunteer trail maintenance, go bird watching, and more. Find an event for your family on the National Trails Day website. Or if you just want to hit the trail for a hike, check out this post about great walks in the woods with kids.

Market Days
Where: North Bethesda Market
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
North Bethesda Market has launched its first Home and Garden Market, an outdoor event for the entire family on Saturdays through June. Shop for plants and fresh cut flowers, find decor to refresh your home and garden, and enjoy live music and a fresh grilled lunch al fresco. Whole Foods will offer gardening items just for kids, and you can get tips on flower arranging and creating a succulent garden during free weekly seminars.

Kids Kandinsky Trees
Where: Art Jamz
When: Saturday, 1-2pm
Admission: $27-29
Jam on and paint a colorful tree in the style of Wassily Kandinsky. The session is the first in a series of Kids Summer Painting Classes. ArtJamz instructors will help participants create awesome original art work with all kinds of cool inspiration. Sign up in advance.

Savage Fest
Where: Baldwin Common and Carroll Baldwin Hall
When: Saturday, 10am – 6:30pn
Admission: Free
This 29th annual community festival will feature live music from local bands, pony rides, a petting zoo, jugglers, magic shows, local history reenactments and tours, dancing, demonstrations and other entertainment throughout the day. The venue is located at 9035 Baltimore Street in Savage, MD.

Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show
Where: Downtown Historic Occoquan
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Over 10,000 peple are expected to attend the Town of Occoquan’s 47th Annual Arts and Crafts Show. Along with the creative items for sale by more than 300 contemporary and country crafters, there will be live entertainment, a DJ, food, and a Kidz Corner.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue, 3rd – 6th Streets, NW DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, food, hands-on activities, and more. Kids can enjoy activities like origami, sidewalk chalk, dragon making, story telling, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace.

Falls Church Feeds the World
Where: Christ Crossman UMC
When: Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
The public is welcome to join other members of the community in working together to assemble and package 20,000+ meals to combat hunger around the world – and enjoy a children’s festival taking place outside. The free event features activities that teach children about food insecurity in our community and worldwide, and includes food at no cost.

WJMF in the Park
Where: Stead Park
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family to the park for a day of free concerts, games, and fun! Part of the Washington Jewish Music Festival, this evnt will feature The Macaroons’ catchy pop-rock mixes with The Brothers Yares’ Middle Eastern-inflected Folk and Americana sound. Ari Jacobson is the musical master of ceremonies, and there will also be face painting, games, and workshops throughout the day. The Washington Animal Rescue League will join with adoptable puppies and when you’re ready for some grub, grab a falafel or grilled cheese nearby from DC Ballers and The Big Cheese.

Nature & Recreation in Annapolis
Where: Quiet Waters Park
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $6/car
Head east to explore a new park. We recently discovered Quiet Waters, kind of by accident, and it made for a fantastic outdoorsy Mother’s Day. Hike in the woods under a leafy canopy, paddle the South River, take in scenic vistas, and even view some art. Read more the locale in this new post.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Spring, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

May 20, 2016 · 8:03 am

The Weekend Round-Up: May 20-22

Enhance your weekend at Tour de Fat’s Friday Night concert and Saturday Festival

Just because it’s going to be a wet weekend, that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. Get out the rain coats and waterproof footwear and head outdoors anyway, or take your pick of indoor pursuits from both special events listed below and ongoing activities here. I do recommend checking to make sure there aren’t cancellations due to rain, and I’ll update here as well. Wet or dry, indoors or out, have a… Happy Weekend!

BioBlitz
Where: Parks around the area
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
To celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service, National Geographic is bringing together 300 scientists and thousands of members of the public to explore the parks around DC and document all the creatures that live in them. We’ll also have a Biodiversity Festival on the Mall with music, entertainment, and booths with hands-on activities. It’s all completely free!

