Tag Archives: Weekend Fun in DC

This weekend is the last chance to hang with the pandas at the National Zoo

Happy Weekend!

Link up to local fun with these go-to posts:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Eats
* The Great Indoors
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places

Pickleball on the Mall
Where:  JFK Hockey Fields| National Mall, DC
When: Through Saturday
Admission: Free
For the first time ever, nine temporary pickleball courts will be constructed on the JFK Hockey Fields, adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This three-day event is free to register and open to players of all ages and skill levels — old, young, experts, or novices. This special event will include celebrity guests, including Rob Riggle and Katie Couric. There will be clinics, walk-on play, exhibition matches, a local DMV showcase, opportunities to play with the pros from DC PickleballTeam players, and a special healthy cooking demonstration called “Cooking in the Kitchen” with a local DC chef. You can also just go and spectate! The JFK Hockey Fields are located at 1964 Independence Ave. SW.

World Culture Festival
Where: 4th – 14th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: Free
Tap into joy, peace, and community on the National Mall this weekend, where there will be for entertainment and culture from across the globe. Hear live music, from hip hop to the classics to world music. Visit pavilions to learn about world cultures.  Experience whirling dervishes spinning to eternity along with the stomps of flamenco dancers awakening the soul and a yoga flow with all who want to join. International food trucks will offer dishes to savor. Register in advance!

Art All Night
Where: Throughout DC
When: Friday – Saturday, 7pm – 3am
Admission: Free
Be part of DC’s annual free, overnight, family-friendly arts festival.  The event takes place in all eight wards, bringing visual and performing arts — painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, dance, theater, and more — to indoor and outdoor spaces around the city. Enjoy live music, dance at silent discos, take kids to story times and more activities for littles, sample food, view innovative art, and so much more.  This DCist article has details on what’s happening in many neighborhoods around DC.

Harvest Festival
Where: USDA Farmers Market | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The USDA’s weekly Farmers Market will include special activities in celebration of all, including a petting zoo, face painting, and many more fun activities for kids and families!. There will also be a Sukkot Festival for the holiday with a sukkah dedication at 12pm. The Farmer’s Market takes place on the corner of Independence and 14th Street SW from 10am – 2pm.

Back to the Yards
Where: Yards Park | CapitolRiverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Join The Yards for the party of the decade to celebrate the end of summer and new school year.  Jam out with a totally tubular DJ playing 80s and 90s chart toppers that will get the whole family on their feet. Get a blast from the past with classic 90’s icons, like Barbie, Etch-a-Sketch, and more. Instagrammable moments and activities including vintage arcade games, break dancers, glitter tattoos, crafts, a photo booth, and a glow giveaway bar will make this a party for all the ages. Dust off your leg warmers, and tease up your hair, celebrate The Yards, be there or be square! Kids of all ages welcome!

Panda Palooza
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: Free with passes
The celebration continues for the giant pandas at the National Zoo before they go home to China.  And you can get in on the fun! Enjoy photo ops, hands-on arts and crafts, a ‘Kids Area’ in the Great Meadow, family stretching and yoga, panda talks, temporary tattoos, a conservation-themed scavenger hunt, live music concerts, and free film screenings of “Kung Fu Panda” and “The Miracle Panda” through the weekend. See the schedule on the website.

Leesburg Airshow
Where: Leesburg Executive Airport | Leesburg, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Leesburg Airshow will take to the skies with thrilling aerobatic demonstrations, sky divers, and more! Witness a showcase of impressive aircraft, plus a variety of exhibitors on the tarmac, food vendors, kids activities, flight schools, and aviation clubs among them.

Opera in the Outfield
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission: Free
How about opera where there’s usually baseball? The Washington National Opera presents Opera in the Outfield for the 18th year with a simulcast performance of Puccini’s La bohème on Saturday evening. The show starts at 7pm, but gates open at 5pm for “pregame” activities for the entire family, including a costume shop, a performance by Step Afrika, a magic show by Musico the Magnificent, arts & crafts, an instrument petting zoo, chances to win prizes, and more. Get there early for a seat on the field, otherwise there will be plenty of seating in the stands.

