It’s pick-your-own strawberries season!
Happy Weekend!
Backpocket KFDC posts full of ideas for fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Strawberry Season
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Strawberries and a few veggies are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. This post has a round-up of where to go. 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.
It’s All Greek to You
Where: Saint Sophia Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: Fri, 4-10pm | Sat, 12-10pm | Sun, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Opa! Saint Sophia’s annual festival brings the best of Greek food, drink, and culture to DC. Festival goers can sample dishes from the Greek Cuzina made fresh and daily across the weekend. A variety of children’s games and activities will delight young guests. A marketplace will showcase wares like jewelry, pottery and home goods, and more. And every evening under the stars (and 2pm on Sunday), enjoy live Greek music played by local musicians — all are welcome to join in and dance. We’ve been several times, and it’s a super fun fest!
Mystics Home Opener
Where: CareFirst Arena | Congress Heights, DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Admission: Look for resale tickets here
The Washington Mystics Season begins this weekend with a game against the Atlanta Dream. Support women in sports as you cheer on DC’s women’s pro basketball team. And there is a special ticket offer to get a limited-edition Kiki Iriafen t-shirt and access to a postgame autograph session with Kiki along with upper-level seats.
Lag Ba’omer BBQ
Where: Eastern Market Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-6:30pm
Admission: Free
Join ChabadEast DC in celebrating the joyous day of Lag Ba’omer, a day of rejoicing and unity on the Jewish calendar, with a family BBQ! They’ll have food, live music, and fun crafts for everyone to enjoy. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate together on this joyous day!
Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Thompson Boat House | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual DC Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 21st year — its’s an experience for athletes and spectators alike! The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free, and there are usually cultural activities to enjoy, too. [Rain Date: June 14]
Musical Families Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free with timed passes
Celebrate music, instruments and more with activities, collections, and specialists from the Music Division and the American Folklife Center. Each Family Day includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home.
Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Where: Entrance at 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian heritage 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, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace. Reserve free tickets here
Truck Day
Where: MCDOT Truck Depot & Salt Barn | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is kicking off “Public Works Week” with Truck Day. The free, family-friendly event welcomes the community for a hands-on exploration of the many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles that make the county run. Climb aboard a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck, and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, plus a chance to meet the essential workers who operate them.
Bourbon & Bluegrass
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: $50-70/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & under
The rollicking annual fundraiser is back for its 10th year! Featuring an extraordinary line up of music, bourbon and beer tastings, and fun activities for the whole family, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy lots of live bluegrass music. Two-day passes are also available.
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
Where: Farms around Loudoun County, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Enjoy over 40 local farm stops full of delicious produce, cute animals, farm demonstrations, and fun & educational programs. Visit the website for a map of the locations and more info on each one.
4th Annual Charities Chess tournament
Where: Rachel Carson Middle School | Hendon, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 2:30pm
Admission: $30+
Join this student-led Charity Chess Tournament to help raise funds for SPARC – Specially Adapted Resource Centers, a Northern Virginia non profit organization that provides essential day programs for adults with severe and multiple disabilities. For a minimum donation of $30 to SPARC, players can participate in this US Chess Federation (USCF) rated tournament. Players must register by 8:30am on Saturday– they can do so on site or in advance.
Open Studio: AMUSE-ing Creativity
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
At this session of the Hirshhorn’s weekly program, they challenge you to find your family muse. Explore collaborations between artist duo (and twin brothers) OSGEMEOS and their mother. Then, taking inspiration from colorfully patterned latch-hook rug artworks, experiment with creating your own textiles and wearables. Get ready to experiment with yarn, sequins, fabrics, and more to bring your own collaborative works of art to life.
Charlotte’s Web
Where: Adventure Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Admission: $25
Charlotte’s mission to save Wilbur unfolds with the unveiling of her miraculous web, adorned with the proclamation “Some pig.” Thus begins a triumphant crusade, culminating in Wilbur’s salvation and a poignant gesture honoring Charlotte’s legacy. This timeless tale celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness, promising both actors and audience an enchanting afternoon filled with warmth and wonder. Recommended for all ages.
KidStory Theatre Festival
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
All year long, InterAct Story Theatre artists create stories with kids and invite them to share their epic tales. This May, they’ve chosen some of their favorites from over the years and present a series of short plays and stories performed by InterActors. Best for ages 4 and up.
Froggy Doodle Live: The Dream Adventure
Where: Sitar Center | Northwest DC
When: Saturday, 12:30-2:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $34
Join a magical theatrical experience that promises to delight children and families alike! Froggy Doodle Live: The Dream Adventure is an unforgettable event filled with lively dancing, captivating music, and exhilarating circus acts, featuring none other than Froggy Doodle himself! Prepare for an action-packed performance that guarantees endless fun for your little ones! In addition to the show, they’ll have a face painting station and balloon twisting to spark creativity, along with a selection of delightful snacks and concessions available for purchase.
Senior Class
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Fri & Sat, 7:30pm | Sun, 1:30pm
Admission: $26-101
This World Premiere musical-lovers’ musical is full of dancing and comedy and dedicated to the timeless belief that the show must go on… When budget cuts to the arts program mean their high school theatre can’t pay for My Fair Lady, Colin and G.B., two Broadway-obsessed students, decide to stage their own original musical version of Shaw’s Pygmalion. The search for an actress to play Eliza Doolittle leads them to a Harlem-born-and-bred subway dancer who just might be perfect — but artistic egos and culture clashes threaten to undermine the production before the big opening night. Can the Senior Class musical be saved? (And will Colin score his much-wished-for “Jimmy” Award to launch his meteoric rise to stardom as the first-ever J-EGOT?) Recommended for teens and older.
