DC Thrifty Mom’s
FREE Things To Do
in the Washington DC Metro Area:
September 27 & 28, 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.***
LEGO® Building Event
ALL Child’s Play locations!
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Annual LEGO® Gold Standard Make and Take Event!
Build a LEGO City Seaplane or LEGO Friends Olivia’s Desk, then bring it home with you! **While supplies last**
MUSEUM DAY LIVE!
Saturday, September 27 ∙ FREE!
The Museum Day Live! ticket provides free admission for two people.
In the spirit of the Smithsonian Museums, which offer free admission every day, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket… for free.
National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 27 ∙ FREE!
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
America’s Best Idea – the national parks – is even better when it’s free!
***Washington D.C.***
Saturday Morning at the National -What’s That Sound
The National Theatre
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 9:30 am & 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the National Theatre with Cantaré! Kids embark on a journey through Latin America with interactive folktales that provide magical explanations for the origins of the first night, the first eclipse, how the turtle got its shell, and how the armadillo learned to sing.
Sloth Day
National Zoo - Small Mammal House
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Turn your world upside down at the National Zoo’s Sloth Day event. Visit the Small Mammal House during this fun family-friendly event and learn all about Sloths and their habitats. Take part in educational and fun activities for children and adults; listen to keeper talks, and watch live Sloth demonstrations.
Color the K – FREE Art Event
5th & K Streets, NW
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (MVT CID) announces “Color the K”, an inaugural art explosion event to be held at 5th and K Streets, NW on Saturday, September 27th. Designed for full community participation and interaction, the free activities will include creation of a temporary mural led by local artist Rose Jaffe, chalk art demonstrations and areas for kids and adults to participate, a hardware art show hosted by 5th Street Ace Hardware and more. Activities will be held alongside the Saturday morning Mount Vernon Triangle FRESHFARM Market from 10 am to 1 pm.
DIGGING FOR NONUMENTS
990 4th St. SW
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Eliza and Nora Naranjo Morse with Alexis Elton and the team of “Digging” will outreach to the Waterfront community and beyond. Extra costumes will be available for people who are interested in digging with the artists. We will hand out stickers and washable tattoos.
2014 Barracks Row Fall Festival
Barracks Row, 8th Street SE between Pennsylvania Ave and the Navy Yard
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
Event partners and participants include the United States Marine Corps, The Trapeze School New York, and the Military Hospitality Alliance (sponsors of the Military Chef’s Cook Off) as well as a medley of memorable booths and acts. This year a much expanded, live ice-carving competition will be added to the midway (the artists use chain saws).
Last year’s big hit, the BRMS Fall Festival Beer Garden is returning, hosted by Cava, Belga and Matchbox. Also, for kids, last year’s National Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo will be back, set up adjacent to our ever popular farm animal petting zoo!
ROCK CREEK PARK DAY
Peirce Mill (2401 Tilden Street NW) in Rock Creek Park
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
The National Park Service and Friends of Peirce Mill invite you to Rock Creek Park’s 124th anniversary celebration. Join us for a day of milling and historic craftspeople demonstrations, history hikes, an author talk, children’s arts and crafts activities, and more. Explore the diverse history of one of the oldest and largest urban nature parks in the United States.
FIGMENT DC
Anacostia Skating Pavilion
Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
FIGMENT demonstrates what the arts can be: participatory, bursting with creativity and completely FREE, born from the desire to share imagination and invention between artists and the public. It’s an opportunity to play and learn together and create a magical playground for artists and dreamers of all shapes and sizes. You are invited to bring your games, workshops, performances and colorful outfits to participate in the fun! FIGMENT is about YOU!
Robots, Technology, and Disaster Recovery
Koshland Science Museum
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
Join the Koshland Science Museum for special hands-on activities and demonstrations highlighting how communities are using robots and technology for disaster preparedness and recovery. This event is an official activity of America’s PrepareAthon!, a community-based preparedness campaign coordinated by FEMA. September 30 is National PrepareAthon! Day. Be smart. Take part. Prepare.
