literature

Lunar New Year Celebrations and Resources

January 19, 2023

2023 is a special year in the lunar calendar, celebrating two zodiacs – the rabbit and the cat. While it is the Year of the Rabbit in countries such as China and Korea, the Vietnamese community celebrates the Year of the Cat.

Picture books:
Tomorrow is New Year’s Day
How to Catch a Dragon
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Twelve in a Race
Playing with Lanterns

Board books:
It’s Your Year, Baby Rabbit
Lucky Lunar Animals
Baby Loves Lunar Phases

Celebrations:
Now-February: Winter Lantern Festival
Winter Lantern Festival comes to the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area for its FIRST immersive DMV Winter Lantern Festival! From New York with 150,000 annual guests, 3 years in a row, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! Lerner Town Square at Tysons II has been transformed into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience.

January 21, 10:30am-12:00pm: Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at Cleveland Park Library
Enjoy a variety of activities and crafts, including chop stick practice and decorating a lantern! For ages 2 and up. First come, first served, while supplies last.

January 21, 12:00pm-4:00pm: Lunar New Year 2023 Celebration at the National Museum of Asian Art
Bounce into the Year of the Rabbit and celebrate Lunar New Year at the National Museum of Asian Art! Free attractions for all ages, including performances, demos, a curator tour, hands-on activities, and more.

The celebration will include:

A traditional lion dance performance, 3.p.m.
Cooking demonstration, 1 p.m.
Hands-on crafts and activities, 12–4 p.m.
Lunar New Year curator-led gallery tour, 12 p.m.
Featured exhibitions Journey of Color; Rediscovering Korea’s Past; and Looking Out, Looking In

January 21, 6:00pm: Lunar New Year at the Millennium Stage
The Kennedy Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration honors the traditional holiday that is observed in countries and territories around the globe. Join us for a free performance in the “Year of the Rabbit” with a special program that highlights Chinese Culture.

January 22, 2:00pm: DC Chinese New Year Parade
The 2023 Annual Chinese Lunar New Year parade is organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC (CCBA) in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). The streets of DC Chinatown will fill will revelers and spectators as we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. We will host a dynamic community-based parade that will include a range of cultural and community performers. The finale will feature a firecracker show in the middle of H Street. Come early for a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries and restaurants and then grab your curb-side vantage point to witness the colorful pageantry to come!

January 28, 11:30am-3:00pm: In-Person Lunar New Year Family Celebration
Ring in the Lunar New Year at SAAM! Join us for our annual celebration featuring Chinese and Korean traditions, including performances, crafts, food, and more. Learn about the importance of the Lunar New Year across cultures and explore SAAM’s collections with an art scavenger hunt. A special menu in honor of Lunar New Year will be offered by the Courtyard Café. Check out our Family Zone for more crafts and activities to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. A special menu in honor of Lunar New Year will be offered by the Courtyard Café. This program is presented in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America and with the Korean Cultural Center, Washington, D.C. and is part of Lunar New Year DC, organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Good Trouble for Kids: build a racially conscious library

March 3, 2021

The below is a guest post from the creators of Good Trouble for Kids; an arts initiative to promote racially conscious reading.

Good Trouble For Kids is an especially valuable children’s book subscription program in this moment of an expanding consciousness that being antiracist must include intentionally engaging children through reading, art and conversations on racial and social justice. Antiracist work is daily, and must start early. Part of that work is insisting that school curricula and the literary canon become more inclusive of a diversity of authors and histories, and that parents and schools build racially conscious libraries. The market of racially conscious children’s literature has exploded, and Good Trouble For Kids wants to help parents and educators sift through these books. We offer a unique arts-based approach. Our Xtra Good Trouble, the write-ups we do on each book through the lens of literature, visual arts, and culture, is the foundation of our work.

We believe that for racial justice to expand, it needs to be rooted in the hearts, minds and imaginations of young people. Merely studying racism doesn’t cut it; students need to explore these topics through art, literature and culture to deeply engage and metabolize the lessons. Good Trouble For Kids offers parents and educators a unique and necessary lens to promote change.

