intersections

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

February 21, 2020

This weekend kicks off Atlas Performing Arts INTERSECTIONS Festival. The Festival showcases performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival begins February 19-March 1. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule.

National Symphony Orchestra Music for Young Audiences presents a Mozart Mash-Up. Share the magic and music of Mozart in a special family concert when members of the National Symphony Orchestra play favorites from the prolific composer. Best for ages 7+.

It is the inaugural Washington Justice weekend at the Anthem! They play on both Saturday & Sunday. You can expect a packed arena full of dedicated fans, performances by local favorites including DJ Kool and more.

Friday

5:30pm-8:00pm: Nerf Night at Badlands
Kids ages 7+ are invited to join for Nerf Night by Badlands! Come enjoy a fun new theme each Nerf Night.

Saturday

9:00am-4:00pm: George Washington’s 288th Birthday at Mount Vernon
Celebrate with General Washington in honor of his 288th birthday! Admission is free and no advanced tickets are required.

9:15am: Building Better People Productions: Friendlier Fables
This show is part of the INTERSECTIONS Festival. Here are some of your favorite kid stories, told with kinder twists. Cheer on friends like our not-so-ugly duckling and a boy who cries wolf for reasons you might not expect, as they learn to respect themselves and others in a funny, touching, engaging show for all ages! Best for ages 0-8.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
Ten years and more than 1,600 shows later, Harambe at BloomBars has become a Washington DC institution and a cultural/moral compass for thousands of parents and youth. In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:00am: Saturday Morning Tunes “Frozen” live in concert at Miracle Theater
All your favorite “Frozen” songs, performed live by classically trained opera singers, with a few inside jokes for us parents too. Kids can meet and greet the princesses afterwards. Doors open at 9:30am.

10:00am: Imagination Stage: Down by the Station
Take an imaginary train adventure in this interactive musical experience with Imagination Stage at Avalon Theatre! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist accompanied by a live percussionist guides you through a musical exploration of the classic children’s tale.

1:00pm-2:30pm: Mr. Jon & Friends Concert
Mr. Jon performs energetic music for the entire family that is all about fun, dancing, and laughter! He has won a Parents’ Choice Award for his music and attracted loyal audiences across the D.C. area. The concert is free with a $10 suggested donation for adults and $5 for kids. No tickets or reservations are required.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Mardi Gras at the Wharf
New Orleans is coming to DC! Celebrate Mardi Gras with a free community-wide extravaganza featuring a lively parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Dynamite 2 Gym Parents Night Out
Drop off the kids for an evening of free play, fun, friends, and a movie, too! One hour of open gym followed by popcorn and a movie in the gym.

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm and 12:00pm-2:30pm: Family Gras at Capitol Cider House
Join the 2nd annual Family Gras, a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration!!!! Kids will enjoy complimentary face painting, balloon animals, festive crafts and beads (gently) thrown from a cider house float.

11:00am-12:00pm: CUENTA-CUENTOS: STORYTIME at Hirshhorn
Your voice is powerful! Join for a close look at artworks on view in Manifesto: Art x Agency and a reading of Mi Voz by Jose Fragoso. Stay to create an artwork that amplifies your own voice! CUENTA-CUENTOS: STORYTIME in Spanish explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week STORYTIME features a fresh and fun theme. Bring your littlest art lover for an introduction to an artist on view, interactive read aloud, and a hands-on activity.

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 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.

Weekend Theatre:
The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats at Adventure Theatre through April 5
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at Imagination Stage through March 22
Thumbelina at Imagination Stage through April 5
Hear Me Say My Name at Discovery Theater
Beauty & The Beast at The Puppet Co through March 29
Baby Bear’s Birthday at The Puppet Co Tiny Tots

ARTECHOUSE: Future Sketches
Imagine different possible futures – for the intersection of computation and design, for the interaction between humans and computers, and for an expressive augmented reality. Future Sketches is a collaboration with one of the most dynamic pioneers in the field of coding and interactive media. Zach Lieberman creates digital poetry through code, technology and theory. He writes his own software to create his artwork, and is a co-creator of openFrameworks, an open source C++ toolkit for creative coding.

Weekend Picks: Magic Tree House, MusiKids and Engineers for a day

February 27, 2015

Arts on the Horizon will be featuring Sunny and Licorice at Atlas Performing Arts Intersections Festival this weekend. Check here for the Family Schedule of Events.

