Tag Archives: Spring 2018

The Weekend Round-Up: June 22-24

Catching the boys of summer is among the many joys of summer




This first “official” weekend of summer comes with loads of ways to make the most of it. A solstice celebration at the Smithsonian, Giant BBQ Battle, the Nats, seasonal fun, all kinds of live entertainment, two opportunities to play in mud, a musical pajama party, and a day of play for little one are just some of your options for a great time with the kids. Happy Weekend!

Joys of Summer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity

Free concerts, outdoor swimming, baseball, special exhibits, movies under the stars, sprayground fun… Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed all around the area throughout the weekend. Get the full scoop on all of these joys of summer in the 2018 Summer Guide.

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

Anacostia Riverkeeper’s summer catch and release fishing series is underway and will take place every Friday through August 17. Rods, reels, bait, and instruction are all free. No registration required — just show up! Diamond Teague Park is located on the Anacostia River, between Nationals Park and Yards Park.

Dinosaurs Rock
Where: Brambleton Town Center | Brambleton, VA
When: Friday
Admission: Free

Check out this large scale dinosaur pop-up to engage and entertain children for the premiere of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. During the event, DINOSAURS ROCK is creating an interactive museum with real fossils and artifacts on the entire lawn across from Regal Cinemas. Businesses in Brambleton Town Center will also be offering special themed menu items and deals.

Solstice Saturday
Where: Smithsonian Museums in DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free

The Smithsonian is marking the first Saturday of summer — Solstice Saturday — by staying open late and hosting parties, programs, and performances. The National Museum of American History, National Portrait Gallery, and Smithsonian American Art Museum will be open until midnight welcoming visitors to the free festivities. Visit the website to see where and when the they’re all happening!

Pajama Party
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $10

123 Andrés  (Uno, Dos, Tres Andrés) is celebrating the release of his newest album, La Luna, with a “Pajama Party” family concert. All ticket sales will benefit the Greater DC Diaper Bank, a wonderful organization that provides more than 100,000 free diapers a month to more than 3,600 low-income families in the DC metro area. 123 Andrés is also donating $1 from each album sale of La Luna during the first year of its release to the Greater DC Diaper Bank and the National Diaper Bank Network.

MudFest
Where: Woodstock Equestrian Park | | Beallsville, MD
When: Saturday,
Admission: $15/car

Looking for ways to get more dirt on your family and friends? Celebrate International Mud Day (yes, apparently, it’s a thing) with Montgomery Parks! At the family-friendly event, mud-seekers will find themselves in the rolling hills of Woodstock Equestrian Park with mud pools and puddles to slip, slide, and get dirty in. It’s a great way for people to get outside and reconnect with nature. Cook up your favorite mud pie in their kitchen, create and display your best mud art, and capture amazing “mudgrammable moments.”

Barbeque Battle
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Downtown DC
When: Saturday 11am – 9pm & Sunday, 11am – 7:30pm
Admission: Start at $12/adults, free/12 & under

Join one of the biggest summer barbeques around as the Giant National Capital Barbeque Battle returns to pit some of the nation’s best barbequers against each other to compete for big prizes. The reward for attendees: Samples from all the entrants (plus, more food), live music, cooking demos, kids’ fun, and more. It all takes place along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, from 3rd to 7th Streets.

Kick it for FREE
Where: Stead Park | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free

Join the Volo City Kids Foundation as they begin their FREE soccer program for kids ages 6-12. No previous experience necessary! The league will take place at Stead Park (1625 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) in Dupont Circle from 11:00am-12:30pm and last for 7 weeks. All materials, including a t-shirt for practices will be included. Healthy snacks and drinks will also be included. Register your child for this great opportunity here.