Art & literature are medicine. Good Trouble For Kids wants to help people learn how to use it. Please subscribe to Xtra Good Trouble for our write-ups, or get the books too. You can subscribe to Xtra Good Trouble as a stand-alone offering, or you can do a full subscription that gets you the book and the write-up! Subscribe to the full service at Good Trouble For Kids!

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

June 29, 2018

Friday & Saturday evening, Mount Vernon is celebrating Independence Day. Enjoy a patriotic evening filled with dazzling fireworks, Mansion tours, musical performances, and games on George Washington’s beloved estate! Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30pm.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival has featured participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The free Festival takes place for two weeks every summer, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers.Visitors are invited to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange.

Breakfast with the Bears at the National Zoo will run on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, July 1 from 9-10:30am. This is a class you can surely sink your teeth into. Learn about the favorite foods of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s three species of bears, and then join us for outdoor snack time outside one of the bear exhibits! 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.

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Blues, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the Sculpture Garden but may be purchased at the café. (Picture above)

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

8:00am-1:00pm: 11th Annual City-Wide Truck Touch
This event will feature a variety of free activities for kids and adults. A host of DC government agencies will present and demonstrate nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile healthcare, and more. Free boxed lunches will be provided to kids age 18 and under.

10:15am: Children’s Art Talk & Tour at Strathmore
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required.

10:30am: The Wizard of Oz at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Rediscover the joy of following the yellow brick road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion as they travel through a reimagined world of Oz!

11:00am: A Day at the Beach at Little Falls Library
Meet some animals that leave at the seashore! Under the Sea presents “A Day at the Beach,” a virtual tour of a beach on the Atlantic coast. You’ll learn about beach features like sand, waves, tides, dunes, and jetties. Children will meet some of the animals that call beaches home and learn about beach food chains during this lively and educational presentation by a marine scientist. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County Inc and is appropriate for the entire family, but especially ages four and up. Space is limited; free tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the program begins.

Sunday

(Photo: Red Panda Art Studio)

10:00am-5:00pm: KID Museum
KID Museum is an innovative learning space unlike any other in the DC region. The museum provides hands-on learning that incorporates STEM, art, and culture with 21st century skills like creativity and critical thinking. Click above link for the day’s events.

3:30pm-4:15pm: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child (ages 1-5) 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. Featured story: Elephant & Piggie. Get your tickets!

4:00pm-5:30pm: Red Panda Art Studio Pop-in Drop-in
Red Panda Art Studio will be opening a Summer Pop-Up location to fulfill all of your creative needs during the month of July at the WAS Gallery in the Westwood II Shopping Center in Bethesda. Come check out the new studio space and celebrate their opening with a selection of their favorite sensory activities and projects, geared towards ages 3 to 8. Drop-off welcome. $25/child.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Kids Eat Free in DC

Summer Camp Guide

Local Theatre Performances

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

March 2, 2018

Badlands has launched Weekend Programs. Prices include 1 hour of play and a 1 hour workshop. This weekend your child can learn about lava and volcanoes and magnetic slime, age dependent.

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is back– February 22 – March 11, 2018 and is about presenting excellent art in all its forms that inspires a community to connect and create a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. Now in its 9th season, INTERSECTIONS is a key layer in DC’s dynamic arts scene. New this year, a workshop series and an expanded Youth Summit – a full day of performances by young people followed by a youth-led summit. Here are a few free family fun days to check out.

Saturday-

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Periscope
Hone your powers of observation in our hands-on workshop. Just like an above-water viewfinder or historical trench optical instrument, you and your child can construct a periscope to expand your view. Once the periscope is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. 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. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.