Celebrate Fall
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Fall has officially begun! And while it may not feel like it weather-wise, events around the area are celebrating the season’s arrival. Fall festivals are in full swing at area farms, in local communities, even a 16th century village in Maryland, and they’re welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Get details on them in this round-up of autumn celebrations around the area.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through October 30
Admission: $25
With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business! Recommended for all ages.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through October 22
Admission: $25-39
Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Recommended for ages 3-8.

Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
Where: Under the Big Top | Tysons II, VA
When: Through October 22
Admission: Start at $33/child, 42/adult (look for a deal) 
This new Circque du Soleil show just made its US debut in DC and runs through October. Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores humans’ sacred bond with animals and nature. When FUTURE and her best friend the DOG encounter a mysterious CUBE, they quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world, and if we come together, we can rebuild our planet to create the world we all want to live in.

Clarendon Day
Where: Clarendon Metro | Clarendon, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Head to the area around the Clarendon Metro station for an event that brings the local community together. Dozens of vendors, food from neighborhood restaurants, live music, and a KidZone (including an 18-foot slide!) will be part of the action.

Mosaic’s Fall Festival
Where: Mosaic District | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Rescheduled from last weekend!  The big shopping enter in Fairfax is hosting a fall event. Festivities include live entertainment and musical performances; the FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors; the URBNmarket with 90 handmade and vintage vendors; beer and wine gardens; kids activities like bouncy fun, balloons, and face painting; plus more special activities for all.

Because Science Festival
Where: 1759 Columbia Road NW | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Free
Join an exciting event that celebrates the wonders of science! Immerse in a weekend filled with interactive projects, thrilling experiments, and challenges that meld science and art. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a curious mind, or just looking for a fun-filled day, this festival is perfect for you! Headlining the festival is Charming Disaster, performing selections from their album Our Lady of Radium (a tribute to Marie Curie) on Sunday at 6pm.

Family Fun
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 12:30-2pm
Admission: Free
Join docents in the exhibition Anyang: China’s Ancient City of Kings for engaging and collaborative hands-on activities for families with children ages 5+. Exciting stories, scavenger hunts, sketching, and other activities will bring the whole fam together to imagine, create, and learn.

District Hunt
Where: Throughout DC (starts at MLK Library)
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $125/team
Get your team together for a city-wide scavenger hunt that’s fun and charitable! Game Genius, a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of play for social good, is hosting its 5th annual District Hunt. The live, city-wide event highlights local changemakers through an outdoor puzzle adventure all around DC. Designed around the theme of Food & Housing this year, the unique treasure hunt brings the community together while raising awareness and creating opportunities to support local organizations. [Note: There is also a self-directed option to do this from October 2-10.]

Kick it with Spirit
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When:  Saturday, 7pm 
Admission: Tickets start at $15
The Washington Spirit are playing at home this weekend, as they take on Kansas City Current.  Watch some amazing soccer play while supporting women in sports and see a few players from the US women’s national team in action, too! Purchase tickets here.

Echo Arts Fest
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Attend Glen Echo Park’s new fall visual & performing arts festival! The celebration will showcase all of the park’s offerings across many disciplines of art — pottery, painting, dance, plays, and more. It’s also the final day of the 2022 carousel season, so take the kids for one last spin on the beautiful Wendztel Carousel!

Family Day 2023
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Hill Center’s annual Family Day returns, bringing a completely FREE day of crafts, shows, carriage rides, balloon animals, and more!  Performances by Turley the Magician and King Bullfrog, to boot!  Be sure to register (for free).

Takoma Park Street Festival
Where: Carroll Ave. to Carroll St. | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The streets of Takoma Park will be filled with music, artisans, community groups, kids activities, food vendors and a variety of green companies at the city’s 41st annual festival. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping — over 150 vendors will be selling all kinds of artistic wares. Music lovers will enjoy three stages hosting 18 bands playing all day.

