DC Thrifty Mom’s
FREE (or Cheap) Things To Do
in the Washington DC Metro Area:
September 13 & 14, 2014
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Visit our Calendar for more FREE & Cheap happenings.***
***Washington D.C.***
Children’s National Race for Every Child
Freedom Plaza
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 7:00 am ∙ FREE for Spectators
The Race for Every Child is a fun-filled event with a serious purpose: to support children and families throughout the Washington area by raising funds for specialized medical care, research into childhood diseases, and important wellness and preventive services at Children’s National Health System. Due to permitting restrictions all 5K Run/Walk participants and 100-Yard Kids’ Dash participants required advance registration. Sorry, no exceptions. There will be a variety of fun children’s games and activities throughout the event. Join the fun and consider helping fulfill the important purpose with a DONATION.
White House Visitor Center Reopens!
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 7:30 am ∙ FREE Admission
The renovated museum offers enhanced opportunities for all to explore and learn about the White House and its roles as home, office, park, and ceremonial space. Visitors can explore touchscreen tours of the White House, interact with tactile exhibits, and experience the 14-minute signature film “White House: Reflections from Within.” Discover fascinating museum objects with compelling stories. Then shop at the White House Historical Association museum store.
Family Day: Buds Story Time
Rock Creek Park – Nature Center
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE but registration required by 9am
Buds is a tree-focused story time aimed toward an audience of toddlers and preschoolers (18 months to 4 years). Buds will be held in the area outside the auditorium on the lower level of the Rock Creek Park Nature Center one Saturday per month. The story time will feature four to five tree and environment focused books interspersed with songs and a craft project. Each family will leave with a list of seasonally appropriate “scavenger hunt items” to track down while exploring the Arboretum on their own after the Buds program has concluded.
Family Day: Aviation and Space
National Air and Space Museum
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Join us for a family day that celebrates the accomplishments of women in aviation and space exploration. From the days of the earliest pilots to today’s space program women have been making significant contributions. During this event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet female role models and learn about the women who inspired them. Note: Astronomical Observing at the Air and Space Museum [Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, South Terrace], Saturday & Sunday from 12-3pm - Use the Observatory’s safe solar telescopes to take a close-up look at our nearest star, the Sun. Learn about solar activity and its effects on Earth from knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
President Lincoln’s Cottage Family Day 2014
Soldiers’ Home
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Join President Lincoln’s Cottage, No Greater Sacrifice, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home and enjoy these grounds as the Lincoln family did. Family members of all ages will enjoy the live entertainment and creative activities inspired by the Lincoln family and their life at the Soldiers’ Home! Join us for a petting zoo, DIY top hats, food vendors, and a Civil War encampment.
Family Garden Day ***LAST Chance for 2014!***
National Arboretum
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm ∙ $5+/child & $10+/adult
Family Garden Days is an interactive family gardening, nutrition education, and cooking program. It is designed to bring families together at the Washington Youth Garden to share in a communal experience of learning how to grow and prepare fruits and vegetables, maintain an organic garden, and prepare healthy meals. Tailored to beginning gardeners and those looking to enhance their food and wellness practices, the program is an exciting opportunity for families to grow awareness, appreciation and connections to their food sources and engage in healthy life affirming outdoor activities! Participating families harvest fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden for cooking demos as well as to prepare and enjoy at home.
STAR Family Festival: Sing, Talk & Read
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
Learn how singing, talking and reading with your baby or young child now can help them later in school. It’s never too early to give your kids a smart start. Special guest appearances from WKYS FM Shorty de Prince and Angie Ange.
Hispanic Heritage Family Festival
American Art Museum [Kogod Courtyard/Patio Kogod]
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11:30 am ∙ FREE!
Bring the whole family to the Smithsonian’s kickoff celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! Held in conjunction with the exhibition Portraiture Now: Staging the Self, the day includes musical performances, interactive demonstrations, arts and crafts, storytelling, gallery tours, and a special display of creative work by Fairfax County Family Literacy Program families.