Friday & Saturday-

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, Kids! at Adventure Theatre featuring ATMTC Academy Students in Grades 2 – 5 Feb. 27 & 28
(7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812)
While exploring one afternoon, Jack and Annie discover a tree house full of books: Jack looks through a book about dinosaurs and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly the wind begins to blow and the tree house starts to spin wildly. When it finally stops, Jack and Annie open their eyes to find they have been transported back to the time of the dinosaurs! Tickets are $5.

Saturday-

10:00am: MusiKids at Avalon Theatre
(5612 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC. 20015)
Come join musiKids in a brand new Adventure Day – “Down on the Bayou”! This interactive musical show will have children singing and moving to songs inspired by the colorful creatures from the bayous of Louisiana. Learn how to snap like an alligator or jump like a rabbit! musiKids Adventure Days encourage kids to sing and move along with each and every song. Recommended for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.

10:00am-4:30pm:Engineering Family Day at National Building Museum
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 2000)
Every February, the National Building Museum and the National Engineers Week Foundation invite you to debunk the myths of engineering and discover how professional engineers turn ideas into reality. Celebrate Engineers Week by participating in this free, hands-on, and fun-filled festival. Explore thermodynamics, electricity, aerodynamics, and more with engineers at more than 25 activity tables and demonstrations made especially for kids. Discover Engineering Family Day is a FREE, drop-in program. $5 donation suggested. Program and activities are most appropriate for children ages 6 to 12 with adult supervision. Registration is not required.

10:30am: Saturday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: The Wheels on the Bus

11:00am and 1:00pm: Human Rights Campaign features “Dancin’ in the Kitchen” concert
(640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036)
Join HRC for a special family concert featuring the Grammy winning duo, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer and songs from their forthcoming CD, “Dancin’ in the Kitchen,” featuring songs that celebrate all kinds of families! Each family will receive an advance copy of “Dancin’ in the Kitchen,” a chance to meet the musicians, and snacks during the show. Seating will be limited, so get your tickets early! Adult General Admission: $10 and Children General Admission: $5

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Where the Wild Things Are

2:00pm: The Wacky & Whimsical Tea for THEARC
(1150 22nd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037-The Ritz-Carlton of Washington)
Enjoy a fun-filled Sunday afternoon that will include high tea, a silent auction and creative games for kids of all ages and their families, including a treasure trove, special entertainment and other surprises. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC).

Weekend Picks: Intersections Festival, Chinese New Year and Tunes

February 20, 2015

Atlas Intersections Festival kicks off the 6th annual Festival this weekend showcasing over 125 performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival begins February 20-March 7. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule for family friendly shows.

Saturday-

10:00am: Avalon Theatre presents The RTT’s
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
The RTTs (also known as the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours) bring their toe-tapping, award-winning, original roots rock back to the Avalon! The whole family will want to dance along as they play hits like “Snack Time” and “Turn it Up, Mommy.”

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(511 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003)
Drop in anytime during our open hours to play at our sand and rice tables, play dough station, book corner, and art table. Great for ages 1.5 – 8. $15/child (siblings half price), no preregistration necessary.

10:30am: GIGS and Kindiemusicdc present Junior Jams: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man! at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
John Henry is renowned for his ability to connect with his audiences. He brings 20 years of early childhood education, and experience as a dad himself to his interactive program, engaging children of all ages as they dance, sing and imagine.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) 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. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am-4:00pm: Mardi Gras Family Day at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
Join in on the fun with this popular annual museum event featuring storytelling, face painting, balloon artist, mask-making, and other hands-on activities including a second line parade through the museum. Attendees can also participate in the popular Art of Adornment workshop with artist and entrepreneur, Januwa Moja-Nelson. Get a complimentary picture of you dressed in Januwa’s individual designs. Those interested in the Adornment workshop should sign up on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. This program is free and open to everyone! Register or call 202.633.4844.

Sunday-

2:00pm-5:00pm: Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
(H Street, NW, between 6th and 7th Streets)
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. The firecracker will be lit at 3:45 p.m. A good place to view the parade is along 7th St. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place/Chinatown.