Show Time
Where: Venues around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show

* It’s opening weekend for Tinker Bell at Adventure Theatre
* David Engel’s Wizard Academy is the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods performance at Wolf Trap
* You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown opens at Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Paper Dreams at the theatre in Bethesda
* It’s the final weekend for Sleeping Beauty at The Puppet Co.
* And Baby Bear’s Birthday is the featured Tiny Tots show at the puppet theater
* Here Comes Trouble is playing a Saturday morning show at Jammin Java
* Tim Kubart and the Space Cadets are playing a free kids show at McLean Central Park on Sunday
* Teen ages and up will enjoy The Second City’s Generation Gap at the Kennedy Center
* Make it a date night for Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Camelot

Heritage Days
Where: Various locales | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County, MD, as more than 30 historic sites welcome visitors for guided tours, re-creations of historic events, children’s activities, and more — all free of charge. Learn about the history of dairy farming, railroads, and trolleys; African American communities, astronomy, local arts & culture, and outdoor recreation. Check the online brochure for participating locations and activities.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $13+ (look for a ticket deal)

The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 23rd year of FUN. UniverSoul connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing and celebrating the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a stellar production that blends circus arts, theater and music. A fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

National Day of Play
Where: Gymboree of DC | Cleveland Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 12:45pm
Admission: Free

Gymboree of DC invites you to celebrate National Day of Play on Saturday. It’s their biggest play event of the year, so gather some friends and join the fun. They’ll be exploring the play space, blowing bubbles, and creating artistic masterpieces. Open to kids under 5, it’s FREE for members and non-members! Don’t forget socks to wear on the playfloor. Due to space constraints, they ask that strollers are left at home. 

World Cup Viewing Party
Where: Wheaton Sports Pavilion | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free

Join Montgomery Parks’ at the Wheaton Sports Pavilion to watch the FIFA World Cup match-up between Mexico and South Korea! The Pop-up Parks’ giant screen will be set up on the field and food trucks will be in the driveway. Doors open at 10:30a with kickoff at 11:00am. It’s free and family-friendly!

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

It’s a weekend of home games for the Nats as they host the Phillies. There are games Friday (7:05pm), Saturday (7:05pm), and Sunday (4:05pm). Get the Kids Max Scherzer Eye Patch giveaway for the first 10,000 fans on Sunday, and you can check for more special promos here. And before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

By the People Festival
Where: Throughout DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free

This new international arts and dialogue festival is taking place in every quadrant of the city and focuses on the themes of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Expect a full-on arts takeover of DC during the four-day extravaganza, with interactive visual art installations, performances ranging from ballet to go-go, high-profile speakers, and an augmented reality art hunt. Register in advance for a free festival pass and visit the schedule to make a plan.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Local parks | Fairfax, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Join for Dairy Days at Sully Historic Site, do some stargazing at Burke Lake Park, enjoy colonial games and ice cream at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, and more! Go here to see all of your options, this weekend and beyond, and register for activities.

Astronomy Night on the Mall
Where: 15th & Constitution NW | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 6-11pm
Admission: Free

Get an eyeful of the night sky and a chance to mingle with astronomers at the 8th Annual Astronomy Festival on the Mall. This free public stargazing event features solar, optical, and radio telescope observations of the Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. You can also enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, hand-outs, posters, banners, and videos. There will also be planetarium show with a portable blow-up dome and speakers from scientific and educational organizations. UPDATE: Due to weather conditions, the event has been moved to rain location, School Without Walls High School located at 2130 G St NW on the George Washington University campus.

American Indian Paddle
Where: Mattawoman Creek | Indian Head, MD
When: Saturday
Admission: $35-85

This amazing RiverPalooza 2018 kayaking trip features leaders of the Piscataway Kanoi Tribe who provide a pre-paddle cultural history presentation, then guide and provide interpretation of cultural resources along the 3-mile paddle, suitable for beginners, starting at the Mattawoman Creek Education Center.  Atlantic Kayak owner and naturalist Judy Lathrop, who has a passion for culture and history, will also provide interpretive and ecological education throughout the entire program. 