Rolling on the River
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate World Rivers Day and Theatre Week with the Theatre Washington and Potomac River Partners at Rolling on the River, a free hour-long outdoor concert on the Transit Pier Floating Stage at The Wharf. Celebrate life on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers with your favorite local musical artists, “river music” and storytelling. All are welcome. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Before the concert, enjoy free activities from partners at DC Water, NASA, and Blue Origin.

Dory Fantasmagory Book Release Party
Where: Takoma Park Library | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
At long last, there is a new Dory Fantasmagory book (#6), and the Takom Park Library is celebrating it this weekend. Hear the first chapter of the new book, make a “Dory” craft, and enjoy a banana snack (because Dory calls her fairy godmother on a banana phone!). There will also be a giveaway of one free copy of the new book!

Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Get the Halloween party started early with activities and events that celebrate the spooky spirit throughout October. This post has details on where all the tricks and treats are happening.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The list of volunteer ops for kids around the area is always great to check out, especially if you have high schoolers who need to complete hours.
* Washington Post’s 16 best theaters in DC to catch a play. (And for fall family-friendly entertainment, check out this KFDC round-up.)
* Restaurants for a (very likely) government shutdown.
* Just started this book after many recss for it and really enjoying so far.
* A new series of Roald Dahl adaptations by Wes Anderson just started on Netflix… the first one is great, can’t wait to watch the rest!
* How cute would this be for a kid’s room?
* The one week… 😆

Electronic Superhighway is on view again

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to posts full of ideas for local fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Eats
* The Great Indoors
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places

Fall, Y’all!
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Fall officially begins this weekend, and there are a lot of events around the area celebrating it. Fall festivals are in full swing at area farms, in local communities, even a 16th century village in Maryland, and they’re welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. A few are listed here, and you can get details on the rest of them in this round-up of autumn celebrations around the area.

Modern Art Explorations
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Starting Friday
Admisson: Free
After being closed since 2021 for renovations, the third floor of the American Art Museum is reopening! The galleries feature modern and contemporary art, and many well known works will be retuning, like Nam June Paik’s Electronic Superhighway. There will also be new collections that highlight a variety of artists and art that have unique perspectives and impacts. See more about the museum in this KFDC post.

Panda Palooza
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Starting Saturday through October 1
Admission: Free with passes
The giant pandas at the National Zoo are going home to China, and the Zoo is giving them a nine-day celebration send-off that starts this weekend. Even better, you can get in on the fun! Enjoy photo ops, hands-on arts and crafts, a ‘Kids Area’ in the Great Meadow, family stretching and yoga, panda talks, temporary tattoos, a conservation-themed scavenger hunt, live music concerts, and free film screenings of “Kung Fu Panda” and “The Miracle Panda.”

Theatre Week Kickoff Fest
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Theatre Week kicks off the launch of the theatre season in the DC area, and this party kicks off Theatre Week! See samples of programming from area theatres, join a Step Afrika workshop, watch a fight choreography demo, hear monologues from young playwrights, and so much more from over 40 DC-area theaters. And FYI: Theatre Week is a great opportunity to check out all kinds of shows — musicals, dramas, comedies, theatre for young audiences, and more — when there is special ticket pricing.

Fiesta DC
Where: Pennsylvania Ave. 3rd to 7th Streets | Downtown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Celebrate Latino culture at the 51st Annual Fiesta DC.  On both days of the weekend, A few-blocks stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue will be filled will lively festivities, including stages featuring a variety of performances, children’s activities, international cuisine, arts & crafts, and more!

Volunteer on National Public Lands Day
Where: Around the DC area
When: Saturday
Admission: Just your time and effort
Saturday is National Public Lands Day, when all are welcome and encouraged to help restore and preserve public lands. Volunteer opportunities like clean-ups, tree plantings, weed removal, trail maintenance, and more are available everywhere from big national parks to small urban green spaces, including many in the DC area.  Search here for places nearby where you and the kids can help out.

