Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

Celebrate nature, culture and community at the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this weekend from 10:00am-5:00pm. The TWO-DAY festival features performances from cultures around the world, family fun games, arts and crafts and the amazingly beautiful lotuses and water lilies in full bloom! Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a one-of-a-kind experience within Anacostia Park. Celebrate the Centennial of Anacostia Park at one of D.C.’s hidden gems during the Year of the Anacostia.

Friday

10:00am-3:00pm: Mars Day! 2018
The National Air and Space Museum’s annual Mars Day! celebrates the Red Planet with educational and fun activities for all ages that expose visitors to the latest developments in planetary science. Talk to scientists active in Mars research and mission planning, learn about current and future missions, and see a real meteorite from Mars.

5:30pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 18th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00pm to 8:30pm 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).

6:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Live Concert Series
Kick off your weekend with live entertainment, great company, and fantastic food, wine and beer from the restaurants at Rockville Town Square from 6:00pm-9:00pm  on The Square in Rockville Town Square. Music ranges from 80’s and 90’s cover bands, funk and soul, roots rock blues and southern rock.

7:00pm-9:00pm:The Yards Park 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: First Studio at The Kreeger Museum
Children are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each First Studio includes a gallery tour, a story, and a hands-on art-making experience. An adult companion is required and art-making attire is recommended. Read about our wonderful experience here.

10:00am-5:00pm: Dinomite Dinosaur Day and Power Plant Live! & Port Discovery Family Fun Day!
Enjoy a Paleo-Expedition as you are guided through a dino-themed story time; participate in a Tiny Dino Dig while engaging in creative, interactive play; and work up a sweat as you explore body movement through physical activity in Dino-cize! Practice your game show skills and test your dinosaur knowledge in our I Know Dino Game Show! and tap into your inner creative as your make-and-take DinosART paper dinosaurs home! Plus, as part of the PowerPlant Live! and Port Discovery Family Fun Day Series, enjoy access to indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family! All-Access wristbands that include admission to PowerPlant Live’s outdoor family events plus Port Discovery will be on sale for just $15. Admission is free with museum entry, which is $15.95 for individuals two and up. Members and children under two enter free.

10:00am-3:00pm: Day of Archaeology Festival
(See picture below)

10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm: Art Investigators: Mary Cassatt
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 min.

11:00am: Story Time with Washington Nationals Player at Cleveland Park Library
Meet Washington Nationals Pitcher Sean Doolittle at this special story time event for families. He will share stories and answer questions.

1:00pm-2:00pm: “Magic & Music & Stuff!” at Davis Library
a show of impossible magic tricks and off the wall comedy all themed around music, sound and noises. Come prepared to join in the show. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Davis Chapter. This is a summertime program for children of all ages and their families. Tickets will be given out one half hour before program. Best for ages five and up.

6:00pm-8:45pm: Friends of Friendship “Turtle” Park presents: The Turtle Park Jazz Project!
Variety of food and ice cream trucks on hand! Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy a summer evening at the park for adults and kids of all ages!

Sunday

11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm: Art Investigators: Mary Cassatt
How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes.

3:30pm-4:15pm: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child (ages 1-5) are invited to 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. Featured story: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Get your tickets!

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Holes
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! They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.

See a fabulous kid-friendly show this weekend!

Paper Dreams is at Imagination Stage which brings to life their first DANCE performance based show, perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea?
Imagination Stage also has You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown for the older audience. You don’t want to miss your chance to see the comic strip characters of the lovable “Peanuts” gang comic brought to life! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, and Schroeder as they sing and dance their way through the timeless struggles of childhood. This show features catchy songs, including “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, and is the perfect family outing for the young and young at heart!
Adventure Theatre has everyone believing in fairies with Tinkerbell. Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. Or, at least, everyone thinks they do. But unless you have heard it from Tinker Bell’s point of view, you really have not heard it at all. A new twinkling light shines on all the characters you love including, Wendy, the Lost Boys, Peter Pan, Smee, and the nefarious Hook from a feisty fairy’s point of view.
Glen Echo Puppet Co has Winter Wonderland and Snow White and the 7 Dwarves for a variety of audiences.
Wolf Trap Kids Opera – Listen, Wilhelmina! | Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner – Deep Earth/Deep Ocean
Wizard of Oz at Synetic Theater at Georgetown University through August 12. A wizard stuck in a land far away from home—A Scarecrow tied to a pole–A Tinman rusted in a forest–A Lion afraid of his own shadow…their world turned upside down when Dorothy arrives in Oz.