Sponsored by the Vanir Group of Companies, Inc. A and in part by the Reinsch Family Education Endowment and Univision Communications, Inc. A portion of travel of the Smithsonian Latino Center and Portraiture Now series, Staging the Self generously provided by Southwest Airlines. Schedule/Programa
ACM 47th Anniversary Community Celebration
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Stop by and help the museum celebrate its 47th anniversary! Enjoy free indoor/outdoor activities for the whole family that includes arts and crafts activities, live musical performances, face painting, storytelling, and more. Performances are by Suttle Thoughts Band, Wildflower Band, Pepe González & Friends featuring Imani, Melvin Deal and the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, Go-Go Fitness, and Grandma’s Cautionary Tales by storyteller Debra Mims. This event is FREE and open to the public.
5th Annual 17th Street Festival
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE
The 17th Street Festival is a FREE community event that celebrates the 17th Street Corridor from Riggs Place to P Street. Festival Includes: – Art Show – Business Specials – Entertainment Stage – Kids Zone Sponsored – Local Vendors – Pet Zone by City Dogs Rescue Presented By: Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets
21st Annual Taste of Georgetown
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission but fee for tasting tickets [Presale Discount]
Creative tastes from more than 35 of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, as well as an expansive Craft Beer and Wine Pavilion and live entertainment. For the first time in the event’s history, the Taste will move from Wisconsin Avenue to K Street, along the scenic Georgetown Waterfront. This longstanding event in Georgetown is hosted by the Georgetown BID and benefits the Georgetown Ministry Center’s services supporting the homeless. The event began 20 years ago by Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown and its former Rector David Bird and member Robert Egger, who went on to found DC Central Kitchen.
Chevy Chase Day 2014
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE – Rain or Shine
Starting at 10 am, there will be discounts and sales at businesses along Connecticut Ave. The Chevy Chase Citizens Association and the Chevy Chase Community Center will be co-sponsoring treats and activities, including free ice cream and free music, at the Chevy Chase Commons outside the Community Center (5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW). Serving Moorenko’s Ice Cream, which is being co-sponsored by the Avalon Theatre and Jon Laskin’s State Farm Insurance. Musicians will include SmithJackson (2:30 to 4:00 pm).Also on the Commons, Kinderhaus will sponsor face painting; Child’s Play will sponsor a moon bounce; the DC Library staff will provide an arts and crafts table and a story time; the Friends of the Chevy Chase DC Library will give away books; and Holly Worthington will sponsor cold water. In addition, local non-profit organizations will distribute information. The Community Center staff will also be providing information about the center’s upcoming fall activities. (In the event of inclement weather, most activities will be held indoors at or near their corresponding activities.)
My Prairie Cookbook: Memories and Frontier Food from My Little House to Yours
National Archives
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
In My Prairie Cookbook, Melissa Gilbert, star of Little House on the Prairie, offers fans comforting family recipes and childhood favorites. From prairie breakfasts and picnic lunches to treats inspired by Nellie’s restaurant, the 80 simple and delicious dishes—crispy fried chicken, pot roasts, corn bread, apple pie, and more—let you to eat like the Ingalls family. Gilbert’s personal recollections and memorabilia, including behind-the-scenes stories, anecdotes, and treasured scrapbook images, accompany the recipes.
A book signing will follow the program.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with Jarana Beat
American Indian Museum
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Jarana Beat celebrates the little-known music and instruments of Mexico and presents a new interpretation that melds the contemporary with traditional roots. The percussive footwork of dancers dressed in traditional regalia, the rhythms of world music blending with the regional sounds of son jarocho from the Gulf Coast, son guerrerense from the Southern Pacific Coast, son huasteco from the Central & North-Eastern region, mexika from the Central, and norteña from the North, all converge into a vibrant and unique musical performance that will have you on your feet.
Chocolate City Rocks! & Lil SoSo Productions present Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Students of the D.C. institute teach a comprehensive course of traditional martial arts training featuring kung fu and capoeira demonstrations.
36th Annual Adams Morgan Day 2014
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
The festival will take place on 18th Street, NW, between Florida Avenue and Columbia Road as well as Belmont Road from 11am to 7:00pm. Nonprofits and local businesses will be along 18th Street and artists mostly from the region will be clustered on Arts on Belmont.
Generally an average of more than 35,000 people from the metro area attended the festival, which features large music stages at each end of 18th Street. The festival will have the same excellent pedestrian flow & circulation, and maintain the popular mix of diverse retailers, food and craft vendors, nonprofits, specialty products, and artists. Kid’s Fair at Marie-Reed Playground: Radio Disney∙Moonbounce∙Face Painting∙Puppet Show∙Games & MORE!
