Explore iconic architecture and many more facets of the city on a WalkingTown DC tour
Sounds like it might not be as wet around here as originally predicted, so along with these special events, check out the post full of outdoor ideas if you’re looking for al fresco activities. The Great Indoors list is always a good one to have handy, too. Happy Weekend!
Celebration of Textiles: Turkey
Where: Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The museum’s 39th-annual family festival celebrates the textile arts and cultures of Turkey. Watch local artists weave, spin, embroider, and more; enjoy traditional dance performances; and explore spectacular rugs woven by nomadic women through family-friendly tours of A Nomad’s Art: Kilims of Anatolia. There will also be lots of hands-on activities for young guests to try. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic museum that is usually a bit sophisticated for young children.
Children’s Day
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join Brookside Gardens to celebrate the magnificent state of Maryland and the opening of the newly themed “Explore Maryland” Children’s Garden. Enjoy crafts and activities that interpret the western Maryland Appalachian Mountains, the central agricultural basin, and the eastern shore. Try a climbing wall, pot up a black-eyed Susan (the Maryland state flower), learn how to save the Bay, and dance to live music by students from the Tree House School of Rock, and more. PS: This weekend is the last chance to enjoy Brookside’s wonderful Wings of Fancy exhibit!
Voytto Tech: a scifi fable
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center | Silver Spring, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Tickets: $12.50/age 12+, $10/age 4-11, free/3 & under
InterAct Story Theatre kicks off its new season with a show that combines science and technology with a story exploring the tough topics of bullying and social inequity. Klipp Casey travels from a planet far, far away to study at Voytto Tech, the most famous science magnet school in the galaxy. Right away, Klipp has trouble fitting in at his new school, and becomes a target for bullying. What can Klipp do? Who can he go to for help? And what can anyone do about the huge energy crisis threatening the planet? This highly interactive play is performed by three actors who become a variety of characters. Recommended for ages 4+.
Fall Festival
Where: Cox Farms | Centreville, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $6-20 depending on dates
One of the biggest fall festivals in the area begins this weekend! Cox Farms’ seasonal extravaganza is so big that they actually have a Tips & Resources page on the website to help guests prepare and navigate their way around the sprawling site that contains seven slides, swings, games, mazes, pumpkins, picnics, live entertainment, farm animals, and lots more. Expect some lines, especially for the giant slides that take you swooping down several humps over a hillside. There is also a Kiddie Zone just for little ones aged 5 and under. Be prepared for a crowd!
More “Fall” Fun
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Various by festival
Seasonal festivals have begun at several area farms, in city neighborhoods, even a 16th century village in Maryland (huzzah, Ren Fest!). Many are rain or shine, and they’re welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Get details on all of them in this post about autumn celebrations.
Batman Day
Where: Comic book shops around the DMV
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
Join DC Entertainment to celebrate its 5th annual fan-favorite holiday:Batman Day! Hundreds of comic book retailers and bookstore will partake in Batman-themed events across the world — and fans are invited to enjoy them. As part of the Batman Day festivities, participating retailers are giving away a free comic book featuring the first chapter of the acclaimed Batman: White Knight series, and it also includes a preview of the highly anticipated Batman: Damned series. Younger fans can pick up a free copy of the first chapter of Batman: A Lot of L’il Gotham at their local comic book shop. A selection of essential Batman Day reads will also be available for purchase. Visit the website to see which local comic books shops are participating.
Legendary Yard Sale
Where: Maury Elementary Village | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free (but be ready to spend on amazing deals!)
I happen to have insider knowledge that this is one of the best school yard sales around. Find bargains on used toys, books, games, clothes, baby gear, household items and small appliances in good working order. Fuel your browsing with delicious goodies from Maury’s best bakers. And don’t miss the Couture Corner featuring high-end and brand new clothing and items! Enter on C Street NE between 18th & 19th.
Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $6-12
Peter and the Wolf is the Main Stage performance at the puppet theater in Glen Echo Park, recommended for children of all ages. And really little ones can join a Tiny Tots Sing-a-Long on both Saturday and Sunday at 10am.
