Awesome Con, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention, takes place this weekend, June 16-18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, celebrating all aspects of geekdom and pop culture with a wide assortment of engaging events, comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay and more. And not only do I have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky KFDC reader, kids ages 10 and under can get in free when an accompanying adult uses the coupon code KIDFRIENDLYDC on a kid’s ticket!
The event practically guarantees to be blast for the whole family. For the first time, there will be Awesome Con Jr., a family-focused pavilion providing hours of fun with entertaining and educational programs just for kids. There will be interactive opportunities with characters from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series PAW Patrol and Shimmer and Shine, plus additional fun experiences from The Emoji Movie, How to Train Your Dragon characters, LEGO building zones, a kids costume parade, and more. And making it easier than ever to spend time together as a family and encourage creative play, children ages 10 and under get in free with the above code.
Awesome Con is also working with GeekDad to present exciting Father’s Day activities on Sunday in a show of appreciation for the awesome dads in attendance. The first 500 dads to attend Awesome Con on June 18 will receive a free, limited edition T-Shirt, and giveaways are scheduled throughout the day with prizes including Awesome Con swag and Washington Nationals tickets. Geek dads of all ages will enjoy events including a Q&A with Stan Lee, the father of Marvel Comics; a classic arcade of nostalgic games; a panel hosted by GeekDad teaching parents how to encourage curiosity in the next generation; and much more!
Tickets to Awesome Con are available online here. You can also try to win them through the giveaway below.
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Giveaway: For a chance to win a pair of tickets to attend Awesome Con on Sunday, June 18, 2017, simply leave a comment below letting me know what you or your child is most excited for at the event. Get a second chance to win by entering on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too! This giveaway will run through 8pm on Thursday, June 15, 2017, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Awesome Con in exchange for this post, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Dads’ big day is coming up this weekend, and if you’re still looking for ways to celebrate it, you’ve got lots of great options. From live entertainment to outdoor pursuits, special events to everyday fun, freebies to splurges, here are some ideas to help make Father’s Day fantastic.
Brunch on the Baselines
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: June 18, 12-4pm
Admission: $35-70/adult, $20/child
The Nats may not be in town on Father’s Day, but you can still watch them and enjoy a fun meal with the fam at the ballpark. An all-inclusive brunch will be held on the baselines at Nationals Park, where guests of all ages can enjoy an all-you-can-eat-and-drink event while watching the Nationals play the New York Mets in New York City (on the big screen, obvi). The brunch menu includes tater tots, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, a Bloody Mary bar, mimosas, beer, coffee, and juices. And a great present for dads who are Nats fans: Tickets to a behind-the-scenes tour of Nationals Park!
Jazz It Up
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through June 18
Admission: Varies by show
If Dad is a jazz fan, this is the ultimate way to make his day. The annual DC Jazz Festival presents a selection of the genre’s most acclaimed artists as well as emerging artists at venues all around the city over a week. And on Father’s Day weekend, DCJazzFest at The Yards is a three-day blowout of music and good times.
Awesome Con
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon, DC
When: June 16, 17, & 18
Admission: Starts at $35/day, free for 10 and under free
For dads who really dig pop culture, this is the event for them! The mid-Atlantic’s premier pop culture convention is bringing a three-day celebration of television, movies, comic books, science, technology and more to DC for the weekend. All kinds of cool programs, an impressive lineup of special guests, and exciting activities for fans of all ages are expected to make this the best Awecome Con yet. And on Sunday, there will be special Father’s Day activities to show of appreciation for the awesome dads in attendance. The first 500 dads to attend on June 18 will receive a free, limited edition T-Shirt, and giveaways are scheduled throughout the day. Geek dads of all ages can enjoy events including a Q&A with Stan Lee, the father of Marvel Comics; a classic arcade of nostalgic games; a panel hosted by GeekDad teaching parents how to encourage curiosity in the next generation; and more. Kids ages 10 and under can get in free with the code KIDFRIENDLYDC.
Take Dad Out to the Minors
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: $15-17
Just because the Nats aren’t in town, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some Father’s Day baseball. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the New Hampshire Fisher Cats all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy, too, post-game fireworks and giveaways among them. On Sunday, take Dad early to meet your favorite players during a pre-game Meet The Team Autograph and Photo event from 12:30-1pm. You can also bring gloves and a baseball and head out onto the field to Play Catch with Dad before the game from 12:30-1pm. After the game, all fans and Dads are invited to run the bases!
Free in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: June 17
Admission: Starts at $42, Dads are FREE!
For adventurous dads who love the outdoors, particular being in the trees, an afternoon in the aerial adventure forest of the Adventure Park at Sandy Springs is the perfect way to spend the day — especially when admission is on them. Get dad’s ticket free when accompanied by a paid climber using the promo code DAD17. (FYI: This is one of our very favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here.)
