DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Looking for exciting things to do in Washington, DC this weekend? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the nation’s capital is packed with events for everyone. From cultural festivals to live music, outdoor markets, and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Get ready to explore the best of what DC has to offer, and make the most of your weekend with this post including can’t-miss happenings around the city!

All weekend

Move over pandas there’s a new tiger in town- Daniel Tiger! Based on the award-winning PBS KIDS television series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, created by Fred Rogers Productions, the exhibit immerses young learners in the adventures of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger as he learns about recognizing and communicating his emotions. The exhibit at The National Children’s Museum includes hands-on activities that foster young learners’ understanding of their feelings and how to express themselves through collaboration, creativity, and interactive play. Plan your visit to experience Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit, on display in the Visiting Exhibit Hall from September 14, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

Maryland Renaissance Festival is in full swing with turkey legs and jousting. The festival offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including interactive shows, games, and rides designed for younger visitors. There are puppet shows, storytelling, and even medieval carnival games like archery and axe throwing. The festival features a wide variety of performances, including jousting tournaments, live theater, musical acts, comedy shows, and dance performances. Many of the entertainers interact with the audience, and you’ll find plenty of costumed characters roaming the grounds, adding to the festive atmosphere. The festival boasts a large marketplace featuring more than 140 artisans selling handmade goods, including jewelry, clothing, leather goods, pottery, swords, and other medieval-themed items. It’s a great place to pick up unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Don’t forget to wear a costume!

Washington Ukranian Festival takes place on the grounds of St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring. A portion of the proceeds is for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. On Saturday evening plan to be entertained by a live concert with artists from Ukraine and Canada. In addition a Ukrainian Dance troupe will entertain for two days. Enjoy Ukrainian artists and dancers, crafts, children’s activities, delicious Ukrainian food, and a Kozak beer garden.

Hecho en México at National Museum of the American Indian
Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) refers to the official classification that identifies products that are uniquely made in Mexico. Mexican artisans, including Pedro Ortega Lozano, known for his work in papel picado; Óscar Becerra-Mora, who creates alebrije sculptures; and Cilau Valadez, who specializes in the Huichol art of yarn painting all join us to demonstrate their creative practices.

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival takes place in John Carlyle Square. Alexandria is recognized as one of the country’s premier artistic hubs. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Friday

6:30pm-10:00pm: Drive-in Movie at Union Market: Star Wars: The Force Awakens 
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for the 12th season! It’s the perfect blend of movies and munchies with amazing concessions. From street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, experience it all at Union Market District. Bring your chairs and blankets for a cozy picnic-style setup in front of The Market. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place. See you there!

Saturday

9:00am-5:00pm: Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon
Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Hear live music from the colonial era. Play 18th-century games on the bowling green. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques.

9:30am-11:30am: Teddy Bear Clinic at National Museum of Health and Medicine
Bring your favorite stuffed friend and explore the Teddy Bear Clinic at the National Museum of Health and Medicine with activities and crafts designed to highlight the body, physical fitness, and healthy habits. This family program is recommended for children in PreK-2nd grade.

10:00am-4:00pm: Artisans Market at Blackrock Center for the Arts
Featuring local crafts, art, and handmade goods. This festive outdoor event is a celebration of local creativity and craftsmanship, providing an opportunity for community members to explore and support talented artisans from the region. Later that evening, BlackRock will host the Opening Reception for Colores: A Survey of Latine Art. The exhibition celebrates Latine artistry, highlighting the diverse voices and perspectives from across the community. The reception will offer a chance to meet the artists, view their stunning works, and enjoy live entertainment, setting the tone for a season of cultural appreciation and artistic excellence. 

10:30am-3:30pm: Family Day at Library of Congress: Hispanic Heritage Month
Make your own book inspired by Latin American cartoneras and meet staff from the Library’s Hispanic Division. Each Family Day includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home.

11:00am-5:00pm: Celebrate Petworth
Celebrate Petworth is a free neighborhood festival organized by and for the residents of Petworth—celebrating the creativity, diversity, culture, and people of Petworth and its surrounding neighborhoods.

11:30am-4:00pm: Holiday Stamps Family Festival at the National Postal Museum
The winter holidays have come to the Museum early this year! Come and meet Guest Artist Katie Kirk in person while we celebrate the new 2024 Christmas stamps issued by the Postal Service. There will be crafts, games, and all sorts of winter holiday family fun. Registration is not required. Prior to the start of the Holiday Stamps Family Festival, the National Postal Museum will host the First Day of Issue ceremonies for the two 2024 Christmas stamps.

Sunday

9:00am-5:00pm: Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon
Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Hear live music from the colonial era. Play 18th-century games on the bowling green. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques.

Save the Date
September 21 and 22: Mo @ the NSO
With the help of the National Symphony Orchestra and all-star guests, New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Mo Willems introduces fun musical ideas, explores big emotions, and invites viewers to listen, play, and create in this world premiere concert for families.

September 21 from 10am-3pm: Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Enjoy the grounds as the Lincolns did with a full day of family fun at Homecoming! During the Civil War, the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. Tad Lincoln spent three summers of his childhood exploring the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home as well as the rooms of the Cottage. Here he played with friends, soldiers, animals, as well as his own family. You can expect arts & crafts, storytelling, pony rides & a petting zoo, enjoy a picnic from food trucks, music and more.

September 21 from 12pm-7pm: H Street Festival
H Street Festival is one of the most anticipated and highly attended single day festivals in Washington D.C.  The festival is 12 blocks long and has 15 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences.  The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more.

September 27-28: Art All Night
With activations in all 8 wards, there is more to explore than ever before. Join your favorite artists and local businesses and discover new ones as we come together to celebrate the District of Columbia. Scroll down to explore each neighborhood’s activation!

September 28-29: Fiesta DC
This two-day extravaganza transforms Washington, DC into a global fiesta celebrating latino cultures. Savor authentic and diverse Latin American cuisine, lose yourself in the infectious rhythms of live music and dance performances, and explore a marketplace brimming with handcrafted artisan creations. Fiesta DC is a celebration for all ages, offering engaging activities and fostering a spirit of community and cultural exchange.

October 7 from 11am-4pm: Chuseok Family Festival
Celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with NMAA! Learn about both past and current traditions of one of the biggest holidays in South Korea. Take pictures in traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok and view a charye table display, which is a traditional feast prepared for a family’s ancestors. Enjoy special performances, food talks, programming from local community groups, and more! This event is co-presented by the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC, and Onjium.

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