Weekend Picks August 27-28

My all-time favorite (I think) pick is here! Don’t judge if you’ve never been. Been there, done that and headed back in a few weeks! Maryland Renaissance Festival will be joisting and serving up lots of turkey legs weekends through October 23. The festival is free to children 6 and under. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment for you and the kids, including music, joisting, life-sized maze for kids to run through, huge playground, puppetry, pony rides, music, shows and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight (or rent a costume there) and come participate!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 10:30am: Harambee at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW)
Five years and more than 700 shows later, Harambee @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.

10:00am-6:00pm: America’s Front Yard Family Festival at Constitutional Gardens
(1850 Constitution Ave NW)
Featuring live music, storytelling and other activities, this festival looks forward to the next century of the National Park Service, highlighting today’s youth as the future stewards of our national parks. Grammy-nominated rock band for kids Milkshake headlines an entertainment lineup that also includes acoustic guitar and vocals by Ellis Woodward; Uncle Devon; lively children’s sing-alongs with Yosi & the Superdads, the Great American Indian Dancers; magic, music and juggling with the Wes Holly Balloon Magic Show; The festival also includes face painting, juggling, a corn maze and lots of other fun activities for kids of all ages. Exhibits by more than 20 National Park Service partners will include Lego models of national parks, virtual reality park tours, 3-D printing of National Mall monuments and memorials, natural flora and fauna found in urban parks, and much more!

10:30am: Ben Tufts and Friends featuring Rainbow Rock, Culture Queen and Marsha and the Positrons at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Dance along to many local favorites! $12 tickets

11:00am-3:00pm (Check for Sunday hours also): Melody’s Summer Block Party at American Girl Tysons Corner
(8090 Tysons Corner Center, McLean VA)
Celebrate the arrival of Melody Ellison! This event will give girls a glimpse into Melody’s world in 1964 Detroit, where she learns to lift her voice for fairness and justice. Girls can listen to the music that inspired Melody and will be immersed in her world with special block-party food and decor. Plus, each girl will take home a special Melody inspired doll tee (while supplies last) and enjoy some fun crafts. For girls ages 8 and up.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets presents the 7th Annual 17th Street Festival
(17th Street NW from P Street to R Street, NW, in Washington DC)
There are 100 vendors, with more than 50 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between. The kids zone has activities for children, including a moon bounce, ball crawl, face painting, and games throughout the day. The pet zone brings together pooches, and other four legged creatures, from around the neighborhood to shop or adopt a pet.

Sunday-

11:00am-12:00pm: Family Yoga at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW)
This family class will explore the practice of yoga through music, dance, relaxation and play. Families will have the chance to connect in a meaningful and fun way, while also giving each family member the chance to breathe, stretch and relax. This community-based class will inspire connection and awareness in a nurturing and playful environment. Make the time to share mindful and heart-opening practices with your family, no matter the age or experience level. Come breathe, move and play with us every Sunday!

12:00pm-6:00pm: Arena Stage Season Kickoff Carnival
(1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024)
We’re celebrating the new season with a full day of FREE family-friendly activities inspired by two of our most anticipated productions — Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel and Lookingglass Theatre Company’s Moby Dick. Try your luck on the midway with classic fair games run by Arena Stage’s finest barkers. Marvel as aerialists perform death-defying feats overhead. Kids will love the giant Carousel bounce house and petting zoo. Enjoy carnival inspired food and drink as you stroll down the lobby promenade. Take advantage of special discounts on tickets to the 2016/17 season and so much more.

(Photo: Akeelah and the Bee at Arena Stage- 2015)