Weekend Picks: St. Patrick’s Day parades, truck touch and interactive music shows!

It’s mid-March already?! Put on the green this weekend and catch a local parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. If parades aren’t your thing there’s plenty to do, especially on Saturday.

9:30am and 11:00am- Rick Potter: Bert the Nerd at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004)
Bert performs amazing feats of skill, daring stunts and incredible magic at this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance.

10:00am-4:00pm- Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser at Walt Whitman Middle School
(2500 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306)
Children are invited to spend a day in the driver’s seat and explore trucks big and small at Fort Hunt Preschool’s annual hands-on, touch-a-truck event. Children will have an opportunity to climb on up into trucks of all shapes and sizes—to press buttons, to honk horns, and to learn about gadgets. Enjoy entertainment and refreshments —including delicious food by Red Hot & Blue— while enjoying a fantastic selection of vehicles. $5 for attendees older than 2 years old.

10:00am- A Day at the Ballet at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
(CHAW: 545 7th St, SE.)
CHAW and Connect the Dots Dance Company present “A Day at the Ballet”. This free interactive ballet performance is perfect for children ages 3-12 and includes performances from major works, ballet crafts, costumes, a backstage tour, and more.  Free but please call (202) 547-6839.

10:00am- Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning at The Washingtonian  Center
(209 Boardwalk Pl, Gaithersburg, MD 20878)
The parade will feature a pipe band, marching band, music, animals and more. Stick around after the parade is over for live music and family activities in the plaza area until 1 p.m.

10:30am-11:15am- Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, Md. 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience. An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book (Baby Beluga) with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets are $6.

10:30am- The Singing Lizard at Family Fiesta at El Tamarindo
(1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Liz, The Singing Lizard is back! You’ve seen us recommend her shows through Boogie Babes and Rise and Rhyme, now she’s back at the Family Fiesta! Stay after the show for El Tamarindo’s delicious food and kid-friendly options. Children of all ages will enjoy the music. $4 person/3 people for $10.

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10:30am- Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres at John Marshall Library
(6209 Rose Hill Drive Alexandria, VA 22310)
!Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! is a sure bet every time. Children of various ages enjoy this interactive show that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture.

10:30am- Banjo Man Frank Cassel Family Show at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Frank Cassel has been a performing musician, songwriter, and teacher in the Washington, DC area for many years. He plays guitar, flute and 5-string banjo professionally, specializing in folk, bluegrass and original music. He is well known in the Washington, DC area as an entertaining and engaging performer. $25/family of 4 pack

10:30 am (Doors open at 10:00am)- Junior Jams: Dave Brewer and the Pre-K Kings at FNDTN
(FNDTN Gallery & Liveroom – 3762 Howard Ave. Kensington, Md. 20895)
Foundation is a boutique art gallery and intimate live music venue. We’ve seen Dave Brewer and the Pre-K Kings and these Dad’s are very entertaining. They use stories, props, magic tricks and a constant thread of humor while getting children to dance and move around. $6 advanced/$8 at door.

10:30- The Great Zucchini at Doodlehopper 4 Kids
(228 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046)
Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh. Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show.

11:00am-3:00pm- Springtime Kite Craft at Lakeshore Learning
(7009A Manchester Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22310)
Free event!! You may end up spending a few dollars on new toys and crafts but celebrate the arrival of spring. Children will create a springtime kite craft.

1:00pm-6:00pm- Pendragwn Youth Film Festival at Atlas Performing Arts Center
(1333 H St, NE, Washington, DC 20002)
The Pendragwn Youth Film Festival showcases the best and brightest young filmmakers between 11-18 years old. Twelve films will be screened and a Q & A with the filmmakers will be held after each screening block. Family friendly event and tickets are free.

2:00pm- The Great Zucchini at Marilyn J Praisner Library
(14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866)
In case you missed his morning show in Falls Church he’s backkkk! Voted as Washington’s funniest children’s performer sings, dances, performs magic, and has the audience laughing and screaming with joy. Highly interactive. Ages 3 and up are invited.

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4:30pm-6:30pm- Vienna Choral Society Presents Lullabies From Around the World at Vienna Baptist Church
(541 Marshall Road SW, Vienna, VA 22180)
Enjoy children’s classics from all over the world including songs in Ladino, Zulu, and Russian, courtesy of the Vienna Choral Society. This concert will also feature pieces from Aaron Copland and Billy Joel. Check out the campfire circle, where you can cozy up to a family-friendly story. Encouraged to wear PJ’s and stay for cookies afterwards. Children 14 and under free with a paid adult, $25.

Sunday:

10:00am-12:00pm- Purim Carnival at DCJCC
(1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Carnival includes carnival games, food, prizes, costume sharing, and a chance to hear the Purim story told especially for families with young children. Families with children ages 0 – 6 will particularly appreciate the day’s festivities.  You don’t need to be a member to come and have a great time. If you are able, bring a box of mac-and-cheese to use as a grogger and after the event, all food be donated  to a local food bank.. Price per family $20, $15 discounted member rate or DC Minyan Rate.

11:00am-4:00pm- NoVa Mini Maker Faire
(Held at South Lakes High and Hughes Middle Schools)
Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning.We’re also looking forward to giving you and your kids many opportunities to learn to make things too. Register here.

11:00am-1:30pm- Baby Loves Disco at The Rock n Roll Hotel
(1353 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002)
Baby Loves Disco, the original family dance party, has boogied back into the Beltway! There will be a DJ and an MC playing catchy tunes. The Disco is as child friendly as an event gets with lots of activities to keep everyone busy. Snacks, juice boxes and more will be on hand for all!Buy tickets here. Recommended for kids 6 months-7 years old (non-walkers are free) $18/p or $60/family.

12:00pm- St. Patrick’s Day Parade at The National Mall
(National Mall, Constitution Ave. between 7th and 17th Sts., Washington, D.C.)
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade. This two-and-a-half hour special event, known as the Nation’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will include floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military, police, and fire departments. Local Irish pubs will sponsor parade parties featuring Irish musicians, dancers and signers.

Check out theatres and shows going on this weekend. Most have been selling out a few days in advance however. We saw Inside, Out at Imagination Stage last weekend and highly recommend it for kids 1-4. It was interactive, colorful and fun!