2:00pm: McLean Community Center presents “Fly Guy and Other Stories”
(1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, Virginia 22101)
Fly Guy has met his match, and her name is Fly Girl. Fly Guy is totally impressed and totally smitten. Will Fly Guy and Fly Girl get married and leave Buzz without his dear pet? Other stories by authors such as McMullan, Howe, Henkes and Munsch will be featured. Tickets are $15 for non-members. For ages 5+.

Weekend Picks: Rocket launch, I-Spy and shadow puppets

February 28, 2014

There’s such a variety of fun going on this weekend. We hope you are able to enjoy some of the listed events.

Weekend Quick Pick: Join Alliance Francaise Washington for Théâtre d’ombres (Shadow puppetry) introduction 3-week class. They divided children into 2 age groups: 3-5 year olds 1:30pm-3:00pm and 6-10 year olds 3:30pm-5:00pm. Workshop dates are March 1st, March 15th and March 29th. The final project will be presented to parents during the Kids’ Open House on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Register here.

Saturday, March 1:

9:30am and 11:30am-Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004)
In this musical adventure, Andrés receives a letter from Juana, a mysterious new amiga. In search of Juana, Andrés takes the audience on a voyage around Latin America. Come sing and dance to Latin classics and fun new tunes while learning Spanish along the way! Don’t miss this unique and interactive performance.

9:30am-1:30pm The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia hosts Reading: A Family Affair
(James Lee Community Center: 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church VA 22042)
A one-day family festival that celebrates books through performance art. Clifford the Big Red dog will be there for photos and hugs. Preregister for a chance to win a Nook. $5 suggested donation per family.

10:00am-4:00pm- Mardi Gras at National Children’s Museum
(151 St. George Boulevard, National Harbor Fort Washington, Maryland 20745)
Join the Mardi Gras celebration with a masquerade party! Kids and families will make masks and all guests will receive Mardi Gras beads (while supplies last). There will also be a Mardi Gras parade throughout the day, featuring the music of an NCM friend–Jazzy Ash!

10:00am- GALA Hispanic Theatre & Wit’s End Puppets present Fábulas Mayas (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE. Washington, DC. 20002)
A bilingual adaptation of traditional Mayan legends and fables featuring puppets, movement and song from an innovative puppet company and award-winning Hispanic theatre.

10:00am and 11:30am- Arts on the Horizon present Under the Canopy (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE. Washington, DC. 20002)
Touch and explore the wonders of the rainforest in an interactive, non-verbal show especially for babies and toddlers.

10:00am-2:00pm- Kids in the Kitchen at YMCA of Washington DC
(1711 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Children’s health and education has been a key focus of the YMCA. In partnership with the Junior League of Washington, they are once again hosting a fun-filled day all about healthy foods, healthy lives, and exercise. There will be tons of activities to get your kids moving and learning, lead by some of the region’s leading organizations. Cooking with professionals, dance classes and a visit from the Mobile Dental Van for free screenings. This event is free and is intended for children ages 3-13.

10:00am-12:00pm- Cartoon Skate at Washington Harbour Ice Skating Rink
(3000 K St., NW, Washington, D.C.)
This is the final weekend the rink will be open for the season!! We haven’t been brave enough to take our toddler ice skating yet, but this sounds like a fun way to try it out for the first time. Cartoon characters are on ice skates and want to zip around the rink being silly with your little one. $8 kids/$10 adults/$5 skate rental. Public skating on Saturday is from 10:00am-10:00pm and 10:00am-7:00pm on Sunday.

10:30am-11:15am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, Md. 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience. An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book (Five Little Monkeys) with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets are $6.

10:30am- Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Mr. Skip is back, you’ve seen us recommend his shows through Boogie Babes and at Firehook, now he’s playing at the Family Fiesta! Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food. Children of all ages will enjoy. $5 per child.

10:30am and 12:30pm- Justin Roberts at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Justin Roberts is one of the “all-stars” of the indie family music scene. Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players raise the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together.
Tickets are $15.

10:45am-11:15am- Bridgette and Dawn (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
A dynamic duo with a Caribbean vibe play delightful tunes for tots and their families. Trinidad-born Bridgette sings and plays the guitar and Dawn provides the beat on the conga drums and other fun percussion. Part of Intersections Free Cafe Concerts.

11:30am-3:00pm- Mardi Gras Family Festival at the American Art Museum
(8th and F St NW)
The Big Easy’s Mardi Gras is unlike any festival in the world and we are bringing New Orleans’s party to the museum. With bead art created by Beadazzled’s Kathleen Manning, costumes, crafts, and zydeco music from Batimore’s The Crawdaddies, join the jubilee!

