It’s going to be a great weekend to visit the National Arboretum
If you’re looking for a festival this weekend, you’ve got your pick. They celebrate everything from medieval times to autumn to city neighborhoods to folk music. You can also check out local kids’ theatre, create some art, sample food and classes, and learn about sloths. Here are details on all of these pursuits, and for even more ideas see the Everyday Play page. Happy Weekend!
Get Festive
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by festival
Fall may not have officially begun, but you can celebrate the season and then some at one of several festivals happening this weekend, from city neighborhoods to country farms. The annual Adams Morgan Day Festival is on Sunday (see below), Ren Fest gets medieval on weekends through October, and a couple of farms are welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Get details on all of them in this post about fall festivals.
Adams Morgan Day Festival
Where: 18th Street NW, between Columbia and Florida Avenues
When: Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate one of the city’s most diverse community. The 35th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival offers a day full of music, art, culture, dancing, and more. Arts on Belmont will feature original artisans and a variety of art mediums. And various stages throughout the neighborhood will showcase local live entertainment that all ages can enjoy. Details and the schedule of performances are available on the festival website.
Teddy Bear Clinic
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: 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. The Museum is located at 2500 Linden Lane in Silver Spring.
11th Street Bridge Celebration
Where: Local 11th Street Bridge, SE DC
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Join the family-friendly celebration on the Local 11th Street Bridge commemorating the District Department of Transportation’s decade of transportation advancements and the full opening of the local bridge to two-way traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Sloth Day
Where: National Zoo Small Mammal House
When: Saturday
Admission: 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 animal demonstrations.
Fall In! Sample Class Day
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Sample Imagination Stage’s line-up of fall classes – on them! Sample classes are about 20 minutes in length, and give students and families a taste of the Imagination Stage classroom setting. They have exciting offerings for ages 12 months to grade 5. So, try a class and get into YOUR Imagination Stage. This is not a drop-off event; children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Register in advance here.
Textile Arts
Where: Textile Museum
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Once reserved for the royal court of the sultan of Jogjakarta, kawung is an ancient design of intersecting circles. Drop in to the Textile Museum on Saturday to make your own kawung design on a bandana with fabric crayons and circles of various sizes to trace, craft, and color. No reservations required, but space and supplies are limited.
Rosslyn Jazz Festival
Where: Gateway Park
When: Saturday, 1-7pm
Admission: Free
Head across the Key Bridge from the city for this free annual music festival. Enjoy a great line-up of jazz acts, including the Kenny Rittenhouse Septet (1pm), Naomi Shelton and The Gospel Queens (2:15pm), The Soul Rebels (4pm), and Olè Coltrane, featuring Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band (5pm). Along with the music, there will also be a street festival featuring art and food vendors nearby on Lee Highway. Festival parking is available for $5 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at 1911 North Fort Myer Drive. The parking entrance is on North Moore Street. Or, take Metro to the Rosslyn station (orange/blue) and walk a few blocks to the event.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: $10, free for infants under 12 months
Join Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster, Grover and other furry friends for alphabet-themed fun and learning that will put the entire family in the mood for school! Recognizing that getting ready for school begins at birth, the National Children’s Museum’s “Countdown to Kindergarten” celebration is appropriate for all ages. Special activities include crafts, sensory play, a dance party with Grover and Cookie Monster, a parade with Elmo and more. See the website for full details.
DCMEET Market
Where: Logan Circle, 15th & P Streets NW
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Rock-n-Romp! is back at the DCMEET Market! This month’s band line-up includes Greenland, Alarms & Controls, and local kid’s band Metal Panda! Bring the kids and rock out with free inflatable guitars, rock star sunglasses, and temporary tattoos. Of course, while you’re there, you can browse over 40 vendors selling everything from art to food to home wares and more!
Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
The live entertainment options may be slim, but what’s on stages is sure to please. Potted Potter, a hilarious show condensing all seven Harry Potter books, just opened at Sidney Harmon Hall. See a show for really little ones will at The Puppet Co’s Tiny Tots series. The Diggity Dudes are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java. And the Workhouse Arts Center presents Winner the Pooh! all weekend. Get details and ticket info for all of these shows here.
Taste of Falls Church
Where: Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but there is a charge for samples
Bring in the fall with live entertainment, amusement rides, pony rides, crafters, businesses, and civic organizations. And don’t miss the fantastic food at the Taste of Falls Church! The 38th annua festival welcomes the public to sample cuisine from the city’s restaurant kitchens for $3 per “taste” or 10 “tastes” for $25. A children’s activity tent, sponsored by MoBu Kids, will be open from 11am-3pm, featuring free craft projects.
The event will be held rain or shine.
Takoma Park Folk
Where: Takoma Park Middle School
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 6:30pm
Admission: Free
Folk music and performances from around the world will be on seven stages at the annual Takoma Park Folk Festival, some even welcoming the audience to join in. The Grassy Nook Stage will offer activities for children — folksinging, musical games and dancing, storytelling, and more. And a crafts show and sale will showcase the works of local artisans. Pack snacks or purchase food from vendors there. Rain or shine.
The Playseum Turns 4
Where: Playseum in Bethesda
When: Saturday, 9am – 6pm & Sunday, 1-6pm
Admission: $4
In celebration of their 4th birthday, the Playseum is offering $4 admission all weekend at the Bethesda location, along with special festivities in honor of the big day. Enjoy storytimes, a reptile show, a balloon artist, and live entertainment. That’s along with the many newly renovated rooms encouraging imaginative play, art opportunities, and more.
Tea with Mrs. B Grand Opening
Where: Tearoom at 136 W. Jefferson Street in Falls Church
When: Sunday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Maven of manners, etiquette, and poise, Rebecca Czarniecki, is opening a special event tearoom in Falls Church this Sunday. Stop in to experience her one-of-a-kind tearoom as well as learn about her children and adult etiquette classes and events at the grand opening celebration on Sunday. There will also be fun activities for children like a pony ride set in a magical environment.
Get Out!
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like we’re in for some fab weather this weekend so get outside and relish in it. Head to the National Arboretum, stroll the grounds of Brookside Gardens, hit the trail at Great Falls or Riverbend Park, visit the animals at Old Maryland Farm or the Zoo. Find more info about all these suggestions and scads more in this post about the best places in the DC area to enjoy a day outdoors.