Weekend Picks: Dragon boats, jazz with java and a birthday party

Fun things to do this weekend outdoors. Last weekend, our family climbed some rocks and searched for animals hiding at the Billy Goat Trail along the Potomac River. You can strap that baby on your back and your toddler will have a blast climbing the rocks, pretending he is a billy goat. The Mets are also in town trying to beat our Nationals both on Saturday and Sunday. Grab your tickers here and on Saturday you can admire all of the Pups that are invited to the ballpark or on Sunday your children ages 4-12 can run the bases.

Saturday

8:30am-5:00pm: 13th Annual Dragon Boat Festival at Thompsons Boat Center
(2900 Virginia Ave NW Washington, DC 20007- near the Georgetown Waterfront)
The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, now in it’s 13th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing made to look just like dragons. The event is sponsored by the Chinese Women’s League (CWL) and serves to promote Chinese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing. Schedule of events here. The kids will enjoy watching the races as well as brushing painting, calligraphy and paper cutting.

10:00am-6:00pm: Gaithersburg Book Festival
(Gaithersburg City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877)
Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its quaint, park-like setting in the heart of Olde Towne Gaithersburg. In the Children’s Village you will also find a literary sea of activities, workshops and performances brought to us by multiple sponsors. They are designed to engage and stimulate your child’s book curiosity and interest in reading and writing.

10:30am: Seth Kibel CD Release Party at Jammin Java 
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
This special family show will mark the release of  “Jazz For People Who Are Shorter Than Me,” the new recording from award-winning multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel.  This album features both original compositions and creative reimaginings of many classic children’s favorites. Family 4-pack $25.

10:30am: Rissi Palmer at DC Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Rissi was the first black woman on the Billboard Country Charts in 21 years with her first single “Country Girl. She’s sung at the White House, the CBS morning show and the Grand Ole Opry stage. Come join the fun! A great way to kick-off the weekend! Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food and kid-friendly options. Children of all ages will enjoy the music. $4 person/3 people for $10.

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 Ducks) 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.

5:00pm-7:00pm: 6th Annual Adams Morgan Summer Concert Series with Rochelle Rice
(corner of Columbia and 18th NW on the plaza in front of BB&T Bank)
This is a free, family-friendly event designed to bring the community together to hear some great, eclectic music before going to dinner, going out for the night or putting the kids to bed. We will have a dozen hula hoops each Saturday for adults and kids of all ages to shake your groove thang!  Rochelle Rice is a dynamic and compelling vocalist and songwriter, and has been named Best Jazz Vocalist (2013) by Washington City Paper. Moving forward with the tides of popular music while still remembering the past, Rochelle effortlessly combines jazz, soul, pop, and rock & roll. Her profound and flawless sound joins the singer/songwriters of the 1960s and the contemporary jazz vocalists of today. There will be a limited number of chairs for audience members. Please feel free to bring your own beach chair.

8:00pm: Despicable Me outdoor movie at 10th Street Community Park 
(10th St NW and L St NW)
Come enjoy a night out and a great movie!  The Friends of 10th Street Community Park are presenting the first movie night of 2014 on their outdoor screen!  Bring a blanket or chairs and snag your spot at 8:00; the movie starts at 8:30.  Light refreshments will be provided.  Donations to the park are needed and very much appreciated!  

Sunday

8:30am-5:00pm: 13th Annual Dragon Boat Festival at Thompsons Boat Center
(2900 Virginia Ave NW Washington, DC 20007- near the Georgetown Waterfront)
The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, now in it’s 13th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing made to look just like dragons. The event is sponsored by the Chinese Women’s League (CWL) and serves to promote Chinese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing. Schedule of events here. The kids will enjoy watching the races as well as brushing painting, calligraphy and paper cutting.

11:00am-2:00pm: Truck Touch at Tikvat Israel Congregation 
(2200 Baltimore Road, Rockville, MD 20851 (Adjacent to Rockville High School)
TOUCH & EXPLORE! Fire Truck, Ambulance, U-Haul Truck, SWAT Armored Vehicle, UPS Truck, Stretch Limousine, Pepco Cherry Picker, Tow Truck, K-9 Vehicle, Riding Mower, Snow Plow, McGruff the Crime Dog mascot, face painting, and More. Shop- Scentsy, Dolly Doodle Designs, Silpada, A Little Pop of Color, Premier Designs Jewelry, To Peace Clothing, and More. Eat- Sandwiches, snacks and Kona Hawaiian ice. $5 per person – cash only. Children under 2, free.

Celebrate Israel’s 66th Birthday with PJ Library in Rockville
12:00pm-5:00pm: (Mosaic District – 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax)
1:00pm-5:00pm: (Rockville Town Square – 200 East Middle Lane, Rockville)
Time to celebrate Israel’s birthday! Celebrate Israel turning 66 at the annual festivals hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (JCCGW). The sights, sounds and flavors of Israel will come to life with performances – including Israeli band Capaim, exhibits and activities throughout the afternoon. In Northern Virginia, take a stroll in the Israel shuk (marketplace), play gaga, dance and much more. If you’re in the Rockville area, beat away in a drum circle or sing-along, or get your child’s face painted. No matter what your age or interests, there is something for everyone at Israel@66! Stop by the PJ Library booth to create a mosaic and say hi!

2:00pm-5:00pm: Portrait Story Days: Anna May Wong at The National Portrait Gallery 
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Education Center, Room E151)
Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about Chinese American movie star Anna May Wong (1905-1961).