9:00am-11:30am: The Children’s House of Washington Montessori School Open House
Special Guest Patti Harburger, CHOW Founding Director, will speak about the importance of mathematics and language in a Montessori education.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Traveling Lantern: Pinocchio at National Theatre
A little wooden marionette is lovingly created by a master craftsmen…but what a bad little puppet he turns out to be! He’s selfish and greedy, and he lies. He doesn’t listen to the good counsel of anyone: his father Gepetto, a philospher Cricket, or a Blue Fairy. After many hair raising adventures, Pinocchio finally learns what it takes to become human…kindness, compassion, loyalty, hard work, and selflessness. Free

10:00am: Rainbow Rock Live at Avalon Theatre
Are you ready to rock the rainbow? Join the Rainbow Rock Band as they entertain your little dudes with tunes, laughs and more! Winners of a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award for their debut CD, “Meet the Rainbow,” an absolute mix of musical genres from folk, pop rock to rockabilly, all the while being educational and fun. Your child will learn about shapes, colors, movement, and more! The Rainbow Rock Band encourages all rainbow rockers to participate in the show either on the microphone or at their seat. Either way your little one is sure to have fun! $8 / $6.50 (Children under 2 are free)

10:00am-2:00pm: Hirshhorn: Art Pop-Up + Library Program
Check it out! Find our cart in the galleries and check out a fun kit full of our favorite finds for kids. Each kit is an art meets reading adventure, with a special theme, children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on art making materials.

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. Barnyard Dance is the featured story.

Sunday-

9:30am-11:00am AND 2:30pm-4:00pm: Model Airplane Construction at National Building Museum
Are you an aspiring aviator or a pilot with potential? Want to learn what keeps a plane in the air? Construct your own rubber-band-propelled model airplane and learn about aeronautics with the D.C. Maxecuters, then try a test flight in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall. Cost per plane/child: $15 Member | $20 Non-member. Ages 8 and up, adult assistance required. Adults do not need to purchase a separate ticket, unless they would like to make their own plane.

10:00am-12:00pm: Purim Carnival at DCJCC
When was the last time you dressed up like a queen or king? Now is your chance – the EDCJCC’s Purim Carnival is the perfect time for children and adults to dress up and celebrate this festive annual holiday! Join us for carnival games, arts & crafts, hamantaschen (yummy Purim treats), songs and a Purim play! Don’t forget your costume! Please bring an unexpired, unopened food item in a cardboard box (like macaroni and cheese or couscous) to decorate as a grogger to use during the Purim play. We will then donate them to those in need in our community. Price per family: $23

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
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. Little Blue Truck is the featured story.

10:30am-11:30am: Sensory-Friendly Purim Celebration at Washington Hebrew Congregation
Does your child cover their ears in a crowd? Do they avoid loud noises? We will minimize the noise and other sensory input but maximize the fun! Join us for crafts, an interactive reading of the Purim story (megillah), a mitzvah (good deed) project and treats to take home. Costumes encouraged but not required.$5 per family, plus bring a canned good to donate. Best for 4-8 year olds. Please pre-register as space is limited. This program is a collaboration of PJ Library in Greater Washington, Washington Hebrew Congregation and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

11:00am-2:00pm: The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party at U Street Music Hall
Welcome to the Rumpus Room, a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who all happen to be parents themselves). Created by DJs who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, the Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and of course music) into safe family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. The soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. We provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls and other props. You come to dance. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: National Symphony Orchestra Music for Young Audiences: Two Divas and a Bear at The Kennedy Center
What happens when you bring together a concert violinist, an opera singer, and everyone’s favorite stuffed animal? You get Two Divas and a Bear! Join NSO violinist Marissa Regni and soprano Kari Paludan as they explore the human voice. As it turns out, the violin has a voice, too! As you listen to Schubert’s The Trout, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, and Rossini’s Two Cats, you’ll discover that the strings of the violin are very similar to our very own vocal cords. Most enjoyed by age 3 and up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before the concert, hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.

