parade Archives - Beltway Bambinos (2024)

Have a safe and fun Independence Day celebrating in the most perfect place; the Nation’s Capital if you are in town! Before planning your patriotic weekend, make sure to decorate your home, yard and have on hand fun supplies, party favors, tattoos and flags for the Bambinos.

All weekend-

4th of July Weekend Celebration in Annapolis
Celebrate all weekend long as the City of Annapolis welcomes back residents and visitors for three days (July 2-4) of citywide events. From live music and salsa dancing to historic tours and fireworks – the City is reopening with a bang!
Saturday, July 3, 10:30 a.m.– 4th of July Parade in Historic Annapolis
Sunday, July 4, 9:15 p.m.– 4th of July Fireworks in Historic Annapolis

Play ball-

Grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home as they play at Nats Park home July 1-4:
Freedom Fireworks – July 3
Patriotic Series Independence Day – July 4

Fredericksburg Nationals are hosting Salem Thursday-Sunday with fireworks on Friday.

Bethesda Big Train has a game on Friday & Saturday. Cheer for the home team!

July 4-

9:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
Celebrate our nation’s independence at the home of the father of our country. Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, observe a moving ceremony in which candidates from across the world become U.S. citizens, listen to 18th-century music in the upper garden and watch and learn about flying hot air balloons in the 18th century. Lastly, watch a musical performance by the National Concert Band.

9:00am-5:00pm: July 4th at National Archives
The National Archives marks the 245th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program both online and in person! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United StatesDavid S. Ferriero, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalistSoledad O’Brien. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule can be found here.

9:45am-11:00am: Kensington’s 26th Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade
Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, anything & join the parade or watch it go by.

10:00am: Capitol Hill Community Parade
The 19th annualCapitol Hill Community 4th of July Paradeis a local tradition that is considered one of Washington, DC’s best events. For 2021, the traditional parade will be on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row. Get your groups together and join in on the fun!Register your group here. For both groups and spectators, we are encouraging following allupdated guidelinesfrom the Centers for Disease Control.

10:00am: Leesburg Independence Day Parade
Start the holiday by showing your patriotic spirit at the annual Independence Day Parade, held through Historic Downtown Leesburg beginning at 10:00 am. The parade will start at Ida Lee Park, travel down King Street and conclude at Fairfax Street. Put on your patriotic best and join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the birthday of the United States! This year’s parade will also feature the 13th annual Patriot’s Cup Competition, sponsored by theLoudoun Nownewspaper.

3:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America
Celebrate America this Independence Day with one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia! Before all the celebration starts, the Stars and Stripes Yard Contest will take place. Decorate your yard in the Americana Theme and you could win a prize. For full details visit here. The Harris Pavilion will feature photos from the community house decorating contests from 3 pm – 5 pm. There will be aBicycle Decorating Contestfor the kids starting at 3:30 pm. (Please arrive by 3:00 pm if you wish to participate in the Bicycle Decorating Contest) The rest of the fun, including food concessions and novelty vendors will begin at 4 pm in the streets and parking lots surrounding theManassas Visitor’s Center and the Harris Pavilion.Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come early to get the best seats on the Manassas Museum Lawn for the firework display at 9:15 pm!

4:00pm-Dusk:Frederick’s 4th of July
As of May 20, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention continues to recommend against hosting large gatherings and events where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Based on this guidance, the traditional Frederick’s 4th activities in Baker Park will not take place in 2021. Celebrate Frederick is excited to be hosting an alternate event to celebrate Independence Day at the Frederick Fairgrounds, including a Parking Lot Party with99.9 WFREand a FREE fireworks display where the community can view the show from the safety of their vehicles.Click herefor more details!

4:00pm-9:00pm: 9th Annual July Fourth Celebration at Armed Forces Retirement Home
Enjoy children’s activities, entertainment, food trucks and fireworks!

6:00pm: Falls Church Declaration Celebration
Spend your Independence Day with the Recreation and Parks Department! Take the Declaration Celebration Scavenger Hunt to find thirteen Historical Markers throughout Falls Church and explore The Little City’s history. This is a single-day Scavenger Hunt that you can complete at your own pace between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Turn in your completed Scavenger Hunt form in Cherry Hill Park by 6:30 p.m. and you’ll receive a free Declaration Celebration t-shirt! Following the Scavenger Hunt, enjoy free live music in Cherry Hill Park by Sudden M Pac Band from 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.Due to construction at Meridian High School (formerly George Mason High School), the July 4 event will not include fireworks this year.