JAMMIN DC: Caribbean & Ethiopian Music and Arts Festival
Freedom Plaza
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
JAMMIN DC (JDC) is a Free Caribbean & Ethiopian Music and Arts Festival. This special installment celebrates the culture of Ethiopia and 28 Caribbean nations and territories including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, and the US Virgin Islands in the most diverse city in the United States, Washington DC.
Jammin DC showcases the cultural diversity and rich history of 28 Caribbean Countries and Ethiopia with support from the Caribbean and Ethiopian Diaspora and the international community. Enjoy Live Performances, Embassy Row, Food Court, Beer Garden, Craft Vendors, Kids Zone, Community Booths and Much More…
Star Spangled Summer Finale
American History Museum– Flag Hall, 2nd Floor, Mall Entrance
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 12:30, 1:30 & pm ∙ FREE!
The U.S. Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass Quintet will be performing entertaining patriotic tunes, toe-tapping marches and a rousing rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” in honor of its 200th Anniversary.
The BoxTrolls Cardboard Challenge
CityCenter DC
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE supplies included
Join Tommy McFly and The 94.7 Fresh FM Promotions Team in The Plaza for a special Cardboard Challenge, inspired by BoxTrolls The Movie!
Come by and build your best cardboard creation and you could win some awesome prizes courtesy of Focus Features! CityCenterDC will have all of the supplies you need to build your best cardboard creation, as well as Fresh music, fun, and games.
MoTH Family Fest
Garfield Park
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 1:30 pm ∙ FREE
MOTH is a virtual and real-world community for parents living on Capitol Hill. MOTH Family Fest is a celebration for Capitol Hill families and their friends. This annual celebration and features food, games, and other child-friendly activities. Entertainment will include moonbounces, face painting, performance from Turley the Magician, and live music from Mr. Skip, Most Wanted and Meadowlark.
Portrait Story Days: Romare Bearden
National Portrait Gallery – 1st Floor, education center, E151
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Young visitors and their families may drop in to listen to a story about an influential person in the Portrait Gallery’s collection and create a piece of art inspired by his or her portrait.
Chocolate City Rocks! & Lil SoSo Productions Present I Remember U: A Live Mixtape Experience
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE
Combining elements of poetry, spoken word, emceeing, and beats, this program pays homage to the famed U Street corridor’s progressive music and arts scene in the late 1990s and features Ra Brown, Asheru, Poem-Cees, Dehiaja, and DJ Stylus.
DC PUBLIC LIBRARY Activities - Find FREE things to do for kids in every library in D.C.:
September is Library Card Sign Up Month! Sign Up for a Library Card or refer someone to get a library card and be entered in a drawing for prizes at the end of the month! Its just that easy!
Caught Reading A Banned Book ∙ Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library ∙ Saturday, 9:30 am -In celebration of Banned Book Week, a celebration of the freedom to read, we welcome customers to participate in our Caught Reading a Banned Book photo exhibit. Adults, Children and Teens are invited to pose for a “Mug Shot” with a banned book. Photos will be taken September 13-19. Photos will be displayed in the library during Banned Book Week. Participants will be asked to sign a photo release form.
Eric Energy Science Spectacular! ∙ Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library ∙ Saturday, 2:00 pm - The Eric Energy Science Spectacular is coming to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library!
Wild and wacky scientist Eric Energy will have kids of all ages mesmerized with eye-catching experiments. This live, interactive event combines topics such as air, matter, sound, electricity, and more. The mission of the show? Make learning fun.
The Eric Energy Science Spectacular is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Feel free to contact the MLK Children’s Room at (202) 727-1248 with any questions. We hope to see you there!
Batman Day ∙ Juanita E. Thornton / Shepherd Park Library ∙ Saturday, 3:00 pm -This year is the 75th anniversary of Batman’s first appearance in comics!
DC named July 23 the official Batman Day, but we decided to celebrate a little later. Come visit Shepherd Park Library to watch the superhero on the screen, grab some goodies, and have refreshments.
