Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

As we enter the hottest part of summer in DC, we wanted to remind you of the below links that are summer focused; think water play and ice cream to keep you cool!

Summer bucket list
Outdoor summer movies
Ice cream shops!
Splash parks and more water fun
12 sunflower fields
8 games to play in the pool + must-haves for water play
Road trip!
20 classic outdoor games

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.

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. 

5:00pm-7:00pm: Bear Square Concert Series
If you’re looking to jam out on a Friday night at the Bear Square Summer Concert Series, The Station at Riverdale Park has you covered with events for the whole family to enjoy.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Friday Night Fishing will run Friday nights June 17 – August 26 from 5-8 PM and is located at the Diamond Teague Park (1520 First St. SE) across from Nationals Stadium. The event is first come, first onto the dock. Friday Night Fishing is a free event. Bait, tackle, and rods will be provided and there will be staff to help teach you how to fish.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Friday Night Concert Series
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-8:00pm: Lotus & Water Lily Festival
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a one-of-a-kind destination within Anacostia Park and it is a hidden gem in Washington, DC. The summer lotus and lily blossoms are a “must see” during their peak blooming period in July, not unlike viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring. Saturdays & Sundays through July 31.

6:30pm: Kids Night at DC United
Gates open at 6:30pm, game is at 8:00pm. First 5k Kids in Attendance Receive Lollipop Giveaway!

Sunday
8:00am-4:00pm: Lotus & Water Lily Festival
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a one-of-a-kind destination within Anacostia Park and it is a hidden gem in Washington, DC. The summer lotus and lily blossoms are a “must see” during their peak blooming period in July, not unlike viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring. Saturdays & Sundays through July 31.

4:00pm: Kidz Bop Live 2022
The ultimate pop concert for kids (and grown ups too!) is coming your way and it’s all new for 2022. Sing and dance along with the KIDZ BOP Kids as they perform today’s biggest hits, live on stage, including “Good 4 U” and “Dance Monkey.”

Still looking to get away this summer?
13 overnight ideas for parents
Overnight family trips
Beach & State Park day trips

Select Outdoor Pools to Stay Open Until 8PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
In anticipation of high temperatures throughout the weekend, Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended the hours of select outdoor pools from 10 am – 8 pm. starting Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24. A heat emergency has been activated for the District and will be in effect through Monday, July 25. Outdoor pool hours are extended from 10 am to 8 pm at the following locations:

Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW
Volta Park Pool, 1555 34th Street, NW
Hearst Pool, 3701 37th Street, NW
Upshur Pool, 4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW
Langdon Park Pool, 2860 Mills Avenue, NE
Harry Thomas Sr. Pool, 1743 Lincoln Road, NE
Randall Pool, 25 I Street, SW 
Ridge Road Pool, 830 Ridge Road, SE
Rosedale Pool, 1701 Gales Street, NE
Fort Stanton Pool, 1800 Erie Street, SE
Oxon Run Pool, 501 Mississippi Avenue, SE

All other outdoor pools will operate on a normal schedule. Find the full schedule for outdoor pools here.