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4th of July on the Mall
National Mall
Washington DC
800-215-6405
www.july4thparade.com
The mack daddy of all annual DC events is the celebrated 4th of July festivities on the National Mall replete with celebrity bands, fireworks and a big old parade. This is one that you have to get to at least once in your life. Yes, the crowds can be a bit much but if you go early and use Metro you will be in good shape. Noteworthy, the parade kicks off at 7th & Constitution. The event culminates with fireworks that are set off around 9pm. Most agree this is a LONG day and best meant for older kids. Infants and toddlers tend to poop out in the sun, heat and extended hours.
Adams Morgan Day
Check attached website
Washington DC
www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com/
With a unique collection of local acts, specialty vendors, arts and crafts from around the world the street, the street festival attracts thousands each year. Attendees at last year's successful event attracted an estimated 24,000 and growing. Not only has this much-awaited tri-state area event become a local favorite but attendees come from up and down the east coast enjoying the best in local flavor in music, dance, arts and more. AM Day is now a nationally known event that celebrates the international and cultural diversity that makes DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood so popular. AM Day also showcases this DC neighborhood known as an ethnic and eclectic retail, arts, entertainment and restaurant locale. The event is normally held in early September.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Bethesda MD
LINK
Great way to get out and meeting your retail neighbors. The event plays host to over 140 artists and craftsmen. Junior will enjoy the sites and sounds of the fun crowd and live music. Don't forget to sample the culinary delights of local restaurants that have booths set up for dining pleasure. The fun lasts an entire weekend and normally falls on the second weekend in May.
Black Family Reunion
Washington DC
LINK
Information courtesy of BFRC. The Black Family Reunion Celebration (BFRC) is a two-day cultural event that is recognized as the largest, most significant family event in the nation, attracting more than 500,000 people each year! The 3-day festival celebrates the enduring strengths and traditional values of the African American family. The BFRC features themed pavilions that showcase African American businesses and organizations. Health, education and economic empowerment are just a few of the pavilions exciting themes. The weekend celebration includes a VIP Gala, themed pavilions and an enchanting evening R&B concert on the National Mall. The event is held in early September.
Chinese New Years Parade
Washington DC
LINK
Dragon dances, fire crackers and a colorful parade welcome in the Chinese New Year. This annual event is held in DC's Chinatown and normally falls in either January or February. A fun celebration for the entire family. The event is free and held from 2-5pm. The parade is held at H Street between 6th and 8th Street. Check the website for more information.
Cinco De Mayo
Washington DC
www.marumontero.com
Thousand of people converge on the National Mall for the annual Cinco De Mayo Festival. Enjoy a full day of music, dance, food and even a children’s pavilion. The event teaches children how to make piñatas, weave strands of colored yarn into decorative braids, and decorate beautiful fans. A very fun day for the whole family!
DC Caribbean Carnival
Check attached website
Washington DC
www.dccaribbeancarnival.com
A high energy and spirited carnival that started in 1993, is full of music, dancers, colorful customs and more. The event culminates with a grand parade. The event draws folks from almost every Caribbean country and is typically held in late June.
Delaplane Strawberry Festival
Sky Meadow State Park - 11012 Edmonds Lane
Delaplane VA 20144
LINK
Held in the heart of Virginia hunt country in Sky Meadow State Park, the Delaplane Strawberry Festival a full weekend for the family. The event offers up children's games, hayrides, live entertainment, bake sale, petting zoo, lots of fresh strawberries and a 5k run. The location is roughly an hour from the DC Metro Area. Kids love this event that is normally held over Memorial Day Weekend.
Fall Festival - Butler Orchard
22200 Davis Mill Road
Germantown MD 20876
301-972-3299
www.butlersorchard.com
Farm fun for all at this 50 year old orchard located in Germantown, MD. All the usual suspects can be found including: strawberries, jam, veggies, blueberries and, of course, pumpkins in the fall. Butler is full of year-round activities, bring the kids out to pick their own fruit. Noteworthy, Butler has an awesome Annual Pumpkin Festival throughout the month of October.
