Friday

7:30pm: National Philharmonic Holiday Singin’ Pops at Strathmore
Create memories with your family and friends as you share in the sights and sounds of the holidays at the National Philharmonic’s annual Holiday Singin’ Pops. Join top-level Broadway and international talent for a fun and festive evening featuring fresh new takes on traditional and beloved holiday songs. Broadway singer/actress performer Ali Ewoldt of Phantom of the Opera; Hilary Morrow of the Birdland Jazz Club; international vocalist Kevin Rose; and acclaimed tap dancer Evan Ruggiero, who recently performed at the Oscars, perform holiday favorites such as Santa Baby, I’ll be Home for Christmas, No Place Like Home for the Holidays, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The evening will include audience participation. Come early to take a festive photo with Santa, decorate an ornament and hear young carolers. Kids 7-17 Free!

Saturday
Dollar Days in Baltimore! In the spirit of the holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors this weekend and offer free or $1 admission. Download a handy map to take with you here.

8:00am: Abominable Hot Cocoa 5K
Help raise money for a new nature-based playground at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School Brookland Campus! Run in the first Abominable Hot Cocoa 5K and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa after crossing the finish line. All are welcome – Run, walk, stroll and kids can also bike. Yeti to join the fun?More information and Registration HERE!

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop
Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

10:00am-4:00pm: Holiday Card Workshop at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
Searching for a unique and meaningful way to bond with your family this holiday season? The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids and adults alike can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind greetings for any holiday, or even just a wintery “Hello!”

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am-6:00pm: Ballston Quarter Kicks Off the Holiday Season
Join the all day holiday event to kick off the season! Explore all four levels of Ballston Quarter for a holiday surprise around every corner. Leading the day will be a special pajama party screening of The Polar Express, and the fun will continue all day with train rides, crafts for all ages, holiday treats, photo ops, music and a special appearance from Santa. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy! More information on the event, including a full list of activities, can be found here.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Winter Market at Janney Elementary School
The Market will feature more than 100 vendors—ranging from entrepreneurial kids to professional artists—selling unique gifts, jewelry and accessories, ornaments and holiday decor, greeting cards, international crafts, skincare, home decor, pet accessories, specialty foods, sweets and treats of every kind, and more! Free gift wrapping available on site at the Market. 

12:00pm-8:00pm: Holiday Pop-Up & Cartoons in Dupont Circle
Merchants around Dupont Circle will host 20 makers in their establishments to sell a variety of holiday gifts, including the Art Rave Market (35 vendors) and Heurich House Christkindlmarkt ($13 for adults; 12:00-8:00 pm). Pick up a Pop-Up Passport at the booth in front of the Dupont Circle Metro (Q Street – North Station) and then get your passport stamped at six pop-ups to earn free admission on Saturday into the Heurich House Museum’s Christkindlmarkt (25 vendors). At 5:30pm, the public will gather in front of La Tomate restaurant for the lighting of the Dupont Circle Christmas Tree, sing carols and have a glass of hot cheer. Watch holiday cartoon classics in Dupont Circle park from 5:45-8:00pm sponsored by Dupont Festival. Hot tea will be provided by Valley Brook Tea. Dupont favorite, Emissary, will provide coffee and hot cider. In addition, Kramerbooks & Afterwords will have a table for their Holiday Book Drive, where shoppers can purchase one of a selection of books to be donated to the Open Book Foundation.

12:00pm: Family Messiah at The Washington National Cathedral
This performance is an abbreviated performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family.

12:00pm: Santa Fly-In
Watch Santa fly into historic College Park Airport with some help from local aviators! Make holiday arts and crafts and enjoy holiday activities before having your picture taken with Santa. Santa arrives at approximately 12:30pm.

3:00pm AND 8:00pm: The Illusionists at National Theatre
We saw this show & it was perfect for my 8 year old! Showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth your child will be in awe the entire show. It is a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

4:00pm: Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

5:30pm: 20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
View dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2pm to 8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM. Take part in hands-on activities including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, a holiday craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria and a bookmark making station from Old Town Books. Enjoy savory meatballs from Pizzeria Paradiso and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati. On the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company presents a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission. At 3:30pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to take photos with children and families at the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.

6:00pm-9:00pm: The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
Celebrate the holidays and watch beautifully decorated boats pass by The Wharf. Get into the spirit as you decorate ornaments or warm up by the Camp Wharf fire pit while making a s’more. Go ice skating and sample winter drinks at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden. And bring the whole family to meet Santa at the lighted Christmas tree and make memories during this annual DC tradition. 

6:00pm-10:00pm: Light Yards
The DC region’s premier outdoor public light art installation, returns for its fourth year at The Yards, with two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group. The Poolwill invite visitors to hop, skip, and jump across 106 interactive circular pads of light, roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2.5 inches tall. As multiple visitors play in The Pool, their movements will come together to create a giant canvas of shifting and fading colors in mesmerizing patterns.A beautiful and social sculptural installation, Angels of Freedom aims to reveal the inner beauties of everyone by visually turning visitors into real-life angels. Visitors will be invited to pose with five giant, neon-colored wings and white halos as a reminder that everybody counts and deserves love. On display Dec. 7 – Jan. 4.

7:00pm-9:00pm: St. Columba’s Labyrinth to Open for Tenley Winterfest
Walk St. Columba’s labyrinth this season to candlelight and the gorgeous sounds of Harmonic Introductions, the Rockville-based vocal ensemble dedicated to art of overtone singing. Stretch your legs and calm your mind on the last night of Tenley Winterfest with this annual part of our community’s holiday celebration.  The labyrinth will be open for walks in St. Columba’s Great Hall, and welcomes walkers of all ages, faiths, and abilities.

Sunday
Dollar Days in Baltimore! In the spirit of the holidays, Baltimore area attractions will open their doors this weekend and offer free or $1 admission. Download a handy map to take with you here.

10:00am-4:00pm: Holiday Card Workshop at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
Searching for a unique and meaningful way to bond with your family this holiday season? The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids and adults alike can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind greetings for any holiday, or even just a wintery “Hello!”

10:00am-5:00pm: Cultural Day at KID Museum: Philippines Day
In partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines through Sentro Rizal Washington DC, Mabuhay, and FYP, KID Museum is proud to present Philippines Day and Ligligan Parul. Ligligan Parul, or a Festival of Light, is an annual festival that features giant lantern competitions to welcome the holiday spirit in the Philippines. Bring your family and build light-up projects, learn about textiles and woodworking, and enjoy Filipino food and performances.

10:00am: Chanukah STEM event at MILTON
Bring your 3 to 6 year-old child to our fun, hands-on Children will hear a Chanukah  story and be presented with a challenge based on the story. Watch your child transform into an engineer and be  challenged to  design and build a prototype to solve a Chanukah dilemma and challenge! The event is free, but you must RSVP as space is limited.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Free the Trees in Westmoreland Hills Park
Bring gloves or clippers or use theirs. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns. Join weed warriors and remove invasive vines and non-native plants. Meet at Westmoreland Hills Park, which is part of Little Falls Park, Bethesda. The Park is located at the end of Elliott Road; you can use “5315 Elliott Road” on your GPS. Meet in the parking lot.

