Happy Weekend!
Backpocket KFDC posts full of ideas for fun:* The Great Indoors* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums* Best Outdoors in the DC Area* Local Hikes with Kids* Baltimore with Kids* Bike Rides* Paddling Options* Stunning Spaces* Peaceful Places
“Summer” FunWhere: Throughout the DC areaWhen: All weekend longAdmission: Varies by activityIt may not be official on the calendar, but “summer” is underway! Spray play, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars, and more ongoing seasonal treats have begun around DC. Start the weekend with free music at Bethesda’s summer concert series. Play at a splash park. Go paddling, see a special exhibit, or just plan ahead for seasonal fun. The 2024 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when you can get summer started early — and plan for even more!
It’s All Greek to YouWhere: Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox CathedralWhen: Friday, Saturday, & SundayAdmission: FreeSaint Sophia’s annual festival brings the best of Greek food, drink and culture to DC. Festival goers can sample dishes from the Greek Cuzina made fresh and daily across the weekend. A variety of children’s games and activities will delight young guests. A marketplace will showcase wares like jewelry, pottery and home goods ,and more. And every evening under the stars (and 2pm on Sunday), enjoy live Greek music played by local musicians — all are welcome to join in and dance… Opa! It’s a super fun fest — we’ve been several times! Saint Sophia is located at 2815 36th St & Mass. Ave. NW.
Dragon Boat FestivalWhere: Thompson Boat House | Georgetown, DCWhen: Saturday, 9am – 5pm [Rain Date: June 15]Admission: FreeThe annual DC Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 21st year — its’s an experience for athletes and spectators alike! The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free, and there are usually cultural activities to enjoy, too.
Gaithersburg Book FestivalWhere: Bohrer Park | Gaithersburg, MDWhen: Saturday, 10am – 6pmAdmission: FreeThe City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. Bohrer Park is located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue.
Fiesta Asia Street FairWhere: Entrance at 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am – 7pmAdmission: FreeCelebrate Asian heritage at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace. Reserve free tickets here.
Korean Bell Garden Annual CelebrationWhere: Meadowlark Botanical Garden | Vienna, VAWhen: Saturday: 11am – 12:30pmAdmission: Free from 10am – 12pmHead to the beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to celebrate Korean culture in the lovely Korean Bell Garden. This free festive celebration will feature traditional Korean dance performances, music, a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, beautiful traditional Korean clothing, Korean games, delicious complimentary Korean food, and the ringing of the 6,000 pound Korean bell.
Truck DayWhere: MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn | Rockville, MDWhen: Saturday, 11am – 3pmAdmission: FreeThe Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is kicking off “Public Works Week” with Truck Day. The free, family-friendly event welcomes the community for a hands-on exploration of the many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles that make the county run. Climb aboard a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck, and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, plus a chance to meet the essential workers who operate them. The Truck Depot and Salt Barn is located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Gaithersburg.
Walk the Museum WalkWhere: Dupont-Kalorama Neighborhoods, DCWhen: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pmAdmission: FreeGet off the Mall and explore the many museums in the Dupont-Kalorama neighborhood during the annual Museum Walk Weekend. See the exhibits and enjoy special programs for free at several diverse museums, including The Phillips Collection, Dumbarton House, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, American Revolution Institute, O Street Museum in the Mansion, Dupont Underground, and the President Woodrow Wilson House.
Spring Fling: A Villgae Block PartyWhere: The Village at Shirlington | Shirlington, VAWhen: Saturday, 11am – 3pmAdmission: FreeEnjoy the lively atmosphere of Shirlington’s 3rd annual event.Stroll through streets and browse the pop-up Makers Market,join in on sports and games, enjoy live performances, and indulge in a variety of eats and treats. There will be activities especially for kids, too.
Bourbon & BluegrassWhere: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DCWhen: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pmAdmission: $50-70/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & underThe rollicking annual fundraiser is back for its 9th year! Featuring an extraordinary line up of music, bourbon and beer tastings, and fun activities for the whole family, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy lots of live bluegrass music. Two-day passes are also available.
Loudoun Spring Farm TourWhere: Farms around Loudoun County, VAWhen: Saturday & SundayAdmission: FreeEnjoy over 40 local farm stops full of delicious produce, cute animals, farm demonstrations, and fun & educational programs. Visit the website for a map of the locations and more info on each one.
KidStory Theatre FestivalWhere: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MDWhen: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pmAdmission: FreeAll year long, InterAct Story Theatre artists create stories with kids and invite them to share their epic tales. This May, they’ve chosen some of their favorites from over the years and present a series of short plays and stories performed by InterActors. Best for ages 5 and up.
Old Town Festival of Speed & StyleWhere: King Street | Old Town Alexandria, VAWhen: Sunday, 10am – 3pmAdmission: FreeView dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community – history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style, energy. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! and Community Lodgings.
