Whether you’re looking for ways to pay tribute to MLK, interesting activities at the museums, or fun entertainment for the kids, this weekend has it covered. Here’s what’s going on around town Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday. Happy Weekend!
Martin Luther Kind Jr. Holiday Family Festival – The National Museum of Natural History has commemorated the birthday of MLK for over 30 years and will continue the tradition this weekend. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday guests are invited to participate in an interactive play recreating a sit-in, hear the words of Dr. King brought to life in a dramatic presentation, and participate in a discussion on civil rights. The free event runs from 10am – 5pm each day and is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stories in Art at the National Gallery – The museum’s winter program for kids ages 4 – 7 begins on Sunday with a study of Alexander Calder. The workshop will start with a reading of “Sophie’s Masterpiece,” a book about a spider and her wondrous creations. From there, the group will explore Calder’s “Spider” and learn to weave their own wire mobiles. The hour-long session begins at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in for Stories in Art will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am that day, and will continue until all spaces are filled. No admission fee required. For more about the series, see this post from last week.
Sharing the Dream: A Multicultural Celebration of Love & Justice – This two-day festival at the National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and brings together artists from African, Latino, and Native American communities. Listen, watch, and learn as they share their expressions of love and justice through their music, spoken word, and storytelling performances. The weekend also includes hands-on activities for all ages as well as films, tours, and other regularly scheduled programs at the museum. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 5pm. A complete schedule of activities is available on the NMAI website.
“I Have a Dream…” Pillowcases – Kids are invited to share their dreams with the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone on Saturday from 11am – 4pm in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by making their own “I Have A Dream…” pillowcases. Other activities will be presented to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. The Launch Zone is located at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill.
Poetry Extravaganza – All ages are invited to this tribute honoring the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday at 1pm. The poetry readings and recitals by Collective Voices will take place in the library’s Great Hall.
Last Call for the Nutcracker – If the kids missing the magic of the holidays or maybe you didn’t get to see the season’s most classic show, you have one last chance to recapture the holiday spirit on stage before we say farewell for a while. The Synetic Family Theater’s production of The Nutcracker has two final performances this weekend — and KFDC readers can get a discount on tickets. For details, see this post from a few days ago.
Girl Up “Unite for Girls” – Teen girls in the Washington, DC, area have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world. This Saturday, January 15, the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up “Unite for Girls” city tour is stopping in the nation’s capitol to hold a pep rally in support of girls across the globe, and local teens are invited to take part in the educational and empowering event. For details about the event, see this post from earlier this week.
Theater Time – Several children’s stage productions begin this week, and tickets are still available for some of the performances. Check out this post from a few days ago to see what’s playing and how to reserve your seats,
Rock Out Sunday Morning – What better way to start the day than rocking out with local kids’ fave Rocknoceros. The band is laying at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue at 10:30am. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 day of the show. Purchase online through the Sixth & I website.
Give Together Family Volunteer Day – Looking for something to do with the kids on the day off from work and school on Monday? Volunteer Fairfax is hosting an event that will give families an opportunity to give back. The second annual Give Together Family Volunteer Day will bring together several non-profits from the region with local families to work on various service projects. For complete details about the event, see this post.
Let Freedom Ring on Millennium Stage – The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The concert featuring Grammy Award–winning, platinum-selling vocalist Patti LaBelle also includes the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director, Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. Georgetown University will award the ninth annual John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award to Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery—a leader in the American Civil Rights movement. Free tickets will be given away two per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 4pm on Monday on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free Admission to National Parks – In celebration of the holiday weekend, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at more than 100 national parks that usually charge admission. Layer up for a hike in the woods or cruise through Shenandoah and take in the views. This is the first of five fee-free weekends at national parks this year.
