Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

We have a new reel from a visit to FUTURES an exhibit in the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building. You will find immersive art installations, interactives, working experiments, inventions, and “artifacts of the future,” as well as historic objects and discoveries from the Smithsonian that will inspire you to be hopeful and excited for the future. You can stay all day but since it is free of charge go and come as you please. It is situated next to Hirshhorn and across from the Sculpture Garden.

Ongoing

Smithsonian FUTURES is part exhibition, part festival!. FUTURES presents nearly 32,000 square feet of new immersive site-specific art installations, interactives, working experiments, inventions, speculative designs, and “artifacts of the future,” as well as historic objects and discoveries from 23 of the Smithsonian’s museums, major initiatives, and research centers. Of the nearly 150 objects on view, several are making their public debut: an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven rover from Alphabet’s X that could transform agriculture; a Planetary Society space sail for deep space travel; a Loon internet balloon; the first full-scale Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome built in North America; the world’s first controlled thermonuclear fusion device; and more.

ARTECHOUSE has a new exhibit– Transient: Impermanent Paintings. Experience an immersive journey into artistic process, inspired by music and traditional painting techniques. This groundbreaking exhibition, originally composed as a live performance, presents a series of audiovisual paintings created by the artist in concert with generative algorithms. The exhibition employs technology as a lens to explore music for the 21st-century audience and rethink the traditional artistic techniques in the context of human-machine relationship.

Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails! is at National Children’s Museum through May 15. Step into the world of Thomas & Friends™ in our new exhibit, which features favorite engines and destinations from the popular children’s series alongside playful STEAM learning experiences. As Dreamers help Thomas and his engine friends Percy and Victor solve a variety of challenges, they’ll build foundational STEAM skills, like thinking mathematically and creatively, making comparisons, experimenting to solve problems, and reflecting on actions and results. Recommended for children ages 2-7, the exhibit features text in both English and Spanish.

DCPL’s Winter Challenge continues through the end of March. The DC Public Library and the Washington Wizards invite children and teens (ages 3 – 19) to stay active and engaged this winter season by participating. It’s easy! Register for Winter Challenge and pick up your Winter Challenge game board at your Neighborhood Library or sign up online. If you have participated in past reading programs, you can log in to your account with your username and password. Make sure your email is up to date as that is how the library and the Wizards will notify you about prizes.

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. We are interested in unique perspectives and art that connect us to the many facets of our humanity.

Enjoy Sunday’s weather with a hike or trip to a local beach.

Saturday

11:30am AND 1:00pm: Rapunzel at The Puppet Co
This charming hand puppet retelling of the classic fairytale is performed by just one person! Princesses can be named after vegetables, witches can have good intentions, and sometimes you need a little song to help you get you through your day. Recommended for ages 4+. Run time approximately 40 minutes.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Ice Yards
Ice Yards has become the event of the winter season, with revelers enjoying an unparalleled afternoon in DC’s winter wonderland. Guests are invited to enjoy this aprés ski inspired event! PLUS! Ice Yards will continue its partnership with The Polar Bear Plunge. The Yards and The Polar Bear Plunge will join forces to benefit the Special Olympics District of Columbia. Above- ground swimming pools will be erected at The Yards Park, and participants will “take the plunge” to the cheers of the crowd! The Polar Plunge supports over 2,500 DC-based athletes with year-round sports training and the opportunity to compete in the Special Olympics DC Games. It will be a snow-brainer to stop by this fun winter event in the middle of the city! This event will adhere to all city mandated Covid protocols. This event is 21+.

1:30pm: P. Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio that will have your kids dancing in their seats. Best for ages 5-11.

2:00pm: Omnium Circus Presents I’m Possible at Capital One Hall in Tysons
“I’m Possible” is the story of young boy who has a dream to join the circus. He confronts a world full of challenges and through a death defying, awe inspiring, madcap circus adventure discovers the strength, courage and perseverance that changes his life forever. Omnium means of all and belonging to all- presenting the best in family circus entertainment—inclusive of all and accessible to all at every performance.

2:00pm: Make Way for Duckling at Adventure Theatre
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them.  The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama.  A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.

3:00pm-7:00pm: Mardi Gras at the Wharf
New Orleans has come to DC! Celebrate Mardi Gras with a free community-wide extravaganza featuring a lively parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale.

Sunday

10:00am-3:00pm: B&O’s 195^th Birthday Party
The B&O Railroad Museum is celebrating the 195th birthday of the B&O Railroad. Join for family-friendly festivities all day long as we celebrate the legacy of the B&O and the wonder of American railroading. Guests will enjoy train rides, a balloon drop in which you have the chance to win special prizes including Orioles tickets, Museum passes, and let’s not forget the cupcakes!

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Make Way for Duckling at Adventure Theatre
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. Surprised by a few conditions in the Garden, the Mallards move on to continue their search until their baby ducklings are born. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them.  The challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama.  A classic story for all ages, this world premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children, and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.

11:30am AND 1:00pm: Rapunzel at The Puppet Co
This charming hand puppet retelling of the classic fairytale is performed by just one person! Princesses can be named after vegetables, witches can have good intentions, and sometimes you need a little song to help you get you through your day. Recommended for ages 4+. Run time approximately 40 minutes.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: P. Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical at Imagination Stage
G.Petto is an ingenious computer games designer who one day discovers that his newest game character, P.Nokio, can live outside the computer! G.Petto is thrilled at the prospect of having a “son,” and with the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he teaches P.Nokio how to become a real boy. But, P.Nokio falls in with con artists and finds himself in a web of lies that endangers his father. To save G.Petto, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real, and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. A completely contemporary, high-energy musical update of Pinocchio that will have your kids dancing in their seats. Best for ages 5-11.

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