NATIVE BEATS MUSIC ROOM
American Indian Museum
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
Families are invited to explore Native music through drums, rattles and other percussion instruments.
A Musical Tribute to African Art at 50!
African Art Museum – Enid A. Haupt Gardens
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Join members of Washington, DC’s African diasporic music community for an afternoon concert and food tasting celebrating African Art’s 50th anniversary.
Featuring a groundbreaking collection of world-class musical talent playing popular songs from the last 50 years of music making in Africa. Dance to Highlife! Soukous! Afrobeat! and more!
Presented in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Portrait Story Days: Dolores Huerta
National Portrait Gallery – 1st Floor, education center, E151
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 1:00 pm & Sunday, September 28 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
(for ages 5 and up with adult) Youngsters and their families can drop in anytime to listen to a story about the labor leader and then create an artwork.
40th Anniversary Party – Fillmore Arts Center
Fillmore/Hardy Parking Lot and Field, after the Glover Park-Burleith Farmers’ Market
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The fantastic 40th anniversary party to celebrate the founding of Fillmore Arts Center in 1974!!
For Kids ~ MoonBounces, Face Painting (Paint Me Silly by Queen), Nail Salon, Arts Activities, Blue Sky Puppet Theatre performance
For Everybody ~ Birthday cake/cupcakes, Temporary tattoos, Musical Performances by past & present Teachers and Students of Fillmore Arts Center
The Petworth Jazz Project - Season Finale Double Header!!
Lawn of Petworth Recreation Center
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 5:00 pm ∙ FREE!
All Shows: Kids performance first, then jazz!
Tonight: 5:00 pm: The Singing Lizard , 6:00 pm: Frank Mitchell Trio & 7:00 pm: Nappy Riddem
Asheru’s Guerilla Arts Ink
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Founded by award-winning hip-hop artist and U.S. State Department Global Ambassador Gabriel “Asheru” Benn, Guerilla Arts Ink is a local arts organization dedicated to serving area youth with authentic arts and cultural programming and apprenticeship opportunities, led by a group of top-notch teaching artists across all genres and media. This performance is a showcase featuring the talents of a very special group of teaching artists who have dedicated their time and talents to make the world a better place.
Art All Night: Nuit Blanche DC
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
A Free All-Night Cultural Experience from 7pm Saturday, September 27 – 3am Sunday, September 28
Art All Night : Nuit Blanche DC is an all-night exploration and celebration of contemporary art, encompassing five of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods: Dupont Circle, Shaw, North Capitol, H Street NE, and Congress Heights. Don’t miss Art All Night at the Library!
HOK-NOTH-DA FOR FAMILIES
American Indian Museum
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 11:15 am ∙ FREE Admission
Hok-noth-da, “Did you hear?” in the Shawnee language, is an interactive story program. People in all cultures have always told stories as a way to teach children. Families are invited to hear stories from different Native communities. Stay for the Children’s Workshop (1:30 & 3:30 pm) and make something to take home with you. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Turkish Festival
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 12th and 14th streets
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The American-Turkish Association of Washington D.C. is proud to present the 12th Annual Turkish Festival, offering a day of free activities including dance, music, cuisine, fashion and arts & crafts. For the third year in a row, readers of the Washington City Paper named the Turkish Festival “Best Cultural Festival” in Washington D.C.
Every year, the festival draws tens of thousands of Washingtonians to the streets to enjoy delicious Turkish food and traditional Turkish coffee, to browse and shop at the Turkish Bazaar, and to watch mesmerizing stage performances. This year, once again festival goers will have the opportunity to journey from Washington D.C. to Turkey through experiencing Turkey’s rich cultural history, its culinary delights, and a variety of live Turkish music and engaging folk dance performances. The festival will also reach beyond Turkey’s borders featuring the rich cultural presence of the Balkans, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
TARGET FAMILY NIGHT: YOUTH SPEAKS “RAISE UP” CONTEST WINNERS
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The Kennedy Center and Youth Speaks present a hip-hop and spoken word program featuring the winners of a nationwide competition designed to use the power of spoken word, hip-hop, and the reach of public media to foster a discussion among young people about their education and future aspirations.