Book Fair & Fun
Where: Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free

The Friends of Beatley Central Library is sponsoring a free book fair on Saturday. Throughout the day, they’ll be hosting a variety of free events for toddlers, young children, teens, and seniors. There will be a Harry Potter selfie station, storytime, craft activities, book signings, and more. See the schedule here. And if store guests buy anything — a book, game, or even a coffee from Starbucks — and mention that that they are there for the book fair, the organization gets a portion of the sale proceeds for their summer reading program.

Get the Blues
Where: Homestead Farm | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $3

Blueberries are currently ripe for the picking at Homestead Farm (along with tart cherries, too!). While admission to the farm is free, it’s $3 to access the patches. BYO container or purchase one there. Be sure to visit the goats and pigs while you’re at the farm. Read more about Homestead here, and for more places to PYO, see this post.

Mud Day
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Solomons, MD
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: $5, free/members & kids under 4

Celebrate International Mud Day with an afternoon of family-friendly muddy mayhem. Explore our squishy art projects, play in the mud kitchen, create a terrarium, paint with mud, and cavort in a giant mud pit! Snack vendors will be on site. Rinse-off stations will be available, but bring extra clothes and prepare for a muddy car ride home!

Happy Nappy Storytelling
Where: Sankofa Video & Books | Petworth, DC
When: Sunday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free

Join Sankofa for another edition of Happy Nappy Storytelling with special guest Crystal Judkins, author of “Onyx McFly Saves the Day” and “Onyx McFly: Lost in Space”! Onyx McFly is a tough and determined eight-year-old girl, who is as bright as she is brave. With her multi-colored sidekick Boom by her side, Onyx uses her imagination to live out a whole host of fabulous exploits, stimulated by her surroundings. Judkins will read and sign copies of her book at 2pm, followed by an arts & crafts session at 3pm. This event is best for kids ages 10 and under.

***MORE GOOD STUF TO KNOW***
* Workafrolic, the co-working and child care space in Shaw, is partnering with Fit Kids Hit the Stage to offer summer camp from July 23-27.
* See what’s coming to local stages this summer in this new round-up of seasonal entertainment.
* The National Children’s Museum is reopening in downtown DC in March 2019!
* This cover… wow.
* Even though the executive order has been signed, families separated at the border still need considerable assistance. This article has many good suggestions for how you can help.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Seasonal, Special Event, Sports, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

The Weekend Round-Up: June 15-17

Quality time on the trail


There are some great reasons to celebrate — the school year is ending, summer break is beginning, it’s Father’s Day — and this round-up is full of great ways to do it. Happy Weekend! And Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Celebrate Dad
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

If you’re still in need of plans for dad’s big day, there are so many great ways to celebrate. There are activities and offerings especially for the occasion, special events that coincide with the date, and everyday outings that can be made special with a few extra touches and great company. See this post with a bunch of ideas to help plan your day.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale

The calendar may not yet say so, but it’s summer for all intents and purposes, so celebrate with one — or several — of the many activities exclusive to the season. Swim under the sky, catch a concert beneath the stars, see a special exhibit, play at a water park, and more. For the whole gamut of seasonal fun, check out the 2018 KFDC Summer Guide.

Tiny House Festival
Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds | Manassas, VA
When: Friday – Sunday,
Admission: Free – $25 (see below)

TINY Houses across America, a nationwide celebration of the Tiny Living Movement is bringing its one-of-a-kind, for-charity Tiny House Festival to the Nation’s Capital. There will be a large assortment of tiny houses and micro homes, work shops, presentations, LOTS of vendors, music entertainment, fire performers, children’s activities, and more. Friday from 9AM-2PM is FREE for students, their teachers, and immediate family — you must pre-register and download tickets here http://www.unitedtinyhouse.com/shop/. Otherwise, admission is $10/age 13+ at 12pm, and free for everyone at 5pm. Saturday & Sunday is $25/day.

World Cup Watch Party
Where: Central Place Plaza | Rosslyn, VA
When: Friday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free

It’s World Cup time! Join a watch party at Central Place Plaza by McDonald’s for the Portugal vs. Spain match. Rosslyn BID is partnering with DC United to bring fun activities, including a soccer kick game, a prize wheel, and a foosball set up. Adults can also grab a drink at the pop-up bar starting at 1pm.