Twelfth Knight
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Fri & Sat, 8pm | Sun, 2pm
Admission: $20-84
Viola washes up on the shore after losing her twin brother in a shipwreck. In disguise as her twin brother, she lands in the world of Duke Orsino. A playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love. Recommended for teens and older.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Bohrer Park | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their 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. Bohrer Park is located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue.
Southern Maryland Heritage Festival
Where: Historic Sotterley | Hollywood, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $10-25/age 13+, free/under 12
The Southern Maryland Heritage Festival returns for its second year, celebrating Southern Maryland cuisine, history and culture. In this living landscape, stories and places of the past are preserved and shared and cultural traditions thrive. Festival attendees can discover local heritage by sampling food, shopping for artisanal goods, visiting historical exhibits, and enjoying diverse musical performances. The festival includes many family-friendly activities such as a dedicated kids’ area, wagon rides and heritage demonstrations.
Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 1-6pm
Admission: Free
The 11th annual Anacostia River Festival will offer an afternoon of fun for guests. This year enjoy musical performances, fishing workshops, arts & crafts, and more fun at the park along the Anacostia River. Read more about Anacostia Park, where it’s taking place, here.
Tiny Streets Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill., DC
When: Saturday, 4-6pm
Admission: Free
It’s the third edition of Hill Family Biking’s Tiny Streets Ride! Join for a 4+ mile bike ride on some of the most picturesque one-block streets on the Hill followed by FREE ICE CREAM at The Capital Candy Jar. They’ll have volunteers marshaling to ensure the group stays together. MPD bike team will also be participating in the ride to connect officers with the community. The rides starts at Maruy Elementary and ends at The Candy Jar.
Soccer Spirit
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Starts at $24
The Washington Spirit are hosting the Utah Royal on Saturday evening as they defend their so far undefeated (4-0) record. It’s also the annual Salute to Service Match to honor servicemen and women. There is a special ticket discount for Military, Government and First Responders starting at $24 (must verify status) available here. Get here early because there is some pre-match fun before the game as well as entertainemt on the concourse.
Capitol Movement Project
Where: Lincoln Theatre | U Street NW, DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Starting at $29
Capitol Movement, a dance company in DC with a goal of “building better lives through dance,” is celebrating 20 years with a perfomance at the Lincoln Theatre on Saturday evening. Tickets are available on ticketmaster, but free tickets are also available for families that need assistance attending the show — email jojokians@capitolmovement.org.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
Where: King Street | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community – history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style, energy. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! the National Breast Center Foundation, and Community Lodgings.
Little Beasts
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This exhibit opening on Sunday afternoon sounds like one that will appeal to all ages. Little Beasts is a unique presentation of nearly 75 paintings, prints, and drawings featuring insects, animals, and other beestjes alongside specimens and taxidermy from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It will run at the museum through November 2.
Rumpus Room
Where: The Plaza (Dock 5) | Union Market, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $13.26
DC’s only daytime dance party for families, returns to The Plaza (Dock 5) behind Union Market! Relive your night-life glory days with your little ones in tow. Dance to a family-friendly mix of dance floor classics, current hits, and guilty pleasures, all at a child-friendly volume. Now in its 8th year, Rumpus Room is designed for children 10 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome — maximum 3 kids per adult. All walking humans require a ticket; infants/crawling children enter free. No adults admitted without a child! Purchase tickets in advance — they will NOT be available at the door, and the event typically sells out, so get your tix ASAP!
The Butterfly Experience
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: Throughout the weekend, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $14/age 13+, $9/age 3-13, free/2 & under
Butterflies are back at Brookside Gardens! Formerly called Wings of Fancy, this exhibition features numerous species of live butterflies and caterpillars from North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia are not just be on display, but flitting about the space filled with plants and flowers — and it’s such a delight! Get a glimpse at what to expect in this KFDC post and this one about a couple of our past visits there. And see more about the wonderful Brookside Gardens here.
Inside Action
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Thre is some rain in the forecast this weekend, so if you’re seeking indoor places that offer opportunities for active fun and games, there are plenty around DC. From pickleball and roller skating to tennis and ping pong to escape rooms and scavenger hunts to an indoor waterpark, you’ve got options galore!
Hikes You’ll Like
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It also looks like SUnday will be a beautiful day, and getting out for a walk in the woods is a great way to enjoy some family time on the weekend. Some suggestions for places to go: Huntley Meadows in Alexandria, Roosevelt Island in DC, Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, and Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington. Find even more places to hike here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* It’s a good time to bookmark the round-up of public swim spots around the area.
* As we head into graduation season, here are gift ideas inspired by experience from last year — both my own search for graduation gifts for Owen and family friends, as well as by some of the fun and thoughtful gifts he received.
* Did you know you can visit The Phillips Collection for free during the first week of each month if you have a Bank of America card?
* Jazz in the Garden, a favorite DC summer music series, returns May 23. Tickets will be through lottery which take places the week before, Monday 10am – Friday 12pm, each concert — there is still a little time to enter the lottery for the first show!
* Tips for traveling with young kids and older parents.
* This unique salad sounds refreshing and delicious!
* REI’s big Anniversary Sale runs May 16-26, and you can score some awesome deals on all kinds of recreational gear and apparel. A few recs: Chacos, outdoor puffy blanket, large duffel bag (also a rolling version), kids’ clothes and accessories, camping chair.
* I happened to see that West Elm has a great sale section, too. I particularly like these bowls, these planters, this duvet set, this chandelier, and this coffee table.
* 24 books to get lost in this summer.
* Watch this speech with your kids — it slaps! (Part 2 here.)