Fall Festival - City of Manassas
Costello Park
Manassas VA
www.manassascity.org/index.asp
Seasonal Arts & crafts, live entertainment, pumpkin decorating and more. Check website for exact time and date.
Fall Festival - Cox Farms
15621 Braddock Road
Centreville VA 20120
703-543-6305
www.coxfarms.com/
Check out this awesome annual Fall Festival that offers up hayrides, pumpkin tosses, kid friendly farm animals, kettle corn, apple cider, live entertainment, slides and a petting zoo. Pick a beautiful day and head to Centreville, VA. My child even at the age of 13 months LOVED this event. Noteworthy, concession stands, ample parking, a friendly crowd and lots of open space make this a fun and easy day for the whole family. Don't forget to take your stroller. Little ones tend to loose steam before they reach the car.
Fall Festival - Fall for Fairfax
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax VA 22030
www.fallforfairfax.com/
This free event has lots for the entire family. Pumpkin painting, hayrides, inflatables, food, interactive activities and more. Noteworthy, free shuttles will be running from the Vienna Metro to the Government Center.
Fall Festival - Great County Farm
18780 Foggy Bottom Road
Bluemont VA 20135
540-554-2073
www.greatcountryfarms.com/
Pick a season and you will find a celebration at Great Country Farms. From the Spring Strawberry Jubilee, that plays host to the Diaper Derby, to the Fall Pumpkin Harvest, it is always a good time to pay a visit to Great Country Farms. The farm makes for a fabulous day in the country. Noteworthy, check the website calendar for the U-Pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. Kids love the chance to get out there and pick their own tomatoes, blackberries and blueberries. Yum!
Fall Festival - Homestead Farm
15600 Sugarland Road
Poolesville MD 20837
301-977-3761
www.homestead-farm.net/
Make this a must for your little one's Halloween line-up! Homestead Farm has hayrides, farm animals, pumpkins and a 6 acre corn maze that draws crowds during the fall season. Noteworthy, Homestead is a working farm that offers a fresh array of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Fall Festival -
Kids' Day in the County
Patuxent River Park
Upper Marlboro MD 20772
301-627-6074
LINK
Check the incredible 6,000 acre Patuxent Park for their Kids' Day in the County. Little ones can experience pumpkin painting, hay rides, pony rides, museum tours and a beautiful park setting. Check the website for this event that normally is held in mid-October.
Fall Festival - The Corn Maze in the Plains
P.O. Box 464
The Plains VA 20198
540-456-7339
www.cornmazeintheplains.com
Corn mazes, pumpkins, farm animals and hayrides are all apart of the fall fun at Corn Maze in the Plains. Noteworthy, the location is approximately 40 miles from the DC Metro area.
Flower Mart / National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral
Washington DC 20016
202-537-2937
LINK
This annual event is held for the benefit of the gardens, grounds and woodlands of Washington National Cathedral. Free admission to this two day flower fest is held outdoors on the beautiful Cathedral grounds. You will find music & entertainment along with more than 50 boutique booths, filled with gift items for the home and garden. Ride the antique carousel, which is only open for this event. Junior will be taken with the puppet shows, children’s games and rides. You will love New Scotland’s famous lobster rolls. A variety of tasty food, antiques, collectibles and used books are for sale. The event will have plants of all kinds: herbs, annuals, perennials. The event is held in early May.
Gold Cup
Check attached website
Great Meadow in the Plains VA
www.vagoldcup.com
This is a great event that has been celebrated for over 80 years. Gold Cup is widely known as the crown jewel of steeple chase. There is an eclectic mix of people. You will find everything from the hats and pearls crowd to normal folks that are just there to take in the sites and sounds. Regardless of you financial status, this is a fun day at the races for all. Lots of food, fun and plenty of spirits are the backdrop with the local favorite. Noteworthy, the event is typically held the first Saturday in May. While Junior is welcome, I would find a sitter. There are oodles of adults behaving badly.