Kids’ Mancala Tournament ∙ Southwest Library ∙ Sunday, 2:00 pm - Got mad mancala skills? Come compete in our tournament on Sunday afternoon! Appropriate for ages 8-12.
***Maryland***
Star-Spangled Spectacular
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Festivities through Tuesday, September 16 ∙ Schedule of Events
O Say Can You See! Star-Spangled Spectacular is a free festival that celebrates the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem. Tall ships, Navy ships and the Blue Angels will come to Baltimore’s famed Inner Harbor to celebrate The Star-Spangled Banner.
Landside festivals include living history demonstrations, a family fun zone, live musical performances, and Chesapeake food and beverage.
Events crescendo on September 13 with two star-studded patriotic concerts and extraordinary fireworks display over Fort McHenry and the Baltimore harbor, which will broadcast live on PBS’ Great Performances.
Columbia Area Mothers of Multiples - Fall 2014 Consignment Sale
Cradlerock Elementary School
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 8:00 am ∙ $1 Entrance Fee
If you have kids, are pregnant or even thinking of becoming pregnant, then you do not want to miss CAMOM’s semi-annual children’s new/used clothing and equipment consignment sale. Quality kids’ gear for preemies, infants, toddlers, and pre-teens at nearly 75% off the retail price.
Cash, checks, Visa or MasterCard accepted (minimum credit card charge is $25).
(half-price on many items from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
91st Annual Charles County Fair
Charles County Fair Grounds
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 8:30 am – 9 pm & Sunday, September 14 ∙ 9:30 am – 7 pm
$5 (11+), $12 (4 Day Passes), Children Ages 10 and under are admitted FREE.
Entertainment, special events, and activities for all ages as well as four stages filled with games, shows, live music, a baby show, pig races, pony rides and performers of all sorts add up to fun for the whole family. Lawnmower racing is one of several events added in recent years. This year, we have added a rodeo competition. Our carnival midway is full of exciting rides and contests for all ages. We even have a “kiddie” midway for those young ones among us. If you get hungry, there are plenty of choices from traditional county fair food to more healthy alternatives, even crab cakes! Schedule
THE GREAT FREDERICK FAIR, INC.
Frederick, MD
Through Saturday, September 20 ∙ 9:00 am – 9 pm
$8 (11+) Children Ages 10 and under are admitted FREE.
The Great Frederick Fair has a wonderful and rich history in Frederick County, celebrating its 152nd fair in 2014. Schedule
SENIOR CITIZENS age 65 and over are admitted free on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until 3 p.m., but MUST PAY for parking at all fair operated parking lots.
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY is Wednesday – Active duty military in uniform are admitted free until 6 p.m.
FAIR FRIDAY (Kid’s Day) Sept. 19 all youth 18 and under are admitted free until 5 p.m., but MUST PAY for parking at all fair operated parking lots.
Parking: $7.00 Per Vehicle inside fairgrounds & Lots A, B, C, D $5.00
Anne Arundel County Fair
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 9 am-11 pm & Sunday, September 14 ∙ 9 am – 8 pm
$6 (16+), $4 (8-15), Children Ages 7 and under are admitted FREE.
Admission includes entrance into the fair and parking, but does NOT include carnival rides or games. Schedule of Events
Teddy Bear Clinic
National Museum of Health and Medicine
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Bring your favorite stuffed friend and explore the Teddy Bear Clinic at the National Museum of Health and Medicine with activities and crafts designed to highlight the body, physical fitness and healthy habits. This program is recommended for children in PreK – 2nd grade. This family program is free and open to the public!
Maryland Renaissance Festival ***Last Weekend for Discount Pricing!***
Anne Arundel County in Crownsville, just outside of Annapolis, MD
Saturday, September 13 & Sunday, September 14 ∙ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm ∙ Through 9/14 Entrance Fee: $7+
Children 6 and under are free and do not require a ticket
Children’s Talk and Tour
Strathmore
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:15 am ∙ $5
This event takes place in the Mansion. Young art lovers enjoy a talk about the current exhibition. Get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. The program includes a hands-on activity.
Only children require tickets – their guardians do not need a ticket.
Saturday Song Circle
Imagination Stage
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ $6 (not including processing fee)
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.* Sept.13 : The Little Engine that Could
*Though these workshops are recommended up to age 3, we know your 4 & 5 year-old children will enjoy them, too!
The Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival
Intersection of Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) & Jefferson St
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
Enjoy over 70 exhibiting and performing artists, enjoy live entertainment and eat some great food on the happening streets of Hyattsville, in the Gateway Arts District of Prince George’s County. Experience the Festival View the performance schedule and FAQs here.
11th Annual Asian Festival 2014
ROSECROFT RACE WAY
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11 am -10 pm & Sunday, September 14 ∙ 11 am – 4 pm
FREE Admission (all day $10 parking/car)
Asian Festival extravaganza aims to promote diverse cultures and celebrate traditions and talents from the Asian continent. The Festival aims to bring together people from various cultural backgrounds, to promote peace, harmony and unity.
In The Street
Market Street - Frederick, MD
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission - Some activities charge a fee.
The outdoor street festival includes nine blocks of themed fun, including areas highlighting children’s activities, local art organizations, regional artisans, history, sports and more. Visitors will also find four stages of live entertainment, beer and wine gardens featuring local brews, delicious food and more!
“Back in Grandma’s Day”
Oakley Cabin
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE
Bring the family and enjoy stories of old from members of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland, old fashion games and crafts, exploring an archaeology dig, and make your own set of marbles to take home.Bring a grandparent and receive a free Park Pass!
Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park is a 19th-century African American historic site. Built as one of three cabins adjacent to the historic Brookville Road, Oakley Cabin was the center of an African American roadside community from emancipation well into the 20th century. The dwelling, inhabited until 1976, is now operated as a living history museum. Educators will find Oakley Cabin a valuable resource in teaching local and African American history. The Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park provides hands-on living history experiences.
NOTE: In the event of severe weather, please call ahead to make sure the park will be open. On Saturday mornings, please call 301-650-4373 and a recorded message will advise you of the park hours. Tick season is here! Be prepared when you’re outdoors. Click the link to learn more about Ticks & Lyme Disease.
9th Annual Bluegrass on the Farm 2014
Agricultural History Farm Park
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12 pm ∙ $15 (ages 13+) at the gate. Rain or Shine. No refunds.
Children 12 and under are free. Parking is free.
Bluegrass on the Farm is one of the longest running outdoor music events in the Washington, DC area. The festival takes place on a 55-acre complex with a historic farm site and a modern farming activity center. The Park offers visitors a unique perspective on the rich farming heritage of Montgomery County. Maryland. The area includes the original farmhouse, bank barn and several outbuildings. There are gardening and farm animal exhibits. The headliner band is the International Bluegrass Music Association award winning and Grammy nominated “Boxcars”.
Also appearing will be the local popular bands “Clearspring” from the Frederick area and long time festival favorites John O’Dell and “Windy Ridge”.
Fall Open House
DC Glassworks and Sculpture Studios
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Join us this Saturday, September 13 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm for our first Open House of the fall! Enjoy free glassblowing demonstrations, snacks and beer, and see what Studio and Resident Artists have been busy creating this summer.
You can also work with one of our instructors to make your own glass paperweight for a fee. Family friendly.
Maker Faire Silver Spring
Silver Spring Civic Center
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Maker Faire Silver Spring is a free, family-friendly event that brings together Makers of all types for a spectacular display of art, science, technology, craft and engineering. It is being presented by KID Museum, an emerging museum in Montgomery County which aims to cultivate creativity, curiosity and compassion through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning for children of all ages.
Friendship Picnic
Wheaton Regional Park
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙FREE!
Bringing together Communities with Diverse Cultures and Faiths. Come join the fun and meet new friends for a better community. Plenty of activities and rides for the kids, live music, dancing, Zumba and entertainment for all! Food and beverages will be provided so everyone may relax and enjoy the afternoon.
Family Sundays
Baltimore Museum of Art
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The BMA is the place to be for free family fun! Every Sunday, enjoy different activities—sketching tours, hands-on workshops, gallery tours, and more—designed just for families. SEPTEMBER’s Theme: Meeting the Old Masters - September 14: Build a Big Boat
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington ∙ Family Dance
Glen Echo Park Ballroom Annex
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙Admission is $5 for ages 4 and older
The Family Dance, welcoming all ages, usually takes place the second Sunday of each month. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the joy of dance with your children and with your community. Bring the entire family, neighbors, church or synagogue group, birthday party, girl or boy scout troop. No experience is necessary, just come on out and dance. An experienced family dance leader shows you everything you need to know right then and there, with a focus on HAVING FUN!