6:00pm: Concert and Fireworks at Ida Lee Park
Celebrate America’s big day at Ida Lee Park and enjoy a great night of music, food, fireworks, and fun!Gates open at 6:00 pm and music starts at 6:30 pm, so be sure to arrive early and grab a spot for a full night of celebration. This year’s band will be named soon, so be sure to check back. A full food court will be onsite with funnel cakes, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, and so much more. The biggest bang of the evening begins at 9:30 pmwhen the largest fireworks show in the region will light up the sky. Choreographed to patriotic music, this light show is not to be missed.

7:00pm (gates open at 5:30pm): Star-Spangled 4th Of July Concert & Fireworks Spectacular at Prince George’s Stadium
This special event will feature a live concert by DC Fusion and a post-concert Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular! The concert will feature all your favorite musical hits from the 60’s through today and include many different styles and genres of music. There will be something for everyone during DC Fusion’s two-hour set! After the concert, the sky over Prince George’s Stadium will explode with a Fireworks Spectacular that will bring you to your feet!

7:00pm-10:00pm: Fourth at The Wharf: VIP Fireworks Viewing Experience
Savor summer’s biggest holiday in our nation’s capital. Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a private firework viewing experience presented bySmirnoff Red White and Berry. The celebration will include exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building at the tip of District Pier, with food and drinks, aDJ, and spectacular views of theNational Park Service’s firework display. Tickets are $40 and include two drink tickets, plus a cash bar.

7:30pm-10:30pm: July 4th Cruise Fireworks Watch Party
Celebrate America’s birthday in a grand style, on a cruise ship, unbeatable fireworks watch position on the Potomac River and a three-hour TOP SHELF free flowing Open Bar.Join for an enchanting July 4th filled with breathtaking views along the Potomac river, lively entertainment, dancing, and many more.

8:00pm-9:30pm:A Capitol Fourth Concert
A Capitol Fourthto be a pre-recorded show due to the pandemic with a live fireworks presentation, in lieu of the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Capping off the concert broadcast will be live coverage of the fireworks display over our nation’s iconic skyline captured by multiple cameras stationed around the city. The 41st annual broadcast ofA Capitol Fourthairs on PBS Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

9:09pm: Fireworks
The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history. The 17-minute display will be held on Sunday, July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

National Independence Day Parade: Cancelled this year

Recent posts–
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables

Disclaimer:This road trip list full of essentials and games and contains affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase I may get a small commission atabsolutely no cost to you.

(Photo: National Archives)

Have a safe and fun July 4th celebrating in the most perfect place; the nation’s capital! Be sure to check our Instagram for last minute parades and celebrations.

Grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home as they are playing at home July 2-8, 2018.
July 3: 6:05pm: Nationals will play the Red Sox with postgame Freedom Fireworks!
July 4: 11:05am: Nationals will play the Red Sox.No fireworks but a nice way to spend the holiday and is part of the Patriotic Series.

10:00am-11:00am:Declaration of Independence Reading at the National Archives
Greetings from Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor.Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard.National Anthem by Caleb Green.Performance by the3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps.Remarks by David S. Ferriero,Archivist of the United States.Keynote remarks by Laura Murphy, descendant of Signer Philip Livingston of New York.Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence byspecial guestsincludingAbigail Adams, John Adams, John Dunlap, Benjamin Franklin, John Hanco*ck, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.“America the Beautiful” by Caleb Green.

10:00am-4:00pm: Insidethe National ArchivesBuilding
Come celebrate like it it’s 1776!Enjoy hands-on family activities, including story time, crafts and more!Meet John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hanco*ck, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.Collect autographs,Declaring Independence scavenger hunt,Listen to stories of our patriotic past (noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.),Make colonial-style wigs and dress in period clothing,Sign the Declaration of Independence,Write with a quill pen &Set your name in type.Watch the National Independence Day Parade go by outside the National Archives at 11:45am.

11:45am-2:00pm: National Independence Day Parade
Get your spot along Constitution Ave where the parade will travel from 7th St to 17th St. Show your kiddos the balloons, floats, military units, bands and much more. Be prepared for a large crowd.

