Upcoming Family Events in Metro DC
May 1 – 8, 2014
Shisa Dogs and Taiko Drums. A Japanese Journey
Presented by Smithsonian Discovery Theater
Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Thursday, May 1 ∙ 11:30 am
Nothing is more exciting than the sound of a big Japanese drum. And a huge, purple dancing lion-dog is a must for every festival. Musicians and colorfully costumed dancers from the Chin Hamaya Daiko Culture Center use drums, chant, song, and dance to sweep you into the spirit of celebrations from Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. This program is suited for kids ages 5 and up. $3-$8
The President’s Own Marine Band Chamber Ensemble
National Archives
Thursday, May 1 ∙ 7 pm
Join us for a very special performance of the United States Marine Band Chamber Ensemble. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The Marine Band is uniquely known as “The President’s Own” because of its historic connection to the President of the United States. The relationship between the Marine Band and the White House began on New Year’s Day 1801, when President John Adams invited the band to perform at the Executive Mansion. This performance will include music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Rodgers, and others. FREE!
Tiny Tots: Clowning Around
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Saturday, May 3 ∙ 10 am (June 4 & August 23 too!)
Burlington the Bear, Bingo the Dog, and a clown named Gus are just a few of the delightful characters under the Big Top! $5
Cycle Through Aviation History
College Park Aviation Museum
Saturday, May 3 ∙ 10 am
Discover 250 years of flight in a guided bicycle tour along the Anacostia River trails! From the first balloon flight in America to intriguing 20th century inventions and industry, there’s a lot to see. The ride will be a flat 10 mile loop on calm streets and off-road, paved trails. Snacks will be provided. Bring your bicycle and helmet. Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Please call the Museum to register, phone: 301-864-6029. $4
Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Tour
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Saturday, May 3 ∙ 10:30 am
Be a part of this annual event sponsored by the District’s world embassies. Tour includes access inside various embassy buildings coupled with a tour of the museum’s exhibition Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence. $5
Pirate Fest
Darnall’s Chance House Museum
Saturday, May 3 ∙ 11 am
Ahoy, matey! Have ye ever dreamed what life on the high seas was like in the 18th century? Why did sailors swab the deck? Did they really walk the plank? Come to Pirate Fest and find out these answers and more. Featuring swashbuckling reenactors, hands-on children’s activities, live music, concessions stand, children’s pirate costume contest, a treasure hunt and more for wannabe pirates and landlubbers alike! Children’s program. No reservations necessary. $5 - Children 4 & under FREE!
The Dali Quartet: Latin Fiesta!
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Saturday, May 3 ∙ 1 pm
Hello, Dal! The Dal Quartet is todays freshest voice in Classical and Latin-American music. Their popular Latin Fiesta Family Concert features an interactive program that takes the whole family on a journey of different rhythms and melodies including Argentinean Tangos, Cuban Boleros, Caribbean Rumbas, and Venezuelan Joropos and ensures dancing in the aisles. Audiences learn various rhythmic patterns, dance steps and the origin of many of these genres and how they relate to and influence Western classical music. Dalis inspiring and fun presentations make chamber music accessible and fun for the whole family. $14
May Revels
Strathmore
Sunday, May 4 ∙ 12 pm
An outdoor family festival celebrating spring, featuring performances of traditional music and dance, processions, a crowning of the May Queen, mummers plays, children’s activities, food, crafts, sing-alongs, and audience participation – even in the May Pole Dance! FREE!
Spring Family Day Open House
Artisphere
Sunday, May 4 ∙ 12 pm
A day of free fun for the entire family featuring Happenstance Theatre, The Grandsons Jr., splotch monster art-making with artist Steve Loya and more. FREE!
Tiny Tots: Old McDonald’s Farm
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Sunday, May 4 ∙ 10 am (May 21 , July & Aug too!)
The animals on Old McDonald’s Farm come out to entertain us. Al E. Cat introduces us to his barnyard buddies who will delight and amaze with their antics! $5
Mexican Legends and Song
Publick Playhouse
Tuesday, May 6 ∙ 10:15 am & 12 pm
Historical characters Pancho Villa, Doña Marina, Cortés and Montezuma are brought to life with wit and charm by this versatile performer. Be prepared to sing along with “La Cucaracha”, “Cu curu cu cu Paloma” and other favorites as Felix brings to life the culture of Mexico with puppetry, stories, songs, instruments and dance, performed in English interwoven with Spanish words and phrases. Recommended for grades K-5. $5-$6
Tiny Tots: Baby Bear’s Birthday
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Wednesday, May 7 ∙ 10 am (July 12 & Aug 6 too!)
You are invited to a BIG birthday bash! Please join Baby Bear as all of his special Teddy Bear friends perform their very best circus tricks as a great, big birthday surprise. And Mama Bear has an even bigger surprise in store…A HUGE SURPRISE FOR EVERYONE! $5
Kids’ Day Out: Cantare Buena Vida: FIESTA! A Celebration of Life in Latin America
Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center
Wednesday, May 7 ∙ 10:30 am
Get ready to sing and dance during this musical journey through Latin America as you learn about the cultures that shape the music of indigenous, European and African Latin Americans. All ages are welcome. $5
StoryTime (Ages 3-5)
Kreeger Museum
Wednesday, May 7 ∙ 10 am (various Wednesdays & Saturdays through July 16)
Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art from the collection, a story and a hands-on art-making experience. $7
Find the best of DC, Maryland and Virginia theatres, performing arts, museums, galleries, arts classes and more at CultureCapital.com. Search here by date, range of dates, locality and interest and choose from among 300 presenters throughout Metro DC. There are even categories for Free and Family Events!
That’s why we call CultureCapital.com Your Link to the Arts in Metro DC.
Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by CultureCapital.com – Your Link to the Arts in Metro DC