The Family Dance is a unique opportunity for the very young and their parents, to experience the joyful community event of a contra and square dance. The target age children are 4-12, though many babies have started their dancing by bouncing along in a parent’s baby backpack. Kids and adults learn together through movement and music, experiencing the best in live music and enjoying the spirit of this folk tradition. It provides an opportunity to encourage an appreciation of folk culture, further inspiring future generations to get involved and make their own fun.
Movies on the Potomac – Neverland: Peter Pan
National Harbor
Sunday, September 14 ∙ movies start at 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of ocean breezes and all-ages fun! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show!
***Virginia***
NVPOM Semi-Annual Consignment and Vendor Fair
Luther Jackson Middle School
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 9:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
Looking to save money on baby and children’s clothing, toys, and equipment? NVPOM’s
consignment sales are held twice a year, in the spring and fall. Items are gently used and generally at least 50% off of retail prices.
Both CASH and CREDIT CARDS accepted for payment.
No strollers are allowed on the sale floor for safety and security reasons. Children are welcome, but the area will be crowded – please find another way to keep your little ones safely by your side.
Items without tags will not be sold.
Shopping bags will be provided – personal bags are not allowed on the floor.
12th Annual King Street Art Festival at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Ice carving, live music, and hands-on art activities at the Torpedo Factory Art Center during the 12th Annual King Street Art Festival. Watch Tatyana Schremko carve into ice. Local jazz band Independence will perform outside on the Waterfront gazebo stage starting at noon, followed by folk rock with Hearts and Spaces at 2pm. Also at noon, the Alexandria Office of Arts will have hands-on arts activities (which will also be available on Sunday). Starting at 7pm, a DJ will start spinning and projections on the Torpedo Factory Art Center will provide a lively evening display.
Fall Festival & Taste of Falls Church
Community Center
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE Admission but fee for rides & Tasting!
Features include live entertainment, pony rides, children’s amusements, crafters, businesses and civic organizations, and cuisine from city kitchens. The children’s activity tent offers face painting and craft projects.
Admission is free to the public, but amusement rides and tasting require the purchase of one or more tickets.
The event is held rain or shine!
Alexandria Art Market
Nicholas A. Colasanto Park (corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue)
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Introducing Alexandria’s 5th season art market featuring amazing artwork and multicultural performances. The variety of original artwork from over 25+ artists will be displayed for sale including, but not limited to, painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and glasswork. Musical Performances from 12-2pm – Janna Audey
Smithsonian TechQuest Game: Eye in the Sky
Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE, but parking $15
Smithsonian TechQuest, a new, alternate reality game at the Udvar-Hazy Center, will test your powers of observation, your problem-solving skills, and your decision-making abilities as you take on the role of intelligence analyst. The game will engage you through hands-on activities and secret codes that lead to an ultimate conclusion. It is aimed at upper elementary and middle school visitors and their families.
A self-guided activity, the game starts with a ten-minute orientation offered at regular intervals throughout the day. Staff will help guide you along the way. The game should take between 60 and 90 minutes.
Turkish Heritage Festival
Tysons Corner Center
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11 am – 9 pm & Sunday, September 14 ∙ 11 am – 6:15 pm
FREE Admission
In conjunction with Turkish Airlines and the American Turkish Association of Washington D.C., come celebrate the rich culture of Turkey at the first ever Turkish Heritage Festival. The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center will come alive with the tastes and talent of Turkey with live entertainment, mouth-watering traditional Turkish cuisine and coffee, and Turkish vendors bringing the best items of Turkey to Tysons.
4th Annual Bands, Brews, and Barbecue Festival
Old Town Manassas
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Old Town Manassas will hold its 4th Annual Bands, Brews, and Barbecue Festival on September 27, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This year, the event will be held on the Manassas Museum Lawn (9101 Prince William Street) and therefore expanding our inventory of beers and great barbecue. Entrance into the Festival will be FREE! Attendees may purchase individual beer sampling tickets inside the gate. Please make sure to bring a valid ID. Sample costs include $3.00 for a sample glass and $1.00 per sample ticket (beer/barbecue). Picnic on the lawn, while you enjoy some of Virginia’s finest barbecue or listen to everything from classic rock to jazz.