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!
Friends of the Library Book Sale ∙ Takoma Park Library ∙ Saturday, 10:00 am – Swing on by for a book sale to benefit the Takoma Park Library, brought to you by the Friends of the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library. There will be books for everybody, with unbeatable prices! Lots of cookbooks, kids’ books, fiction of all kinds, History and Politics, Sci-Fi, and much more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the front lawn. (Rain date will be the following Saturday, Oct. 4.)
‘Out of the Basement’ Screening & Discussion ∙ Tenley-Friendship Library ∙ Saturday, 3:30 pm - Join D.C. filmmakers Natalie Avery and Kyle Centers for a screening of their documentary short, Out of the Basement, followed by question and answer/panel discussion about the issues the film raises. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. | Film will screen at 4 p.m. | All ages.
The film follows Greg Newby as he embarks on a pro boxing career after a fall from grace. The story delves into D.C.’s boxing subculture and traces its role in the life of one remarkable family struggling to build lives and find meaning in a changing city.
This film was funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Art All Night at the Library ∙ Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library ∙ Saturday, 7:00 pm - The Library closes as usual at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, but reopens at 7 p.m., so…
Stay awake and stop by the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library as we stay open for Art All Night in Shaw, Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 27-28, 7 p.m. until 3 a.m.!
Special Story Time at 7:30 p.m.
Sign Up for a Library Card
Check Out a Book
Face Painting
Photo Booth
Music with a DJ
Art Displays
Children’s and Adult Crafts
Coloring Posters
Puzzles
and More!
Pirate Party ∙ Southwest Library ∙ Sunday, 2:00 pm - Arrr ye ready to party like a pirate? Come play games, make some loot, eat some grub, and watch a sea-faring tale!
***Maryland***
Duck Splash Festival
RIO Washingtonian Lake
Saturday, September 27 ∙ FREE Admission!
This unique street festival is focused around dropping 10,000 rubber ducks into the RIO Washingtonian lake. Each duck can be adopted for a small fee, and a approximately 15 ducks are scooped out as winners of cash and prizes. The festival includes games and other activities for children, meet and greets with “Quacky”, the duck mascot, live performances and of course,splashdown!
Imagination Playground
National Children’s Museum
Saturday, September 27 ∙ FREE but Registration Required
This event is for educators and parents to learn more about and experience Imagination Playground. As an educator, your admission to National Children’s Museum is waived with your RSVP to this event. Due to capacity limits, you are welcome to bring (1) guest/children with you. Discover firsthand how free play unlocks a child’s imagination and creativity while building social skills, collaboration, confidence, problem solving, determination and more.
Burtonsville Day 2014
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
An annual event that includes a parade, festival, craft fair, games for children, live bands, entertainment and, of course, food!
College Park Day
Corner of Paint Branch Parkway and Corporal Frank Scott Drive/5000 Paint Branch Parkway
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
College Park Day will offer arts and entertainment for the whole family, food, games, historical exhibits, and much, much, more.
The event is being organized by a coalition of city officials, city council members, and interested citizens.
Bethesda Fire Department Open House
Station #6 on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Boulevard
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Here is an opportunity to have fun and learn fire safety tips that could protect you, your family and your property. Plus you get to say hello and thank you to the brave firefighters who will be on the scene if a fire or rescue emergency should unfortunately strike in our community.
On the fun side, there will be games for children, a bounce house, hats, balloons, coloring books. And a chance to climb aboard a real fire truck and have your picture taken. Fire Engines and other equipment will be on display for your viewing. Ronald McDonald will also be on hand to greet you and talk about fire safety. And there will be free drinks and food.
19th Annual Baltimore Book Festival
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The Baltimore Book Festival features hundreds of author appearances and book signings, 100+ exhibitors and booksellers, non-stop readings on multiple stages, cooking demos by celebrity chefs, poetry readings and workshops, panel discussions, walking tours, storytellers and hands-on projects for kids, street theater, live music, and a delicious variety of food, beer and wine.