2:00pm: Doktor Kaboom by McLean Community Center at the Old Firehouse
Doktor Kaboom is an over-the-top German physicist with a passion for science that knows no bounds. Sporting chrome goggles, orange lab coat, motorcycle boots and wicked cool hair, Doktor Kaboom travels the world, thrilling adults and children alike with his explosive comedic style of science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate and entertain! For ages 7+

Weekend Theatre-

Feb 9 – March 31: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre

Feb 10 – March 18: The Princess & The Pauper: A Bollywood Tale at Imagination Stage

March 2 -24: Circulo/Circle at Encore Stage & Studio

March 3 – 4: Pinkalicious at Blackrock Center

March 3 – 17: VolcanO: Tales from El Salvador at GALA Theater

Chick rental is live at Rocklands Farm! The Chick Rental service is an educational opportunity for families, friends, school groups to take care of a pair adorable chicks for one week. Each rental includes everything you need for the week; their little home, feed, feeding and watering dishes, and care instructions. Link to reserve your chicks here. We are looking forward to seeing everyone out again this year!

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

February 23, 2018

It’s the weekend of Parents Night Out at various kid places. See our blog post from earlier this week on where your child can be entertained while you are out for the evening. A win/win for all!

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is back– February 22 – March 11, 2018 and is about presenting excellent art in all its forms that inspires a community to connect and create a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. Now in its 9th season, INTERSECTIONS is a key layer in DC’s dynamic arts scene. New this year, a workshop series and an expanded Youth Summit – a full day of performances by young people followed by a youth-led summit. Here are a few free family fun days to check out.

The beloved garden gnomes from GNOMEO AND JULIET are back for a whole new adventure in London. When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… SHERLOCK GNOMES. The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city. A few events taking place to get audiences excited for the event are on Friday, February 23^rd at Alexandria Public Library for a Scavenger Hunt 11:00am-11:40am and Saturday, February 24^that Hooray for Books from 1:00-2:00pm. The SHERLOCK GNOMES costume character will be making his way around DC

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Stephen Christoff at National Theatre
In celebration of President’s Day, come sing songs from the Colonial period with Mr. Christoff. This musical history program brings to life the ballads and song lyrics that helped build American independence and define a nation. He will captivate families with the jaws harp, banjo, guitar, mandolin, hand whistle, the musical saw, and even the bottles. The Colonial times were filled with music and Mr. Christoff explores the fun.

10:00am-4:00pm: Family Day: Chinese Lunar New Year at GW Museum & Textile Museum
Celebrate the year of the dog at the museum! Enjoy music performances by GW’s Chinese Music Club, create colorful zodiac animals from paper, and design your own jewelry inspired by the traditions of China’s Guizhou Province. Visit the galleries to see the exhibition Vanishing Traditions: Textiles and Treasures from Southwest China during its opening weekend. Visitors can also explore our new hands-on learning center, Textiles 101, which introduces the basics of textile making through fiber, color, and structure. All ages welcome.

11:00am-12:00pm: The Magic of Spying: Tradecraft Trickery
In the real-life world of espionage, spies often call upon the art of magic and illusion to distract the enemy, make evidence disappear, and escape unnoticed. Join professional magician, Peter Wood, as he demonstrates the art of misdirection, sleight of hand, and other illusions used by skilled spies. This one of a kind performance, custom-designed for the Spy Museum, is guaranteed to fascinate children and adults alike. $10

(Photo: Hirshhorn: Art Pop-Up + Library Program)

Sunday-

1:00pm-2:30pm: Preschool Pioneers at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
You don’t have to be an expert to expertly look at a painting. This class will engage your child by encouraging them to look, respond, and ask questions through multiple careful looking techniques. We will even get to sketch in the galleries! Do You See What I See? is the theme for this 3-5 year old class. Read our review of this amazing program here.

1:00pm: Disney Live at Eagle Bank Arena
Open the door to reveal unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box; and the dazzling stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know who might join in the fun.

2:30pm-3:30pm: Family Literacy Fiesta: Dancing Our Way Through Books at Wheaton Interim Library
In our FREE Literacy Fiesta programs, kids and adults join together in a celebration of books and stories! In our February Fiesta, we’ll explore a kid-friendly folk tale through creative movement and dance. Kids get to practice reading skills while moving, dancing, and sharing stories with our families and friends. What a fun way to dance away the winter blues! 45 minutes, best for ages 3 and up.

Weekend Theatre:

Encore Stage & Studio—Theatre by Kids, for Kids! presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre

The Princess & The Pauper: A Bollywood Tale at Imagination Stage

Giveaway to Discovery Theater Tot Rock show!