Taste of Reston
Where: Reston Town Center | Reston, VA
When: Friday, 3-11pm & Saturday, 12-11pm
Admission: Free (purchase tickets for tastings)

The largest outdoor food festival in NoVA has also been named “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” by Virginia Living magazine for several years. Reston Town Center will be bustling for two days with restaurants and community vendors, live entertainment on three stages, a Wine ‘n Dine area, and the Family Fun Zone featuring activities, interactive games, demonstrations, and arts & crafts for all ages.

Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper MArlboro, MD
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free

Bring the whole family to celebrate this historic date and enjoy free concerts, exhibits, and activities honoring African American culture. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom — the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the name. Be sure to enjoy all of the wonderful offerings at Watkins while you’re there.

Innovations in Flight Family Day
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Head to the Chantilly arm of the Air & Space Museum for a special Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display. See military, recreational, and home-built aircraft as well as classic automobiles. Enjoy presentations, demonstrations, special tours, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Colonial Wheat Harvest
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm | McLean, VA
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5/adult, $3/child, free/under 3

Help the Claude Moore Colonial Farm family harvest their precious wheat crop. Learn how wheat became a vital cash crop in Colonial Virginia. Educational and fun. Great family outing. Read more about the 18th century living history farm here.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10 & $6

Sleeping Beauty is the Main Stage production at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo. Told with rod puppets and wonderful special effects, the show is a real treat for princesses and princes, big and small. And little ones will enjoy Teddy Bear’s Picnic, this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show on Sunday — the lights stay on, doors remain open, and performances are short for newbie theatre-goers.

Columbia Heights Day Festival
Where: 11th St NW btwn Park & Irving | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free

Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to bring the fam out for a fun, free day of excitement and activities to help celebrate the community. In its 12th year, Columbia Heights Day brings together residents and businesses for all kinds of festivities. Enjoy local food vendors, live music and entertainment, a beer garden, and tents full of fun and unique vendors, and more.

Columbia Pike Blues Fest
Where: Columbia Pike & S. Walter Reed | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 1-8:30pm
Admission: Free

Enjoy food and beverages, arts and crafts vendors, and kids’ activities as you spend the day on Arlington’s oldest and newest Main Street—in one of its most diverse, vibrant communities—listening to quintessential American music that will make it impossible not to get up and dance. The Blues Festival covers three blocks at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive. So put on your dancing shoes, grab friends and family and head to the Pike for a day of great music, food, art and fun!

Bike to Market
Where: Markets in Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday (& thru June 22)
Admission: Free

Dust off your bikes, pump up your tires, and bike to your local farmers market! The Fairfax County Farmers Markets will be celebrating Bike to Market Week at select locations in collaboration with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Bring your family and friends along and you will receive a free bike map and giveaways.

Strawberry Fields in Petworth

Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | Petworth, DC

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 the the 152nd Strawberry Festival to celebrate the season. Free family fun will include moon bouncing, pony rides, face painting, field games, crafts, rock climbing, music, and tours of Rock Creek Cemetery (where the church is located). There will be BBQ, strawberry shortcakes and other food items for sale — cash only! Located in Petworth DC, the main entrance to the grounds is on Rock Creek Church Road NW & Webster St NW.

Family Stroller Strides
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:130am
Admission: Free

Start the weekend with a free family fitness class! FIT4MOM Capitol Hill offers prenatal fitness, mommy & me fitness, and HIIT classes in Capitol Hill, NOMA, and Brookland, and you can try out a FREE family Stroller Strides class on Saturday morning. The stroller-based fitness program is a 60-minute, total body workout that incorporates cardio, strength, core, songs, and activities.  Register here.