Celebrate Baden Day
Baden Community Center
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Join us to celebrate Baden Community Day! This Family Fun Community Day features mechanical rides, carnival like games, face painting, artists, a moon bounce, train rides and vendors.
Then & Wow!
Glen Echo Park
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission
Then & Wow! is the Glen Echo Park Partnership’s annual family festival celebrating the Park’s revitalization and recalling its history. The event features kiddie rides and arcade games, as well as videos and an exhibition on the Park’s history. Admission to the park is free. Rides and some activities require tickets.
Family Sundays
Baltimore Museum of Art
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 2:00 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 28: Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin’s The Game of Knucklebones
Movies on the Potomac – Neverland: HOOK
National Harbor
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 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***
Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show
Occoquan’s Historic District
Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
The Craft Show will include both contemporary and country crafters and artisans from Occoquan and from all around the United States.
Seaport Day 2014 (and Anything that Floats Race!)
Alexandria Waterfront – Foot of Prince Street
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
There will be children’s activities, interactive children’s music, beer & wine, chowder cook-off and more!
17th Annual Clarendon Day
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
In the morning, runners of all ages can participate in the Pacer’s 10k/5k/Kids Dash. When the Clarendon Festival starts at 11am, Music and Dance Lovers can listen to great bands all day for free on our Five Stages each with its own Headline Artists and supporting local cast of bands and troupes! Find out all about them by clicking here!
Kids will can climb, play, trampoline, listen to music, and generally enjoy the Kids Zone. We’re planning face-painting, story telling, and maybe even some magic at the kid’s stage, plus a couple of cool things we cannot yet announce.
2014 Leesburg Airshow!
Leesburg Executive Airport
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
The annual Leesburg Airshow provides a wonderful opportunity to see a snapshot of the general aviation world. The static display area, located on the airport’s aircraft parking ramp, will feature many unique, experimental and antique aircraft. The airshow exhibitors will showcase the many facets of general aviation, such as flight training, corporate transportation and emergency rescue operations. In addition, there will be a classic car show as well as a variety of food vendors. The skies above Leesburg will come alive with skydiving and aerobatic performances.
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to relax on during the aerobatic portion of the event. No glass bottles or coolers will be permitted. Pets are discouraged- this can be a very loud environment and the ramp can be extremely hot on little paws.
Plan to have some family fun at the Leesburg Airshow!
Reston Multicultural Festival
Lake Anne Plaza
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
The Reston Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the diversity and community spirit that is found in Reston. This annual event
brings together the people of Reston to celebrate our rich medley of cultures. Family, friends and neighbors are treated to the music,
entertainment, dress, food, and cultural treasures from all over the world that are all right here. This signature Reston event honors the
diversity that is one of our greatest assets. Everyone is encouraged to dress in attire from their own cultural roots and share the stories
that we gather on the pathways of our lives.
Bumps, Babies & Beyond EXPO!
Potomac Mills Mall
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
The chicest baby event in the area!
This exciting event celebrates parenthood, pregnancy and babies with a shopping, entertainment, children’s activities, demonstrations, prizes, and more!
We are celebrating your baby bumps, babies and YOUR life beyond!
So much to learn- let’s all share the love!
Fair Lakes FallFest 2014
Fair Lakes – across the street from Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Saturday, September 27 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission!
The FallFest is an annual event designed to bring the Fair Lakes community together to celebrate Fall and enjoy a day of fun and festivities, compliments of the Fair Lakes League.
2014 Latinoamerican Festival
Kenmore Middle School
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Attendees will enjoy live music, delicious, authentic food and fun for the whole family.
NatureFest 2014
Runnymede Park – 195 Herndon Parkway
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Explore various nature stations throughout the park including butterflies, bees, life in the meadow, web of life, and much more. Live animal shows throughout the day. Arts and crafts and fun for the whole family will be included!
Summer Movies at Stonebridge
Potomac Town Center
Sunday, September 28 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Summer Movie Nights at Stonebridge every Sunday at 7 pm through August on the Jumbo Tron! Tonight’s Feature: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Enjoy your weekend!
*****
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