Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engaged artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. The Festival ends on Sunday. View a list of all of the performances here. 

Big Apple Circus is in town at the National Harbor through March 24 and my kids can’t stop talking about it! Read more about the show here. 

We have included 6 additional weekend events exclusively on our Instagram stories, be sure to follow us to learn what they are. 

Saturday 

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Clock Tray
Spark a conversation about one of the oldest inventions—hands down—in our hands-on workshop. Together you and your timekeeper can build a freestanding clock with easy-to-read numbers, movable hands and a storage tray to house reminders or important trinkets. Use as a learning clock to make telling time fun or as a tool to encourage the value of time. Once your clock is built, your child can customize 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.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning at The National: Bright Star Theatre: George Washington Carver
One of the most remarkable scientists of all-time, George Washington Carver, led an incredible and interesting life. See him come to life and meet some of the other incredible scientists and groundbreakers from Black History – including Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, and more!

10:00am: Animal Adventures: You and Me Song Circle with Imagination Stage at Avalon Theatre
You and your child are invited to monkey around to music with Imagination Stage in this fun, interactive workshop. An Early Childhood Teaching Artist accompanied by a live percussionist will guide you through a musical exploration of a classic children’s book all about animals.  Together we will celebrate with our mightiest roars and dancing shoes as we bring the story to life through song, movement, and instrument play. Best for ages 1-5, but all are welcome! Tickets: $9.00 / $7.00 for Avalon members.

10:15am: Saturday Family Jam Sessions at Strathmore present Odetta, Queen of Folk
Odetta Holmes’ music and commitment to civil rights influenced many artists who came after her. Kids learn the music of Odetta and explore the role that music plays in major social justice movements. This performance is sensory-friendly. Learn more or download the Performance Guide to get ready for the show. Junior music aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel. Recommended for ages 3–8. All sessions take place at 10:15am in the Mansion.

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; Old MacDonald had a Woodshop with your family through song, musical instruments, and movement. Plus, you receive a list of all the songs to practice at home.

12:30pm: Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Visitors and residents are invited to don their green and line King Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA to kick off the region’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the 38^th Annual Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by the Ballyshaners, a nonprofit organization that aims to promote and preserve Irish heritage. More than 2,000 participants will march in the parade, including dog rescue groups, pipe and drum bands, the Notre Dame Alumni Band, historical re-enactors, Shriners and Kena cars, and Irish dancers. Parade-goers come early for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. More than 30 costumed dogs will compete in a range of categories, including Best Human/Canine Look-Alike, Most Talented and Most St. Paddy’s Spirit. The dogs will then kick off the parade at 12:30 p.m. Parade starts at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m.; the Fun Dog Show is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

1:30 pm: Discovery Stage presents  Silly Goose & Val at Port Disocvery
Features a musician awarded with multiple Parent’s Choice Awards. Performances will encourage children to sing and dance along, and will provide opportunities for children to be active participants. Admission to Discovery Stage Series performances is free with entry into Port Discovery’s Construction Zone, which is $5.00 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free. The Construction Zone is located in the Atrium at Port Discovery (directly next door to the main Museum).

2:00pm-6:00pm: Mardi Gras at The Wharf
Can’t go to New Orleans? We’re celebrating Mardi Gras with a community-wide extravaganza featuring a spirited parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music from Junkyard Saints on District Pier, and a fireworks finale. The parade will be set to the sounds of Batalá drumming and the Eastern High School Marching Band. Feast your eyes on custom-designed floats from our Wharf friends, restaurants, and retailers—including a float featuring the Washington Nationals and its president—along with dancers, mascots, hoopers, and stilt walkers. Get special treats at your favorite neighborhood restaurants. We’ll also have activities and crafts for kids. And don’t forget to stop by Camp Wharf for Mardi Gras décor. So brush up on your bead-catching skills and get ready to party at the waterfront! Fireworks at 5:45!

Sunday

11:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Explore popular children’s book, Little Blue Truck, through music, movement and visual art.

2:00 pm: Discovery Stage presents Story Tapestries featuring Arianna Ross at Port Discovery
Enjoy an immersive learning experience with Story Tapestries with Arianna Ross, who uses dance, storytelling, music and art to entertain and enrich audiences’ knowledge of the world. Admission to Discovery Stage Series performances is free with entry into Port Discovery’s Construction Zone, which is $5.00 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free. The Construction Zone is located in the Atrium at Port Discovery (directly next door to the main Museum).

2:00pm AND 6:30pm: American Girl Live at Strathmore
In American Girl Live, a new, original musical that celebrates the power of girls and strength of friendship, audiences join five spunky campers and their fearless counselor at Camp American Girl, an overnight camp in the North Woods. Overcoming fears and obstacles along the way to having the summer of their lives, these brave campers rely on wisdom and advice delivered by Rebecca, Maryellen, Julie, Nanea, Luciana, and Melody—the beloved American Girl dolls they’ve brought along to camp—who inspire audiences in surprising and delightful-musical numbers, each reflecting their historical eras. Empowered by the stories and conviction of their American Girls, the campers learn that they can overcome anything and achieve their dreams, so long as they stay true to themselves and support one another!

Win 4 tickets to Day Out with Thomas & Friends at B & O Railroad Museum

Related Posts:

Story Pirates– March 17

Summer Camps for 2019

New Pajama Jams at AMP by Strathmore:
Summer vacation may not start for months but playtime is year-round at AMP, and we’re bringing back our Pajama Jam series to prove it! Sing, dance, and strike a few (yoga) poses with Gina Chavez on April 7 and Yogapalooza on April 28.