Ready to ride into summer
A quick glance at the forecast shows a very sunshiny weekend, albeit a tad hot. But the blue skies and dry days will make a great backdrop for the many exciting events happening outdoors — a county carnival, bike races, a food truck fest, a neighborhood celebration, and scores of “summer” fun. If you can’t take the heat, there are museum programs, performances for kids, even a pop-up candy store to help you keep your cool. This list has all the special goings-on, and you can find even more ideas for recreation on the new Everyday Play page. Happy Weekend!
Celebrate Fairfax
Where: Fairfax County Government Center
When: Fri 6pm -12am, Sat 10am – 12am, Sun 11am – 7pm
Admission: $12/adult, $5/youth, free for kids under 2.
Bust a move to Northern Virginia’s largest community festival this weekend. There will be tons for event-goers to enjoy, including live music (Young MC and Pat Benetar among the performers!) carnival rides, children’s activities, art and food vendors, and much more to keep guests entertained throughout the weekend. For more details, along with the full musical line-up, see the Celebrate Fairfax website.
Summer Fun
Where: All around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun. Activities exclusive to this time of year can all be enjoyed all weekend long. This post has the full scoop on summer in the city.
Truckeroo
Where: Corner of Half and M Streets SE
When: Friday, 11am – 11pm
Admission: Free
The monthly festival held May thru October is hosting its June event today! Showcasing food trucks from the DC area, Truckeroo brings together just about all of the cuisine on wheels that cruise around the city. Take the kids for lunch or grab dinner before the free weekly concert at the Yards Park.
Air Force Cycling Classic
Where: Clarendon & Crystal City
When: Saturday, 11:30am & Sunday, 11:15am
Admission: Free
The official race is for adults, but kids ages 9 and under can get in on the cycling, too – there will be special races just for them along with the main event. The Saturday kids races will take place in Clarendon at 11:30am, and Sunday’s will be held in Crystal City at 11:15am. Multiple heats for different age groups will vary in distance; the older the kids, the further they ride. Participants must bring their own helmets and bikes, and trikes are welcome, too. For details and to register online, visit the Air Force Cycling Classic website. You can also print out the form and bring it day of the race.
CycleFest
Where: National Harbor
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Kids can get their bikes and trikes ready for summer and enjoy an afternoon of cycle-related fun with the National Children’s Museum at National Harbor! Activities will include safety-gear sizing and giveaways, bicycle rodeos, maintenance workshops, arts and crafts, raffles, live music and more. CycleFest will be held on the surface lot at Waterfront Street and National Plaza, and additional activities will take place at the NCM Launch Zone.
A Sweet Pop-Up Event
Where: The tabular rasa
When: Saturday 11am – 7pm, Sunday 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Sugar & Ice – and everything nice! Join the gourmet candy gift boutique for an irresistibly cool, uniquely sweet rush. They are putting a modern twist on the classic candy shop with a pop-up event this weekend at The Tabula Rasa on Capitol Hill (731 8th Street SE). Browse an amazing array of candy from nostalgic treats to popular favorites and plenty of scrumptious delights in between. Pop in for candy shopping, plus $2 snow cones and free balloons!
World Oceans Day
Where: DC National Aquarium
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $9.95/adult, $8.95/seniors, $4.95/ages 3-11,ages 2 and under are free
If you can’t actually get to an ocean, then what better place to celebrate World Oceans Day in DC than at the National Aquarium (yes, there is one right here in the city)! Renowned children’s author Debbie Dadey will be onsite to read from her new book series, Mermaid Tales, which focuses on friendship and ocean education — story times and book signings will take place at 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm. Guests can also have their picture taken with a very special mermaid, participate in ocean-related arts and crafts, and learn from Aquarium experts about the ocean’s inhabitants.
Make it Mount Pleasant
Where: Throughout Mount Pleasant
When: Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Mount Pleasant will come alive this weekend with a Handmade Craft and Vintage Market, sidewalk sales & specials, and local bands and DJs. Organized by the Mount Pleasant Business Association, Make it Mount Pleasant will bring together local restaurants, shops, community groups, artists, artisans, and musicians for a day of special events. The pop-up market will be located in the parking lot of McCormick Paints at Mount Pleasant and Kenyon Streets NW. Live music and spinning DJ’s will be at Lamont Park. And sidewalk sales will take place out front of many local businesses.
Show Time
Where: Theatres around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
Goldilocks!, is opening at The Puppet Co. (get half-price tickets through Goldstar here). The Boogie Babes are hosting a Saturday morning show at The Atlas. This week’s Saturday Morning at the National is a Solar System Show from the Pointless Theatre Company. It’s the final weekend to catch Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Charlotte’s Web. And Grandsons, Jr. is performing at Jammin’ Java. Just click through all the links for details and tickets.
Sculptures and Stories
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: $10/members, $15/non-members
Children ages 4-8 and accompanying adults are invited to participate in this family workshop that takes explores some of the art in the area. Guests will see three sculptures in the Museum’s neighborhood, and touch and learn about the materials. Back at the NBM, they’ll listen to a story and then create a sculpture to take home. Admission fees are for children only; adults attend free. Prepaid registration is required.
The Magic of Spying
Where: International Spy Museum
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $12.50
Briefing: In the real-life world of espionage, spies often call upon the art of magic and illusion to distract the enemy, make evidence disappear and escape unnoticed. Kids ages 7 and up are invited to join professional magician, Peter Wood, as he demonstrates the art of misdirection and sleight of hand used by skilled spies. Attendees will also receive free general admission into the Spy Museum.
Women’s History in Postage Stamps
Where: National Postal Museum
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at this Family Workshop to discover fascinating figures in Women’s History through postage stamps. Design your own stamp honoring an important woman and start your own stamp collection to take home.
Super Science Saturday
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center
When: Saturday, 10am -3pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
It’s a Super Science Saturday at the Dulles arm of the Air & Space Museum. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. This month’s program will focus on Energy.
National Get Outdoors Day
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
It’s National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, and all around the country there will be events celebrating the occasion with a day full of activities that encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. A few area parks in Virginia will be hosting festivities – go here to find out where they are.
Of course, you don’t need an official event to enjoy the outdoors. For more ideas, see this post listing the best places in the DC area to hang outside with the kids. And if you want to take shelter from the sun, check out this post with suggestions for indoor recreation.