Mister G Concert at the JxJ FestivalWhere: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DCWhen: Sunday, 10:30amAdmission: $18/age 13+, $16/students, free/12 & under MISTER G, the GRAMMY Award winning artist, author and educator will be performing songs from his PJ Library-commissioned albums, The Mitzvah Bus and Seeds of Shalom. Following the concert, MISTER G will be signing copies of his books, including his PJ Library book, Lilah Tov Good Night. Meet him before the show at 10am for crafts and snacks and to connect with other families! Ben Gundersheimer is hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post and is acclaimed as one of the most widely distributed Jewish artists for children across North America. His dynamic, interactive bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections.
Strawberry JubileeWhere: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VAWhen: Sunday, 10am – 5pmAdmission: $12/child, $14/adult, free/2 & underThe longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County takes place this weekend and next, rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole fam. As if that’s not enough to keep the everyone 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. Get tickets in advance!
Tee Up for Sunday at SwingersWhere: Swingers | Dupont Circle, DCWhen: Sunday, 11am – 6pmAdmission: Mini golf starts at $21The crazy golf club in Dupont Circle has just started welcoming kids and families for mini golf fun on Sundays before 6pm! Enjoy a great day out putting on their indoors courses, savoring bites and treats, and enjoying more entertainment. Cocktails for parents are also available. Learn more about the new family option here!
Running of the ChihuahuasWhere: The Wharf | Southwest DCWhen: Sunday, 2-5pmAdmission: FreeRescheduled from a couple of weeks ago.. The Wharf’s 12th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas will include live music, family fun, cold Pacifico beer, and of course, the highlight of the afternoon, chihuahuas racing for fame and fun! It’s family and pet-friendly event — all dogs are welcome, though only chihuahuas can race. If you don’t have a dog yet, keep an eye out for your forever furry friend during the Adoptable Dog Parade that takes place between the Chihuahua races. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.
Hill Family Biking: Kingman Island RideWhere: Capitol Hill to Kingman Island, DCWhen: Sunday, 4pmAdmission: FreeJoin Hill Family Biking on Sunday for a family friendly ride to Kingman Island for picnics (BYOP), free play in a safe car-free area, and kid-friendly live music from The Grandsons Jr. The ride will start at 4pm from Stanton Park, and an informal return ride to Lincoln Park will roll back around 6pm.
Alice in Wonderland…on StringsWhere: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MDWhen: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pmTickets: $15This brand new adaptation based on the beloved children’s novel by Lewis Carroll will take the audience on a delightful journey into wonderland using rod puppets. This one-of-a-kind performance blends music and humor to create a new version of a familiar story. Recommended for ages 4+.
Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder TalesWhere: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MDWhen: Saturday, 11am & 2pm | Sunday, 11amTickets: $25 (look for discount)Journey into the Appalachian Mountains in this award-winning musical that deftly weaves four traditional tales and original music into a keepsake quilt of mountain lore and wisdom for the whole family. Jack who lands himself a job despite his foolishness. “Catskins” is a spunky Appalachian Cinderella. “The Enchanted Tree” is a beauty-and-the-beast love story between a lost girl and a frightening crow. And in a zany, sung-through “Sow and Her Three Pigs” plucky Nancy the pig outsmarts the hungry fox. This play with music incorporates singing, mountain dances, music, and puppets to create a highly theatrical storytelling style.
Jesus Christ SuperstarWhere: National Theatre | Downtown DCWhen: Friday, Saturday, & SundayAdmission: $44-139 (look for a deal)Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. Recommended for ages 10+.
Cirque du Soleil – CorteoWhere: Eagle Bank Arena | Fairfax, VAWhen: Through May 25Admission: $49-169 (look for a deal)The clown Mauro envisions that his own burial will take place amid a carnival atmosphere and be attended by tender angels. The show contrasts the grand with the intimate, the silly with the tragic, and the beauty of perfection with the appeal of imperfection. It also emphasizes the strength and vulnerability of the clown as well as his knowledge and generosity to represent the aspect of humanity that exists in each of us. Corteo is guided through a timeless ceremony in which fantasy teases reality with music, which is both poetic and mischievous.
Pick Your OwnWhere: Around the DMVWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by localeStrawberries and a few veggies are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. This post has a round-up of where to go. 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.
Hikes You’ll LikeWhere: Around the areaWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by localeGetting out for a walk in the woods is a great way to enjoy some family time on the weekend. Given the hot weather on the way, you’ll probably want to opt for spots that offer good shade. Some places to find it: Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Dumbarton Oaks Park, Prince William Forest Park, Rock Creek Park. Find even more places to hike here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF**** Looking for family getaway ideas for the summer? Here are some good ones!* Along with the brand new guide to summer in DC , this round-up of swim spots in the region is a good one to bookmark now.* Excited to check out some of Eater DC’s recs for worth the-drive crab houses in Maryland! (There are a bunch in the KFDC Summer Guide, too.)* As you’re prepping for summer travel, I highly recommended these. We keep them in all of our checked bags (and one on our dog’s collar).* Love the sleek design of this rolling ice chest (ie, fancy cooler).* For those of you who also have seniors: The 27 best high school graduation gifts. (I’m also going to send mine off to college with one of these 😊)* Amazon’s big Memorial Day Sale starts Friday.* According to this, I’m a complainy Cross Fit freak who’s a minor feminist icon. You? 😂