Biodiversity Festival
Where: National Mall
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
This two-day event is part of the cornerstone BioBlitz. Head to Constitution Gardens for hands-on science exhibits, food and art, as well as family-friendly entertainment and activities. Constitution Gardens will also serve as base camp for the National Capital Parks BioBlitz and as a connection to all the other BioBlitzes taking place at national parks that weekend.

Rockin’ on the Riverfront
Where: Yards Park
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend as the Yards Park kicks off its seasonal Friday Night concert series! Tour de Fat presents the Black Masala Band in the first installment of the summer staple, so there will be extra bemusements along with the show, as well as food and beverages will be available for purchase (note that BYO alcohol is no longer permitted, but you can still spread out for a picnic dinner).

Tour de Fat
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The celebration of bike and bemusement is zany in the best way possible. There’s a bicycle parade, bicycle art, reconfigured bicycles to ride, a dance contest to win a bicycle, a car-for-bike swap, a bike-themed kids area, and bikes just…everywhere. There’s also beer! Registration for the parade starts at 10am, then the rest of the festivities kick off at 11am. Costumes encouraged.

Voices of Now
Where: Arena Stage
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy an evening of evening of original, autobiographical theater as artists ages 11 to 18 share their stories and raise important questions they have about their communities. This year’s plays examine topics including issues of race and ethnicity, self-identification, mental health and illness, heroes and role models, putting down roots in new places, risk-taking, the magnitude of our actions, and implications of language used surrounding grief and death.

MoCo Strawberry Fest & Fair
Where: Zimmerman-Ace Field in Burtonsville
When: Friday, 6-9pm & Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free to the marketplace, tents and rides extra
Celebrate spring in Montgomery County with carnival fun and seasonal treats! Enjoy local strawberries, a market of artisan goods, face painting, strawberry foods, shortcake, live entertainment, and more!

18th Century Spring Market Fair
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: $8/adult, $3/child, free for 2 and under
Celebrate spring at the first Market Fair of the season! The living history museum’s annual event showcases aspects of life in 1771 in lots of fun, festive ways. Play games and watch a children’s puppet theatre, or make your own Corn Husk Doll. Order nails from the Blacksmith and watch all kinds of demos by artisans. Purchase herb and flowering plants and shop for other wares. Concession include fresh vegetables, roast chicken, sausages, and bread; lemonade and sugar cakes from the Sweets stand; and wine or ale from the Tavern. Due to weather, the Fair will only take place Sunday this season. Read more about Claude Moore in this recent post.

IRELAND 100: Redhead Family Day
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 4pm
Admission: Free
As the Kennedy Center showcasing Irish arts and culture over the next couple of weeks, this special family day welcomes redheads and redheads-at-heart to join this free celebration. Featuring music acts, dance performances, demonstrations, and activities for the whole family, the day wil culminate in a redhead kids’ parade and photo gathering.

Puppet Show
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
When: Saturday, 10:30am & 2pm
Admission: Free
Head to the NMAI’s imagiNATIONS activity center for an interactive puppet show based on the children’s book The Goat in the Rug by Charles L. Blood and Martin Link.Learn about the Diné (Navajo) people from the southwest United States and the six steps involved in creating a traditional Navajo rug. Recommended for children up to age six. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Extend your visit and enjoy the many hands-on activities for kids at the museum.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* The Pop-Ups are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java
* Watch the World Children’s Choir perform The Magic Flute in Arlington on Saturday
* The Kennedy Center present The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly as part of its IRELAND 100 festival on Sunday
* See The Emperor’s Nightingale at Adventure Theatre
* Encore Stage & Studio’s current production by kids for kids is Shakespeare’s Tweflth Knight
* Looking for Roberto Clemente is on the Imagination Stage
* See a fairy tale on strings as Sleeping Beauty is performed at The Puppet Co.
* And Panda Monium is the featured Tiny Tots show

Dueling Pianos
Where: Bobby McKeys at National Harbor
When: Saturday, 1:30pm
Admission: $18
The whole crew can enjoy an afternoon of music and fun at one a dueling piano shows. The two hours of all-request live music paired with a lunch buffet is a great way to brighten a gray, rainy day. And this is a performance where kids are encouraged to wiggle in their seats, dance in the aisles, and sing along!

