Tag Archives: Washington Wizards

November 15, 2013 · 7:20 am

The Weekend Round-Up: November 16-17

A recent sunset over DC

There’s a nice mix of special events this weekend — library and museum programs, live entertainment, holiday fun, sports, park celebrations, and more. All of these along with the DC mainstays, many of which you can find on the Everyday Play page, will keep the whole family entertained over the next couple of days. Happy Weekend!

Game Time
Where: MLK Jr. Library
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
All ages are invited to celebrate the joy of playing games during International Games Day at at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday. Learn how to play a variety of board games, video games, and trading card playing games with family and friends. There will be a Mario Kart Wii tournament in the Teen Space from 12-2pm to win fabulous prizes, then engaging in online races against other DC Public Library branches at 2pm. Participants can also learn how to play the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game and receive free cards from the game thanks to Konami’s sponsorship of International Games Day this year.

Straw Into Gold
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $3/adult, $2/ages 3-12 & seniors
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm family harvested their flax in July. Now you can help them transform bundles of the dry stalks into gleaming fiber. Learn what it means to rett, brake, skutch, and hackle. Card some tow for the Farm wife, who will spin coarse linen thread before your eyes. It’s a fun and educational event for the whole family!

Celebrate Stead Park
Where: Stead Park Playground
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
It’s the 60th Anniversary of Stead Park! All are welcome to enjoy children’s performers, face painting, balloon art, hot beverages and more festivities to celebrate the occasion and the upcoming renovation that will include a jogging track, splashpark, performance stage, improved playing field, and more trees and benches. Stead Park is located on P Street between 16th and 17th Streets NW).

Wizards Kids Day
Where: Verizon Center
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Washington Wizards are hosting the Cleveland Cavalier on Saturday evening, a match-up that’s being touted as a big rivalry game. And along with the action on the court, there will be special activities for kids to prior to the game – arrive early to enjoy them!

Forward, 54th!
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday & Sunday, various times
Admission: Free
This dramatic interpretation honors the rich stories behind the people and events remembered in Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial. Recommended for ages 8 and up, performances take place in the East Garden Court of the West Building on a first-come, first-served basis.

Show Time
Where: Local Theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Here’s where you can find live family entertainment over the next few days: The annual Capitol City Symphony Family Concert is at the Atlas Performing Arts Center for two performances on Sunday. Encore Stage & Studio presents the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — performed by kids for kids! The Twelve Days of Christmas is opening at Adventure Theatre. Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots shows are on at The Puppet Co. Michael Schwedick’s Reptile World is this week’s free Saturday Morning at the National show. See The Northern Virginia Players’ version of Dr. Dolittle. And Rolie Polie Guacamole is playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java.

Resilience In Your Neighborhood: A Community Event
Where: Koshland Science Museum
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $7/adult, $4/child & active military
Did you know that pizza boxes can be used as solar cookers? Find out how during this special event at the Koshland Science Museum.  Take part in more than 10 hands-on science activities to learn how to build a resilient home and community. Equip yourself with tools to respond to and thrive in extreme conditions in activities led by the American Red Cross, FEMA, and the National Defense University. From 1-3 pm, meet fire fighters and paramedics from the DC Fire and EMS Department. They will provide tips for what to do in an emergency and talk about careers in emergency response. The Museum is located at 525 E Street NW.

Re-Imagining the Holidays
Where: Downtown Silver Spring
When: Saturday, 6-8pm
Admission: Free
The 2nd Annual “Re-Imagining The Holidays” event is Downtown Silver Spring’s official Tree Lighting and Unveiling of Playtime Jubilee, a holiday art installation created by Karl Unnasch. The work features a metal tree armature structure standing 30 feet tall adorned with hundreds of indoor and outdoor toys and youth sporting goods of all shapes, colors and sizes. Other festivities of the evening will include the National’s Racing Presidents, live music, entertainment, photo station, games, food tastings, a beer garden, merchant activities, and contests and prizes.

Holiday Cheer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
If you think it’s too early to start celebrating the holidays, think again! Shows and events that embrace — and emit — the holiday spirit are beginning around the area. The 2013 KFDC Guide to the Holidays in DC has ALL you need to help make the season bright.

Innovation Explorations in Sound
Where: American Indian Museum
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Explore innovations in sound around the world and around the Smithsonian at this special Family Day. Discover the sounds of stars, hear frog mating calls, listen to recordings of oral histories, and learn about a research project that lets you see and feel sound vibrations. This preview event offers a taste of the programming planned for the Arts and Industries Building, scheduled to open late 2014.

Annual Book Fair
Where: Oyster-Adams Bilingual
When: Saturday, 8am – 8pm
Admission: Free
Get started on your holiday shopping and support a local school at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School’s 19th Annual Book Fair. There are books for children and adults alike. The school is located at 2801 Calvert Street NW.