Sound of Music Sing-a-long
Where: Wolf Trap
When: Saturday, 7:15pm
Admission: $25-45

A few of your favorite things are back! A Wolf Trap tradition, the Oscar-winning movie will be shown on big screens in-house and on the lawn, accompanied by an audience sing-a-long. Be sure to dress in your Sound of Music best — the sing-a-long is paired with an unforgettable costume contest.

Dragon Boat Fest
Where: Thompson Boathouse | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free

The Washington, DC Dragon Boat Festival is a two day celebration held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing. The event is sponsored by the Taiwan-U.S. Cultural Association to promote Taiwanese culture in the DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing.

Harry Potter Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult

Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

DC Way Soccer Festival
Where: Tyler Elementary | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday,
Admission: Free

Join DC Way in a free day of family fun! It’s a great chance to introduce kids to the magnificent game of soccer, test your own skills, participate in fun competitions, and ask the DC Way coach questions regarding the game and sports in general. Festival programs will include multiple games and activities such as soccer tennis, a kids vs. parents game, sharpshooters game, 2v2 tournament, penalty and accuracy contests, and obstacle courses. Plus, there will be prizes like drawstring bags, water bottles, T-shirts, bracelets, soccer squeeze balls, and sunglasses, gift cards, and more. Parents and kids all ages welcome to participate in the fun.

Kids Pajama Party Jam
Where: AMP by Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: $12

It’s time for a pj party! Slip into some slippers, zip your little ones into their favorite jammies, and get ready to dance, sing, and play. Grammy-winning funk and hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings the excitement and energy of hip-hop to children’s music in this special Father’s Day performance. 23 Skidoo will be joined by students from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras for a performance of Mozartistic. Kick back and relax while your kids enjoy a fun afternoon of music that wraps up well before bedtime.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* The Library of Congress has announced the author line-up for the annual National Book Festival and, as usual, it’s pretty stellar!
* The next batch of free tickets for Carne Y Arena, the incredible virtual reality immigration experience for tween ages and up, will be released Friday, June 15, at 8am.
* Need name labels for all your kids’ camp gear? Mabel’s Labels has a great Flag Day Sale going on.
* If you haven’t watched every episode of A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations, or Parts Unknown, put them on your binge list. This is why I think you should.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Farm, Festival, Free, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Special Event, Spring, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Where to Play on the Weekdays: June 11-15

You can’t beat the views at Great Falls Park



Crazy 8 Sale On Now!


Monday – Venture up to Baltimore for a day of play and learning at Port Discovery. Several levels full of awesome, hands-on exhibits, including the recently opened Dinosaurs: Land of Fire & Ice, will keep kids entertained all day long. Hours are 10am – 5pm. Admission is $15.95 for ages 2 and up, free for under 2. And if you think you might go a few times this year, I recommend checking out their membership options.

Tuesday – Rock the Red and celebrate the Caps’ Stanley Cup victory! A parade will take place on Constitution Avenue, starting at 23rd Street NW and heading east to 7th Street NW. It kicks off at 11am, but get there earlier if you want to stake out a good spot to see it — optimal viewing will be between 7th & 17th Streets NW.

Wednesday – Visit the Freer|Sackler Gallery on the National Mall. The Smithsonian museum houses a remarkable collection of Asian art as well as special exhibits, like the current To Dye For: Ikats from Central Asia. Be sure to head all the way downstairs to a gallery showcasing Islamic art and culture that encourages visitors to touch and get a close look. Museum hours are 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.

Thursday – Enjoy some of the area’s best nature at Great Falls Park. Whether you opt for the Maryland or Virginia side, you really can’t go wrong. Take in spectacular views of the falls and rapids from several overlooks, hike easy trails along the river or through the woods, and stop in the Visitor Center — there’s one on each side — to learn more about the area’s history and wildlife.

Friday – Hang out at Georgetown Waterfront Park. Let the kids run through the sprays of the interactive fountain, play on the grassy areas, follow the paths of the in-ground labyrinth, and watch the boats and ducks go by on the river. After (or before, depending on when you go), have a bite to eat or do some shopping in the neighborhood full of restaurants and retail. (Note: Per a KFDC reader in the comments below, the fountain hasn’t been running, but it should open any day now. In the meantime, you can go to a DC public spray park instead — they’re open daily!)