Armed Forces Day
Where: National Cryptologic Museum, Annapolis MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Honor and celebrate the men and women serving in our nation’s Armed Forces at the National Cryptologic Museum on Saturday. The event promises to be a day of fun and education for the whole family. Indoor and outdoor activities will include a chance to talk by ham radio, K-9 Unit demos, knot tying workshops with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, live jazz from the U.S. Army Field Band Ambassadors, special tours and photo ops, kids games, face painting, bouncy fun, and more. Service members will be serving hot grilled food and drinks, and ice cream will be available for a sweet treat. Rain or shine.

Book Shop Sing-a-Long
Where: Walls of Books
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
Since it’s going to rain, make the day awesome by joining Walls of Books for some music and great stories. Bear Song will lead the tunes, and grown ups can grab some coffee provided by Heat Da Spot.

Family Book Making Arts
Where: African Art Museum
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Learn the art of traditional book making techniques and create your own book art. Workshops will focus on different aspects of book making, featuring local and international book art making artists. The African Art Museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue, enter from the Haupt Garden.

Astronaut Academy
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Experience the Air & Space Museum’s new Smithsonian TechQuest: Astronaut Academy. The free alternate reality game challenges you to become an astronaut-in-training for a future trip to Mars. Choose what role you will play on the mission; engage in fun interactive activities; and explore the science, technology, engineering, and math skills you will need as a member of the next generation of space travelers. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the Museum’s fascinating artifacts. Read more about the adventure on the website. Best for upper elementary and middle school visitors and their families.

International Migratory Bird Day
Where: Rock Creek Park Nature Center
When: Saturday,10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Help Rock Creek celebrate the birds that call the park home, even for part of the year. For generations, migratory birds have connected communities across continents, providing unique opportunities for international collaboration and inspiring people to improve conditions for birds, all wildlife, and for ourselves. The day will include bird walks, hands-on activities and exhibits, food, art, and family-friendly entertainment – a special performance by Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble. See the schedule of activities on the website.

McLean Day
Where: Lewinsville Park, Mclean VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
McLean’s annual festival to celebrate the city has something for everyone in the fam. Enjoy canival rides, food trucks, live entertainment, a petting zoo, exhibitor booths, free field games, a tennis clinic, Bumpr Ball, laser tag, and a roaming Magician and balloon animals that will delight the littles!

Fiesta Asia Street Fair (UPDATE: Postponed to June 5)
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue, 3rd – 6th Streets, NW DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, food, hands-on activities, and more. Kids can enjoy activities like origami, sidewalk chalk, dragon making, story telling, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace.

Parks & Yoga
Where: Constitution Gardens on the Mall
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free
Pop-up yoga brand Grip The Mat will be teaching an open yoga session on Saturday morning at 9am as part of the Biodiveristy Festival and centennial celebration of the National Park Service. Join them as they explore one of the most notable National Parks, the National Mall, and the whole fam can connect with each other during a light-hearted yoga session followed by a brunch by Peet’s Coffee. Admission is free, but RSVP here. Be sure to bring a yoga mat!

Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Gaithersburg City Hall, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their 7th annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. The Gaithersburg City Hall is located at 31 South Summit Avenue.

Outdoor Movie Night: Minions
Where: J.O. Wilson Elementary School
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The JO Wilson PTA will be hosting a Outdoor Family Movie Night for kids, families, neighbors and friends on Friday, May 20 starting at 8pm. The movie will be Minions and admission is free. We will have pizza, juice, water, and concession sales. We will also have pre-activities with music and games for all between 6:30 and 8:00. The activities and movie will take place on the JO Wilson soccer field at 660 K St NE. Bring your blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets. Fun for everyone. Alcoholic beverages not permitted.