Free Parking
Where: National Parks everywhere
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Not only can you volunteer on National Public Lands Day,  you can also get free admission to national parks to celebrate!   It’s one of several fee-free days, so  there’s no cost to visit those that usually charge for entry. Take advantage and hit the trail at Shenandoah, Prince William Forest, Great Falls, Harpers Ferry, or head up to Baltimore to explore Fort McHenry. Find even more parks to visit here.

Now & Forever Windows Celebration
Where: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Washington National Cathedral is celebrating the unveiling of its new racial justice-themed stained glass windows. The event will kick off with a public dedication of the windows, followed by an afternoon of festivities, including a Cathedral open house, live music on the west front, DC food truck favorites, and kids’ activities. A screening of a new documentary about the “Now and Forever” windows and a special docent presentation of African American highlights of Cathedral art will also be offered to visitors.

Teddy Bear Clinic
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 11:30am
Admission: Free
Bring your favorite stuffed friend and explore the Teddy Bear Clinic with activities and crafts designed to highlight the body, physical fitness, and healthy habits. This program is recommended for children in PreK-2nd grade. Read more about the National Museum of Health & Medicine here — especially before you explore it with young kids beyond the sweet teddy bear program.

Celebrate Petworth – CANCELLED!
Where: 800 block of Upshur St. NW | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This free neighborhood festival is organized by and for the residents of Petworth, but all are welcome to enjoy. Celebrating the creativity, diversity, culture, and people of Petworth and its surrounding neighborhoods, festivities include Petworth history storytelling, live music and performers, kids activities, tasty food, and a dog show. View the schedule here.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through October 30
Admission: $25
With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life’s big questions through the eyes of the Peanuts gang as they play baseball, fly kites, struggle with homework, swoon over crushes, and celebrate the joys of friendship. Growing up is serious business! Recommended for all ages.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through October 22
Admission: $25-39
Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Recommended for ages 3-8. [Note that tickets are only available for the Friday show, but snag them for future weekends!!]

Not My Monkey
Where: Mont. College Cultural Arts Center | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1:30pm & 3:30pm
Admission: $14/adult, $11.50/child, free/3 & under
InterACT Story Theatre presents this show for kids… In Not My Monkey, the new circus leader wants to do a good job leading her zany crew of circus folk, but there’s a new problem every time she turns around, and no one wants to pitch in or even try to get along. “Not my circus, not my monkeys!” they say. To make matters worse, the monkeys have broken loose and are wreaking havoc everywhere! How can a community work together to solve its problems, when everyone thinks it’s not their problem to solve? And how can the community work together to stop the monkey madness? Everyone in the audience gets into the act right from where they’re sitting, becoming part of the community of performers and townspeople who need to tackle this hair-raising problem.

Wild Kratts Live! 2.0
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 1pm & 4:30pm
Admission: Start at $45
Wild Kratts Live 2.0 is a theatrical stage show based on the #1 animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts step out LIVE ON STAGE to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story. [Note: This is just about sold out, but look for tickets from a third-party seller here.]

Fotos & Recuerdos Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30 am – 3pm
Admission: Free
All ages are invited to join the Portrait Gallery for Fotos & Recuerdos Festival with friends from the bilingual children’s book publisher Lil’ Libros. The event will feature gallery tours, story times, book signings with Lil’ Libros authors, live performances, and crafts workshops inspired by the Lil’ Libros book series “The Life of / La vida de,” which features Latinx sitters from the Portrait Gallery’s collection. Wear your dancing shoes — The Washington Ballet will also be there to lead a story time and salsa and bomba workshop!

Children’s Day
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy free family fun at Peirce Mill! Try grinding grain and sifting by hand, then learn how water powers the mill. Make your own corn husk dolls and other toys. Play old-fashioned board and lawn games like checkers and corn hole. There will be special tours for kids, too. Read more about the historic site in Rock Creek Park here.