4:00pm: Stathmore Children’s Chorus: Great American Folksong for the Holidays at Strathmore
Put a little fiddle in your holiday tradition with a spectrum of American folksong! Strathmore Children’s Chorus collaborates with Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer on folk arrangements of holiday gems that celebrate the spirit of the season, including the spiritual “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” “Hine Ma Tov,” “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” plus Appalachian tunes and more. The chorus is accompanied by a stellar lineup of roots musicians on guitar, banjo, fiddle, and hammered dulcimer.

Holiday Happenings:
Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 6 – 8
Join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a space unlike any other in Washington to experience Handel’s masterpiece.

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Through Dec. 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual production has been a Washington tradition for more than 35 years. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Through Dec. 29
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With over 40 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. This year they will also celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Washington School of Ballet.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo: Through Dec. 29

The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays at National Theatre: Dec. 3 – 8
Family-friendly spectacular The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays is an all-new installment of the world-famous touring magic blockbuster that has appeared on Broadway and beyond. The show has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. This year’s family-friendly show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, daring escapes, and technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide.

The Snow Queen at Synetic Theater: Through Dec. 29
Just in time for the holidays, Synetic presents a whimsical, family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, Snow Queen. Join Gerda, a little girl with gumption, a magic mirror, and a quest to save her best friend, as she sets out on a life-changing journey that takes her over mountains and across distant lands to the Snow Kingdom. Synetic Theater’s striking visuals and embodied storytelling turn this chilling tale into a heartwarming adventure.

CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators at Encore Stage & Studio: Dec. 6 – 15
Santa Claus is missing! During the last rehearsal for the annual Christmas Show, the action comes to a screeching halt when the cast discovers that the Santa Claus statue has been stolen! Mrs. Dickens calls in the Clue Club — a group of ambitious and eccentric students who take mystery and detection into the realm of science. Full of more surprises than a fruitcake, the Clue Club finds they have successfully fulfilled their duty as “Christmas Scene Investigators” when they discover the true meaning of Christmas. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

Frosty the Snowman at The Performing Arts Factory: Dec. 7 – 28
An OVT favorite returns! Developed by the creative team at Other Voices Theatre, Frosty the Snowman is a heartwarming original musical that tells the story of the magic hat that brings Frosty to life and also has the magical ability to transform others who wear it. You can join Frosty and Jack Frost in helping their young friends. Perfect for the young ones and family alike.

The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice: Dec. 7 – 15
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule!

The Mini-Nut at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center: Dec. 7 – 8
MYB’s Mini-Nut is a delightful abbreviated version of our classic The Nutcracker, designed to introduce children to the magic of this family favorite. This beloved holiday tradition with soaring music by Tchaikovsky promises to hold the attention of even the youngest theatergoer. Come see the Nutcracker turn into a handsome Prince, see the battle between the Nutcracker and the Seven Headed Mouse King. Watch the sparkling Snow Queen float through her kingdom. See the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and the magical residents of The Kingdom of Sweets! Suitable for all ages, this version is less than an hour and performed by cast members from MYB’s full-length production. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

Zoo Lights: Through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!

Holidays on the Harbor: Through Jan. 1
Holiday movies and fireworks takes place each Saturday through December. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments).

Bulls Run Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights: Through Jan. 1
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights and a refreshed course, your time through the twinkling, winding path will surely be a night to remember!

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens: Through Jan. 5
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year’s holiday show. The best times to visit are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 pm with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10am-5pm, free of charge.

Christmas at Mount Vernon: Through Dec. 31
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. Just as the Washingtons celebrated the holiday with family and friends, visitors can start a new tradition of visiting Mount Vernon this holiday season.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park: Through Jan. 1
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree!

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park: Through Dec. 31 (closed on Dec. 25)
The wondrous themed display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park is a 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting taking you past more than 450 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night.

Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights: Through – Dec. 31
Check out this new month-long community event. The businesses along Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and the 800 Block of Upshur Street will be decked out with holiday lights. As part of the fun, the local businesses will be competing for the chance to win one of seven different awards for their Holiday Lights displays, and will be organizing amazing holiday events, activities, and promotions throughout the month. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for a few days—stop by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street Holiday Lights to explore, shop, and play this holiday season.

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse: Through – Jan. 1
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on December 5 and kicks off the holiday celebrations. You can view the lighting on TV on Dec. 9. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. The tree is lit each day at 4:30pm and will stay up through Jan.1.

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus from 6:30-8:30pm, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Georgetown Glow: Dec. 6 – Jan. 5
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum: Dec. 7-8, 14-15, & 21-22
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, and on December 28 & 29 without Santa. Also see the Winter Wonder Garden and Winter in Washington displays.

Enter to win 2 tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof?

Check out the Gift Guide for Kids!

Memberships & Subscriptions also make great gifts!

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Peter and Friends is at the Kennedy Center this weekend. Venture with a boy and his animal friends through the forest. Featuring musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra. Inspired by Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, this concert developed specifically for toddlers is sure to have audience members playing like ducks, catching a wicked wolf, and engaging with music all along the way! This wild adventure features actors, puppets, and a quintet of woodwind and brass musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Atlanta, Georgia’s Teller Productions. Most enjoyed by infants to 5+. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo”- Starting one hour before the 10:00am & 11:30am and 1:00pm performances on Saturday and the 1:00pm & 2:30pm & 4:00pm performances on Sunday hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.

Have you entered to win a family 4 pack to see The Illusionists- Magic of the Holidays at National Theatre? This is a great show for the whole family, right in time for the holidays.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Happenstance Theater: Pinot & Augustine at the National Theatre
From Happenstance Theater, called by the Washington Post “DC’s leading peddler of whimsy,” comes the beloved pairing of Pinot and Augustine, a favorite of The National Theatre’s young audiences. Melodic surprises and physical comedy fuse to create an enthralling experience.

10:00am: Frozen 2 at Bethesda Arclight with Pearachute
It’s been six long years since we last saw Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven on their journey. Now it’s time to see what new adventures this group of friends are up to in Frozen 2! You won’t want to miss this premiere event!
Movie starts promptly at 10:00am in theater #4. Each family will receive a reusable tote filled with a craft and a $25 gift card to take home! You will have to pick-up your tickets at check-in so please make sure to go to the check-in table in the lobby. We are in theater #4, doors open at 9:15am.

10:00am-12:00pm: Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
The streets are being overrun with turkeys, dinosaurs, penguins, and reindeer!  No, the zoo hasn’t opened their gates – it is the  Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade!  With marching bands, Bolivian dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and Santa, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the exciting parade traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season.  The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.  The parade is rain or shine.