STEMosphere
Where: KIPP DC
When: Saturday,9:30am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free
Students and families from across the region are invited to this highly interactive expo of hands-on, brains-on adventures for learners of all ages who want to explore, invent, and experiment.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
Where: Reston Town Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $5 suggestion donation
Experience the 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, an 11-block art walk filled with more than 200 artists from around the nation with their paintings, photography, mixed-media, sculpture, jewelry, and fine craft. Be inspired with art appreciation for all tastes and ages, interact with artists and learn about their processes, enjoy acclaimed family art-making activities in the Pavilion, and see innovative performances of dance inspired by public art installations.

Flocks and Farms Festival
Where: Black Hill Regional Park
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the Maryland Bluebird Society and Black Hill Nature Programs for a celebration of the conservation success stories of the Eastern Bluebird and Montgomery County’s very own Agricultural Reserve. Participants will learn how to help bluebirds and other cavity-nesters, while meeting farmers and organizations based in the Ag Reserve.

Full STEAM Ahead
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Families are invited to visit the Annmarie artLAB for hands-on investigations and challenges. This month’s “Wonderful Weather” themed session (and here I have to note the irony) will include a variety of fun and wildly creative games that will help kids explore, observe, ask questions, and make predictions about the world around them as they create and play.

Awesome Possum Book Reading!
Where: Upshur Street Books
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Free
Book it to Upsher Street, where author Sara Pascoe is giving a reading of her new children’s book, Oswald the Almost Famous Possum. The story is about fame-seeking opossum who must decide whether the promise of fame is more important to him than sticking by his friends is a fantasy chapter book for 7-9 year olds with great educational details sprinkled in about language (Oswald is a poet) and fun facts about the different animal characters (did you know opossums have opposable thumbs on their back legs?).

The Weekend Round-Up: May 6-8

With my favorites at WONDER…this weekend is the last chance to see the full exhibit!

A fantastic mix of events and activities will brighten things up around here…along with sunshine (fingers crossed!) just in time for the special day. Happy Weekend! And a Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual festival, in its 77th year at the National Cathedral, is a wonderful way to spend a nice spring day . While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups, there will also be music and entertainment, games and rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and other fun activities to delight kids as well. And be sure to visit the awesome Beauvoir School playground while your’re there. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about our experience there last year.

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: More than 40 Embassies
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
You might get to hear live music from Albania, sample snacks from Sri Lanka, see a Bolivian dance performance, and enjoy the rich tradition of Nepalese storytelling – all in one day! Cultural Tourism DC presents its annual Around the World Embassy Tour, an open house to embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. The free event showcases art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street. A heads-up that there could be lines to get in some embassies, so be prepared. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies might conduct security checks. For more about the event, read about one of our experiences there.

Last Call for WONDER(full)
Where: Renwick Gallery
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It’s your last chance to experience the extraordinary WONDER exhibit in its full glory — the galleries on the second floor will close after this weekend. Even if you’ve already seen it, a repeat look is just as enchanting as previous visits. And if it’s your first time, well, you’re in for quite a treat.

Racing Art
Where: Baltimore
When: Saturday, 9am – 7pm
Admission: Free
You might see giant pink poodles and other outrageous works of art “race” down Charm City streets at the American Visionary Art Museum’s 18th annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetinauts (the pilots of the moving sculptures) will compete for the Grand East Coast National Mediocre Champion, awarded to the competitor who finishes exactly in the middle (that is the BEST). Vehicles are wacky and whimsical, straight from a lunatic genius imagination and constructed out of all kinds of materials. They may be a small one-person machine or a 50-foot feat of engineering navigated by many. This is one of those spectacles you just have to see for yourself.