12:30pm- Old Town’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
(Old Town Alexandria, King St. between Alfred and Lee Sts., Alexandria, Va)
You read that right and no, St. Patrick’s Day is not this weekend….unless you are in Old Town. Click the above link for info on the parade route as well as the car and dog show. Remember to wear your green!

1:00pm-2:30pm- Dolly and Me, Taking Tea at Tudor Place
(1644 31st Street NW · Washington DC 20007)
Bring your favorite doll to tea! Children and adults will sample historic tea blends along with tasty desserts. Dolls will sip from their own miniature tea and special treats. After the tea, children will make a craft for their dolls and learn early American dances. Tickets range from $10-25.

2:00pm- I-Spy History Tour at Mount Clare Museum House
(1500 Washington Blvd. Halethorpe, Md.)
Families become history detectives as they search Mount Clare Museum House for clues to learn about colonial life in the 18th century. Following this special I-Spy tour, visitors may make and take home an 18th century toy. $4 members; $8 nonmembers.Recommended for ages 5-12. Space is limited; reservations required.

Sunday, March 2:

11:30am- Arts on the Horizon present Under the Canopy (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Touch and explore the wonders of the rainforest in an interactive, non-verbal show especially for babies and toddlers.

12:30pm-2:00pm and 3:00pm-4:30pm- Artful Adventures at The National Portrait Gallery
(8th and F St NW)
A museum tour, exciting and educational games, and hands-on activities designed by George Mason University’s art education masters students help parents and children discover connections between the artworks. For children ages 6-12, free.

2:00pm- Model Rocket Launch at Goddard Space Flight Center
(8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, Md., 20771)
Want to revisit your youth of making and firing off rockets? Bring your child (or don’t) to this free event that Goddard hosts once a month. Goddard’s gift shop has all the pieces necessary to make a rocket, and get it off the ground. This is as painless and fun a way of getting into model rocketry as you can imagine. You will also have the opportunity to pop into the Visitors Center and learn more about rockets and see exhibits.
The Goddard Visitor Center is located off ICESat Road (formerly Soil Conservation Road). Once on ICESat Road, turn left into the Visitor Center prior to the security checkpoint.

3:00pm-4:00pm- American Youth Chorus & Northeast Senior Singers (Part of Atlas Intersections Festival)
(1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Spirited young singers ages 8 – 14 and a chorus of H Street NE elders present back-to-back musical delights. Both choruses are based at the Atlas as a program of the Congressional Chorus under the director of David Simmons. Congressional Chorus offers “American Music for Every Age” encouraging young people through senior adults to embrace the power and pleasure of music.

3:15pm-3:55pm- Kids Yoga (ages 4-7) at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
This is a unique class for families and children ages 4 -7 who want to learn yoga postures in a structured class. This is a class for children and adults to practice together in a studio setting. Class will include warm up, standing postures and relaxation appropriate for all levels. The intention of this class is to introduce our children to the more formal practices in an inclusive and safe class.

4:00pm-4:45pm- Kids Yoga (ages 8+) at Lil Omm
(4708 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
This is a unique class for families and kids ages 8+ who want to learn yoga postures in a structured class. This is a class for children and adults to practice together in a studio setting. Class will include warm up, standing postures and relaxation appropriate for all levels. The intention of this class is to introduce our children to the more formal practices in an inclusive and safe class.

5:00pm-6:30pm- FUNday at Pump it Up
(9172 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877)
(73 Lawson Rd SE, Leesburg, Va. 20175)
Get the kids out of the house and get some exercise in before the school week begins. Pizza dinner is served from 6:30pm-7:00pm.

Family Day at Pinstripes
(3222 M Street NW- inside Shops at Georgetown)
A new bowling alley in the District! This new Georgetown attraction also features bocce ball and a bistro. Sunday is family day with brunch and dinner specials.
10:00am-2:00pm-Pintastic Brunch Adults $20/KIds 12 and Under $12/Under 5 FREE
Family Day: Kids ages 12 and under eat free after 5:00pm from kids menu.

Check out our list of ongoing fun in the city to see what else is on rotation for Sundays and beyond. There are lots of theater showtimes on Sundays, so take advantage. New shows have been added and updated!!