Noon-4:00pm: 4th of July Summer Party at District Wharf
Happy July 4th! We’re ringing in 242 years of American independence with a kid-friendly party on Transit Pier. The celebration starts at 12pm with live music from Rocknoceros, a local kids’ music band that’ll have your little ones rolling with laughter. Listen and watch, or queue up for face painting, games and a waterslide on the pier. For the adults in the crowd, the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden opens at 1pm for drinks and snacks, and Thongband will play live, patriotic music at 2pm!

All Day: National Mall Independence Day Celebration
It’s the biggest holiday in the Nation’s Capital! In addition to events on the National Mall, visitors can celebrate with special activities at Frederick Douglass’s Cedar Hill estate in Anacostia, or enjoy the fireworks from a number of national parks in and around the city. See schedule of events above.

8:00pm-9:30pm:A Capitol Fourth Concert
Gates open at 3:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm and airs on PBS and can be heard on NPR. Admission is free. They typicallyhave a dress rehearsal on July 3 if you want to skip the larger crowd. Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this time-honored 38 year-tradition puts viewers front and center for America’s biggest birthday party with the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation lighting up the iconic D.C. skyline.

9:00pm: Fireworks
Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Poolarea, and will be visible from many locations in D.C. and Virginia.

Other viewing areas for the Mall fireworks:
Washington DC: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park

Virginia: U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the George Washington Memorial Parkway

A few other fun celebrations happening:

July 4: 8:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

July 4: Noon-Dusk:Frederick’s 4th

July 4: 3:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America

July 4: 6:00pm: Annapolis Fourth of July

July 4: 6:00pm: Falls Church Music & Fireworks

Posts you may be interested in:

Best Ice Cream in DC

Where Kids Eat Free

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day in addition to some familiar events. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested day trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car toolong but will get you “away”. An obvious and free pick is to visit the various memorials along the Mall.Many events at Arlington National Cemetery can be found here. Info on Rolling Thunder can be found here.

Have you entered our currentgiveaways?A free month of classes at MOCO Movement?Tickets to see In the Clouds at Arts on the Horizon?Movie passes to see Adrift?

The Big Bounce America is taking over Washington, DC this weekend; 10,000 square feet of bounce fun.

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. All outdoor pools and splash pads will open Memorial Day weekend and will operate on a weekend schedule through June 17.

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks or hit a waterpark (see the bottom of the list). A few sprays in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
National Gallery of Art’s 2018 Jazz in the Garden lineup features acclaimed musicians presenting a wide variety of jazz styles—swing, funk, hip-hop, Latin, go-go, ska, Dixieland, blues, and more. Every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. through August 24, 2018, the Gallery will invite visitors to find a seat among the monumental works of art in the Sculpture Garden and enjoy one of the city’s favorite summertime activities. To date, more than 1,735,000 visitors have started their weekend off with the long-standing concert series. Pack a picnic or purchase food there.

6:30pm:Four Mile Summer Movie Festivalat Four Mile Conservatory Building-Featured movie: Coco
Bring your friends, family and neighbors for games, giveaways, popcorn, picnicking, and of course, great films under the stars. Movies start at dusk and are screened with Spanish subtitles. We encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, because this year’s location will be on asphalt. Bring blankets, outdoor games, and picnic coolers when the fun starts at 6:30 pm.

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8thSeason. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

10:00am: Kids Can Cook at Frying Pan Park
Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Create a healthy snack with food straight from Kidwell Farm. Participants get to harvest tasty treats from the garden and learn fun ways to put them together to make kid-friendly dishes. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

11:00am-3:00pm: DC Duck Race
The 3rd annual D.C. Duck Race is at The Yards Parkalong the Anacostia River. This fun event and festival brings the community together in support of local non-profits and organizations and issponsored by the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C.through a collaboration with theCapitol Riverfront BID. The race will begin at2 PM!

9:00am-5:00pm:Strawberry Jubilee Festival at Great Country Farms isthe longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. To celebrate the royal strawberry, our Jubilee is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, a visit from the Strawberry Princess, great food and fun games for the whole family! (Taking place on Sunday also).