Cheverly Truck Touch
Where: Cheverly Nursery School
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $5 (under 18 months are free)
Little ones love Truck Touch events, and you’ve got your pick of two this weekend (see below). Cheverly Weekday Nursery’s annual fundraiser welcomes children to sit in the driver’s seat of a fire truck, honk the horn of a dump truck, run around inside the trailer of an 18-wheeler, check out the a police car interior, stand on the back of a garbage truck, and get behind the wheel of many more cool rides. And the fun doesn’t end there—games geared toward little ones, moon bounces, concessions, balloons, and more will also be available. The event will be held in the Cheverly United Methodist Church parking lot (2801 Cheverly Avenue in Cheverly MD). Read an early KFDC post about our take on these events here.

Silver Spring Truck Touch
Where: Silver Spring Nursery School
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admisison: $5
Kids can all kinds of cool vehicles, including Montgomery County construction trucks, a fire engine, rescue vehicles, a school bus, a Metro bus, and more. Also enjoy live music from local favorite Marsha & the Positrons, as well as yummy food and drinks, arts & crafts, games and face painting. And returning this year is the popular Silent Auction, where you can bid on lots of amazing Park at the CHI Center (10501 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring), then head one block South to SSNS at 10309 New Hampshire Ave.

Fun – & Asparagus!– on the Farm
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult
Why buy mom roses when you can you can give her a bouquet of something as unique and fresh as asparagus? The veggie is at its peak and full of flavor this time of year, and you can get it at Great Country Farms – and have a ton of fun. Let dad take the kids out to the five-acre play area, while mom enjoys shopping in the Farm Market stocked with jams & jellies, honey, local meats, baked goods and great gift ideas! Or just relax over lunch and a strawberry sundae at the Roosteraunt concession stand. They’ll have a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry for each visiting mom to thank her for her love, patience, and nurturing in raising our next generation – now, that is sweet!

Go Colonial
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $8/adult, $3/child, free for 2 and under
Take a little time trip back to 1771 at the living history museum in McLean. At Claude Moore Colonial Farm you can see and experience what life was like in the 18th century. Visitors aren’t just welcome, but encouraged, to join a farm family in their daily farm activities. It’s a fun and educational outing for all ages!

“Perspectives” Family Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum and the Ivymount School, a local school serving students with specific learning disabilities, hearing impairment and autism, for this special event. Families can learn about different perspectives in portraits, create their own portraits, and dance to the lively tunes of Sean Lane and Bay Jazz Project.

Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Just because the Nats aren’t in town, that doesn’t mean you can’t catch some good baseball action. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Erie SeaWolves all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy, too — post-game fireworks, a Star Trek celebration, and Mother’s Day brunch among them. Read more about Baysox games in this recent KFDC post.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Go on a comic adventure that is fun for the whole family with Air Play at Strathmore on Friday evening
* Follow the yellow brick road to the National Theatre where The Wizard of Oz is running through May 15
* The Emperor’s Nightingale is at Adventure Theatre
* Get your groove on with Groovy Nate at Kinder Haus Toys on Saturday
* Looking for Roberto Clemente is on the Imagination Stage
* See a fairy tale on strings as Sleeping Beauty is performed at The Puppet Co.
* And Kooky Kritters is the featured Tiny Tots show there

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If weather permits (or if you don’t mind a little rain), spend some time on the trail. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids.

Family Archaeology Day
Where: Needwood Mansion
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $10/person or $20 per family
See and experience what parks archaeologists do. Event features a 19th century slave quarters dig exhibit, mansion tours, a simulated archaeology dig for children, storytelling, old-time games and crafts. Bring a bag lunch and stay for the day.

Korea Day: A Family Festival
Where: Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Children’s Day with a full day of free cultural activities for the whole family. Explore the richness of Korean culture through hands-on activities, musical performances, taekwondo demonstrations, and storybook readings by staff of the DC Public Library.

Green Festival
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $13.65, free for ages 16 and under
Go green at the nation’s premier sustainability event. Explore over 250 exhibitors, hear from over 50 inspirational speakers, indulge in delicious vegan or vegetarian food, and learn all you need to know to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Moms get free admission on Mother’s Day!

