A memorial tour is a great way to observe this weekend’s holiday and enjoy a day in DC
Whether you seek events that observe the holiday, are ready to get the summer fun started, or just want to enjoy some quality time with the kids over the long weekend, this round-up of recreation has you covered. Happy Weekend!
“Summer” Fun
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It may not be official on the calendar, but summer fun is underway Outdoor concerts, water fun, movies under the stars, and more ongoing seasonal treats have begun or are about to begin in DC. Start the weekend with free music this evening at Jazz in the Garden or Rockin’ on the Riverfront, cool off at a public pool or a sprayground during the warm days, see a family flick outdoors at National Harbor on Sunday night… and so much more. The KFDC 2016 Guide to Summer in DC has the scoop on where and when you can experience the joys of summer.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult
The largest U-pick strawberry festival takes place this weekend and next, rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including the popular diaper derby, pie-eating contests, tart toss, strawberry princess, great food, and live music. As if that’s not enough to keep the family entertained for the day, there’s also the five-acre play area, complete with the jumping pillow, slides, rope swings, mazes, a tractor tire mountain, and animal encounters. Whew!
Soak City
Where: Kings Dominion
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $45
Soak up the fun this holiday weekend at King’s Dominion! Soak City is the park’s 20-acre splash-tacular paradise with water activities for guests of all ages, opens this weekend. Zip down water slides, play in the wave pools, ride a raft with the whole fam, take a thrilling inner tube ride or keep it chill as you meander along the Lazy Rider. There’s even a whole area just for little ones (under 54”). And you can simply relax in the comfort of a private cabana. (Tip: You can often find ticket discounts by doing a simple Google search.)
Memorials on the Mall
Where: National Mall
When: All Weekend
Admission: Free
Tributes to those who have served our country will take place at the many memorials and monuments on the National Mall throughout the weekend. Times vary, but you can look for schedules on the National Park Service website. The Mall will likely be crowded, so plan accordingly.
Art to Save the Sea
Where: National Zoo
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get a close-up view of a 12-foot shark, 16-foot parrot fish, an 8-foot octopus, and a 20-foot-lcoral reef — all made completely of plastic debris collected from beaches. “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea,” a collection of colorful and dramatic sculptures of marine animals, represents more than 315 billion pounds of plastic in oceans today, underscoring the need for wildlife conservation. It opens today, May 27, and will be on view at the Zoo through September 5.
Nats vs. Cards
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are playing at home for the holiday weekend, and you can catch games against the Cardinals on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon. Be sure to check out KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank. And if you go on Sunday, plan to stay after for Kids Run the Bases when children can loop the infield after the last out.
Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
If you want to see baseball on a smaller scale, check out a Minor League game. The Bowie Baysox are hosting the Altoona Curve all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy, too — giveaways, post-game fireworks, a helicopter candy drop(!), and more. Read more about Baysox games in this recent KFDC post.
Take the Wheel with Superheroes
Where: National Harbor
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $15/adult, $11.25/child
If you haven’t taken a spin on the Capital Wheel, the Ferris wheel at National Harbor, this weekend is a good time to go while some special guests are there. Captain America and Spider Man will be at the attraction for superhero greetings along with a whirl on the ride. And there’s plenty more to do at National Harbor while you’re there – this KFDC post has details about one of our experiences there.
Beast Coast
Where: Gateway Park
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $10 for spectators
See some of the world’s best parkour athletes execute their amazing tricks and skills and get in on the action, too! There will be contests, demos, and courses for all levels, plus seminars for those serious about their parkour training. A DJ, giveaways, and other activities will add to the festival fun.
Homefront Street Cars
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $5/child, $7/adult
Recall the role of the transit industry during wartime in observance of Memorial Day. Enjoy Tilley the Trolley and Billy the Bus, a wartime production of the Capital Transit Company, and Ten Seconds to Go, a wartime production of Kansas City Public Service. The special exhibit, Homefront Street Cars, will also be on view.
The Emperor’s Nightingale
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $19.50
The sweet song of a Nightingale saves an Empire. Adventure Theatre’s adaptation set in eighteenth century China, brings to light the younger days of Emperor Qianlong, who would become one of the greatest rulers of the Middle Kingdom. It takes a magical bird to help the headstrong and aimless Prince to become a King. Recommended for all ages.
Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10 & $6
It’s the last chance to see Sleeping Beauty 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 love Sing-a-Long, this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show — the lights stay on, doors remain open, and performances are short for newbie theatre-goers.
Open Studio: Symbolism in Stories
Where: Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Learn how photographs can tell stories about a place during this afternoon of free family-friendly activities. Discover Saudi Arabia through tours of the special exhibition Symbolic Cities: The Work of Ahmed Mater. Experiment with art materials, solve creative challenges, and collaborate with friends and family. All ages are welcome with adult companions.
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries 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.
Go with the Flow
Where: Potomac, Anacostia, & Patuxent Rivers
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse
Enjoy the weekend on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also row from the Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45. And if you’re up for a bigger excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island.
Jump In with Next Reflex Dance Collective
Where: Workhouse Arts Center
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: $18/adult, $10/child
Take in an evening of fun, family friendly and diverse dance work at Jump In presented by Next Reflex Dance Collective. The one-night dance event at the W-3 Theatre on the campus of the Work House Arts Center in Lorton, VA, features an exciting program of dance works geared towards audience members of all ages.
IRELAND 100
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free (some performances require paid tickets)
The Kennedy Center is celebrating Irish culture and arts through June 5. View exhibits in the Hall of Nations and Hall of States, catch performances by some of Ireland’s best contemporary musicians, dancers, and theater companies, enjoy concerts and concessions on the special outdoor green space, and more. See the website for the schedule of festivities.
National Memorial Day Concert
Where: West lawn of the Capitol
When: Sunday, 8-9:30pm, gates open at 5pm
(or Saturday for the dress rehearsal)
Admission: Free
Why watch on TV when you can be there in person? The 2016 National Memorial Day Concert will take place on the west lawn of the Capitol on Sunday from 8 – 9:30pm. Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna are hosting the event once again, and an all-star line-up of artists will join the National Symphony Orchestra in honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. If you’re planning to go, the FAQ page on the concert website is worth a read. KFDC Tip: If you can’t make Sunday’s show or don’t want to deal with the crowds, Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public — gates open at 5pm, and the show begins at 8pm.
Memorial Day Observance
Where: Arlington National Cemetery
When: Monday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Observe the holiday at one of the most iconic spots to honor those who have served. A prelude concert by the United States Navy Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30am, and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11am followed by an observance program in the amphitheater. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to these events and should plan to be seated no later than 9:30am. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery here.
National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th to 17th Streets
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Free
The annual National Memorial Day Parade celebrates and honors American veterans with a grand procession through the city. Get a curbside view of military units and vehicles, marching bands, flag teams, and hundreds of veterans as they travel up Constitution Avenue.
The Ins & Outs of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
For even more ideas for things to do, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
