Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

SAAM is turning into an arcade! Enjoy two days of play with a free, family-friendly annual event for gamers of all levels. Join us on August 3–4, 2019 from 11:30am to 7:00pm for games, good times, and more. This free, family-friendly event invites gamers of all levels to test out new games and replay some of the classics. SAAM Arcade features arcade cabinets, console games, and a selection of indie games centered around a particular theme. This year’s theme, “breaking barriers,” showcases projects that recognize and relish the diversity of gaming audiences, allowing a wide-array of players to see themselves and their interests reflected on screen.

The 71st Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival will take place at Frying Pan Farm Park August 1-4, 2019 for four days of fresh air, farm fun and good times for you, your friends, family and neighbors. You’ll see livestock and 4-H exhibits, enjoy delicious fair food, and you can enter your creation in the fair and try your hand at milking a cow or goat. Don’t miss the carnival rides, games and live entertainment.

Peach Daze Fuzztival at Great Country Farms is August 3, 4, 10 & 11. Get the whole family involved in the Peach fun with our Peach Eating Contest, Peach Pit Spitting Contest and Family Water Games starting at 2pm. Learn how peaches are grown, trimmed and thinned to maximize production on an orchard tour. After picking your own peaches, enjoy peach slushies, peach pies, peach bread, peach ice cream and roasted peach and arugula flatbread pizza in the Roosteraunt, open from 11am-4pm each day. After a fun-filled afternoon on the farm, head up the mountain to Bluemont Vineyard & Dirt Farm Brewing.

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 19th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Brazilian Folk Jazz, Alternative Modern, Blues, Reggae, World Steam Punk, Afro Funk, African Fusion Jazz, Cuban Charanga, Django Guitar, New Orleans Jazz, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in, purchase them there).

5:30pm-8:00pm: Nerf Night at Badlands
Badlands invites kids ages 5+ to join us for an evening of team based challenges! Participants are encouraged to bring the blaster of their choosing and protective eye wear. Badlands will provide the foam darts, a FREE buffet for the kids, and FUN! Be on the lookout for our weekly themed Nerf nights, including Pokemon, Fortnite, Superheros, and much more!

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 9th Season. Every Friday night this summer, head 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.

8:00pm: The Drive-In at Union Market: Jaws
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for a seventh season from May through October! Watch great films under the stars on the first Friday of every month. Delicious foods from market vendors, and fun pre-show activities for movie-lovers of every age! All films are shown with Closed Caption. Driving? $15 parking fee per car, purchase via links below. Walk-ups are free. Lot opens 6:00pm, Lot closes promptly at 8:15pm, Film begins 8:45pm, Film ends at 10:50pm (Sunset 8:17pm).

8:30pm: E.T. in concert at Wolf Trap
Director Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score performed live by a full symphony orchestra in sync to the film projected on huge HD screens! ©A.M.P.A.S.®

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Rocket Pencil Box
Take school work to another galaxy in our hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a rocket pencil box. Your young aerospace engineer can study the anatomy of a rocket while you construct a handmade case together. Once your rocket pencil box 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.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning at The National featuring Fox & Branch
Anchored in American roots music, Fox and Branch are as much a celebration of being together as it is a musical performance. Audience members are invited to sing along, to dance, and to come onstage to try their hand at the washboard and other musical instruments. Dave Fox and Will Branch strive to create a communal atmosphere of fun and high spirits wherever they play. Everyone has fun at a Fox and Branch show!

10:00am-3:00pm: World’s Fair at the DAR Museum
Experience the excitement, innovation, and wonder of a c.1900 World’s Fair. Learn about inventions that thrilled fairgoers and play games enjoyed by children and adults alike at these grand events. Celebrate cultures around the world by exploring the booths of local embassies and cultural centers. Fun for the whole family, this event is not one to miss and is free!

10:15am: Sound Health: Community Yoga at the Kennedy Center
Join on Saturday mornings for a FREE all-levels vinyasa yoga class in the Grand Foyer–part of the Kennedy Center’s Sound Health program connecting the performing arts to mind-body wellness. An instructor from a different local yoga studio will lead each session.

3:00pm: Early access to see THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2
Purchase your early bird tickets at atm.tk/angrybirds2 (password: target). See the film almost 2 weeks before anyone else! Take your family, take your friends, take your frenemies, and catch this special advance screening

Sunday

9:00am-10:30am: Hello Kitty! Preschool Class at the National Zoo 
Looking for the PURR-fect activity this weekend? Come learn about the fabulous felines of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, from speedy cheetahs to tough tigers! 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. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. 

1:30pm AND 7:30pm: Disney’s Aladdin at the Kennedy Center
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical! From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle. 

3:30pm-4:15pm: Summer Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage: Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?
You and your child will 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. Best for ages 1-5.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: How To Train Your Dragon 3
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 the delicious dining establishments, and meet at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once. They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.

More events:
The Citi Open
National Building Museum Summer Block Party
The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre
The Ballad of Mu Lan at Imagination Stage
Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
Global Children’s Film Series at Landmark Theatre West End

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