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Filed under 2018, All ages, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Maryland, Museums, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Spring, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays

The Weekend Round-Up: June 7-10

ALL CAPS (and summer ready) at CityCenter





I don’t even follow hockey, but am still excited about tonight’s game. Hence, the info for a Thursday evening viewing party included below. And there’s way more to be amped about over the next few days — Capital Pride, a festival full of 90’s faves, lots of other live music, awesome art, cycling races & cycle repairs, summer fun, the Nats, and more. So, Rock the Red along with a… Happy Weekend!

ALL CAPS
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Thursday, 8-10:30pm
Admission: Free

If you weren’t among the lucky thousands who scored tickets to the Game 5 watch party at Capital One Arena in the 10 minutes before they sold out, you can join another fun viewing party at The Wharf. They are rocking the red at the Southwest waterfront and showing the game on a large LED screen on Pearl Street. Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, then watch the historic hockey game and cheer on the Caps! (FYI: You can also watch the game outside the Capitol One Arena on large screens located at G and 8th streets NW at 8pm. It’s guaranteed to be packed.)

Celebrate Fairfax
Where: Fairfax County Government Center | Fairfax, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: $8-22/adult, $5/youth, free/2 & under

The annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival has something for everyone — live music, carnival rides, children’s activities, art, food vendors, and much more to keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. And with Good Charlotte, Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, and Cracker headlining, you get a little time trip back to the 90’s, too! More details, along with the full musical line-up, see the Celebrate Fairfax website.

Celebrate Capital Pride
Where: Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, & Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 4:30-7:30pm & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate Capital Pride at the annual parade that’s expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators! The procession steps 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, on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW, will feature three stages of live entertainment and host 300 exhibitors, including local and community groups, national sponsors, local businesses, food vendors, restaurants, and businesses looking to promote their services. It’s all a fun and fabulous opportunity to show support for the LGBTA community and join the celebration!

Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival
Where: Kingman Island | Hill East, DC
When: Saturday 12-9pm
Admission: $35, free for ages 10 & under

The 9th Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival will feature great entertainment and plenty more revelry. The celebration of local music, food, and culture as well as the revitalization of the Anacostia River features a whole day and evening of performances by local bluegrass and folk acts on multiple stages. Fuel up with DC’s favorite food trucks and beer from Sierra Nevada and Atlas Brew Works. For kiddos, Living Classrooms and a Kids Zone will have activities just for them. Kingman Island is located on the Anacostia River at 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE (at the entrance to RFK Stadium). Read more about Kingman & Heritage Islands in this KFDC post.

Joys of Summer
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity

Free concerts in the open air, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun, and SO much more! Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed this weekend, and the 2018 KFDC Guide to the Best of Summer in DC has the whole scoop on all of them.

To Future Women
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free

Be part of a twenty-year-long art project! Part art and part time-capsule, Georgia Saxelby’s To Future Women invites you — and thousands from across the globe — to write a letter to women of future generations in this pop-up interactive installation. Archived for 20 years, the letters will be re-exhibited in 2037 on the 20th anniversary of the Women’s March. (I love this so much!) Plan to stay for the children’s Check It Out program, and on Sunday for a Rosie Revere, Engineer STORYTIME.

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.

Solo Sensory-Friendly Screening
Where: Regal Rockville Center Stadium | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $6.50

Join the Rebellion with a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story. The newest My Way Matinee from Regal gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. Watch the trailer for the movie here.

Armed Forces Cycling Classic
Where: Throughout Clarendon & Crystal City, VA
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 Saturday kids races will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City also around 11:30am. 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. Online registration has ended, but you can still sign up kids day of.