10:00am-5:00pm:Delaplane Strawberry Festival allow you to enjoy hayrides, old fashioned field games, dancing, music, magic, storytelling, crafts, a petting farm, bake sale, hikes in the shadow of the Appalachian Trail, face painting, cake-walking, Corn Hole, a monkey and much more!(Taking place on Sunday also).

Sunday

2:00pm:National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its fourteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

6:00pm:Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor-Featured movie: The Lego Batman Movie
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. A schedule of movies to be shown can be viewed below. (They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.)

8:00pm-9:30pm:National Memorial Day Concert
Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public. The gates open at 5:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm.

Saturday

9:00am-11:30am: The Children’s House of Washington Open House!Learn about the benefits of Montessori & see if CHOW is a good fit for your Bambinos.

9:30am AND 11:00am: The Town That Cried Avalanche at National Theatre
In preparation for Earth Day, The National Theatre is thrilled to host the World Premier of “The Town That Cried Avalanche”, an interactive play that asks: how do you balance progress and the needs of the people with taking care of our environment? Controversy rocks the tiny mountain town of Avalanche as the progress everyone craves threatens to shake up their lives and reduce their mountain to rubble. What should the town do – and how can anyone make decisions when everyone disagrees with each other? The play is performed by three actors onstage with help from everyone in the audience, who become part of the action as citizens locked in passionate debate at the Avalanche Town Hall Meeting. What will the town decide? What will happen? It’s all in the hands of the audience…and so’s the fate of Avalanche!

10:00am-12:00pm: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
One of DC’s largest spectator events, the energy-filled National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival. From the National Archives to the Washington Monument, spectators are wow-ed by the pageantry and excitement that is the nation’s premier springtime parade.Standing along the Parade route from Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets, NW isFREEand open to the public. Arrive early for the best views. $20 for grandstand seating.

10:30am: Matt Heaton at Jammin Java
Matt Heaton believes music for kids can be entertaining for both children AND parents. His songs are a mix of rockabilly, surf, american roots and Irish traditional music, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a sincere sense of fun. Children and adults respond to his musicianship and variety. The adults in the room particularly appreciate the Muppet-esque touches of humor and observations of kid behavior. Whether you call it children’s music, family music, kindie or toddlerbilly it’s sure to please listeners of all ages

10:30am-6:00pm:58th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival is the largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the United States and is proud to be the grand finale of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Performers and vendors travel from all over the country and the world to Washington, DC to share their love of Japanese culture and traditions with the Festival attendees. The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival is excited to return to Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets, NW – anchored at the corner of 7th and Pennsylvania, Ave, NW.

12:00pm-3:00pm: Open House at My GymPotomac and My Gym Bethesda
Join us for FREE fun and games at My Gym! Lots of fun play time plus great discounts on Spring classes and Summer camps and parties!Featuring:From12-1pm– Ninja Warrior obstacle courses and free pizza – best for ages 3-10yrs.From1-3pm– Free Face Painter and Fun – best for all ages.

2:00pm-3:00pm: DC Emancipation Day Parade
Parade along Pennsylvania between 10th St NW & 14th St NW

3:00pm-8:00pm: DC Emancipation Day Concert & Fireworks

Sunday

10:30am-12:00pm:A Family Celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut
Join us as we celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday by recognizing the range and diversity of its people and landscape. Through reading and activities, we’ll bring to life the charming and colorful world created by author Leslie Kimmelman in her book,Everybody Says Shalom. This program is best for ages 3-7, but the whole family is welcome!Cost is $15/family. This program is a collaboration of Literary Programming at the EDCJCC and Jewish Life and Learning in Partnership with PJ Library.

11:00am-2:00pm: Spring in the Valley
Car seat safety check with Safe Kids DC, Spring Valley Pediatrics, Stork Childbirth Education, moon-bounces, face paint and so much more (rain date: April 22).

1:00pm-4:00pm: National Symphony Orchestra Concert at the Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is thrilled to host members of the National Symphony Orchestra for a free, engaging musical performance for all ages. The National Symphony Orchestra will be performing two concerts held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Zoo’s Visitor Center auditorium, followed by Musical Instrument “Petting Zoos” at 2 p.m.and 4 p.m.Featured musicians includeJae-YeonKim (violin), KoSugiyama(violin), Tiffany Richardson (viola)and SeanNeidlinger(cello), CharlesNilles(bass) and JoelAyau(piano).See details by following link for more details on how to get free passes.