Saturday Family Story Sessions
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10:15am & 11:30am
Admission: $10-12
Join the weekly family session for fun and creativity, enjoying diverse and dynamic programs with the very best storytellers in the area who engage young audiences and instill a love of learning with every word. This weekend, a young girl escapes her noisy life and takes you on an immersive exploration of a magical world in her own backyard. Told through puppetry, multimedia, and interactive storytelling, this unique performance brings the outdoor world to life in the Mansion.
Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story and create art inspired by someone in the collection — this weekend features American labor leader and civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum (and the American Art Museum housed in the same building). For more about the program, see this post about a past experience and this one with scenes from a more recent visit.
Art Museum Morning
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm & Sunday, 11am
Admission: Free
Fun for little ones at the Hirshhorn! Enjoy the Library + Art Pop-Up and find a cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of favorite finds for kids. On Sunday, enjoy Storytime, asMuseum staff read aloud a book, introduce children to an artist in the collection, and lead a hands-on activity.
Model Trains & Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admisison: Free
Stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. Hosted by the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, the station is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, VA.
Story Time with Picture Book Author Laura Gehl
Where: Bards Alley | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Picture book author Laura Gehl will read her first bear book, One Big Pair of Underwear
WalkingTown DC
Where: Various neighborhoods in DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Put on your walking shoes (or get out the bikes) for a stroll (or roll) in the city! WalkingTown DC features outdoor walking and bike tours of DC’s most interesting locations and neighborhoods September 15-23. The annual event offers more than 75 free guided walking and biking tours that feature distinctive aspects of DC, introducing residents and visitors to the culture, history, and stories of Washington’s neighborhoods through a series of “bite-size” lunchtime tours, after-work “happy hour” tours, as well as tours throughout the day on weekends. Tours take place outside, rain or shine, and just about all are family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. See the schedule for details and to sign up.
Baltimore Seafood Festival
Where: Canton Waterfront Park | Baltimore, Md
When: Saturday, 12-7pm
Admission: Starts at $29, ages 10 and under are free
Head up to Charm City for the Inaugural Baltimore Seafood Festival. Along with the area’s restaurants featuring their favorite seafood dishes, there will be live music, cooking demos, and a family area with toys, games, face painting, and more.
Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 7:45am
Admission: $35/age 17+, $20/age 13-16, free/12 & under
The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 10th annual Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run will bring the community together for a day of healthy fun to support lifesaving cancer prevention and early detection programs across the country. The untimed walk/run begins at Nationals Park and takes participants on a route along the beautiful Capitol Riverfront. Kids and dogs (and their owners) who don’t want to run the full course can join a shorter “fun run” around the stadium. After crossing the finish line, 30+ local health and fitness partners will offer free health screenings, healthy snacks, massages, and more. Other highlights include a Parkour obstacle course, the Nats batting cages, face painting for all ages, a Kids Zone, and jungle gym for youngsters. Furry friends can enjoy the “Doggie Dugout” station where you can walk the “green carpet,” stop for a photo op, and pick up great giveaways.
Takoma Park Folk Fest
Where: Takoma Park Middle School | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 6:30pm
Admission: Free
Folk music and performances from around the world will be on six stages at the annual Takoma Park Folk Festival. The Grassy Nook Stage will offer activities for children — folksinging, musical games and dancing, storytelling, and more. And a crafts show and sale will showcase the works of local artisans. Pack snacks or purchase food from vendors there. Rain or shine!
Kidz Graffiti Party
Where: Art Jamz | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Sunday, 12:30-2:30pm
Admission: $10
Get messy like a street artist at our Art Jamz! Children of all ages are invited to paint their very own master pieces on the ArtJamz walls.The lounge will be open for accompanying parents, and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artists. Afterwards, families can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your visions come to life off the wall!
***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Axe throwing is a thing, and it’s really fun!
* Tickets for Mount Vernon’s popular Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour are now available.
* The H Street Festival, which was supposed to take place this weekend, has been rescheduled for October 13.
* The National Building Museum has a Family Workshop: LEGO Build coming up next weekend (cost per child: $20/member, $25/non-member).
* I recommend my new book club read, Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows
* Check out a White Ford Bronco all 90’s covers concert if you haven’t yet — it’s a rad trip down memory lane!