Community Sing
Where: THEARC
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Levine Music, known for bringing music to numerous communities throughout the DMV, is hosting its most ambitious community sing-along. People of all ages and abilities are invited to raise their voices in song. Levine artist-in-residence Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell will lead participants in gorgeous five-part harmonies. Bring the whole family! RSVP requested here.

Solve the Great STEM Mystery
Where: Lord of Life Preschool in Clifton, VA
When: Saturday,
Admission: $5
Join Lord of Life Preschool as they host a day of hands-on STEM fun for preschool and elementary aged kids. Get your Detective Handbook, earn clues, and work your way through interactive exhibits such as Mindcraft Molding, Lego Robotics, Math Crafts, Experiments, and much more. Enjoy some food and entertainment, too — grab lunch or a snack and watch Professor Fizzwiffle’s Magical Science Show!

Rally for Recess
Where: 660 K St. NE
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join Playworks, a that believes in the power of play, at this free event to support recess in the DMVin the 2016-2017 school year. The day will be full of fun activities for families, including games, an Imagination Playground, healthy food tastings, giveaways, and more!

Savor the Day
Where: Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
When: Daily, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a perfect balance of kid and grown-up fun at the Dickerson, MD, locale. Sugarloaf welcomes children to join adults at the winery and even has a designated Play Area where all ages can kick balls, throw Frisbees, and be active. Bring along a picnic, listen to live music, and maybe do some hiking nearby. Be sure to savor the house specialty, of course — I highly recommend the rosé!

Mother’s Day on the Patuxent
Where: Solomons Island
When: Sunday (or anytime)
Admission: Varies
Still making plans for Mother’s Day? We celebrated a couple of years ago with a pontoon boat outing on the Patuxent River, a fun and relaxing time for all — read all about it here. But if you want to stay closer to home, you can turn many of these outdoor ventures into a family outing with some mom celebrating.

Mother’s Day Mezza Menu
Where: Lebanese Taverna
When: Sunday
Admission: $37/adult, $15/child
Take mom to brunch at a local favorite for family dining. Lebanese Taverna has a Mother’s Day Unlimited Mezza Special. It’s a great opportunity to sample many great dishes and, of course, celebrate the special day. Read more about the restaurant here.

The Ins and Out of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
For things to do outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, or for some great Mother’s Day ideas, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

The Weekend Round-Up: April 29 – May 1

Catch a Duck Race at Yards Park…or just go to play and relax

Racing toy ducks, bluegrass and jazz music, French flair, college and carousel celebrations, the arts, science, history, and so much more can be part of your weekend experience. And for activities beyond the round-up, browse the big list of indoor ideas as well as the best outdoor places to hang with the kids. Happy Weekend!

Bon Jour, Georgetown
Where: Wisconsin Avenue NW, between P St. & Reservoir Rd.
When: Friday/Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill neighborhood bringing the signature European open air market back for its 13th year, featuring nearly 40 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and galleries, art, and antique home furnishings. But it’s not all about the shopping; kids will enjoy the strolling mimes, children’s activities, live music, and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants. Visit the website to download a schedule of events and list of participating shops.

Duck, Duck… Race!
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
See thousands of environmentally-friendly toy ducks race along the Anacostia River! The first ever DC Duck Race, a fundraiser to benefit more than 30 non-profits executing sustainable service projects in the community, will showcase the flock of sponsored rubber duckies “racing” along a contained course on the water. There will be even more at the community festival, including entertainment, food, music, and a Kids’ Zone.