Saturday Song Circle & Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage can be found here.

Parent’s Night Out THIS WEEKEND!

Mom’s Night Out to see I Feel Pretty on April 16 & April 18! FREE passes here!

Disney on Ice, Follow Your Heart is at Eagle Bank Arena through Sunday.

Robin Hood debuts on Saturday at Imagination Stage.

Saturday-

10:00am: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre at Avalon Theatre
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre is back at the Avalon this winter! In “If Pigs Could Fly,” three 5th grade students join the school librarian for the 2nd grade story time. One 2nd grader, Rocky, says he doesn’t like books. The 5th graders proceed to show Rocky and his classmates how much fun reading can be by producing puppet shows from 4 world folktales books from the library.Tickets: $8.00 / $6.50 for Avalon members (Children under 2 are free).

10:30am-11:15am:Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist 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.Where The Wild Things Areis the featured story.

11:00am: Saturday Family Jazz Session at AMP by Strathmore
Junior jazz aficionados spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel. Recommended for ages 3–8. This weekends show:Jump, Jive & Boogie-Woogiewith Daryl Davis
Explore the elements of boogie woogie music, starting from its rootswhen it was performed by soloists. Thenfind out how it was incorporated into popular music in swing orchestras, and the birth of rock ‘n roll. Led by pianist and AIR mentor Daryl Davis.

11:00am-12:00pm: Little Red Riding Hood presented by Wheaton Family Theatre at Highland Elementary School
Seymour Barab’s funny and sprightly one-act opera delights youngsters as we follow Little Red Riding Hood’s merry jaunt through the woods to Grandmother’s house. Join us for InterAct Story Theatre and Victorian Lyric Opera Company’s fresh take on this classic children’s opera…and watch out for that sneaky Big Bad Wolf! Best for ages 4 and up for this free event.

1:00pm-2:00pm:All Ages Family Yoga at Washington Yoga Center
Join Rhiannon Landesberg for a fun-filled all-ages family class, where we will move, breathe, dance, stretch and play yoga! We will practice traditional poses with an imaginative flair, as well as partner and group poses to encourage connection and fun for the whole family, while improving strength, flexibility and mindfulness skills for children and adults alike! Workshop is $30.00 for two family members plus $10 for each additional member.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Ireland on the Wharf
The luck of the Irish is headed to the waterfront with an Ireland on The Wharf festival! Celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, a beer garden, Irish dancers, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities. And, of course, sip a pint of Guinness in honor of St. Patrick’s Day at Kirwan’s Irish Pub. Live music lineup:
2pm – 3pm:Aine O’Doherty Band(Donegal, Ireland)
3:15pm – 4:30pm:The Danny Burns Band
4:45pm – 6pm:The ShamRogues

Sunday-

10:00am, 12:00pm & 2:00pm: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Metropolitan Ballet Theatre
Want to meet the characters from MBT’s upcoming ballet, Alice in Wonderland, before the performance? You are cordially invited to join us at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Please call or click for tickets. These will sell out quickly!Each child needs a ticket; parents are admitted free of charge. This event is age-appropriate for children ages 3-7. Meet Alice and other characters from the ballet! Enjoy a mini-performance and a craft. Enjoy a sweet treat.

11:00am-12:00pm:STORYTIME at Hirshhorn
Why am I me? Why are youyou? In this storytime, we’ll look closely at the work Five Day Forecast by Lorna Simpson, and examine our unique features through a read-alound ofWhy am I me?by Paige Britt. Following the story, we’ll play with shapes, lines and colors to create our own self-portraits. STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Museum staff will read aloud a book, introduce children to an artist in the collection, and lead a hands-on activity.

12:00pm: 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, DC
The parade will proceed down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, N.W., in our Nation’s Capital. “Showcasing DC Irish Culture”was chosen as this year’s theme to celebrate local Irish-American leaders who have been instrumental in the promotion Irish culture throughout the DMV area and become leaders in showcasing Washington’s unique Irish heritage beyond the city.

