Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

Take a break from watching the World Cup and get out this weekend.

Washington, DC Boat Festival is happening Saturday & Sunday which is a family favorite. The Boat Festival, now celebrating it’s 17th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing. The event is sponsored by the Taiwan-U.S. Cultural Association (TUSCA) and serves to promote Taiwanese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing.

Saturday & Sunday from 9:00am-10:30am you can register for the 2-3 year old class: Lion Lessons Class at the Zoo. Do they have what it takes to be part of the pride? Learn what it’s like to be a lion and test your skills with us and our wild role models! “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. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. 

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm:Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Blues, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the Sculpture Garden but may be purchased at the café. 

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come 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

10:00am-3:00pm: Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Explore the engineering and design innovations that have taken place during the last century of flight. Talk with pilots of over 50 vintage and modern aircraft, on display outside the Museum for one day only. Discover the science behind flight through hands-on, STEM-based activities. Free but parking is $15.

10:30am: Ribbon cutting ceremony at Cleveland Park Library
The new Cleveland Park Library at 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, will open on Saturday!! Join Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Mary Cheh, Councilmember David Grosso and DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. followed by a day of family friendly festivities. The new library offers welcoming spaces for children, teens and adults.

11:00am-6:00pm: Columbia Heights Day Festival
The best local DC street party is back and you’re invited!! Join us in celebration of diversity and community with the neighborhood’s finest food, drink, and entertainment. Discover artisans, entrepreneurs, and area businesses in the heart of Columbia Heights. The fun is everywhere and for everyone! We have three stages of live music, dance, and free fitness classes. Kids can play at the carnival on the Harriet Tubman field while adults make their own fun at the Meridian Pint beer garden. 11th Street between Park Road and Irving Street. FREE (Donations welcome!)

2:00pm: Now & Then: Takoma Park Folk Festival 40th Year Celebration
“Now & Then” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the renowned Takoma Park Folk Festival, including its music, mission, and history. Several festival musicians will perform at the event, and festival organizers will present a multi-media program about one of Takoma Park’s most cherished cultural institutions.

6:00pm: Cinema Del Ray: The Lego Batman Movie
The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up. (No 4 legged friends)

Sunday

5:30pm: Kids Pajama Jam Party at AMP
Grammy-winning funk and hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings the excitement and energy of hip-hop to children’s music in this special Father’s Day performance. With sophisticated instrumental funk and witty wordplay, his live shows are alive with call-and-response anthems and unique and heartwarming party music that will fill the whole family with delight. In this special performance, 23 Skidoo will be joined by students from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras for a performance of Mozartistic. Originally commissioned by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Mozartistic is an unforgettable blend of original hip-hop and classical pieces by Mozart. Find out why NPR said, “Nobody is making better ‘kid-hop’ than Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.” Everyone needs a ticket!

11:00am-12:00pm: Storytime at HIrshhorn
It’s Father’s Day! Join us for a special program in celebration of dad. We’ll look at sculptor Kenneth Snelson’s Needle Tower, then imagine we can climb to the moon with a read-aloud of Papa Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle. Following the story, we’ll create a special take-home artwork.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Zookeeper
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 our delicious dining establishments, and meet us 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, so end times may vary with each movie.