Tag Archives: Weekend May 28-29

The Weekend Round-Up: May 27-30

A memorial tour is a great way to observe this weekend's holiday and enjoy a day in DC

A memorial tour is a great way to observe this weekend’s holiday and enjoy a day in DC



Gymboree Sale On Now!


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


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Memorial Day Events and More this Weekend

Whether you seek events that honor those who have served and sacrificed for our nation, are ready to get your summer started, or just want to enjoy some quality time with the kids over the holiday weekend, these suggestions for family recreation should have you covered.  Happy Weekend!

National Memorial Day Concert Why watch on TV when you can be there in person? The 2011 National Memorial Day Concert will take place on the west lawn of the Capitol on Sunday, May 29 from 8 – 9:30pm. Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna are hosting the event, and an all-star line-up of artists will join the National Symphony Orchestra in honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the U.S. Gates open at 5pm, admission is free.  If you’re planning to go, this FAQ page on the concert is worth a read.

National Memorial Day ParadeThe annual National Memorial Day Parade celebrates and honors American veterans with a grand procession through the city. On Monday, May 30, the procession of military units and vehicles, marching bands, flag teams, and hundreds of veterans will travel down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets. The parade begins at 2pm. Watch from the sidewalk for free.

Joys of SummerJust posted yesterday, this list of activities exclusive to summer will prove useful as soon as, well, now. Jazz in the Garden kicks off this evening, The Yards Park presents Friday music shows along with special activities for kids, and…wait for it…DC public outdoor pools open this weekend!  For complete info on all of these summer pursuits and more, click here.

Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon – Visit Mount Vernon after the daytime crowds have departed this Friday through Sunday from 6-9pm.  Guests can take evening tours of the Mansion, relax and enjoy wine and desserts available for purchase, and delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation and costumed residents like the charming Lady Washington and her granddaughter Nelly interact with visitors. This family-friendly event celebrates the beginning of summer on the plantation.  Admission is $18/adults, $12/ages 6-11, free for children 5 and under.

Memorials on the Mall – 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 is guaranteed to be crowded, so plan accordingly.

Great Country Farm Strawberry JubileeThe largest U-pick strawberry festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including the popular diaper derby, pie-eating contest, tart toss, strawberry princess, KidzArt, great food, live music, and Strawberry wine-tasting with Bluemont Vineyard.  That should be enough to keep the family entertained for the day. Admission is $10.

Delphane Strawberry FestivalGet your summer off to a “berry” good start at the 18th annual festival celebrating the spirit of the region. Head to Sky Meadows State Park on Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm rain or shine for hay rides, live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, field games, and of course, strawberries will make it a fun day for everyone.  Admission is $20 per car at the gate.

Reap the FruitsA recent email from Homestead said their strawberry season is in full swing, and the rest of the area farms are right there with them. You can get in on the pick-your-own action; this post has all the info you need to get started.

The Potomac by TaxiMake your way from Old Town Alexandria to the National Harbor (or vice versa) on the river. Water taxis ferry between the two destinations several times throughout the day for a mini-adventure on the water and a fun time exploring on land.  This post has all the info you need to plan your river crossing.

Show Time“A Year with Frog and Toad” is delighting audiences at Adventure Theatre—read the recent KFDC review. And for more children’s entertainment in the area, check out this post about what’s on local stages this season.

The Great OutdoorsIf you and the kids want to take a hike, explore a garden, or check on new grounds for play,  this list has plenty of ideas for enjoying a beautiful day outdoors with the kids.

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Review: A Year with Frog and Toad at Adventure Theatre

Frog and Toad begin their on-stage adventure

Frog and Toad have become two of the most beloved characters in the children’s book world, and that sentiment translates easily to the stage in Adventure Theatre’s latest musical production “A Year with Frog and Toad.”

Based on the books by Arnold Lobel, the show follows the amphibian friends through a year together, starting with their springtime rouse from hibernation until it’s time to go back to sleep the next winter. The seasons serve as a chronological backdrop for their adventures, as they plant flowers, swim, rake leaves, go sledding. And while the setting transforms to convey a change in weather and time of year, one thing remains endearingly steadfast throughout: the devoted and touching friendship of Frog and Toad.

Turtle and Mouse wow with a musical number

Along with a gang of other animal characters (played by just three other actors), Frog and Toad put on a performance that is abundantly entertaining for all ages. From the songs to the set to the story, both the overall production and well-thought details keep the audience engaged for the entire hour of show. The ragtime-style music, played by a three-piece band “hidden” in the marshland set, had my five-year-old bopping in his seat (I had to exercise some restraint myself) as the wonderfully talented cast sang and danced with spirited energy.

The set is imaginatively designed to look like a swamp, with tall wooden pieces painted muted greens and browns to create grass, dandelions, and cattail growing along a pond scattered with lily pads. New seasons are indicated with bubbles for a summer swim, leaves falling in autumn, and snow spraying from above for a wild winter sled ride.  Some of my favorite touches were the clever props used to remind us that the characters are little creatures living in a big world–a watch face is Toad’s clock, forks are used to rake leaves, their sled is made of a matchbox, a frying pan is fashioned from a bottle cap. Spotting these small details is almost a game in itself that only adds to the fun.

Friends on a sledding adventure

Amid all the fantastic musical numbers and charming scenery, at the core of the show is the tale of Frog and Toad’s friendship. Many life “lessons” about thoughtfulness, comaraderie, acceptance, and loyalty are played out through their interactions. At the beginning of the show Toad complains that he never receives any mail, so Frog writes him a letter that he sends by “snail mail.”  In a scene when Frog wants to be alone, Toad goes to find him thinking something is wrong, until Frog explains that sometimes he just wanted to be by himself. They rake each other’s leaves as a nice surprise for their friend (only to have them messed up by a mouse).  And when the letter finally arrives at the end of the play, Toad realizes just how lucky he is to have a friend like Frog.

