Smashing pumpkins, literally, at Great Country Farms’ annual Pumkin’ Chunkin’
The candy hangover should wear off over the day, so the kids (and you!) will be ready to tackle the weekend with zeal. Good timing, too, because there are some great things going on — a food fest, post-Halloween fun on the farm, museum programs, live entertainment, and lots more. And the current forecast indicates that the post full of outdoor ideas will be a good one to keep on hand. Happy Weekend!
Kids Food Fest
Where: Union Market
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Families will have the opportunity to cook, dance, laugh, and taste their way to making balanced food choices. Presented by The Creative Kitchen, the Kids Food Festival invites and encourages children to engage all five senses through hands-on, food-related activities. Enthusiastic eaters and little epicures alike can attend hands-on cooking classes at the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Pavilion, where renowned chefs pass on their recipes, skills, and love for all things culinary to a new generation of learners. The Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt is the core educational element of the Festival. Kids bounce between exhibitors and activities to sample tasty, wholesome snacks while learning the importance of achieving balance in their food choices. There will also be live musical performances, a disco dance party, fitness workshops, and more, with each of the activities relaying special messages about healthful eating!
Pumpkin’ Chunkin’
Where: Great Country Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child, $12/adults
Whether you use the Silo Drop, the Zip Wire Sploosh or Pumpkin Drop Zone, there will be some Pumpkin Chunkin’ going on through November 5 at Great Country Farms. Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern or stock up on other squash and let ‘em fly. Create your own team toss or group battles to see who can create the most artistic mess. The Farm welcomes birthday parties, sports teams, and scout troops roam the 5-acre playground and enjoy the Giant Pumpkin Jumping Pillow, Triple Threat Slide, and more.
Ice Rink Grand Opening Party
Where: Rockville Town Square
When: Friday, 6-10pm
Admission: $8/ages 13 and up, $7/12 and under, $3/skate rentals
Celebrate the opening of Rockville Town Square’s ice rink, the largest outdoor ice skating rink between Baltimore and DC, and the largest in Montgomery County. Hosted by Fresh FM’s Tommy McFLY, NHL star Alan May, the Capitals Red Rockers and the Caps mascot, Slapshot, guests can enjoy live entertainment, special skating performances, meet & greets, and a Caps ticket giveaway.
Community Day the Corcoran
Where: Corcoran Gallery
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Corcoran is going pop-up with a free celebration of art & creativity! For one day only, the public is invited to gather, create, and be inspired at the Gallery. Try your hand at printmaking, make a ceramic bowl to be donated to SOME (So Others Might Eat), check-out a 3D printing demo, and shop at the Community Art Fair, featuring fine arts and crafts made by DC-area artists. Adults wil enjoy artist talks, special tours, films, music, and beer tastings all afternoon in a Biergarten sponsored by Muse Café.
Kids Euro Fest
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Art and culture with European roots continue to entertain kids throughout the area, thanks to the French-American Cultural Foundation, 27 EU embassies, and more than a dozen major cultural institutions. Mimes, storytellers, children’s films, and puppeteers are just a few of the shows and art sessions on the lineup this weekend. See the schedule for specifics.
Day of the Dead Family Day
Where: American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Explore the museum’s new “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art” exhibition and celebrate the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Enjoy performances at 12pm and 2pm by Bailes de Mi Tierra and try out craft activities, including making paper marigolds, papel picado (a decorative paper-cutting craft), creating memory books, and decorating skull masks.
Show Time
Where: Local Theaters
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Here’s where you can find live family entertainment over the next few days: This weekend is your very last chance to catch Goodnight Moon at Adventure Theatre. Peter and the Wolf and Tiny Tots shows are on at The Puppet Co. Joanie Leeds is playing a special Halloween-themed “Jammin’ at the Smithsonian” session at Discovery Theater on Saturday morning. And the Kennedy Center presents Man of the House on both Saturday and Sunday.
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 School of Rock, Harness Flux, Dot Dash, and 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.
American Wildlife Day
Where: National Zoo
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
This free family-friendly event offers educational and fun activities for children, keeper talks, and animal demonstrations. Take a walk along the American Trail and learn about the animals of North America. Find out about the lives of sea lions, what it takes to care for a wolf, and what bald eagles eat, among many more fascinating animals facts.
Take the Fall
Where: Farms around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the season on the farm while you still can — most fall festivals are only on for another weekend or two. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to corn mazes and hayrides to giant slides and jumping pillows, there are activities GALORE to help folks embrace the autumn spirit. See this page for details on fall festivals happening around the region.
Performing Indonesia
Where: Freer | Sackler Galleries
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Admission: Free
Become immersed in the music, dance, and puppet theater of Java, Bali, and Sumatra in this festival of performances, talks, films, and family programs. Performing artists include 35 musicians and dancers from Indonesia along with accomplished gamelan musicians from the United States. Indonesian food will be for sale. Free tickets are required for all evening performances – go here for info on getting them.
Music from Books and the Big Screen
Where: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $20/adults, $10/seniors & students, free for 18 and under
The American Young Strings Ensemble and the American Youth Philharmonic will perform a concert that all ages will enjoy, with the music from books and films beloved by kids. Along with the music, there will be an instrument petting zoo, giving young guests a closer look (and touch) at violins, drums, cellos, horns, and more. This all takes place at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria Campus.
Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday 1-4 & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to hear a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, learn about Sequoyah, who created a Cherokee alphabet.