Weekend Picks: June 23-25, 2017

Saturday & Sunday join the 25th Annual Giant National Capital BBQ Battle. Pennsylvania Avenue will transform into a festival sights, sounds, tastes and aromas. Taking place on Pennsylvania Ave & Constitution Ave, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Over 30 bands will perform throughout the two day battle. Children 12 and under are free, purchase tickets here. 

Bring your young animal lover to the Zoo this weekend for “Who’s New at the National Zoo,” a preschool class for 2-3 and 3-5 year olds! Join us as we learn about some of the new faces, flippers, wings, and hooves at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes use hands-on activities, crafts, stories, songs, and the Zoo’s animal collection to help your child learn about environmental conservation and life science while building important cognitive and social skills. Class meets on Saturday, June 24 for 2-3 year olds OR Sunday, June 25 for 3-5 year olds from 9:00-10:30a.m. Pre-registration is required. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. Learn more and register here. 

¡Ratón en Movimiento! at Imagination Stage begins this weekend with shows on Saturday & Sunday. In this interactive play, the audience becomes part of the story through multi-sensory activities. This production is now performed in both Spanish and English. Best for ages 1-5.

Friday-

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Garden
(Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrances  at 9th Street, NW Washington, DC)
Jazz In The Garden at Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art features an eclectic mix of jazz is performed by top Washington-area artists. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments, including a beer and wine menu.

6:00pm: Summer evenings at the National Arboretum with IntiLuna & Mister G
(Please enter through the R Street NE Gate -GPS: 2400 R Street NE, Washington, DC 20002)
FONA and the Washington Youth Garden present seven free evenings of music in the Meadow for the 2017 Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and relax below the Capital Columns. All these events hosted by the Friends of the National Arboretum are free, BUT reservations are required.

6:30pm-8:30pm: Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert at Yards Park
(355 Water St SE)
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 7th 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-

9:00am-1:00pm: National Day of Play at Gymboree Play & Music DC 
(2639 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 113 WDC 20008)
Our teachers will lead a day full of FREE activities for children 4 and under. Embark on a playspace adventure, create artistic masterpieces, hop on a parachute flight, swim in a sea of bubbles, sing classic Gymboree Play & Music songs, treats, facepainter, giveaways and RAFFLE. The event is FREE but you must pre-register. Please call 202-267-245 to reserve your spot.

10:30am-11:30am: Friends of Stead Park Concert
(1625 P St NW) 
We are happy to bring you ‘Culture Queen,’ with her empowering entertainment for children.  Culture Queen infuses calypso, afro-beat, jazz and hip-hop which is sure to get your little ones dancin’ to the beat! The event is free. P.S. We will keep a close eye on the weather.  If rain is in the forecast for Saturday morning, we will postpone the concert and let you know via Facebook.

Sunday-

9:00am-10:30am: Playdate in the Park at Chevy Chase Playground
(5500 41st St NW)
Join local families and PJ Library for a playdate in the park! Nosh, splash read and enjoy a special surprise.

6:00pm: Double Feature– Babe & Sing: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
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.

Plan ahead for Fourth of July!