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio Weekend Workshop: Creations from Nature
Now offering morning options on select Saturdays and Sundays to keep the creativity going on the weekends! Get ready for a full morning of hands-on exploration! This workshop designed for
ages 3.5 to 10 years old, drop-off welcome for ages 3.5+.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Open Studio: Make Your Own Japanese Scroll
Join the opening weekend of Hokusai: Mad about Painting with free family-friendly activities. Drop-in anytime to learn the basics of painting on a scroll. A teaching artist then helps you to make your own colorful scroll. Follow a scavenger hunt to explore artworks large and small by Hokusai. All ages are welcome with adult companions.

Sunday

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child will bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item which was used or created that day, as well as a parent pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Open Studio: Make Your Own Japanese Scroll
Join the opening weekend of Hokusai: Mad about Painting with free family-friendly activities. Drop-in anytime to learn the basics of painting on a scroll. A teaching artist then helps you to make your own colorful scroll. Follow a scavenger hunt to explore artworks large and small by Hokusai. All ages are welcome with adult companions.

Winter Activities:
Enchant Christmas has taken over Nats Park! You can check out the world’s largest Christmas light maze and market through December 29.

Holidays on the Harbor– Now – January
Holiday movies and fireworks takes place each Saturday through December. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– Now – Jan. 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments).

The Polar Express Train Ride– Nov. 23 & 24, 29 & 30 & Dec. 1
Cold weather may be just around the corner, but so is The Polar Express! Don’t miss out on the journey of a lifetime as scenes from this celebrated holiday classic come to life before your very eyes! The conductor will punch your golden tickets and make sure you make it to The North Pole right on time, but not before you’ve enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and receiving the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus himself! So don’t wait – get your tickets to The Polar Express Train Ride 2019 at the B&O Railroad Museum: where Baltimore BELIEVES!

Enchant Christmas at Nats Park– Nov. 22 – Dec. 29
Unwrap new traditions and make memories big and small as you wind your way through a luminescent land of beautiful arches, larger-than-life sculptures and decadent delights. Welcome to Enchant. Where magical memories are made. 2.5 million Christmas lights in 90,000 square feet of pure holiday magic with incredible food and beverage to accompany the experience. This is the World’s Largest Holiday Light Maze and Market debuting at Nationals Park. Tickets for Enchant start at just $19.00, and include access to the 200-foot long Ice-Skating Trail, Ice Bars, Artisanal Holiday Market.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 25-28 & Dec. 24 & 25)
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- Nov. 22 – Jan. 5Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Avoid crowds and go Mon-Thurs at a discounted rate.

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2019
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual production has been a Washington tradition for more than 35 years. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Nov. 23-Dec. 29, 2019
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With over 40 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. This year they will also celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Washington School of Ballet.

Weekend Theatre:
The Velveteen Rabbit at Adventure Theatre
Margery Williams’s classic toy story gets a vibrant retelling in this brand new adaptation. When the Child gets the Rabbit for Christmas, she is at first disappointed in her gift. But as the two quest and adventure through her storybooks, both Rabbit and Child grow and care for each other. And they discover that love is the greatest force in the Universe and can make impossible things Real. Recommended for all ages.

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Imagination Stage
Leap through the wardrobe and into a winter wonderland in this dance-based adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s treasured novel from the Chronicles of Narnia. A remount of Imagination Stage’s Helen Hayes award-winning 2012 production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings who journey from war-torn England to a magical land frozen in eternal winter, where the powerful lion Aslan leads them on a journey to discover their destiny. Music, modern dance, and breathtaking puppetry tell a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Best for ages 5+.

Inside Out at Imagination Stage
It’s bedtime! But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. In this interactive show, discover the joy of turning things inside out! *ASL-Interpreted performance November 24, 2019 at 11:15 a.m. * For purchasers of the Sunday, November 3, 2019, 10:00 a.m. performance of Inside Out , please join us for a free post-show workshop. Information on how to register for this free event can be found in the confirmation email of your November 3, 10:00 a.m. purchase. Best for ages 1-5.

The Jungle Book
A musical adaptation of one of the most well-loved books in the English language in 2015. Danger lurks everywhere for young Mowgli as he learns the “laws of the jungle” from his friends Akela, the wolf, Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the panther, who warn him that Shere Khan, the tiger, wants to eat him. But when Mowgli is forced to leave his friends and return to the village from which he came, he soon learns that man is the most dangerous creature of all. With sensitive themes about loyalty, honor, courage, and persistence, the Jungle Book stories have irresistible appeal for audiences of every generation.

The Cold weather may be just around the corner, but so is The Polar Express! Don’t miss out on the journey of a lifetime as scenes from this celebrated holiday classic come to life before your very eyes! The conductor will punch your golden tickets and make sure you make it to The North Pole right on time, but not before you’ve enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and receiving the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus himself! So don’t wait – get your tickets to The Polar Express Train Ride 2019 at the B&O Railroad Museum: where Baltimore BELIEVES! Rides are November 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 29 & 30 and
December 1.

Friday

10:00am AND 11:30am: Baby Beats with Max and Root
Two Beat Boxing Dads making music and songs the whole family can enjoy! Best for ages: 0-8.

5:30pm-8:00pm: Harry Potter Nerf Night at Badlands
Accio all Wizards and Witches:It’s a magical night for the Quidditch World Cup as the Houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin compete for victory! You bring your robe and wand, and we’ll bring the snitch!Costumes and wands encouraged! Kids tickets are $30 and include a pizza party. Muggles (Adults) are free and even get a complimentary beer tasting.

6:30pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Rox at Earth Treks
Kids get a fun night of climbing adventure (2.5 hours!) and parents enjoy a night out on the town- what could be more perfect! Activities include vertical games, age appropriate basic skills instruction, and tons of climbing, all under the supervision of our qualified instructors. No experience is necessary. Ages 6-12.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning at National Theatre: Virginia Repertory Theatre: Thumbelina
This charming, funny, and joyous musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story features all the beloved characters: toad, fish, field mouse, mole, shallow, and, of course Thumbelina herself. It’s a delightful exploration of nature’s tiny enchanted world. 

10:00am AND 11:30am: Baby Beats with Max and Root
Two Beat Boxing Dads making music and songs the whole family can enjoy! Best for ages: 0-8.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
Children, ages 3-5, are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each First Studio includes a gallery tour, a story, and a hands-on art-making experience. This program is limited to 10 children accompanied by a single adult companion.  Pre-registration is required, for questions or inquires, please contact here.

10:00am-12:00pm: Weekend Workshop at Red Panda Art Studio
Neon art is always more fun under the blacklight! Turn off the lights and turn on the glow. Paint with neon materials and make glowing slime during this workshop! Ages 3.5 to 10 years old, drop-off welcome.

10:00am-4:00pm: Fossil Fest at National Museum of Natural History
Gather your friends and family and get ready for a fun, fossil-filled day in Q?rius! Learn about the tools and research techniques experts use to unearth the facts about prehistoric ecosystems and life long ago. Explore the world of paleontology by meeting scientists and paleontology staff to get a behind-the-scenes look into their work. Experience the field yourself through virtual reality, handling 3D fossil prints, or by sifting for and identifying fossils YOU can uncover at our hands-on learning stations! Find something for everyone in your family to enjoy, from arts and crafts and mask making to film shorts, and much more! Fossil Fest is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Registered guests will receive a special gift at the registration check-in table! Come and discover your inner scientist.