Stuff a Leaf for the Holidays
Where: Dulles Town Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
NRG eVgo, Nissan, and Dulles Town Center invite you to join electric vehicle drivers and enthusiasts to celebrate the holidays and the growth of DC-fast charging CHAdeMO stations in the DC area at this family-friendly event. Activities will include Nissan LEAF test-drives (for the grown-ups, of course), face painting, ballon artists, appearances by the Redskins cheerleaders, raffle prizes, and more. And of course, for those wanting to see Santa, he is currently at the mall.

Interview with a Mad Scientist
Where: Arlington Planetarium
When: Sunday 3:30pm
Admission: $7/adult, $3/child
Reporter Lois Lane hosts a double-feature of classic Superman cartoons featuring thrilling clashes with evil scientists bent on destruction. Lois will interview one fiendish scientist who thinks that he and his comrades are victims of bad publicity! Suitable for all ages.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. On Sunday, learn about Native American leader Chief Joseph. Read more about the program in this post about our experience there.

The Weekend Round-Up: January 20-22

My favorite six-year-old

I have to start this weekend round-up with a special shout-out. It was six years ago yesterday that my favorite little man arrived, and life became a fantastic adventure I never could have imagined prior to becoming a parent. My tiny baby, who was less than six pounds upon his early arrival and fit snugly in the crook of my arm, now reads, writes, runs fast, jokes around, expresses his dreams. When I take a moment (when I have a moment) to digest it all, it’s pretty darn astounding. And I couldn’t be prouder of the boy he’s become. Happy Birthday, my sweet O.

And with my sentimental moment indulged, let’s talk about the weekend. Museums programs and special events, children’s theatre, a clothing swap, and hoops action are among my recommendations for family fun. And with dreary weather in the forecast, the indoor list makes the round-up, too. Happy Weekend!

Spy Fest 2012 – Is your child the next 007? Find out at the International Spy Museum on Sunday from 11am – 2:30pm. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the event will include mini missions, tradecraft demos, and a chance for guests to try their spy skills. Tickets are $10, and advance registration is required. Go here to sign up!

Celebrate Africa! – Kids of all ages are invited to the Textile Museum’s 3^rd Annual Mid-Winter Festival celebrating the art and culture of Africa. On Saturday from 12-4pm guests can enjoy dress-up, storytelling, dancing, crafts, and more. Try on contemporary clothing and accessories inspired by cultures of Central Africa, then pose for a professional photographer and walk away with your picture. Hand-sew a Kuba-inspired textile. Enjoy snacks of cassava chips and South African red tea while master drummer Joseph Ngwa leads traditional drumming and dance, and master storyteller Baba-C entrances listeners with interactive storytelling. Visitors will also entered to win great prizes. Admission to the event is free.

Happy Lunar New Year! – Usher in the Lunar New Year a little early at Rockville Town Center with a day full of lively festivities, including a parade hosted by VisArts, street performers, live music, martial artists, lion dancers, an 18-person golden dragon, VisArts exhibitions, vendors, crafts, and more! It’s all free and happening on Saturday from 11am – 4pm.

Multi-Prints Family Day – Press, stamp, and rub to make an artistic impression during this printmaking family day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. On Saturday from 11:30am – 3pm, artists from George Mason University will demonstrate a variety of printing techniques to kids of all ages, who can then visit our workshop tables to create a print of their own to take home! This free event will take place in the Kogod Courtyard of the museum located at 8^th & F Streets, NW.

Farm to Table Family Day – The Kogod Courtyard is going to be a busy place this weekend. Head there on Sunday as the National Portrait Gallery celebrates the arrival of the recently commissioned portrait of chef, author, and restaurant owner Alice Waters by artist Dave Woody. Enjoy live music, learn about the “farm to table” movement, and participate in hands-on activities. The free event takes place from 11:30am – 3pm.

Swap ‘Til You Drop – Or for a few hours, anyway. Saturday is World Swap Day and peace. love. swap. – The Original Maternity, Baby Kid Clothing & Gear Swap is celebrating with a swap event on Saturday at Jonah’s Treehouse in Glover Park. Pass on your old clothes and gear and score some (sorta) new stuff! Item drop-off is from 5-6pm, and the swapping is from 6:30-7:30pm. Admission is $5 if you register in advance, $7 at the door. Go here for more information and to register online

Rubber Ducky, You’re the One – The National Children’s Museum is hosting a joint birthday party for Ernie and his best pal, Rubber Ducky, at the Launch Zone on Saturday. From 11am – 4pm, children can take part in “Percussion Playtime” to celebrate Ernie’s love of playing the drums and make bubble art to celebrate Ernie and Rubber Ducky’s favorite pastime. No R.S.V.P. is required for this party, just drop in for a splish-splashin’ good time!