Halloween - Boo at the Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue
Washington DC 20008
202-633-4240
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/
Trick or treat with the lions and elephants? The "Boo at the Zoo" Halloween event has attracting little ghosts and goblins for years. Harry Potter, Dora the Explorer and even Spiderman can be seen at this fun, festive and safe Halloween gathering at the National Zoo in Washington DC for kids ages 2 to 12. Costumed volunteers hand out candy, snack food and special treats at 40+ treat stations. Animal encounters, zookeeper chats, Halloween decorations and zoo animals will be on hand for the fun!
Halloween - City of Gaithersburg
Olde Towne Park
Gaithersburg MD
301-258-6350
www.gaithersburgmd.gov
Entertainment, clowns, balloon sculptors, treats and lots of hot chocolate are all apart of this Halloween tradition. Maps are provided to kids and parents that show participating local merchants. The event runs from 6:30pm until 8pm on Halloween.
Halloween - Discovery Theater
11oo Jefferson Drive
Washington DC 20026
202-633-8700
www.discoverytheater.com/
Halloween at the Discovery Theater rocks! Check out the Pumpkin Party and Parade. The audience is brought in on the fun with an interactive show, a parade and treats! The Smithsonian's Discovery Theater, located in the Ripley Center on the National Mall, seasonal offers over 300 performances. Shows feature puppets, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians, and mimes in performances that present classic stories for children, folk tales from all over the world, Shows are funky and cutting edge yet kid-friendly. Noteworthy, Discovery Theater is hugely popular in the Metro DC area. Teachers, parents and kids all seem enjoy!
Halloween - Dulles Town Center
21100 Dulles Town Circle
Dulles VA 20166
703-404-7120
www.shopdullestowncenter.com/
Trick or treat with local merchants. Kids come in full costume and can expect to find entertainment, photographers and tons of festivities.
Halloween - Greenbelt Costume Contest & Parade
Roosevelt Center
Greenbelt MD
www.greenbeltmd.gov/
Entertainment, costume parade, prizes and more are offered up at this Greenbelt tradition. Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the festivities. Best costume awards are offered to little ones from 18mths to 11 years of age.
Halloween - Vienna Halloween Parade
Downtown Vienna - Maple Avenue
Vienna VA
www.viennava.gov/
Charming tradition in idyllic Vienna, VA. Locals love this event. Many adults will recount their childhood memories of this festive parade that is held every Halloween. Check the website for time and parade route information.
Halloween Festival –
Friendship / Turtle Park
45th & Van Ness
Washington DC
202-282-2198
www.turtlepark.org/index.php
The whole neighborhood comes out for this fun day of entertainment, light food fare and little goblins dressed in their costumes. The event culminates with a costume parade and tons of festive fun for little ones. Located near American University, Friendship Park draws over 500 people from the local community to celebrate the Halloween season in style and in costume!
Halloween
High Heel Drag Races
Dupont Circle - 17th Street
Washington DC 20036
202-328-0090
http://jrswdc.com/
Picture this, a few thousand locals and visitors descend on DuPont Circle on the Tuesday before Halloween. As the evening's festivities begin, the streets fill with over 100 fierce and fabulous drag queens that work-it down 17th Street. The event builds up to a high energy, full on foot race. Yep, the lovely ladies, in full regalia, hit the pavement for one of the most competitive races I have ever seen. This is a great event that brings out the gay and straight community for a hilarious night. Noteworthy, there is no "official" website for the event; however, JR's Bar normally sponsors the event. Check the website for further information or search Yahoo under "Halloween High Heel Drag Race - DuPont Circle".
Labor Day Concert
Check attached website
Washington DC
website
Take a moment to soak in the official last moments of the summer at The National Symphony Orchestra FREE Labor Day Weekend concert. Held on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol the annual concert is led by NSO Associate Conductor. Note, this is the time to book a sitter and take your significant other to this wonderful evening event for an enchanted night under the stars. Take note, for those that endlessly complain about the housing prices and traffic in the DC area, this is the type of event that you should take advantage of this fabulously free event. Make a point to get in at least one event a quarter. After all, we all could use a bit more culture. Enjoy!