10:30am: Oran Etkin at Jammin Java
This internationally touring jazz clarinetist and educator will perform songs from his new globe-spanning album Finding Friends Far from Home: A Journey with Clara Net. Oran and special guests will invite loads of audience interaction including singing, clapping, dancing and drumming.  As the instruments “talk” with one another, children learn that making music means bringing their own character, humor and emotion along for the ride. Oran’s approach to children’s music is highly interactive, and it’s based on his acclaimed Timbalooloo method. Tickets can be bought here. $12 advance, $15 day of show.

11:00am-7:00pm: Baltimore American Indian Center’s 45th Annual PowWow
The BAIC will have its 45th Annual Pow-Wow at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 4H Building on Saturday, November 16th, 11am – 7pm, with Grand Entry at 12pm! The 45th Annual PowWow will include Native dancing, drumming, music, cultural presentations, jewelry, artwork, crafts, clothing, and food vendors. The event is open to the public! Gate admission: $10 Adults, $5 Children

11:30am-1:30pm: Tykesgiving at A Rake’s Progress
At A Rake’s Progress, James Beard Award–winning chef Spike Gjerde cooks what he sources from Mid-Atlantic farms and waters. Join us for a family-style feast of local and seasonal flavors to kick off your Thanksgiving festivities! Sip on an expertly paired wine while your pipsqueaks partake in a post-meal turkey day singalong by local children’s musicians, Crescendo Communication.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Parents Night Out at Dynamite 2 Gym
Get ready for date night! Put your kids in their jammies and drop them off (pillows and blankets optional) for three hours of open gym fun, followed by pizza dinner, movie popcorn, and watching Space Jam in the gym. Pizza is available for $2/slice, payable online when you register.

Sunday

10:30am-11:30am: Groovy Nate at Capitol Cider House
Groovy Nate is a children’s entertainer and Wolf Trap Teaching Artist who creates fun and educational shows using exotic musical instruments and puppet skits— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic, meshed with The Electric Company, Kraftwerk, and Dub Reggae. The shows encourage children and adults to move, sing, and play creatively with one another, while exposing them to various genres of music. Tickets required for all ages. All adult ticket holders will be able to enjoy our normal weekday happy hour – $4 pours of house cider, $5 craft beer, $6 local wine & $7 cocktails – from 10am-noon.

11:00am-1:30pm: Pancake Battle at Nats Park
Head to Nationals Park for a festive afternoon celebrating education, family, and delicious food for a family-friendly fundraiser supporting Generation Hope! Enjoy pancake masterpieces from the region’s leading “education celebrities,” a full brunch and mimosa bar, activities for kids, lawn games, the festivities of Nats Park, and a silent auction—all while supporting the life-changing work of Generation Hope. This is a family-friendly event, and children 5 and under are FREE! Generation Hope surrounds motivated teen parents and their children with the mentors, emotional support, and financial resources that they need to thrive in college and kindergarten, thereby driving a two-generation solution to poverty.

3:00pm: Disney Junior Holiday Party at Warner Theatre
Disney Junior Holiday Party! is a dazzling musical wonderland where children and their families can sing and dance along to their favorite Disney Junior songs plus holiday classics with their favorite Disney friends, including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, the Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina and many more, plus a special visit from Santa Claus!

Plan Ahead:
Book holiday photos of your kids! A simple background at Little Loft in Takoma Park and Katie Jett Wells expert eye will give you the best holiday photos you’ve ever had. Schedule a 15 minute mini-session, then play at Little Loft for up to 1 hour. Sunday, Nov 23, 9:00-2:00. Book here.

Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats Pajama Jam Party at AMP Strathmore: December 1, 2019

Frosty the Snowman: December 7-28, 2019

If you’ve been following us on Instagram you are well aware The Emporiyum at Union Market is this weekend! Grab all your savvy foodie friends and join us for this one-of-a-kind food marketplace featuring the tastiest treats from around the country. Discover delicious foods and purchase thoughtful gifts and top-quality products from a lineup of artisans you won’t find anywhere else. If you can’t make it, check out our Instagram stories tonight as we take you through the fun.

No school on Monday? No problem! These camps are in session.

Kids Euro Festival returns to Washington, DC, wraps up this weekend. Now in its 12^th year, this unique festival brings some of Europe’s most talented children’s entertainers to the DC metro area, offering everything from music, to workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, and even hands-on cooking. More than 10,000 DC-area children and their families enjoy Kids Euro Festival programs each year.

Wilson High School Theater presents the musical, Matilda. You don’t want to miss the high energy dances and catchy songs of this entertaining musical performance! Evening shows are on November 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 7:30pm and on November 16 a matinee at 2:30pm. Adults: $15, matinee tickets are $10. Child/Student tickets are $5 at all performances. Cash/Checks only at the door.

Step back in time when you board the Nao Santa Maria from November 7th to 13rd and from 15th to 17th . A faithful replica of the Spanish galleons used in the time of Columbus, you’ll learn the fascinating history of these ocean crossing vessels. Built in Spain in the tradition of the nao ships of the sixteenth century, the vessel weighs 200 tons and is nearly 100 feet long. Tours will be conducted daily, and discounts are available for school groups and families.

Friday

6:00pm-7:00pm: National Book Festival Presents: Brad Meltzer & Chris Eliopoulos | Xavier Riddle at Library of Congress
You are invited to catch a sneak peek, learn about the newest PBS Kids series; Ordinary People Change the World titles — I Am Walt Disney and I Am Marie Curie — and meet some of their favorite PBS KIDS characters, like Daniel Tiger and Clifford the Big Red Dog. There will be a reception to follow the on-stage presentation and screening, with complimentary refreshments and a book signing.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Uncle Devin Show at National Theatre
Uncle Devin uses percussions to introduce families to jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop, and Latin beats. Interweaving storytelling and music, his delightful show is positive and uplifting. Tickets may be reserved beginning the Friday, one week prior to the performance. There will be a limited amount of walk-up tickets will be available on-site on the day of the show. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the performance time to take place in the “Stand-by line.” Program is best suited for children ages 4 to 10 years.

10:00am-11:30am: Home Depot Kids Workshop
In honor of Veteran’s Day, create this keepsake box perfect for holding treasured medals, ribbons, dog tags, military patches and challenge coins. Use a circular saw and drill to build this 12” square box in just six steps. Personalize your project with paint or stain before final assembly. Finally, attach the supplied hinges and closure pieces to protect your valuable mementos. The Home Depot Workshops are designed to provide a mix of associate led instruction, demonstration and some hands-on learning. Materials can be purchased to make your own project.

10:30am: Jason Didner & the Jungle Gym at Jammin Java
Jason and Amy’s performance for kids and their grown-ups is more interactive than ever! Act out the parts of a fire engine, shake an egg shaker, twirl a colorful dance ribbon, and catch the rock-n-roll spirit. This is a musical experience for the whole family to cherish together.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio Workshop: Magical Creature
Keep the creativity going on the weekends! Bring along a nut-free snack— and get ready for a full morning of hands-on exploration! Ages 3.5 to 10 years old, drop-off welcome.