3:30pm: Toddler & Me Yoga at Washington Yoga Center
Designed for crawlers to walkers up to around 24 months; come move, sing, and play with your tot to boost social and physical development, meet others families, and get out of the house between naptime and dinnertime… Grown-ups can expect lots of participation, some gentle adult yoga movement, an opportunity to bond, and a chance to learn from your natural little yogis; all loving adults are welcome (parents, grandparents, other caregivers).

Many local theatre performances on stage this weekend.

Paw Patrol? Bubble Guppies? Check out some popular shows coming to our area.

Egg hunts and Easter fun!

Spring Break Camps!

Plan ahead for Smithsonian Sleepovers (they sell out quickly!!)

National Museum of Natural History Sleepovers:Sleepover guests will experience the museum through an interactive exploration of exhibit halls consisting of games, puzzles and challenges; exhibit-based craft projects; and sleeping under the museum’s giant North American right whale, Phoenix. Sleepovers at the National Museum of Natural History will be heldMay 18,June 1,June 29,July 6,Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.

National Museum of American History Sleepovers:Participants will solve a mystery of historic proportions during an interactive exploration of exhibit halls. When the devious diva Miss Rose steals six valuable objects from the museum, kids must discover what is missing before the evening’s end. Using their detective skills, they will collect clues to guide them to the crime scene. Along the way, they will take part in games, experiments and craft projects—and even become a presidential candidate. Sleepovers at the National Museum of American History will be heldMay 11,May 25,June 15 and Aug. 10.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center Sleepovers:Kids and their chaperones will explore the whole world of flight, from its pioneering days through the era of commercial aviation to the excitement of today’s space program. After they grab a flight checklist, they will take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies. Udvar-Hazy Center staff will be on hand to offer information and insights about the aviation treasures on view. Sleepovers at the Udvar-Hazy Center will be heldJuly 14,July 28 and Aug. 18.

In addition to my baby girl turning 3 this weekend, there is a lot happening in our area. Find time in between prepping for Thanksgiving to get out to some of these once a year events!

Final weekend of The Adventures of Peter Pan at Synetic Theatre. Take flight to Neverland with Peter Pan, his Lost Boys and the Darling children! In this magical place filled with fairies, pirates, and mermaids, Peter Pan and crew will battle the delightfully sinister Captain Hook with acrobatics that will leave you on the edge of your seat! This production is recommended for ages 7+ for moments younger viewers may find frightening.

26th Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show is taking place Saturday & Sunday on the campus of George Mason University. Demonstrations, Exhibits, and Door Prizes. Mini-mines for children to dig in and get free fossils and minerals. Over 20 Dealers with Fossils, Minerals, Crystals and Gems for sale.

The Junior League of Northern Virginia’s 17th Annual The Enchanted Forest will take place November 18-19, 2017, at the Westin Tysons Corner. The event will feature live entertainment, Kids in the Kitchen holiday activities, visits from Santa, a model train display, kids’ crafts, gifts for purchase, premium events for adults and kids, and a silent auction of more than 80 lavishly decorated themed trees and wreaths. The Enchanted Forest is your first opportunity to take photos with Santa, get a head start on your holiday shopping, and kick off your holiday season.

Friday-

6:00pm-8:00pm: Pike & Rose Tree Lighting
(11580 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD. 20852)
Light up the Season! Join us for our Annual Neighborhood Tree Lighting. Enjoy: Holiday Music and Entertainment, Tastings & Food Specials, Seasonal Sales & Promotions, Giveaways & Prizes, LIVE! Ice Carving. Shop your favorite stores for the holidays including now open: H&M, Sephora, Sur La Table , L.L. Bean – and so much more! Save the Date for The Menorah Lighting: Dec. 18

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Pinot and Augustine at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Back by popular demand, family-friendly circus clowns Pinot & Augustine star in a show jam-packed with physical comedy. Bursting with melodic surprises from the ridiculous to the sublime, our clowns perform their own unique compositions with musical saws and an extra-special inflatable cushion!

10:00am-12:00pm: Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
(The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue)
The streets are being overrun with turkeys, dinosaurs, penguins, and reindeer! No, the zoo hasn’t opened their gates – it is the Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade! With marching bands, Bolivian dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and Santa, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area.

