Weekend Picks: Fly a kite, take in some art and jam out

Pardon the brevity of this week’s post — as we’re actually posting it remotely from Florida, where we’ve gone to escape the never-ending Winter of DC. While we won’t be able to check out all the fun this weekend, we still gathered our best bets — so let us know how it goes and what we might have missed because of our absence. Have a great weekend everyone!

Saturday-

9:30am and 11:00- Tim Marrone: Clowning Around with Shakespeare at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC  20004)
Laughter reigns supreme when a lowly court jester prepares for his first audience with England’s newly crowned monarch, King James I. Kids help calm our clown’s frazzled nerves by assuming characters in his performance and providing backup with songs and sound effects in an entertaining show filled with comic spontaneity.

10:00am-4:30pm– Blossom Kite Festival
(Washington Monument grounds – Constitution Avenue & 17th Street, NW)
Spring is in the air – literally! The fourth annual Blossom Kite Festival presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of kite fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations including the popular Hot Tricks Showdown and the Rokkaku Battle. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. The Blossom Kite Festival includes 5 areas to enjoy: the Competition & Demonstration Field, Family Field, Kite Club Display Area, Activity Tents, and Public Field. Check out a map of the Festival here.

10:00am-3:00pm- Tudor Place Tree Fest
(1644 31st Street, NW Washington, DC , 20007)
Bring family and friends for a FREE festival in the Garden — with games, puppets, storytelling, a tree tour, and an artisanal Market Fair offering sustainable merchandise and helpful information. All of it salutes Tudor Place’s “witness trees” and other gifts of the natural world found here in the city, and celebrates the planting of white oak in the North Garden to replace the towering sentinel lost last year. Join us to say “hello” to the new white oak and participate in activities for all ages. Children can enjoy shows of puppetry, music, games and crafts throughout the day– check schedule for exact times.

10:30am- Rainbow Rock at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Rock the rainbow with your bambino. Classic and original children’s songs will entertain your child.  These talented tunesters will keep you bopping in your socks until you just can’t rock anymore!  Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna. $8; $25/family 4-pack

10:30am-Nature Unfolds at The National Gallery of Art
(6th St and Constitution Ave., NW – East Building Concourse, Auditorium)
As the seasons change, Earth’s canvas is adorned with new colors and textures.
Join us for a series of animated shorts celebrating nature’s unfolding beauty.
Approximately 60 minutes. Shown in collaboration with the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital. Ages 4 and up.

1:00pm-2:00pm- Crafternoon at Little Loft
(Little Loft, 511 11th St., SE, Washington, D.C.)
Spend an afternoon hour creating – leave with a handmade project and the inspiration to create at home. Koinobori (carp streamers) are made and flown in Japan to celebrate the springtime holiday Children’s Day.  Carp shapes are made from paper or cloth, and set out to flutter in the wind. Join your child or drop off!  $25 ($40 for 2 children) Ages 5-10.  Please pre-register!

Sunday-

11:30am-Nature Unfolds at The National Gallery of Art
(6th St and Constitution Ave., NW – East Building Concourse, Auditorium)
As the seasons change, Earth’s canvas is adorned with new colors and textures.
Join us for a series of animated shorts celebrating nature’s unfolding beauty.
Approximately 60 minutes. Shown in collaboration with the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital. Ages 4 and up.

2:00pm and 4:00pm- The Great Zucchini at FNDTN 
(3762A Howard Ave., Kensington, MD. 20895)
Kidzbill presents The Great Zucchini. Known throughout the metro area for his zany antics and hook, line, and sinker connection with kids, Eric Knauss, otherwise known as The Great Zucchini has been called a “toddler whisperer” and “a man with a nearly magical ability to connect with children.” For over 15 years, The Great Zucchini has entertained young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows for more that 400 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh. Book in advance, this show will sell out! $8 advanced/$10 at door (cash only)

2:00pm-5:00pm- Portrait Story Days: Dolores Huerta 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 labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta (b. 1930).

****Nothing catch your eye? Read our updated Ongoing Events list, full of plays and performances or read our post on Indoor Fun complete with Nature Centers and museums other than the typical destinations on The National Mall.