A Year with Frog and Toad” is playing at Adventure Theatre through June 5.  Performances are at 10:30am Wednesday through Friday, and at 11am and 1pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are are $15 and can be purchased online in advance, which I recommend, as I saw some disappointed theatre-goers at the box office when they learned the show was sold out. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

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The 2011 Strawberry Season is Underway

One of the season’s most anticipated activities has begun, and it’s only going to get better. Strawberry picking has started at several local farms, and many more will open their fields to the public over the next couple of weeks. You can also celebrate the season at a few strawberry festivals taking place this coming weekend.

As mentioned in last year’s post about the same topic, I love going out to the farm and picking produce with the kids. The slow pace and open space are a nice change from the hubbub and confines of the city.  It’s a fun, active way for the kids to see where their food comes from.  And then there’s the obvious: the enjoyment continues with a basketful of delicious hand-picked berries at home.

So, I confess: Much of this list of local farms offering pick-your-own strawberry opportunities has been regurgitated from last year. But all the vital info has been updated, plus a few farms have been added to the mix. All you have to do is take your pick (pun intended).  Happy Picking!

Schlagel Farms
Less than 20 miles from the city in Waldorf, Md, Schlagel Farms is one of the most popular pick-your-own berry places in the area with their season often beginning before other area farms. Their fields have been open to the public for a couple of weeks, and their hotline currently says the pickings ” remain excellent.” While there, you can also purchase other produce and plants grown in their greenhouse. And you no longer have to worry about hitting the ATM before going—they now accept credit cards, too.  Schlagel’s is open for picking from 8am – 7pm seven days a week.

Great Country Farms
At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, Great Country offers more than just pick-your-own opportunities. The farm is well known for its big seasonal festivals and fun farm-themed attractions. A hayride takes you out to the picking fields, and kids might spy an emu or goat on the way. Visitors also have access to the barnyard, mazes, a cow train, and jumping pillow. The weekend of May 28-29 is the Strawberry Jubilee U-Pick Festival with live music, pie eating contests, tart tosses, tasty food, and more. Babies four to nine months can compete in the diaper derby, a crawl to the finish line, to compete for great prizes. Admission is $8/ages 3-10, $10/ages 11 and up (kids under 2 are free) on weekdays, and $10/everyone on festival weekends. Open daily 9am- 6pm.

Homestead Farm
Strawberry season doesn’t begin here until next week, but given the consistently good quality of its pick-your-own produce, the wait is sure to be worth it. And Homestead scores just as high on aesthetics as it does on its crops—the lovely pastoral setting in Montgomery County makes you feel like you’re way more than 20 miles from the city. The farm opens when their strawberry season begins–call the hotline at 301.977.3761 or check the website for updates (I will also update here). They will be open seven days a week from 9:30am – 6pm, though pick-your-own ends at 5:30. 5/20 UPDATE: Homestead is open for the season, and strawberries ar ready for picking!

Mackintosh Fruit Farm
The family-owned farm in the Shenandoah Valley opened their strawberry fields to the public last week, and there is still plenty of time to reap the fruits. The annual Strawberry Festival will take place on Saturday, May 21. Plan on lunch while you’re there—along with fruits and veggies, the farm also offers a variety of menu items prepared fresh every day from their own produce. Walk it all off afterward along a new trail that winds through the fields and woods of the farm. Open daily from 8am – 6pm.

Larriland Farm
About an hour’s drive from DC in Howard County, Larriland Farms has gotten really good reviews on Yelp for both it’s produce and beauty. The pick-your-own season begins with strawberries around May 27—as it gets closer, call or check online to confirm the opening date. Larriland employs Integrated Pest Management, meaning pesticides are a last resort, to keep pests below an acceptable level with minimum harmful impact on the environment. Hours are Tuesdays 9am – 8pm, Wednesday to Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm, closed Mondays (but open Memorial day 9am – 1pm).

Westmoreland Berry Farm
Their strawberries have been ripe for the picking since Mother’s Day, and they expect them to be available for another couple of weeks. The hour or so drive from DC to Oak Grove, Va, apparently is worth it, as there’s much more to do there than gather fruit. A goat walk is a fun sight for kids, and the adjoining Voorhees Nature Preserve contains trails, a boardwalk spanning over wetlands, bird and wildlife sightings, and scenic views.

Huber’s Farm
If you want to celebrate strawberry season, head to Huber’s Farm May 21-22 for an Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival. The farm is kicking off the start of the season with a weekend of fun—the Strawberry Express Hayride, a moon bounce, face painting, strawberry shortcake, and more.  The festival will run from 12-5pm both days. The berries will be ready for picking in a couple of weeks along with many other spring veggies. Hours will be from 9am – 6pm seven days a week.

Butler’s Orchard
The farm might be best known for it’s Halloween and Easter extravaganzas, but they have a bounty of great crops, too. They are anticipating the strawberry season to begin May 25, but it wouldn’t hurt to call ahead before you go to make sure the pickings are ready—a recorded message is constantly updated. During strawberry season their hours are 8am – 6pm during the week, and 8am – 5pm on weekends. 5/21 UPDATE: Butler’s is open for the season, though pickings are currently “scattered,” so be sure to call ahead.

Hollin Farms
Across the river in Fauquier County, VA, Hollin Farms opens their strawberry picking season the weekend of May 21-22 and expects it to last through mid June. Hours are 9am – 5pm, and they recommend calling ahead to confirm that picking fields are open. And a special P.S. to meat lovers: they pride themselves on their grass-fed beef.

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