Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Shiver me timbers; Pirates and Wenches Fantasy Weekend is taking over Rock Hall, Maryland all weekend long. Put on those costumes and head to the Eastern Shore for a weekend of swashbuckling fun where you may even walk the plank. See link above for all of the yo-ho fun kids activities, entertainment and a long list of interactive events all weekend long.

Peach Daze Fuzztival at Great Country Farms is this weekend. 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).

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.

Saturday

9:00am-10:30am: Awesome Apes Zoo Class
Looking for SWINGING activity to do with your children this weekend? Come learn about the awesome apes of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! What features do we share with our ancient ancestors and what makes each of us special? This Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes is 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. 

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning at The National: Clowning Around with Shakespeare
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: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man at the Children’s Hour
Sponsored by the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., the Children’s Hour is a free, children’s show on the second Saturday of every month that is open to the public.

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.

11:00am-12:00pm: Ice Cream making at Pierce Mill
Come learn about making this hand cranked frozen treat brought over from France by Dolly Madison.  Watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, help turn the crank, and learn about the brine that freezes the cream.  A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson with modern adaptation will be available to take away.  Free!

5:00pm-6:30pm: Havdalah Winery Family Picnic Dinner
Explore the sights, sounds and smells of Havdalah — the Jewish ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. Bring the family, enjoy a picnic (pack a dinner or buy one on site) and welcome in the new week with your Growing Jewish families community. We will celebrate together by sharing stories, exploring the traditional Havdalah set (candles and spices) and more! All are welcome–so bring your friends, family and neighbors for a beautiful evening at the winery! Bring blankets and chairs in case tables fill up. RSVP here.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Lily Ponds Live! Concert
The second Lily Ponds Live Concert of the season is a time where they celebrate visitors, generous supporters, volunteers, and partners for all that support Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Bring a chair, blanket, picnic, and all your family and friends. There will be live music, food, and games for kids.

Sunday

9:00am-10:30am: Awesome Apes Zoo Class
Looking for SWINGING activity to do with your children this weekend? Come learn about the awesome apes of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! What features do we share with our ancient ancestors and what makes each of us special? This Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes is designed for children ages 3-5 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. 

11:00am-5:30pm: DC VegFest
DC VegFest is organized by Compassion Over Killing and Brings Vegan Celebrity Speakers, Entertainers and Chefs to vegans and pre-vegans alike. A free festival featuring plant-based food, entertainment and more than 120 different vendors Vegan food will be served by dozens of vendors including Vegan Treats, Amsterdam Falafelshop, Brewing Good Coffee, Bakeshop DC, Ben & Jerry’s, and YogiDog- Over 100 nonprofit and commercial exhibitors will set up shop for the day: Dr. Bronner’s, A Well-Fed World, Roots Market, Barnard Medical Center, TryVeg.com, and many more.

3:30pm-4:15pm: Summer Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage: Five Little Monkeys
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: Learning to See The World of Insects
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:
National Building Museum Summer Block Party
Treasure Island at Synetic Theatre
The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre
The Ballad of Mu Lan at Imagination Stage– Final Weekend
Balloonacy at Imagination Stage
Global Children’s Film Series at Landmark Theatre West End

**Visit our calendar to plan ahead!
**Follow us on social media for the latest events and information- Facebook & Instagram are our go-to’s