11:00am-12:00pm: Wheaton Family Theatre presents Lesole’s Dance Project
(Glenallan Elementary School:12520 Heurich Road, Wheaton, MD 20902)
Dance your way to the tip of the African continent! Experience three different African cultures through dance, from traditional Zulu village dances through modern moves with a South African flair. Founded in 2003 by native South African dancer Lesole Maine, the company has performed to acclaim throughout the U.S. and locally at the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Smithsonian and area schools. All ages and FREE.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Thanksgiving with the Turkeys at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary
(15200 Mt Nebo Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837)
Come celebrate Thanksgiving WITH the turkeys – join our friendly turkeys and all their friends in celebrating a cruelty-free Thanksgiving potluck. Please bring a vegan (no meat, dairy, or eggs) dinner or dessert item to serve 8. $10 suggested donation.

4:00pm: Family Yoga at Lemon Tree Playgroup
(2100 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009)
Grab the kiddos and join other mamas (and Papas!) for an all-levels vinyasa yoga practice. Grown-ups and older children will move through poses while littler yogis sleep, play and/or explore in a child-friendly (and safe) environment. No prior experience is required. Please bring your mats and a playful attitude. Online registration is available here. Please let me know if you have any questions.

5:00pm-6:30pm:CityJews PopUp: Havdalah! at Edlavitch DCJCC
(1529 16^th Street NW)
The traditional Havdalah* ceremony marks the end of Shabbat and can only happen when there are three stars visible in the sky. Explore the stars and our universe with a live planetarium show, cake-pop treats and crafts! We will end with the Havdalah ceremony, a lovely, multi-sensory experience.

7:00pm: Explore the Stars and Sky
(Meet in the field just south of the intersection of Military and Glover Roads NW, near the Nature Center. A parking lot is located immediately next to the field.)
Exploring the Sky is an informal program that for over sixty years has offered monthly opportunities for anyone in the Washington area to see the stars and planets through telescopes from a location within the District of Columbia. Sessions are held in Rock Creek Park once each month on a Saturday night from April through November, starting shortly after sunset. Beginners (including children) and experienced stargazers are all welcome-and it’s free!

Sunday- (Additional options in the introduction)

10:00am-11:30am: Toddler Trailblazers at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
(National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Avenue Lobby)
Explore the breathtaking beauty of autumn! We will go on a hunt for autumnal colors by looking both outside on the trees and in paintings in the National Gallery of Art. Ages 13 – 23 months, $43. Workshops offer a variety of hands-on experiences that introduce young children to concepts in engaging ways. Each class includes playful activities that are intentionally chosen to support your child’s development. Our learning extends beyond the classroom and into the museum and community where children and parents are encouraged to wonder and explore together as a family.

Weekend Theatre Performances:

Frosty the Snowman at Adventure Theatre-Nov 17 – Dec 31, 2017
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)

Charlotte’s Web at Imagination Stage- Nov 18, 2017 – Jan 7, 2018
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD. 20814)

Me…Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodallat The Kennedy Center- Nov 18, 2017 – Dec 10, 2017
(2700 F St NW)

We survived the first two weeks of being back in school and are sad to say good-bye to pool days. In addition to the Weekend Picks, we included a short list of quick day or overnight trips for your holiday weekend as well as some Labor Day activities in our area.

Shenandoah National Park

North Shore Beach

Harpers Ferry

Luray Caverns

Baltimore

Explore the art of recycling at the museum’s 38th-annual Celebration of Textiles Festivalat the Textile Museum Saturday and Sunday. Try your hand at weaving with recycled materials and designing a paper dress; watch local fiber artists at work; enjoy live music and dance; and explore the ingenious designs in the exhibition Scraps: Fashion, Textiles, and Creative Reuse. Free; no reservations required. In addition to performances, visitors will be able to make upcycled jewelry with Scrap Baltimore, weave with recycled materials, design a paper dress and join a knittingcircle with Project Knitwell.

Maryland Renaissance Festivalwill be jousting and serving up lots of turkey legs this weekend! The festival is free to children 7 and under. Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch! The Festival ends October 22 and is open weekends only.

Saturday-

8:30am-7:30pm: 17th Library of CongressNational Book Festivalat the Washington Convention Center
(801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Starting at 9:30 a.m., more than 100 authors, illustrators and poets will make presentations on stages dedicated to kids, fiction, history, poetry, contemporary life and more. Many fascinating thematic programs and panel discussions will be offered throughout the festival. A Main Stage of 2,000 seats will feature seven of the most popular festival authors.The exposition floor on the lower level of the Convention Center will also offer a wide array of fun and exciting activities and programs for festival attendees of all ages. From the literacy corner reading space to special story times and a fun hunt for Waldo, festival sponsors will offer family-friendly activities throughout the day.