10:00am-11:30am: Seals on the Bus! Preschool Zoo Class
Your favorite song gets an animal twist with one of our super swimmers!! Come sing and play along with us as we learn more about seals! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact.

10:00am-12:00pm: Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Open House

10:30am-3:30pm: Circle Yoga free Kids Yoga Intro
The studio is offering free kids yoga classes as part of their Budding Yogis Teaching Yoga to Kids Certification. This Sunday there are three classes; 10:30am class is for 2-4 year olds with an adult. All other classes are drop-off only, so parents can enjoy 30 minutes to themselves.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Paw Patrol
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories, to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item which was used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

4:00pm: Kidz Bop Concert at DAR Constitution Hall

Kids Euro Festival returns to Washington, DC, from October 26 through November 10. Now in its 12^th year, this unique festival brings some of Europe’s most talented children’s entertainers to the DC metro area, offering everything from music, to workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, and even hands-on cooking. More than 10,000 DC-area children and their families enjoy Kids Euro Festival programs each year.

Inside Out starts on Saturday at Imagination Stage. The show is part of the My First Imagination Stage theatre series which offers intimate, interactive theatre performances designed for the very young in the Reeve Studio Theatre.

Don’t forget to set those clocks back this weekend. To help with the darker afternoons, check out our list of ways to keep the Bambinos entertained.

DCPS is off school Monday & Tuesday, need a camp for your Bambino? Here’s a list of a few.

Friday

6:00pm: The Nightmare Before Christmas at the Kennedy Center
The REACH will transform into Halloween Town with a FREE screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on a video wall. Plus a Halloween themed dance lesson. Now this is Halloween! With a gorgeous score by Danny Elfman featuring tons of catchy tunes like “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?,” you can’t help but get into the Halloween spirit. Directed by Henry Selick with all the hallmarks of Tim Burton’s legendary films, this stop-motion animated musical is the perfect movie for a night of frights and fun.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Rocklands Farm Winery
Live gypsy jazz/ swing music from Swing Gadjo and wood-fired pizzas, misto plates, salads & desserts from Pizza Brama. Food service starts at 5:30pm. They will have wine by the glass, flights, and bottle available all night. Last call for open glasses and bottles is 8:30pm.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: The Really Big Dinosaur Show at National Theatre
This musical time travel goes back to the era of the dinosaurs, with a dancing T-Rex, a dinosaur beauty pageant, and, true to the name of the show, a long-necked dinosaur that measures 16 feet from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. Program is best suited for children ages 4 to 10 years.

10:15am: Smithsonian Two Travelers: Itsy Bitsy Spider
The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center opens its doors on the weekends to local families. Their unique programs combine playful classroom activities with visits to the museums. Each program is developed especially for the designated age group and with a unique theme. Did you know there are about 40,000 types of spiders in the world?! We’ll take a look at the vast variety among the species, and what traits they all have in common. Then we’ll try out being a spider and spin our own web. Museum Visit: National Gallery of Art

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

10:30am-5:00pm: Día de los Muertos Weekend Festival at National Museum of the American Indian
Artist Lilia Ramirez (Nahua) will create an interactive mural featuring La Catrina, one of the most iconic images drawn by Mexican illustrator and printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada. Visitors can honor your loved ones by making paper marigolds, the bright flowers that decorate family ofrendas (altars) set up for the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is a festival celebrated by people in Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and many Latino communities across the United States as a way to honor family and friends who have passed away.

10:30am-12:30pm: Celebrate Diwali at Freer|Sackler
Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in this family workshop. Explore artworks from the Indian subcontinent on an educator-led tour. Then, return to the studio to create your own colorful book featuring a traditional rangoli design. This program, led by teaching artist Sushmita Mazumdar from Studio PAUSE, is designed for children ages 6–12 and adults to enjoy together.

12:00pm-2:00pm: Bone Yards
The Yards, DC’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood for living, dining, shopping and relaxing, is celebrating the spooky season with a puppy costume party at The Yards Park! Families and their furry friends are invited to enjoy Halloween festivities including Halloween crafts, costume face painting, puppy trick-or-treating, festive music and, of course, a puppy fashion show. Puppy parents can enter their pets into the competition for a chance to win gift cards to your favorite shops and restaurants at The Yards and other prizes.

2:00pm: Nationals Championship Parade
WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5:00pm-9:00pm: Side Yards
Join us at Yards Park for an evening of thrills and entertainment — for the family! Food and drinks provided by Ice Cream Jubilee, Due South and Agua 301 with specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and frozen drinks! This year’s Side Yards Acts include: Aerialist, Escape Artists, Fortune Teller, Sword Swallower, Tight Rope Walker, and MORE!

Sunday

10:00am-5:00pm: Bulgaria Day at KID Museum
Join KID Museum and Botev Academy Bulgarian School in celebrating Bulgaria Day through creative, hands-on projects, performances, and food. Enjoy making a scary Kukeri mask, building a traditional Bulgarian house, learning cross stitch patterns, and more! Performances will revolve around November’s Bulgarian Revival Day and its celebration of the “National Hero.”

10:30am-5:00pm: Día de los Muertos Weekend Festival at National Museum of the American Indian
Artist Lilia Ramirez (Nahua) will create an interactive mural featuring La Catrina, one of the most iconic images drawn by Mexican illustrator and printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada. Visitors can honor your loved ones by making paper marigolds, the bright flowers that decorate family ofrendas (altars) set up for the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is a festival celebrated by people in Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and many Latino communities across the United States as a way to honor family and friends who have passed away.

Look Ahead:
The Emporiyum: November 8-10, 2019
Kidz Bop World Tour: November 10, 2019
Baby Beats with Max & Root at Atlas Performing Arts Center: November 15-16, 2019
Disney Junior Holiday Party at Warner Theatre: November 17, 2019
Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats Pajama Jam Party at AMP Strathmore: December 1, 2019
Pete the Cat at Olney Theatre Center: January 11-12, 2020
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: January 19, 2020
Judy Moody & Stink at Olney Theatre Center: April 25-26, 2020
Wild Kratts Live 2.0: April 26, 2020

Our most exciting weekend picks blog post ever is here and we couldn’t be more excited to share all of the fun you can have this weekend. The most important event happening is the World Series with our home-team hoping to #finishthefight. DCist has a list of watch parties in case you don’t have tickets to a game. Kids Euro Fest is kicking off this weekend and the lineup won’t disappoint. Be sure and visit the Big Draw Festival which takes place over two days and focuses on drawing. Check each event for any cancellations or changes due to weather.

Friday

3:00pm-4:00pm or 5:45pm-6:45pm: My Gym Potomac & My Gym Bethesda Halloween Party
Looking for not too spooky family fun this Halloween season? Find it at My Gym’s Halloween Party! Join us for ghostly games, music, treats, and loads of fun!  Kids can dress up for the party!  Book your spot today! Members $15, Non-Members $20, Siblings get 20% off

5:30pm-7:30pm: Hilloween at Eastern Market
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St. Count on moon bounces, hay rides, treats, face painting and many, many costumes.