Soccer Festival
Where: Tyler Elementary School | Capitol Hill, DC
When: June 18
Admission: Free
Kick it with DC Way on Father’s Day — the goal of this festival is to gather parents and children to play soccer, socialize, and have fun! It’s a great chance to introduce kids to the magnificent game of soccer, test your own skills, participate in fun competitions, and ask the DC Way coach questions regarding the game and sports in general. Festival programs will include multiple games and activities such as soccer tennis, a parents vs. children challenge, best strike contest, and more.
Father’s Day at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens | Mount Vernon, VA
When: June 17-18, 8am – 5pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
Spend the day with the Father of our Country! This coming weekend, guests can enjoy a meet-and-greet and photo ops with “General Washington” as well as a special “Father to the First Family” program. And at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the estate, demonstrations by costumed distillers take visitors through the historic process of whiskey-making in the reconstructed 18th-century facility.
Lunch & Brews
Where: The Brig | Capitol Hill, DC
When: June 18
Admission: Cost of your meal
Celebrate Dad this year in the fantastic outdoor public beer garden. The Brig, located on Barracks Row in Captiol Hill, is the largest outdoor patio in SE with space for over 200 guests. Even better, it’s family friendly, and dogs are welcome, too. Join the fun on the patio for a delicious lunch that Dad is sure to love.
Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: June 18
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult
Treat Dad to a fun-filled weekend with BBQ and catch-and-release fishing. Guests can compete in the Fish-a-Rama contest, fishing for catfish, bass, and blue gill in the stocked ponds, and prizes are on the line for the largest fish hooked and the most fish caught during the power hour. Bring your own pole and gear to fish (no drag hooks). GCF has worms for purchase in the country store. The amusement continues on the five-acre farm-style playground featuring the Giant Jumping Pillow, Triple Threat slide, corn bin, animal barnyard and loads more fun for all.
Get Medieval
Where: Medieval Times | Hanover, MD
When: Through June 18
Admission: $59.95/adult, $36.95/child, FREE for dads
Treat Dad like a king at Medieval Times, where they’re inviting families large and small to celebrate dads in an epic way: Dinner theatre featuring a grand battle of steel and steed and a four-course meal fit for a king. It’s like their own personal Game of Thrones adventure! The best part: Dads are FREE with the purchase of a full priced adult admission — be sure to use code DAD17.
BBQ & Bowl
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: June 18, 9:30am – 4pm
Admission: $36/adult, $15/child, free for 5 and under
Give your favorite grill master a break this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a backyard barbecue brunch. Pinstripes’ grand brunch buffet includes made-to-order omelets, bottomless mimosas, a waffle bar, carved prime rib, fresh seafood, salad bar, and a chocolate fountain and delectable dessert station. Plus, they’re grilling summer favorites like BBQ ribs, Italian sausage, pesto. And book a lane for some bowling or bocce after your meal!
Father’s Day Kite Flight
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: June 18
Admission: $10/non-member child, $7/member child, $5/adult
At Tudor Place, celebrate dad with a special family program. Build and fly your own mini-kite on the grand South Lawn. Tour the 5 ½-acre garden, craft your own mini kite using recycled materials, make family buttons, take part in a kite race, and bring home a prize! This program is recommended for families with kids ages 6-12.
Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: All the time
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the day and dad on the trail! See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too. This go-to KFDC post has a bunch of recommendations for good places to hit the trail with kids.
Go With the Flow
Where: Around the DMV
Admission: Varies by locale
Spend quality time with the man of the hour 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. Quiet Waters Park showcases beautiful nature in Annapolis that you can view from the South River. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45 ($2-3). See this round-up for even more places to put in and flow.
A Boatload of Fun
Where: Solomons Island, MD
When: Father’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Rates vary by boat & time
If you’re up for a bigger boating excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island. We did this for Mother’s Day a few years ago and had a blast. Make a whole day of it there, and plan on dinner at one of the waterside restaurants when you’re back on land.
Disc Golfin’
Where: Parks Around the DMV
When: Father’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Varies by locale (usually free)
Celebrate the day by hitting the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a day outdoors with the family. We’ve enjoyed outings at Calvert Road Park in College Park, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, and Burke Lake Park. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses are set up in pretty parks with opportunities for more recreation at all of them. Bring along a picnic for lunch in the fresh air, too.
A Grand Feast
Where: Crab houses around MD
When: June 18
Admission: Cost of the meal
Steamed crabs, cold beer, scenic waterside views… that’s a recipe for a great Father’s Day for at least one dad I know. The 2017 Summer Guide has several suggestions on where to feast on Maryland’s best dish. I recommend making reservations if possible — this is always a popular way to celebrate.
*Gift Idea* Quicken Loans National PGA Tournament
Where: TPC Potomac | Potomac, MD
When: June 26 – July 2
Admission: Ticket prices/options vary
Have a dad in your life who loves golf? Tickets to the Quicken Loans National are a perfect gift! The premier PGA TOUR tournament begins in Potomac, MD, just a week after Father’s Day. Along with the golf action on the course, there will be plenty to enjoy off of it, including numerous programs for families and kids.
