Weekend Picks: Then and Wow, Figment DC and Festivals

Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are among the must-do Fall activities. Here is your guide to a few!

FIGMENT DC, is this Saturday and Sunday in Anacostia Park. Megan Fowler gives great insight into the event– FIGMENT is a free, inclusive, participatory arts event held in multiple cities. FIGMENT’s mission is to offer free, family-friendly and participatory art to entire communities. The event blurs the lines between those who create and those who enjoy art — turning an urban park into a magical playground. Ever wanted to insert yourself into a live foosball table? Make a wish and watch it grow into a flower? Join your child in making matching tutus? All of these opportunities plus music, workshops, art, crafts, etc. will be at FIGMENT DC. It is also a unique opportunity to dress up, play, and bring your own imagination to life. Bring your costumes, tutus, hoops, kites, games, and readiness to be silly. And don’t forget your roller skates! The skating pavilion is a great place to show off your skills. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch & water. There will be very limited concessions sold at the event.

Maryland Renaissance Festival  is still in town. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come any weekend through October 17.

Saturday-

9:30am and 11:00am: Saturday Morning at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Free performances for children. Cantare – What’s That Sound? Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with interactive Latin American folk tales brought to life! Tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to show.

10:30am: The Twigs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave, Vienna, VA)
The Twigs are alternative pop musicians, twin sisters and multi instrumentalists Laura Good and Linda Good. They feature clever songwriting, ukulele grooves, quirky keyboards, sisterly harmony and also features Laura’s eight year old daughter, Alena, on vocals and songwriting. $8 or a family of 4 pack for $25.

10:30am: Bridgette and Dawn at FNDTN
(3762 Howard Ave. Kensington, MD)
We’ve heard this Guitar, songwriter at Boogie Babes many times. Sing along at this intimate venue. $6 advanced/$8 cash at the door.

10:30am: 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 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. $6 per person. Featured book: Jamberry. Register here. 

11:00am-5:00pm: Barracks Row Fall Festival
(8th St SE, DC 20003)
Trapeze school performers, military cooking competitions, tap dancing horse and more. Check out the schedule here.

11:00am-3:00pm: Rock Creek Park’s 124th anniversary celebration at Pierce Mill
(2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC 20015)
Join RCP for a day of milling and historic craftspeople demonstrations, history hikes, an author talk, children’s games and more. Explore the diverse history of one of the oldest and largest urban nature parks in the United States and watch the waterwheel come to life as the gristmill operates.

11:00am-3:00pm: St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School Family Fun Day
(4700 Whitehaven Parkway NW)
Bounce house, games, prizes, local vendors and new this year–a Petting Zoo!!

11:00am-10:00pm: Frederick Oktoberfest
(e-ventplex at the Frederick Fairgrounds)
Bratwurst, Oktoberfest bier, German wines, dancing, music, children’s events and much more!

12:00pm-4:00pm: Taste of Friendship Heights
(4433 South Park Ave. in Chevy Chase, MD)
A celebration of community and cuisine featuring great food from local restaurants, music by the Dixie Power Trio, moon bounce, face painting, balloons, basketball games and restaurant raffle drawing. Attendees
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 tickets;
 1
 raffle
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 $20 
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Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured book: Giraffes Can’t Dance. Register here.

11:00am-6:00pm: Frederick Oktoberfest
(e-ventplex at the Frederick Fairgrounds)
Bratwurst, Oktoberfest bier, German wines, dancing, music, children’s events and much more!

11:00am-5:00pm: Glen Echo Then and Wow!
(7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD)
Then and Wow is the Glen Echo Park Partnership’s annual family festival celebrating the Park’s revitalization and recalling its history. Visitors of all ages may also enjoy “Fun House” activities in the Park’s historic Spanish Ballroom, where families can watch a free magic show, learn to juggle, play with hula hoops, or try their hand at bean bag toss games. The Bumper Car Pavilion will be filled with arcade games, featuring skee-ball, spin-art, balloon blaster, ring toss, basketball hoops, and a bulls-eye game. The Spanish Ballroom lobby houses a second arcade area for young children and toddlers. Admission into Glen Echo is free however some activities cost money.

1:00pm-6:00pm: The Tentleytown Block Party
(4100 River Road NW The City Church Parking Lot)
FREE Grilled Burgers, Hot Dogs, Drinks, Sno-cones, popcorn/cotton candy and Dessert Food Truck. Moon Bounce For Children, 45′ Inflatable Obstacle Course For Teens/Adults, Face Painting and Balloon Animals, NFL Zone- Featuring Live Game Viewing Tent, 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament w/ Trophies and prizes, Music – Live DJ, Ferris Wheel Ride For Children, Skate Park with ramps, rails and more , Care Packaging Station For Local Area First Responders and Much More at this free, community event sponsored by The City Church.