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Legg Mason Tennis Classic
Check attached website
Washington DC
www.leggmasontennisclassic.com/
The Legg Mason Tennis Classic pulls in the majors for this week long event that is held at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and other big name tennis titans have made their way to DC for this local favorite that has served up the action since 1969. Noteworthy, the event is typically held during late July, early August.
Lighting of the National Menorah
Washington DC
LINK
Information courtesy of www.whitehouse.org. Celebrating the holidays with light is a custom common to people of faith. Many Presidents have participated in lighting ceremonies marking Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights.
Marine Corps Marathon
Washington DC
LINK
MCM is the 4th largest US Marathon and 7th largest in the world. One of the most memorable moments for those that finish the MCM is what happens after you pass the finish line. Runners receive their official finisher's medal from the men and women of the Marine Corps.
Memorial Day Parade
Washington DC
LINK
The annual event is held the Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This parade features over 40 bands and 150 veteran units that have representatives from every war dating back to World War I. The festivities kick off at 2pm at 3rd & Madison Streets NW. Admission is free. Noteworthy, try to take Metro to avoid the road congestion near downtown.
Memorial Day Weekend -
Rolling Thunder
Washington DC
LINK
Since 1988 war veterans and supporters have rumbled through our Nation's Capitol over Memorial Day Weekend. The annual pilgrimage draws over 500,000 riders to the Metro DC area. Rolling Thunder blazes a trail through DC on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend with a ride from the Pentagon to the memorials.
Mount Vernon Wine Festival
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon VA 22121
703-780-2000
www.mountvernon.org
The Mount Vernon Wine Festival ranks as one of my best date nights with my husband, ever! The semi-annual fête makes for an absolutely enchanted evening. As you enter at dusk, the lantern lit path takes you past huge open pastures to a breathtaking view of the estate’s rolling lawn and Potomac River. Guests enjoy live blues music, a rare evening tour of George Washington’s home and tastings from over 20 local award winning Virginia vineyards. Throw down a blanket or bring a folding chair and go eat, drink and be merry. Grab a favorite wine, a baguette and fruit and take in the evening. Noteworthy, don't ruin the night by overdoing it. With 20 stations each serving 3+ types of wine, the night could get fuzzy…fast! Tickets go on sale 6 weeks before the early May and October events. Get on Ticketmaster ASAP. The Saturday night event goes quickly!
National Barbecue Battle
Washington DC
www.barbecuebattle.com/
For more than 15 years the Barbecue Battle has featured serious competition between top BBQ competitors, great BBQ restaurants from our area and around the country, cooking demonstrations, free food samples, interactive cooking displays and children's activities. Experience regional Rock, Reggae, Jazz, and Blues. This is a two day event was voted one of the Top 100 Events in North American. Note, in my humble opinion, young children do not belong at this festival. Take a warm DC day and add in 5 blocks of vendors with grills and ovens and presto...IT'S HOT! I saw more than a few cranky, overheated toddlers and infants that wanted OUT! Lines can be long, try to get the event at the start or in the late afternoon. The annual fete is held in late June.