DC Jazz Fest
Where: Venues around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show

The first weekend of the annual DC Jazz Festival presents a selection of the jazz genre’s most acclaimed artists as well as emerging artists at venues all around the city. Bring the kids for some afternoon jazz or make it a date night at a show in the evening. See the full schedule of concerts on the website to help you plan.

Tinner Hill Blues Festival
Where: Various locales | Falls Church, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $25/adult, kids are free

From blues in restaurants to Cherry Hill Park, and gospel on Tinner Hill, it’s three days of music and blues-related events for all ages all over the City of Falls Church. The 25th Annual Tinner Hill Blues Festival will bring loads of activities along with the live music, including fun for young festival-goers. Kids can enjoy a blues reading, films, and an instrument petting zoo. See the website for details on all of it.

Free Bike Repair
Where: Anacostia Neighborhood Library | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12-2:30pm
Admission: Free

Need a two-wheel fix? Volunteers from The Bike House, Gearin’ Up Bicycles, Phoenix Bikes, and Velocity Coop will provide bike repair services at no cost to the public outside of Anacostia Neighborhood Library on Saturday. This program will take place n select Saturdays this summer, so look out for other dates if you can’t make this one!

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

It’s a weekend of home games for the Nats as they host the Giants. There are games Friday (7:05pm), Saturday (12:05pm), and Sunday (4:05pm). Check for special promos here. And before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.

As the Wheel Turns
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 10a – 4pm
Admission: Free

Learn about the power of water and its connection to food on a mill tour with Friends of Peirce Mill or a National Park Service Ranger at this historic site in Rock Creek Park. Ages are welcome to drop in. Read more about Peirce Mill in this KFDC post.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10 & $6

Sleeping Beauty is the Main Stage production at the puppet theatre in Glen Echo. Told with rod puppets and wonderful special effects, the show is a real treat for princesses and princes, big and small. And little ones will enjoy Teddy Bear’s Picnic, this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show on Saturday — the lights stay on, doors remain open, and performances are short for newbie theatre-goers.

Ever in the Glades
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $20

This show for the T(w)een Scene is recommended for ages 12+. On an isolated island deep in the heart of the Everglades, five teenagers struggle to survive in a land where the adults are as dangerous as the gators. When one of the kids returns from juvenile detention to help the rest escape to the mainland, it seems their prayers have been answered. There’s only one problem: they need a boat, and they need it before the adults catch wind of their plan and end it—or end them.

Alice
Where: Theatre on the Run | Arlington, VA 22206
When: Saturday, 3pm & 7pm & Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/child

Why does a girl need to create a Wonderland, and what happens there? This family dance and theater show, starring the young performers of Momentum Dance Theatre’s Jazz Hip Hop Academy, will tell the tale through this production. Running time in 2 hours.

Kennedy Street Festival
Where: Kennedy & 3rd-8th Streets | Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free

Celebrate new and old businesses, buildings, and more on Kennedy Street NW. Now in its 5th year, this year’s festival is sure to be their best yet. The street will not be closed for the event, but they’ll have a whole host of vendors, entertainment, and activities available to enjoy on sidewalks, at storefronts, and in parking lots. Especially for kids will be a scavenger hunt, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and more.

Planetary Pendant Shrinky Dink Craft
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5

Join the museum for the months Weekend Walk-in, a hands-on, drop-in, art-making workshop in the AVAM classroom! During this session, design and draw your own planets on magical Shrinky-Dink plastic. Supplies & boundless inspiration provided.

Books in Bloom
Where: Downtown Columbia Lakefront | Columbia, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free

The 2nd annual Books in Bloom festival will feature a world-class lineup of children’s authors and activities for families to enjoy, including roaming interactive flower carts, glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon artists, story time, and a puppet show. The event will also bring together some of the country’s best and brightest writers for a daylong festival celebrating the joy of books and reading.

End-of-Year Bash
Where: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center | Potomac, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $15-20/child, free for parents

This fundraiser for Washington Hebrew Congregation focuses on ages 1-6. Families can enjoy rides, inflatables, games, entertainment, face painters, food, and much more! Wristbands are $15 each until Friday, June 8 at 4pm. Regular price is $20.