Wizards vs. Celtics – How about some hoops action on Sunday afternoon? Never mind that it’s not a winning season for the Wizards so far; the games are still exciting and a fun time for all ages. Our family caught the match-up against Toronto a couple of weeks ago – Sasha’s first basketball game, and the Wizard’s first W this season – and we all had a blast. Along with the on-court thrills, kids will love the games, entertainment, and giveaways during time-outs and halftime. Game time on Sunday is 1pm, and tickets start at $10.

Art History 101 – The drop-in program a the National Gallery begins its Artful Conversations series and continues Stories in Art this weekend. On Saturday, kids ages 8-11 and an accompanying adult, can attend the former to learn about a work of art and participate in a related poetry-writing activity. Sessions are at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 10:00 a.m., and will continue until all spaces are filled. On Sunday, kids ages 4-7 can again learn about Henri Matisse through storytelling, discussion, and an art project. Sessions are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am, and will continue until all spaces are filled. Read a KFDC review of the program here.

Stage Time – There’s a variety of entertainment to be enjoyed in local theatres this weekend. The Snowy Day opens at Adventure Theatre, a rousing tale about the War of 1812 is the free show at Saturday Morning at the National, Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots are at The Puppet Co., and Mouse on the Move is at Imagination Stage. Find details on all of these productions in this post about winter entertainment.

The “In” Crowd – Looks like it’s going to be a good weekend to hang indoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out of the house. For sheltered adventures around town, check out this list.

Hometown Hoops… and a Lot of Food

With the World Series over and the temps growing colder, it’s a good time to start focusing on another, perhaps indoor, sport. The Wizards play their home opener tonight against the 76ers at 7pm. Tickets range from $14.40 for seats in the upper concourse to about $900 for floor seats (hey, you never know who’s up for a splurge). And tonight, there is a special $30 All You Can Eat promotion: If you buy a $30 Upper Level Ticket, you’ll receive a voucher to be redeemed for a wristband for access to the All You Can Eat at the Concession stand located behind Section 407. Menu items include hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, peanuts/Cracker Jacks, and ice cream novelties. If you and the kids are game for some last minute b-ball and a lot of food, purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster or at the box office.

If you have to pass on tonight’s game, you can catch the Wizards in action this Saturday evening, November 6, against the Cavaliers. The All You Can Eat promo also applies to this game, and Goldstar is also offering a deal on tickets. Through the online event discounter, seats normally priced from $35 – $60 can be purchased for $17 – $35.

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Filed under All ages, DC, Deal, Eats, Live Entertainment, Sports, Weekend

Tagged as All You Can Eat Promotion, Glodstar, Ticketmaster, Washington Wizards

February 28, 2010 · 8:02 pm

Big Tickets for Little Spectators

A definite bonus of living in a large metro area is the variety of live entertainment for audiences of all ages. Whether your kid is a sports fan, theatre buff, or even a puppet show devotee, there’s a ticket in town to indulge every interest (and earn you major cool parent points). Here’s a heads-up on some live events, both happening now and on the horizon.

Take Junior out the to ball game! Single game tickets for the Washington Nationals go on sale this Tuesday, March 2, at 10am. This includes Opening Day on April 5 vs. the Phillies, an exhibition game on April 3 vs. the Redsox, and all regular season home games. Order tickets online though the Washington Nationals website.

If your little ones like their sports with a little more action and a lot more tricks, the Harlem Globetrotters will deliver a slamdunk. The Ambassadors of Goodwill are bringing their A-game—an exciting combo of basketball, entertainment, and comedy—to the Verizon Center on Saturday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for $22 – $150 through Ticketmaster.

For straight-up basketball, you can still catch the Wizards through mid-April. Tickets are available for all of their home games; prices vary by section. If the whole gang is going, you might consider their Family Fun Night promotion. For either $149 for lower level/club seats or $49 for tickets on the VW Penthaus, you get four tickets, four drinks, and four hot dogs. See the official Washington Wizards website for details.

Of course, there also are plenty of non-sporting shows the kids will love. Glen Echo Park currently has two children’s favorites. The Adventure Theatre presents “The New Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” every Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1:30pm through April 6. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. For tickets, call 301.634.2270.

Just next door, the Puppet Co. is performing a large-scale marionette version of “Beauty and the Beast.” Shows are Thursdays and Fridays at 10 & 11:30am and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Purchase tickets for $10 by calling 301.634.5380.

Plan ahead and reserve seats for The Knuffle Bunny, coming to The Kennedy Center May 8 – 23. Performances of the one-hour show will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at various times. Recommended for ages 4 and up, cost is $18/person. See the Kennedy Center website for times and tickets.