Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Ongoing Events
Mr. Popper’s Penguins at Imagination Stage
Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. So he’s thrilled when a penguin named Captain Cook waddles out of a mysterious box left on his doorstep. Full of puppets, songs, and fun, this musical is best for ages 3-10. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is on stage through August 7.

Fantastagirl at the Math Monster at Adventure Theatre
Fantastagirl, a second-grade superhero who uses words to save the day, comes face to face with her worst nightmare: the Math Monster! When confronted with problems too big for words alone to solve, Fantastagirl must accept help from her friendly, furry, fraction-loving foe. While Fantastagirl and Math Monster use words and numbers to help her friends and scientist moms, something far more sinister than Math brews on the horizon. Playing through August 31.

The Playhouse at The National Building Museum 
The National Building Museum and the Folger Shakespeare Library, in association with the University of South Carolina, are partnering this summer to present The Playhouse. Starting on Friday, July 1–and running through August 28, 2022–visitors can step back in time with the Bard for the latest iteration of the Museum’s Summer Block Party. Guests of all ages will find something fun to do, including building an Elizabethan City by Design, a Shakespearean-version of a favorite Museum activity where visitors discover details about city planning and create a town of buildings constructed from recycled materials. A scavenger hunt will take participants throughout the Museum looking for Midsummer characters, and guided tours will present the art and mystery of stagecraft while showing the intricacies of The Playhouse’s construction.

Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves this weekend.

Friday
5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday’s at the Park
Did someone say live music and food trucks? We are moving our annual Fridays at the Fountain event to Long Bridge Park. This outdoor concert series features local bands and musicians and is free to attend. 

6:30pm-8:30pm: Friday Night Concert Series: So Fetch 2000s Tribute Band
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 12th Season, this year back on the Yards Park boardwalk! 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
8:00am-1:00pm: DC’s Annual Truck Touch at RFK  Stadium, Lot 8
The event will feature a variety of free activities for kids and adults. A host of DC government agencies will present and demonstrate nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile health care, and more. Coordinated annually by the DC Department of Public Works, kids are encouraged to climb into trucks and adults invited to test drive various equipment. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will also provide a bevy of activities for kids and adults including, tennis, basketball and fitness activities. Free boxed lunches will be provided to kids up to age 18 as part of the DC Free Summer Meals Program.

10:00am-3:00pm: Arts Family Day at Mount Vernon
Discover art as expression and communication in the 18th century through visual arts, poetry, music, and movement. Visit the 12-Acre Field to learn about art in the 18th century. Enjoy fun activities led by the Mount Vernon staff, such as writing with a quill pen. There will also be take home crafts and an arts journal to explore the estate. Activities and take-home craft kits available while supplies last. 

11:00am-7:00pm: Fiesta Asia Street Fair
The National Asian Heritage festival Signature Event – Fiesta Asia Street Fair is back LIVE in 2022! In it’s 17th year, Fiesta Asia Street Fair is the longest running, most inclusive & the largest FREE Pan-Asian Festival in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Fiesta Asia Street Fair features over 1000 performers + artisans + entrepreneurs + food vendors + organizations on multiple stages representing more than 20 cultures for 8 consecutive hours to create the festivities that are enjoyed by thousands of visitors. It is truly an amalgamation of the diverse Asian cultures and heritage!

2:00pm-4:00pm: Bastille Day in the Park
Fessenden Park becomes Tenleytown’s own little “French Quarter” as Tenleytown Main Street celebrates Bastille Day. Enjoy quiche and profiteroles, sip Perrier, Orangina, and rose sangria, play the classic lawn game pétanque, listen to live music by accordionist Russell Wilson, and take part in French-themed crafts. Play Bastille Day Trivia for a chance to win one of five adult beverage gift sets from Verified Wine & Fine Spirits. Visit the link above for more details!

3:00pm-6:00pm: Summer Jazz Celebration at The Kreeger Museum
Gather in the sculpture garden and enjoy an evening of live music. In collaboration with Elijah Jamal Balbed, The Kreeger Museum is honored and thrilled to present Jazz at The Kreeger, a series that furthers our mission to share music across the city. Now in its second year, this series supports and spotlights the wealth of musical talent in our metropolitan area. Please bring your own canned beverage and picnic blanket. Glass beverages and lawn chairs will not be permitted on site. 

Sunday
10:00am-3:00pm: Arts Family Day at Mount Vernon
Discover art as expression and communication in the 18th century through visual arts, poetry, music, and movement. Visit the 12-Acre Field to learn about art in the 18th century. Enjoy fun activities led by the Mount Vernon staff, such as writing with a quill pen. There will also be take home crafts and an arts journal to explore the estate. Activities and take-home craft kits available while supplies last. 

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