5:30pm-8:30pm: BOOtanica
Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award winning storyteller Gary Loyld present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young telling tales more funny than scary. Space is limited. Register children ages 3–12, parents are free.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Not-So-Spooky Parents Night Out at Busy Bees
calling all lil monsters, super heroes, princesses & knights. With Halloween just around the corner, we thought of adding some Not-So-Spooky fun into our Date Night! Bring your kids in costume: they will enjoy some awesome fun in our playscape, have a pizza dinner and Halloween cupcakes & milk for dessert! Your lil’ goblin will be ready for a great night sleep after so much fun! Space is limited, so go on and reserve your spot today. You know you deserve a lil’ break! Bonus: your kids will have a blast, guaranteed!

6:00pm-10:00pm: Soul Strolls in Congressional Cemetery
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of our “Dozen Decent Docents.

Saturday

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning Live at The National Theatre: Young Audiences of Maryland: Mark Lohr – Classic Comedy
Meet Mr. Jones, who will battle with furniture, juggle, spin plates and more in this fun-filled roller coaster ride of performance art. Creator and performer Mark Lohr has closely studied the comedic masters Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, and has melded that inspiration and other elements into his unique style. 

10:00am: Halloween-themed Kids Pizza Party at Matchbox
This hands-on pizza making classes will please any small chef. They will create a customized personal pizza, get a tour of the kitchen and pizza ovens and more. Come in costume! Just $32 per child inclusive of tax and gratuity. Recommended for ages 5-12.

10:00am-1:00pm: Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Get into the Halloween spirit! Explore the Tudor Place garden as the seasons change, and trick or treat throughout the site. Make your own superhero bracers and festive owl decoration. Play traditional outdoor games, enjoy face painting, and paint your own pumpkin to take home. Costumes suggested but not required. 

10:00am-2:00pm: Kids’ Day at Washington International Horse Show
Hundreds of children and their families attend WIHS Kids’ Day — a free, fun, family-friendly event created to share the joy of horses with the local DC community and teach kids and their families about horses and equestrian sport. Children participate in more than a dozen hands-on educational and fun activities, including pony rides, the Horseless Horse Show, coloring station, face painting, pony brushing lessons, plus giveaways from Georgetown Cupcake. Klinger, the famous horse from the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon, often attends as a special guest to greet the children. There’s even a pony kissing booth with mini donkey Blossom! 

10:00am-3:00pm: Witches & Wizards at B&O Railroad
Young witches and wizards can head to the B&O because wizarding school is now in session! Learn simple science in potions class and explore the history of railroading in our “magical objects” display! Grow your own plant buddy in herbology class plus run through our magical maze to enter a raffle to win a railroading storybook and a free cone card from The Charmery! All of this and more awaits you at Witches & Wizards weekend!

10:00am: John Henry, the Guitar Playing Man, Halloween Concert at the Avalon
For the fifteenth year, John Henry brings his playful musical style to the Avalon for our annual Halloween concert party. Children are encouraged to come in costume (adults too!) and sing and dance along during the show! Treats will be distributed afterwards.

10:00am-11:30am: Ele-fun! Preschool Class
Come join the herd with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s gentle giants!! Try out your own trunk as you learn about elephants! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world.

10:15am (sensory-friendly) AND 11:30am: Saturday Family Story Sessions at Strathmore: The Miraculous Magical Balloon with Synetic Theater
Families enjoy diverse and dynamic programs from some of the best storytellers in our area. At Strathmore’s Saturday Family Story Sessions, stories encourage active imagination and come alive through improv, puppetry, songs, and more. Kids and parents alike will be enamored by the epic tales storytellers spin. Snag a spot in the cozy Mansion Music Room and get up close to the performers—you might even find yourself participating in the story!

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage: Room on the Broom
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm: 6th Annual Pumpkin Hunt at Lee-Fendall House
The Lee-Fendall House Annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt returns to Alexandria! Alexandria’s ghosts and goblins will fill the museum’s garden with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Halloween objects for local children to discover. Other activities include crafts, games, refreshments, spooky stories, and a costume parade. Every participating child will receive a toy pumpkin. All children of elementary school age or younger are eligible to participate in the Halloween Pumpkin Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy all other activities. Tickets are available for sale through Eventbrite.

11:30am-3:00pm: Día de los Muertos Family Day at American Art Museum
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with SAAM! Enjoy Mexican folk dance performances throughout the day, a live Mariachi band, and face painting! Leave your handmade ofrendas (offerings) including paper marigolds, calaveras (skull masks), and paper monarch butterflies on our beautiful Day of the Dead altar.

12:00pm-5:00pm: DC Mac n Cheese Festival
Festival featuring over 25 kinds of mac & cheese, more than 60 craft beers, wines, ciders and spirits to sample, live music from DC’s hottest bands and more. 

12:00pm-5:30pm: Air and Scare at National Air and Space Museum (Virginia Location)
Explore the spooky side of air and space at Air & Scare, our annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe indoor trick-or-treating.

12:00pm-2:00pm: Spooktacular Family Day Piano Show
Need an excuse to dress up? Nope, we didn’t think so. But…. don’t miss an afternoon Halloween party that’s not to be missed. Come down to the National Harbor for some serious FUN! They will combine 2 hours of all request live music with a costume contest, a lunch buffet, fountain drinks, and of course encouragement of singing along and wiggling in your seats!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Fest at Market Commons
Pumpkin decorating, family photos, kids’ crafts & activities, tricks & treats, dog costume contest and more.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Glen Echo Park Partnership’s annual Halloween-themed family event. It’s open to the public, and visitors of all ages are invited to the Park to explore the arts through hands-on crafts, Halloween activities, trick-or-treating and visiting open studios. It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! See schedule of events online. The Halloween celebration will conclude with a costume parade through the Park at 3:30pm.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Pumpkin Rock n Roll at Warner Circle Park
The park will be transformed into a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Participate in a fun costume contest and parade, and enjoy family-friendly attractions including festival-style musical performances, food trucks, inflatable rides and slides and a rock wall. The main event is a derby race of Halloween pumpkins-turned-boxcars! Admission is free.

2:00pm-5:00: Día de Los Muertos at District Wharf
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf. We’re taking over Pearl Street for a memorable afternoon with live music by La Unica, beer stations, street food, a photobooth, and more. Want to get creative yourself? Decorate a sugar skull or get your face painted. Plus, we’re giving out prizes for the best self-painted faces. 

4:00pm-8:00pm: Haunted Garage and Day of the Dead Festival at Oyster Adams Bilingual School
Join for a walk through the haunted garage and for traditional Day of the Dead activities such as decorating sugar skulls. Wear your costumes. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin painting, spooky cake contest and a fortune teller.