11:00am-6:00pm:DC Veg Festat Yards Park, DC
(Intersection of N St. SE and First St. SE)
DC VegFest is a fun, free, and flavorful way to discover the many benefits of choosingplant-based foods for our health, the planet, and animals.The free event offers:Complimentary samples of vegan cuisine,Live Music,Busboys & Poets Beer Garden,Humane Rescue Alliance Barking Lot,Kids’ Zone (including yoga, kids’ hands-on cooking demonstrations, a moon bounce and more) andInspirational Speakers & Cooking Demonstrations. Rain or shine– lots of areas are tented.

Sunday-

3:00pm-11:00pm: Capitol Concert
(US Capitol West Lawn)
The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol each year, the Sunday before Labor Day. The annual concert is produced by the Kennedy Center. Open rehearsal is at 3:30pm and the concert is at 8pm. The concert will be moved indoors to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall if inclement weather.

Monday-

9:30am:Harambe with Baba Ras D at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children. Recommended for ages 0 to 7 years. $7 per child $3 per adult suggested donation.

(35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202)
Greatest children’s museum, 45 mins from DC– worth the trip.

Have a safe and fun July 4th celebrating in the most perfect place; the nation’s capitol! To kick off the weekend grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home team.

July 3: 6:05pm: Nationals will play the Mets. Postgame Freedom Fireworks
July 4: 11:05am: Nationals will play the Mets.No fireworks but a nice way to spend the holiday and is part of the Patriotic Series.
July 5: 7:05pm: Nationals will play the Mets.

July 4: 10:00am-11:00am:Declaration of Independence Reading at the National Archives
(National Archives Building on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th St
Greetings from Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor.Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard.National Anthem by Caleb Green.Performance by the3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps.Remarks by David S. Ferriero,Archivist of the United States.Keynote remarks by Laura Murphy, descendant of Signer Philip Livingston of New York.Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence byspecial guestsincludingAbigail Adams, John Adams, John Dunlap, Benjamin Franklin, John Hanco*ck, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.“America the Beautiful” by Caleb Green.

July 4: 10:00am-4:00pm: Insidethe National ArchivesBuilding
(National Archives Building-Boeing Learning Center)
Come celebrate like it it’s 1776!Enjoy hands-on family activities, including story time, crafts and more!Meet John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hanco*ck, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.Collect autographs,Declaring Independence scavenger hunt,Listen to stories of our patriotic past (noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.),Make colonial-style wigs and dress in period clothing,Sign the Declaration of Independence,Write with a quill pen &Set your name in type.Watch the National Independence Day Parade go by outside the National Archives at 11:45am.

July 4: 11:45am-2:00pm: National Independence Day Parade
(Constitution Ave and 7th St)
Get your spot along Constitution Ave where the parade will travel from 7th St to 17th St. Show your kiddos the balloons, floats, military units, bands and much more. Be prepared for a large crowd.

July 4: All Day: National Mall Independence Day Celebration
(On the National Mall)
There’s no better place to be on Independence Day than the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to some of the most iconic monuments and memorials in our country. Fireworks will begin at 9:09pm.

July 4: 8:00pm-9:30pm:A Capitol Fourth Concert
(West Lawn of the Capitol)
Gates open at 3:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm and airs on PBS and can be heard on NPR. Admission is free. They typicallyhave a dress rehearsal on July 3 if you want to skip the larger crowd.

July 4: 9:00pm: Fireworks
Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Poolarea, and will be visible from many locations in D.C. and Virginia.

Other viewing areas of the Mall fireworks:
Washington DC: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park

Virginia: U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the George Washington Memorial Parkway

Celebratesomeplace other than the National Mall-

July 1: 10:00am-12:00pm: Happy Birthday, America & Tudor Place

July 4: 9:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

July 4: 12:00pm-Dusk:Frederick’s 4th

July 4: 4:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America

July 4: 6:30pm: Annapolis Fourth of July

July 4: 6:00pm: Falls Church Music & Fireworks