Don’t mind a drive to Baltimore? Head to Port Discovery Children’s Museum. We went a few weekends a go and had a blast! A few events happening there this weekend:

Chinese New Year: Year of the Dog | Saturday, February 24 | 10AM – 5PM
Celebrate the Year of the Dog as Port Discovery celebrates the Chinese New Year! Visitors of all backgrounds will learn, experience, and participate in traditions surrounding the Chinese New Year celebration. You’ll be mesmerized by the Chinese Lion Dancers of Tai Yim Kung Fu School, who perform the lion dance throughout the center of the Museum using a paper mache lion, instruments, and dance that will captivate you. Watch amazing performances of traditional and modern Chinese Dance by children, teens and adults from the Gina Ling Chinese Dance Chamber. Learn the art of calligraphy and chopsticks with the Xiamen Chinese Sister City. Plus, learn about animals with a live petting zoo from Wildlife Adventures, enjoy music and dance from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Staff, and make festive art projects including Chinese New Year Lucky Charms, Festive Dragons, and more! Featuring a number of new art projects to enjoy while learning about Chinese cultures and traditions!

Super Sundays | Sunday, February 25 | 12 – 5 PM
Make it a true Sunday FUN-day when you spend the whole day learning through play! Explore movement and music together as you bop along to our lively Jingle Jangle Music Time. Join in interactive story times, and work together to create art or science projects that you can take home. Be sure to make music with us in the Percussion Garden, explore early literacy learning during Mother Goose on the Loose, and check out Kamishibai Story Time!

Weekend Picks: June 2-4, 2017

June 2, 2017

Join us for the 37th annual Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park, (pictured above) Saturday and Sunday, June 3 & 4, 2017 from 12pm – 7pm. One of the most popular events of the year at Glen Echo Park, the Festival attracts close to 10,000 visitors. Free to the public and held rain or shine, the Festival features over 450 musicians, storytellers, dancers, and crafters from the greater Washington area. Produced by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington in collaboration with the Glen Echo Park Partnership, the Washington Folk Festival is a celebration of this region’s rich cultural diversity. International performers share the music, dance, and cultural traditions they brought from their original homes while American performers showcase a variety of musical traditions that developed in this country.

At Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days in partnership with The Phillips Collection, DC JazzFest celebrates the synergy between jazz and the visual arts with performances by more than a dozen regional artists and rising star ensembles. This free, family-friendly weekend event will feature storytelling, unique meet-the-artist opportunities, an instrument petting zoo, art workshops, and more! Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm.

Friday-

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Garden in the Sculpture Garden
(7th St SW & Independence Ave SW)
It’s back and I couldn’t be more excited! Pack a picnic and head to the garden for an eclectic mix of jazz is performed by top Washington-area artists. Alcohol can be purchased at the garden but you can not bring it in yourself.

Gates open at 5:30pm, Movie starts at 9:00pm: Movie Nights in the Heights
(Harriet Tubman Elementary School- Irving Street near 11th St)
The movie will start when it gets dark. Set up a blanket and enjoy a picnic! In case of rain, wind, or a wet field, the movie will be moved to the Salvation Army at 3335 Sherman Ave. Movie: Space Jam

Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 8:15, Film begins 8:45, Film ends at 10:20: Union Market Drive-In
(1309 5th Street NE Washington, District of Columbia 20002)
$10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended.Free for walk-ups. Excited for the drive-in but don’t have a car? Rent one on Getaround for the night and get $25 off your first rental. For more information and tickets click here. Movie: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Saturday-

9:30am-10:30am: Imagination at Noyes Storybook Parade

(10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD)
Children and adults are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character and bring musical instruments (including drums, triangles and cymbals) to march in the parade. Classic characters, such as The Cat in the Hat, Winnie the Pooh, and Dorothy and Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, will also be participating. The free event begins with the parade at 9:30 a.m. Lemonade and cookies will follow the parade, and the event ends at 10:30 a.m. The rain date is June 4. The parade will follow a short route that starts at Noyes Children’s Library.