Nats vs. Braves
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are at home and hosting the Braves all weekend, and there are some fun things going on along with the baseball action. On Friday, there’s a Keibert Ruiz Bobblehead giveaway and a pet calendar giveaway on Saturday.  On Sunday, kids can run the bases after the game. Before you plan your ballpark outing, check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Oktoberfest
Where: The Boro | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole fam to get festive at The Boro’s annual Oktoberfest celebration! Fuel up with specialty German food from local food trucks and sip back and relax at The Boro’s biergarten (or show off your strength during abeer stein-holding competition). A live polka band promises classic tunes with a modern twist, and little ones will enjoy glitter tattoos, face painting, crafts, giveaways, and more at a kids’ celebration area.

RiverFest – CANCELLED!
Where: Historic St. Mary’s, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The 17th annual RiverFest is a celebration of the St. Mary’s River and surrounding lands and their beauty and serenity. Join for family-friendly activities including live music all day, birds of prey, oyster tonging, fish seining, a River Wade-In at 2pm, and free admission to the Historic St. Mary’s City Museum.  The festival also informs residents from in and around the watershed on ways to protect, improve, and promote our waterways through various entertaining and educational activities and exhibits.

Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show – CANCELLED!
Where: Mill Street in Occoquan, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Plan for a day of family fun as the streets of Occoquan come to life with beautiful art, live music and great food! The historic town will close its street and host over 250 contemporary and country crafters and artisans from across the US. Find one-of-a-kind, hand crafted items galore! Located just 20 minutes south of DC, but far from the hustle and bustle of a big city, exhibitors and shoppers alike will enjoy the small town oasis nestled along the Occoquan River.

Mosaic’s Fall Festival – RESCHEDULED 9/30-10/1
Where: Mosaic District | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The big shopping enter in Fairfax is hosting a fall event. Festivities include live entertainment and musical performances; the FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors; the URBNmarket with 90 handmade and vintage vendors; beer and wine gardens; kids activities like bouncy fun, balloons, and face painting; plus more special activities for all.

United vs Red Bulls
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Starts at $25 (check for a deal)
Kick it at a soccer game on Saturday The DC United are hosting the New York Red Bulls for an evening match. Audi Field is a great stadium with excellent views of the action on the field as well as the city skyline. I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood, grab dinner at one of the many eateries (El Bebe, The Salt Line, and All Purpose are my top recs), then walk from there.

Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
Where: Under the Big Top | Tysons II, VA
When: Through October 22
Admission: Start at $33/child, 42/adult (look for a deal) 
This new Circque du Soleil show just made its US debut in DC and runs through October. Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores humans’ sacred bond with animals and nature. When FUTURE and her best friend the DOG encounter a mysterious CUBE, they quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world, and if we come together, we can rebuild our planet to create the world we all want to live in.

Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
Rain forecasted for this weekend will make it a great time to do some indoor exploring, maybe at a not-so-well-known place.  If you don’t veer from the well trodden path of the National Mall now and then, you could miss out on some amazing museum exhibits and experiences. Check out this round-up of some these places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Since it’s officially fall, plan for ways to enjoy autumn in the DC area (that are not farm festivals), with these 10 ideas.
* Want a cool place to hang out with kids? Check out these stunning spaces.
* DCist has 14 ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
* A fantastic NYT feature about being 13 in a social media-driven world.
* This piece from The Cut on a very similar topic is a great read, too.
* Are Travelers Ruining Travel?  (I actually think about this a lot!)
* Just binged the series Painkiller (Netflix) and highly recommend.
* Found the perfect little desk organizer for Sasha.
* And these cooking/storage containers are a kitchen game changer.
* This cute number has become one of my favorite late summer to fall outfits. And, no, I didn’t make that splurge…I got it for a steal secondhand!
* New York Times’ Connections, Toddler Edition 😆