4:00pm-8:30pm: Pumpkins in the Park + Free Screening of Hocus Pocus
Pumpkins in the Park is back for its sixth year with a cauldron full of spooky new surprises! The Capitol Riverfront BID has brewed up an evening of wicked good times that are sure to have mischief-makers of all ages howlin’ at the moon. Bring your little monsters out to decorate their own pumpkins, play in the moon bounce, and get their faces painted (all for free)! For the kids-at-heart: come make insta-worthy leaf wreaths, enjoy beer, wine, and cider (for purchase), and get your cards read by a real life fortune teller! At the witching hour (6:00 pm), hop on your brooms and head across the street to catch a free screening of Hocus Pocus in the North Block. And for an extra treat, some bites will be available for purchase courtesy of Smorgasburg DC!

4:00pm-9:00pm: Parents Night Out at Badlands
Tired of babysitters canceling last minute? Let the kids spend their evening at Badlands instead while you enjoy a much needed date night (or uninterrupted grocery run)!

5:00pm-8:00pm: Musical All Night at Bloombars
Parents, go have a night out on the town and leave your kids at Musical All Night with Ms. Niki!! Musical all Night is a three-hour musical theater class, ‪one Saturday a month, for kids ages 5-12. (Register on EventBright).

5:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Dynamite Gym & Agility Center
Join for open gym at all three North Bethesda campus gyms, plus a costume parade and contest, prizes, and trick or treating in decorated car trunks in the parking lot! Parents needed to “donate” their car trunks for the trick or treating event! Come park your car in the lot, bring decorations to make your trunk special (they’ll provide the candy) and they’ll waive the cost of admission to this fun event! Send them an e-mail to let them know you’ll be bringing a clean, decorated car trunk. Please note that no masks, capes, or face paint will be allowed in the gym during the open gym part of the event.

6:00pm-10:00pm: Soul Strolls in Congressional Cemetery
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of our “Dozen Decent Docents.

6:30pm-7:30pm & 7:30pm-8:30pm: BOO-stravaganzaat Frying Pan Park
Celebrate the Halloween season with this variety event at Frying Pan Farm Park. This year, the event is outside at the Kidwell Farm. Attendees enjoy a variety of themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals, and enjoy a wagon ride. Finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road.

Sunday

10:00am-11:30am: Ele-fun! Preschool Class
Come join the herd with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s gentle giants!! Try out your own trunk as you learn about elephants! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage: Spookley the Square Pumpkin
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories, Dragons Love Tacos, to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item which was used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

11:00am-3:00pm: Witches & Wizards at B&O Railroad
Young witches and wizards can head to the B&O because wizarding school is now in session! Learn simple science in potions class and explore the history of railroading in our “magical objects” display! Grow your own plant buddy in herbology class plus run through our magical maze to enter a raffle to win a railroading storybook and a free cone card from The Charmery! All of this and more awaits you at Witches & Wizards weekend!

1:00pm-4:00pm: Harbor Halloween
Bring kids 12 and under to this free event with Trick-or-treating, National Harbor chefs pumpkin carving contest, movie Hocus Pocus, and more!

1:30pm-3:30pm: Creek Critters
Celebrate Halloween by discovering the creepy, crawly bugs living in the
creek! Join Little Falls Watershed Alliance for a fun family activity
identifying critters in the creek.  There will be all the tools you need
to capture and ID the bugs that live under water. Bring your smartphone
(if you have one) as we will be using an award-winning app created by
the Audubon Naturalist Society for this activity.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Puppies and Costumes and Games, Oh My!
The Yards, DC’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood for living, dining, shopping and relaxing, is celebrating the spooky season with a puppy costume party at The Yards Park! Families and their furry friends are invited to enjoy Halloween festivities including Halloween crafts, costume face painting, puppy trick-or-treating, festive music and, of course, a puppy fashion show. Puppy parents can enter their pets into the competition for a chance to win gift cards to your favorite shops and restaurants at The Yards and other prizes. 

2:00pm: 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Don your best Halloween costume and march in the 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, which historically has attracted thousands of participants. Awards will be given for best pet costume, best decorated business, best decorated home, and best decorated stroller. Awards will be presented in a brief ceremony after the parade, along with refreshments and goodie bags for the children. Adults, children and dogs are all welcome to join and for free. Goodie bags for children are handed out. There is live musical entertainment provided by Mars Rodeo. There will be Goblin Games and activities for the children.

3:00pm-5:00pm: Not So Spooky Halloween Party at Busy Bees Fairfax
Dress up in your awesome costume & join us for our  “Not So Spooky Halloween Bash!” There will be unparalleled fun in the playscape, followed by a lil’ parade leading us to a party room, where each child will try their hand at becoming the next great baker: Cake Time! will be teaching how to decorate your very own SPOOKTACULAR cupcakes! One FREE birthday party to the BEST FAMILY COSTUME!

Weekend Theatre:
Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a play” at Adventure Theatre– Final weekend
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Imagination Stage– Final weekend
Paw Patrol Live: Saturday & Sunday
Dragons Love Tacos at Olney TheatreCenter: Saturday & Sunday

Follow us on social media- Facebook & Instagram. We always add even more events on both outlets; don’t miss them!

Refinery29 is taking its annual immersive festival of style, culture and creativity, 29Rooms, on a five-city tour including its first international showing. The 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality experience will bring the iconic immersive event to new audiences with tickets now on sale for the event’s first time in Washington D.C. from October 18 – 27.

Boo at the Zoo; where kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke. This frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole family. Taking place October 18-20, get tickets in advance.

Join Eliana’s Light on Saturday at Race for Every Child.

This weekend you can celebrate the autumn season at Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon. The entire family will enjoy autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music.

There are plenty of ways for you to have a date night while your Bambinos have a great time out as well, with these Parents Night Out events!

For more than forty-two seasons the Maryland Renaissance Festival has provided a unique outdoor entertainment experience to patrons from all over the world. This is the final weekend of this year’s festival!

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Clean the Creek (4 locations)
Every Fall the Little Falls Watershed Alliance joins forces with the
Westmoreland Garden Club to clean the entire Little Falls watershed. No need to stay the whole time.  Come for an hour or two, come on time,
come late, leave early or stay the entire time – whatever suits your
schedule is perfect. There will be bags and gloves to share.  Come prepared to get muddy! Bring grabbers if you have some to reach trash in trees and other hard to get spots. Pre-approved for SSL hours for MCPS.  Perfect for all ages!  Under 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

10:00am-4:00pm: Archaeology Family Day at National Museum of Natural History
Join a family-friendly event celebrating International Archaeology Day! Talk to archaeologists. Learn about fascinating finds, career paths, challenges in the field, and the joy of discovery. Do archaeology. Practice the skills archaeologists use to piece together the past. Participate in mock excavations, illustration, decoding ancient writing systems, experimentation and artifact analysis. Explore collections. Examine museum artifacts in the Q?rius Collections Zone. Get resources. Find out about opportunities to get involved in archaeology in your community. Archaeology Family Day is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. 