El Reto Descubre el Bosque
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 2:30-5:30pm
Admission: Free

Join Corazón Latino, an organization that hosts outdoors events for multicultural families in the DMV, for an afternoon of activities for kids and adults — be ready to observe, learn, dance, eat, and make new friends!  Learn from Entomologists (scientists who study insects!) and engage in civic science using iNaturalist and iTree. Together with scientists and educators, Descubre el Bosque (Discover the Forest) and talk about ways to address issues around an invasive beetle known as the emerald ash borer. Take action as civic scientists to help protect our trees and our communities and learn how to take part in forest restoration. End the day with a boat tour along the Anacostia river with the support of the Anacostia Riverkeeper and Hispanic Access Foundation.

Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Strawberries, cherries, even spinach are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come PYO. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.

Out in DC
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity

Capital Pride isn’t the only thing bringing peops out this weekend. The area is full of great places to enjoy being outside. You can read about them in The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids. (But if weather has you seeking shelter, check out The Great Indoors post instead.)

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School welcomes the community to the 2nd Annual Family Night at the Miracle Theatre on Monday, June 11! Watch the movie SING and enjoy tacos from Santa Rosa Taqueria plus more treats & surprises! Doors open at 5:30pm, show begins at 6:15pm. Single tickets are $15, a family package is $48.
* See a rainbow in Penn Quarter as the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum celebrate Pride Week with a lighting display on their F, G, and 7th Streets NW building facades this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening.
* Saturday, apparently, is National Rosé Day. (And if some random person designates a random day as a national holiday, then it’s practically our duty to celebrate, right?? 😉 )
* Some info that may be of interest to many.

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Parade, Seasonal, Special Event, Sports, Spring, Summer, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Scenes from Jazz ‘n Family Fun Days at The Phillips Collection

“Interpreting Paintings into Jazz” with the moving sounds of Dave Schulman’s electric violin

This past weekend, The Phillips Collection hosted its annual Jazz ‘n Fun Family Days, a prelude to the DC Jazz Festival (taking place June 9-18 this year) that welcomes patrons to enjoy music and art together at the museum in Dupont Circle.

On both Saturday and Sunday, museum-goers can enjoy performances throughout the museum, along with special programs for kids, including an instrument petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and art activities. It’s truly a treat for all ages!

The Kenny Rittenhouse ensemble jazzes up the Music Room

We enjoyed a few hours of art and music on Sunday. We got to watch the Kenny Rittenhouse Ensemble play a lively set in the Music Room. Then we joined “Interpreting Paintings into Jazz” in one of the galleries. There, David Schulman played electric violin inspired by different works in the room. He would have us look at a painting instead of watching him and let the music take us into the piece. It was fantastic! Owen was especially into it, saying the music and art together was “really emotional” and made him create stories in his head about the paintings. (I loved hearing that!)

Of course, we also spent time wandering through the rest of the galleries and viewing the art. There is currently a wonderful exhibit on display — Marking the Infinite showcasing works by contemporary women artists from aboriginal Australia</>. The pieces are both beautiful and an interesting reflection of their culture. I highly recommend checking it out.

The current aborgine art exhibit

So, even though the weekend event has passed, I still wanted to capture scenes from Jazz ‘n Family Fun Days in a post to highlight it for future years — and as a reminder of what a great off-the-Mall museum The Phillips Collection is in DC. You can read more about it in this post about one of our past experiences there. And you view more scenes from the event and museum in the images below.

Kids get front row seats

Hair to match the painting he’s playing to

We were instructed to look at the painting, not the musician

Van Gogh is the subject of this tune

It’s like he dressed for the art

A web of flies

Close up of one of the works

More aboriginal works

The Luncheon of the Boating Party always draws a crowd

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Filed under 2018, All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Free, Live Entertainment, Museums, Music, Spring, Weekend