Go, Terps!
Where: University of Maryland
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Maryland Day celebration in College Park gets a giant thumbs-up from me, and not just because it’s my alma mater. This is a fantastic event for families, and I know from experience. Every year, the University hosts a huge open house for, well, everybody. “Explore Our Worldof Fearless Ideas” is the theme of this year’s fair, and guests will be able to do that and then some. There will be over 400 activities for varying ages, including learning games; an adventure area; autograph sessions with the basketball teams; musical performances; arts & crafts; farm animal visits; puppet shows and sing-a-longs; face painting; fossil digs; insect and instrument petting zoos; and TONS more. It’s spread out all over campus — and it’s a huge campus, so prepared for lots of walking (worth every step!) and be sure to bring a stroller for little ones.

Glen Echo Family Day
Where: Glen Echo Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the opening of the park’s beautiful historic Dentzel Carousel for its 96th season! Along with rides on the merry-go-round ($1.25/ride), guests of all ages can enjoy a loads of fun activities: Magic shows, dance performances, arts & crafts, face painting, photo exhibits, and balloon animals are just some of the usual favorites. The full schedule of events is available of the Glen Echo website.

Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival
Where: Kingman Island
When: Saturday 12-8pm
Admission: $25
The 7th Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival will feature bluegrass entertainment and plenty more revelry. The celebration of local music, food, and culture as well as the revitalization of the Anacostia River includes eight hours of performances by local bluegrass and folk acts on six stages. Fuel up with DC’s favorite food trucks and Sierra Nevada beer. Entertain kiddos in the Living Classrooms family tent with natural-inspired crafts and games for all ages. There will also be motor boat tours, kayaing, a marketplace selling all kinds of wares, and a Jam Tent, where pickers, strummers, and yodelers are welcome to stop in and play. Kingman Island is located on the Anacostia River at 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE (at the entrance to RFK Stadium).

Astronaut Academy
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free (but parking is $15)
Experience the Air & Space Museum’s new Smithsonian TechQuest: Astronaut Academy. The free alternate reality game challenges you to become an astronaut-in-training for a future trip to Mars. Choose what role you will play on the mission; engage in fun interactive activities; and explore the science, technology, engineering, and math skills you will need as a member of the next generation of space travelers. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the Museum’s fascinating artifacts. Read more about the adventure on the website. Best for upper elementary and middle school visitors and their families.

Spring Arts Fair
Where: THEARC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Washington Performing Arts and THEARC invite you to their Spring Arts Fair & Birthday Bash on Saturday to celebrate of DC’s diverse artistic offerings. The event will feature electrifying performances, interactive workshops, a moon bounce, face painting, free food (hot dogs, hamburgers, and Rita’s Italian Ice), and much more! A complimentary shuttle to THEARC will be available from the Southern Avenue Metro. Ample free parking is also available.

Revolutionary War Weekend
Where: Mount Vernon
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $20 ($17online)/adult, $9/ages 6-11, free 5 and under
Join Mount Vernon for one of the largest Revolutionary War encampments in the area! Step back in time and experience more than 500 Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Meet hundreds of Revolutionary War military re-enactors, learn more about life in the 18th-century, discuss military techniques, and watch battle re-enactments, and more.

Jazz Hands
Where: Throughout the city
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Take advantage of a fabulous opportunity for kids (and parents) to discover jazz music. International Jazz Day will bring together a hugely diverse group of artists for free shows in every Ward around the city, including major venues like The Kennedy Center, The National Museum of Natural History at The Smithsonian, and a number of great DC Jazz clubs.

Move Me Festival
Where: Kenmore Middle School
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Bowen McCauley Dance is celebrating 20 years of Creating Community through Dance with the 7th Annual Move Me. The free, family-friendly event celebrates art and culture, promoting healthy lifestyles through movement and the arts. Festivities include performances and interactive activities provided by more than 20 local arts organizations, plus storytelling, arts & crafts, face painting, raffle prizes, food trucks, and more.

Au Pair in American Cultural Fair
Where: Nationals Park
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Help celebrate 30 years of Au Pair in America and the U.S. Department of State’s au pair program! You’re invited to a fun afternoon of educational country displays, performances by au pairs, photo ops, face painting, and other fun activities for children. Au pairs from over 30 countries will be participating! If you’re curious about au pairs as a childcare option, don’t miss this fun-filled event! Sign up here.