10:00am-12:00pm: Halloween Workshop at Red Panda Art Studio
Join a workshop to draw yourself dressed up for Halloween! Artists will use a variety of materials to create a mixed media portrait– perfect for remembering this year’s costume for years to come! Workshop will include plenty of other halloween-themed activities and sensory play. Drop-off ok for ages 3.5+, caregivers always welcome to stay!

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

11:00am-3:00pm: Fall Family Day at AU
All activities are free and inspired by the current exhibitions. Create hands-on art projects, explore art with a scavenger hunt, take a tour with a guide, listen and participate in storytelling and music-making, and more. Free, please register in advance and check-in at the door.

11:00am-2:00pm: Community Fun Fest at the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home
Bring your friends and family! Enjoy a day filled with food, fun, laughter and games! Held on the grounds of the Lisner Louise Dickson-Hurt Home; this community event is truly fun for all ages. Intergenerational Art Activities. Paint a miniature canvas or make a dazzling sand art piece to take home. Help paint a life size animal statue in the garden. Visit the Resident Art Gallery to view contemporary artwork created by the talented artists of the Home. Baby Farm Animals & Pony Rides. Meet cuddly ducks & chicks, squeaky pigs, fuzzy sheep & funny goats and take a ride on a pony! Moon Bounce, Juggler and Face Painting. No admission fee but a small cost for rides, activities, & food.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books.

12:00pm-5:00pm: 24th Annual Art Safari at Torpedo Factory
An Alexandria tradition for almost a quarter-century, Art Safari returns for a day of hands-on activities for kids and families. Dozens of artists lead budding art enthusiasts in exciting and creative projects throughout the building. Dress to get a little messy. Great for kids ages 5+. Younger children may need some extra help, but will still have a lot of fun!

2:00pm-3:00pm: The Lakota Music Project with the South Dakota Symphony Chamber Ensemble
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra’s Lakota Music Project makes its national debut. Enjoy this musical collaboration by members of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Lakota singer Emmanuel Black Bear (Oglala Sioux Tribe), and cedar flutist Bryan Akipa (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), performing together for the first time outside South Dakota. The concert will include commissioned works by Akipa and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Chickasaw Nation), participants in the SDSO’s Music Composition Academies.

3:00pm: GALA Hispanic Theatre: Que las hay… las hay. Believe It or Not!
A tale with a fairy, a sorceress, magic, and puppets for the entire family, especially for children up to 12 years old! This bilingual play finds Lilí, the moody sorceress of dark clouds and
thunder, and Lulú, the cheery fairy of sunshine and chirping birds, feuding.
Both try to help their new neighbor Juan Juan build a house, but things
become chaotic when the sorceresses use their magic wands to cast opposing spells on the project. Children will delight in the fun-filled action as
they discover that friendship, diversity and tolerance are key to building
community.Playing from October 19 – November 2, 2019. $10 children, $12 adults.

Sunday

9:30am-11:00am: Families Serving Together: “Soupkot” Edition
Join the EDCJCC and PJ Library to celebrate the end of the harvest holiday of Sukkot and make instant soup kits for people experiencing food insecurity in our city. The morning will include learning about the holiday of Sukkot and doing the service project. Children of all ages are welcome! They request a $20 per family tax-deductible program fee to help us cover the costs of supplies.  Register above; walk-ins welcome if space available.

10:00am-5:00pm: The Future of Transportation at KID Museum
What will transportation look like in the future? We can imagine electric vehicles, self-driving cars, and high-speed rail, but what about all the new technologies we have yet to discover? As global population rises and urban congestion increases, we will need to find new ways to move people efficiently, sustainably, and safely. Come to Future of Transportation Day at KID and learn to think like an engineer, scientist, or designer who tackles these kinds of challenges!

10:00am-11:30am: Lion Lessons! Preschool Class
Looking for the PURR-fect activity this weekend? Come learn about what it takes to be part of the pride. Learn what it’s like to be a lion and test your skills with us and our wild role models.Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world.

2:00pm & 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular at Kennedy Center
Enjoy spooky fun for the whole family at this annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when our ghoulishly attired musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween. Nicholas Hersh leads this exciting concert experience, which features music from Harry Potter and more. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Ages 5+

2:00pm-4:00pm: Become an Entomologist at US Botanic Garden *Middle & High School Students
Join for an afternoon with an entomologist and learn about the exciting world of plants and insects. Students will explore our gardens looking for the good bugs and the bad bugs, learn about our IPM (integrated pest management) program, and capture and mount their own insects.

2:15pm: Preschool Pioneers: Batty Batty Bat
SEEC’s workshops offer a variety of hands-on experiences that introduce young children to concepts in engaging ways. Each class begins with playful classroom activities that are intentionally chosen to support your child’s development. The learning continues when the class moves into a museum where children and parents are encouraged to learn and explore together as a family. You might be seeing lots of bats around now that Halloween is getting closer, but what do we actually know about these animals? Through hands-on activities, we will learn about these flying mammals’ characteristics, habitats and more. Best for ages 3 – 5 years.

3:00pm: Darci Lynne at DAR Constitution Hall
Winning NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” at just 12-years old by the most votes for a final performance in the history of the show, singer/ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer impresses audiences across the country with her sweetheart disposition and undeniable, show-stopping talent beyond her years. Accompanied by her musical friends including a divaesque rabbit: Petunia, a shy and soulful mouse: Oscar and a sarcastic old woman: Edna. Singing through her friends helped the young entertainer find a voice inside she didn’t know she had, and helped her overcome a lifelong struggle with shyness. An Oklahoma native, Darci began participating in talent-based pageants at a young age, and picked up ventriloquism shortly after.

5:30pm: Gustafer Yellowgold at AMP Strathmore
Gustafer Yellowgold is a funny and touching multimedia performance filled with music, animation, and storytelling. These music and “moving art” shows are performed by Grammy-nominated artist Morgan Taylor. The New York Times proclaimed Gustafer Yellowgold as, “Dr. Seuss meets Yellow Submarine,” and its unique crossover appeal has earned opening act slots for indie stalwarts Wilco and The Polyphonic Spree. The songs are whimsical, super catchy narratives detailing the life of a friendly alien from the sun who now resides in a wildly imaginative version of the woods in Minnesota. Recommended for ages 3 through 8.

Theatre:
Disney’s Frozen, Jr at Encore Stage & Studio: Through October 20, 2019
Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a play” at Adventure Theatre: Through October 27, 2019
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Imagination Stage: Through October 27, 2019
Squeakers & Mr. Gumdrop at Arts on the Horizon: Through October 20, 2019

Date Nights:
October 18, 19, 25 & 26 (various times): Soul Strolls in Congressional Cemetery
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of our “Dozen Decent Docents.

October 21- 6:00pm-9:00pm: Boos & Brews at National Building Museum
Join the National Building Museum for an evening to eat, drink, and be scary! Boos & Brews will feature scary ghost tours around the famous landmark, a costume contest, a monster mash-up of songs by DJ EPX, games, devilishly delicious food, and wicked good beer from various breweries including Port City and Right Proper.

Plan ahead for all of the amazing Halloween events that are to come next week!