Family Day — Robotics
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 – 3:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Bring your family to the Museum for an afternoon of viewing the latest in robotics technology. Learn how Marines use robots to find hidden explosives, and how students compete as teams in school robotics competitions.
Get Movin’ Family Fun Day
ProJet Aviation Hangar at Leesburg Executive Airport
FREE Shuttle Service:Heritage High School
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 pm
FREE EVENT in celebration of National Family Health & Fitness Day
Come and check out the fun!
Free gift for the first 500 families to register onsite∙Radio Disney music, games and prizes∙Radio Disney dance party∙Radio Disney Doc McStuffins “Toy check-up clinic”∙Appearance by the Washington Mystics mascot∙Health and wellness demos and exhibits∙Entertainment that will get you moving∙Indoor/outdoor fitness areas∙Interactive activities for all ages∙and much more!
The 19th Annual CCÉ Irish Folk Festival
Sherwood Center and The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
The Washington DC metropolitan area branch of the CCÉ, with sponsorship from The City of Fairfax and The City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts, presents the 19th Annual CCÉ Irish Folk Festival, in Fairfax, VA. All are invited to enjoy, free of charge, the “pure drop” – the beauty and depth of Irish music, dance, language and sport as it has taken root and come into full flower in our community.
Open House: The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders (NVMR)
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders (NVMR) is a club of model railroading enthusiasts headquartered in the historic train depot in downtown Vienna, Virginia. The club is over 60 years old and has been at this location for more than 30 years. Open House visitors include people of all ages who enjoy watching railroad activities that realistically depict an actual railroad that existed in North Carolina in the 1950′s. That railroad was called the Western North Carolina (WNC) and every hill, town, building, locomotive, rail car, and industry on our layout is modeled after those places and things as they looked in that era. Well, almost everything; we must admit that to satisfy popular demand, an occasional sighting can be made of Thomas the Tank Engine and a few of his friends chugging around among the bigger steam and diesel locomotives.
Children’s Theatre: ”Alice In Wonderland”
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, September 13 – Sunday, September 28 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $10-$13
An original musical adaptation inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll stories. Poor Alice has found herself lost in strange land filled with wondrous inhabitants! Featuring songs based on the poetry from the original text, the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen, the White Rabbit and the rest of the zany cast will be on hand as Alice adventures through Wonderland. Will she ever find her way home again, or was it all just a dream..?!
2nd Saturday Art Walk
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, September 13 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The 2nd Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouse showcases the diverse work of more than 100 visual artists in a unique historic venue, creating an atmosphere that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of this creative community.
Summer Chamber Series
The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ FREE Parking & Admission [Donations Accepted]
Each summer, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association sponsors a Summer Chamber Music Series, held between mid-June and September at The Lyceum in historic Old Town Alexandria. These weekly performances are free and open to the public. The performances feature small ensembles and soloists, primarily from Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and the local arts community. Today: Guitarist Piotr Pakhomkin: Music by Scarlatti, Johann Kaspar Mertz, Frandisco Tarrega, Albeniz, Rodrigo, and Nicolo Paganini
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM NIGHT - Despicable Me 2 in Spanish with English subtitles
Mosaic District [Open Air Movie Screen]
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 5:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Language Stars, the national leader in early childhood foreign language education with locations throughout the Chicago and Washington DC metropolitan areas, will host the first annual Language Stars Family Foreign Language Film Festival this summer at the Mosaic District in Fairfax, Virginia to expose children and their families to movies in other languages.
Summer Movies at Stonebridge
Potomac Town Center
Sunday, September 14 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Summer Movie Nights at Stonebridge every Sunday at 7 pm through August on the Jumbo Tron! Tonight’s Feature: Muppets Most Wanted
Marvel Universe Live! GIVEAWAY
Patriot Center
September 12 – 21, 2014
Marvel Universe LIVE!, featuring the most Marvel characters ever assembled in one production, will be flying into the nation’s capital with performances at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia starting September 12 through September 21. Marvel Universe LIVE!</em