10:00am-5:00pm: Strawberry Festival at Sandy Spring Museum
(17901 Bentley Rd Sandy Spring, MD 20860)
Sandy Spring Museum is gearing up for the 36^th Annual Strawberry Festival! This event has grown to over 6,000 attendees and is something you won’t want to miss! Taking place throughout the museum’s 7 acres along Route 108, the event features live music and entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, and activities for children of all ages. Over the years the Strawberry Festival has featured a rock climbing wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, and much more! Purchase a wristband for unlimited kids activities. $10 ahead of time (place your order before 5 pm June 3) or $15 on the day of the event Click here to save money

10:00am-3:00pm: Imagination Bethesda
(Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Bethesda)
Celebrate children, art, and all things fun at the 23nd annual Imagination Bethesda. Activity tents line the streets, face painters bring butterflies and pirates to life, a stage of live entertainment will have the whole street dancing, and more! Enjoy this FREE family fun day!

11:00am-3:30pm: Kalorama Park Community Day

(1875 Columbia Rd. NW)
Join us for the 2nd Annual Kalorama Park Community Day celebration! We are aiming to build on the success of last year’s event, this year with even more fun activities, entertainers, and local businesses and organizations. Meet your neighbors, try a new form of exercise, discover a local band, spend time with your family, and more. See you at the park!

Sunday-

12:00pm-7:00pm: Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days

(See above)

12:00pm-7:00pm: Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park

(See above)

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Movie: Moana

Weekend Picks: May 5-7, 2017

May 4, 2017

Landon School invites you, your family and your friends to the 64^th annual Azalea Garden Festival, which will be held Friday, May 5, through Sunday, May 7, 10 am–5 pm daily, on Landon’s campus located at 6101 Wilson Lane in Bethesda, MD. The Azalea Garden Festival features carnival rides, fantastic boutiques, upscale resale, plant sales, delicious food, live music and more! Admission and parking are free. Please join us!

Come stroll the gorgeous grounds 10am-6:00pm Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday at the 78th Annual Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral on the grounds at 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. Entertainment and Special Events occur both days – most are free of charge. Small fees for puppet shows, carousel rides and children’s rides and games.

Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind day fair, parade and music festival, celebrating Washington DC’s vibrant music and arts, the U Street neighborhood, and the Spirit of Funk that brings us all together. It will feature over 150 hours of live music and dance programming, art installations, large-scale activations and more. The Day Fair is from 12:00pm-7:00pm, parade is from 3:00pm-4:00pm and music festival is 7:00pm-10:00pm.

(Pictures: 3 years ago at Landon’s Azalea Garden Festival)

Friday- Cinco De Mayo!

7:00pm: Union Market Drive-In
(1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (136 minutes, rated PG-13) is the movie this weekend. Lot opens 6:00, Lot closes promptly at 7:50, Film begins 8:15 , Film ends at 10:30. $10 parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended.Free for walk-ups. Excited for the drive-in but don’t have a car? Rent one on Getaround for the night and get $25 off your first rental. For more information and tickets click here.

Saturday-

8:30am-9:30am: Capoeira for Kids Ages 3.5-7 at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Capoeira provides physical fitness for children, ages 4 and up. It is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills. Children will also learn maculele (a dance done hitting sticks against your partner’s sticks), samba, capoeira instruments, and Portuguese through this fun, interactive class. Classes are $15 each or $120 for a series of ten classes.

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
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.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years. $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

10:00am-4:00pm: Around the World Embassy Tour
More than 40 embassies will open their doors to DC visitors and residents for this free event. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. In the past, visitors have been treated to karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons, and henna demonstrations.

10:00am-1:00pm: Truck Touch at Silver Spring Nursery School
(10501 New Hampshire Ave Silver Spring, MD 20903)
Our parking lot will be filled with vehicles of every kind that kids of all ages can explore, rain or shine. Live Entertainment with local favorites: RockStarts! at 10:45 am and Mr. Gabe at 11:45 am. Plus: Bake Sale, Snow Cones, Food & Drinks, Arts & Crafts and Face Painting. $5 per person and free for kids under age 2.