REEP 40th Anniversary Event
Where: Gymnasium at the Arlington Mill Community Center
When: Friday, 6-9pm
Admission: $5/adult, $2/child, free for 2 and under
Start the weekend with the Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP) for a 40th anniversary community celebration. Festivities will include carnival games, balloon animals, face painting, games, and raffles, live music, a DJ, food and drink, and more! REEP provides much-needed literacy, workforce development, and technology instruction to thousands of limited English proficient adults in Arlington.

Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* The Emperor’s Nightingale just opened at Adventure Theatre
* Looking for Roberto Clemente is on the Imagination Stage
* And so is Lord of the Flies, just through this weekend
* Join Moona Luna for a Saturday morning concert at Jammin’ Java
* Catch a performance of Boxes, Boxes, Boxes at the Atlas Performing Arts Center
* See a fairy tale on strings as Sleeping Beauty is performed at The Puppet Co.
* And Doggy Doodle’s is the featured Tiny Tots show there
* The Children of the Gospel Choir and Children’s Chorus of Washington will unite for a concert at the Lincoln Theatre

Fancy This
Where: Brookside Gardens
When: Through September 25, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $8/ages 13 and up, $5/3-12, free ages 0-2
Walk amid a garden of butterflies as Brookside Garden’s amazing Wings of Fancy exhibit opens for it’s annual run. The display featuring live butterflies and caterpillars from all over the world is sure to delight! Plan to tour the rest of Brookside’s lovely grounds while you’re there and see if there are any other special kids’ programs to enjoy. Read about one of our experiences at the exhibit and rest of Brookside.

Experience the WONDER of Art
Where: Renwick Gallery
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Renwick’s extraordinary exhibition will only be there in full for another a couple of weeks, so go see it while you can (or go for a repeat visit if you’ve already been). The aptly named WONDER features a major art installation in each gallery. And the works aren’t just beautiful, they’re breathtaking. Be sure to experience it with the kids — they’ll love it, too.

Literary Hill
Where: Eastern Market
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join Capitol Hill neighbors in supporting the community’s own literary festival! The annual Literary Hill BookFest attracts thousands of visitors to meet and greet local authors, buy books, and learn about book-related resources and services on the Hill. Over 30 local writers from Capitol Hill will display, discuss, and sign their books. The Hill’s newest bookseller will sell books on-site. Select authors will give brief talks or readings. And children’s corner will offer story times and activities.

Art and Me: Become a Conservator!
Where: Sackler Gallery
When: Sunday, 11:30am – 1pm & 3-4:30pm
Admission: Free
Visit the museum’s immersive installation Filthy Lucre and explore how art and science collide when conservators preserve precious works of art. Then, return to the ImaginAsia classroom and work with a Freer | Sackler conservator to learn about the process of repairing a work of art. This program is designed for children ages 3–5 with adult participation. Registration is required.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Where: Burnside Farm
When: Friday – Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $8
Experience Holland in Haymarket, VA! Burnside Farm’s annual Festival of Spring showcasing the season’s flowers is open and blooming. Stroll through the giant fields that contain over 50 different varieties of flowers in a rainbow of colors and pick your own to enjoy at home: $1 for 2 daffodils, $1 per tulip.) Be sure to have your camera handy.

Re-ball! Raise/Raze
Where: Dupont Underground
When: Through June 1
Admission: $16.82
If you were wondering what happened to all the balls from last summer’s BEACH exhibition at the National Building Museum, well, this is it! Over 650,000 of the translucent spheres have been re-purposed into a reconfigurable block system in Dupont Underground’s first-ever installation. (Note: I was actually hesitant to even post this, since tickets have already sold out, but I figure it’s worth letting readers know about it if they want to try to score tickets elsewhere — I’ve seen them for sale on Craig’s List).