10:30am: 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 explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all of the songs to practice at home for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: Cha Cha Chimps

11:00am-4:00pm: Train Day at National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, DC 20002)
Every year, we celebrate the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad (May 10, 1869) at the Postal Museum. Finally there were train tracks connecting East and West, allowing the Post Office to quickly move mail by trains across the entire country. On Train Day, come and experience the Railway Post Office by checking out the inside of the train car, learn how train conductors use whistle signals to communicate, and get to know some jargon used by Postal Clerks who worked on the Railway Post Offices. We will also have model trains running through our Museum Atrium. Enjoy a special Story Time and “meet” Owney the Dog, a mascot of the Railway Post Office too! Free admission.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Family Capoeira at Guy Mason Recreation Center
(3600 Calvert Street NW Washington, DC 20007)
Family Capoeira is an integrative fitness program for families and individuals that combines capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art, with strength, flexibility, and endurance exercises. Accessible for all ages, this fun class engages everyone in the music, cultural history, and physical play of capoeira. Participants will learn the foundational movements of capoeira and practice applying them in a real roda, or game, with a partner. Specially customized to be a dynamic, intergenerational experience for all, Family Capoeira will get the whole family moving their bodies and feeling great too! All ages welcome. Free and open to the public. This program is facilitated by The Family Dances.

DC Public Library is hosting so many fabulous kid-friendly performances and activities at Harrison
Recreation Center at 1330 V Street NW between 12pm – 4pm on Saturday. Schedule: 12:00 pm: Sticks+Bars Youth Marimba Ensemble 12:45 pm: PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra 1:30 pm: “In the Pocket”: a go-go conga Masterclass 2:15 pm: Rhythm Prep for Kid’s Funk Parade with 7DrumCity 2:30 pm: Kid’s Funk Parade (led by 7DrumCity to join the Funk Parade) 4:00 pm: Funk Parade HS Marching Band Battle *Other Activities will be planned between 12:00pm – 3:00pm: 7DrumCity Tent – make your own percussive instruments from household items or bring your own drum and learn some basic drumming skills. Costume Corner – Build your own costume and instruments with the DC Public Library. Efron the Wizard’s Yo-Yo Workshop. Soka Tribe Caribbean Dance Workshop. The Dailey Method Yoga Class at Noon on the Field. DCPL Children’s Librarians on-hand with funky musical picture books to checkout.

Sunday-

10:00am-1:00pm: Infant/Child CPR at Edlavitch DCJCC
(1529 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20036)
Make your family safer by learning life-saving skills from American Heart Association Jay Gruber. $62/per person.

11:00am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage(4908 Auburn Ave 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 special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home for ages 1-5. Register online. Featured: Where the Wild Things Are

11:00am-12:00pm: hiSTORYtime at National Museum of American History
(12th St and Constitution Ave NW)
Join us for hiSTORYtime, a program for children ages 0 to 6. Early learners and their caregivers may drop by to listen to a story and participate in hands-on activities and crafts inspired by objects and themes from the museum collection. Come by every first and third Saturday of the month for new themes, stories and activities! Theme today: ANIMALS

Weekend Picks

May 6, 2016

The 77th Annual Flower Mart at The National Cathedral takes place Friday & Saturday. This event is fun for the entire family; food, flowers, performances, carnival rides and more!

Mothers Day Weekend at Mount Vernon is Saturday and Sunday.
Join the “Mother of our Country”, Martha Washington, for Mother’s Day weekend at Mount Vernon! Stroll through Mount Vernon’s magnificent gardens in bloom. Lady Washington will give lavender sachets to all mothers (while supplies last).

Saturday-

8:00am-11:00am: Spring Celebration at Woodend Nature Sanctuary
(8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD)
Learn to identify our region’s birds on this volunteer-led walk around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Join our Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Nature Sanctuary. This kid-friendly nature walk is great for all ages. Visit our Blair Native Garden to see what’s in bloom and stroll through our meadow to learn about butterflies. Take a guided tour of the historic Woodend mansion.
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