National Book Festival
Washington DC
www.loc.gov/bookfest/
The festival is free and open to the public and features more than 70 award-winning authors, illustrators and poets appearing in "Fiction & Fantasy," "Mysteries & Thrillers," "History & Biography," "Children," "Teens & Children," "Poetry," and "Home & Family" pavilions. Activities for children, which are fun and promote reading, can be found in the popular "Let's Read America" pavilion. Check out the Library of Congress WW I pavilion. The Pavilion of the States brings representatives from throughout the country to the festival with information on local reading and literacy programs. This is a great day and message for children. This event is held in late September.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington DC
LINK
Just as weary locals are more than ready to put away their shovels and gloves along comes the Cherry Blossoms. For the Metro DC area this event ushers in a spring right of passage. The celebration is held for two week and culminates with a parade. Noteworthy, for those that haven't seen it you must, must go at least once. It is truly breathtaking (stop laughing) to see 3,000 trees come to life at the Jefferson Memorial & Tidal Basin. Try to go on a weekday or off hours.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
Washington DC
LINK
Annually the White House rolls out the red carpet to thousands of lucky guests that get the opportunity to see the President of The United States light the National Christmas Tree. The event is marked with song, storytelling, live bands and The First Family. An online lottery is held prior to the event. Tune into the White House website in mid-November to find out all the details. If are a lucky ticket holder, bundle your little ones up. You will be in the elements for a few hours.
Reston Kid's Festival
Reston Town Center
Reston VA 20190
703-435-7989
www.restonfestival.com/
Information courtesy of Reston Festival. This celebration first began in 1967 at Lake Anne Village Center. In 2003, the Festival moved to the Reston Town Center, which is a significantly larger venue. The Reston Festival with two full days of outstanding entertainment, fine arts & crafts, delicious food and countless activities for all ages. The Reston Festival strives to showcase the best local entertainment talent, artisans, businesses and community resources in celebration of the birthday of Reston. DC MetroMommy note, the event includes music, kids' games, crafts and vendors. Noteworthy, this is an awesome event that offers something for little ones of all ages. The festival is typically held in early July.
Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
Longbranch VA
LINK
The Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival is a fabulous 3-day annual event. The quaint town of Longbranch plays host to this charming festival, held every October. Stunning fall foliage and the intoxicating Blue Ridge Mountains are the backdrop for the festival. The majestic sky is filled with hot air balloons during the event.
The festival also features a huge array of children's activities, entertainment, artisans & crafter, antique fire trucks and more! The venue is 60 miles from Washington D.C. Once simply a Hot Air Balloon Festival, it has expanded to the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine and Music Festival.
Smithsonian Craft Show
Check attached website
Washington DC
www.smithsoniancraftshow.com
Information Courtesy of The Smithsonian Craft Show. THE SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW is the nation's most prestigious juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American crafts. Talented and creative artists from across the country come to the nation's capital to exhibit and sell their latest one-of-a-kind and limited-edition work. At the Smithsonian Craft Show you will find distinguished work in 12 categories: basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. The 120 individual artists or partnerships are selected from more than 1,100 applicants. No artist is ever included without first being juried into the show.
Smithsonian Folk Life Festival
Check attached website
Washington DC
LINK
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exposition of living cultural heritage annually produced outdoors on the National Mall of the United States in Washington, D.C., by the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The Festival takes place for two weeks every summer overlapping the Fourth of July holiday. It is an educational presentation that features community-based cultural exemplars. Free to the public, like other Smithsonian museums, each Festival typically draws more than one million visitors. Information courtesy of Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
St. Patrick's Day Parade - DC
Check attached website
Washington DC
www.dcstpatsparade.com/
Break out the green and get ready for a parade! DC's plays host to an entertaining day of floats, marching band, Irish Dance troop and of course bagpipers. The 3 hour event is typically held the Sunday before St. Patty's Day. The parade route begins at Constitution Avenue and runs from 7th and 17th Streets.
Strawberry Jubilee - Great County Farm
18780 Foggy Bottom Road
Bluemont VA 20135
540-554-2073
www.greatcountryfarms.com/
Pick a season and you will find a celebration at Great Country Farms. From the Spring Strawberry Jubilee, that plays host to the Diaper Derby, to the Fall Pumpkin Harvest, it is always a good time to pay a visit to Great Country Farms. The farm makes for a fabulous day in the country. Noteworthy, check the website calendar for the U-Pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. Kids love the chance to get out there and pick their own tomatoes, blackberries and blueberries. Yum!
Taste of Arlington
Check attached website
Arlington VA
www.tasteofarlington.com/news.php
Get ready to eat, eat and eat some more! The event includes food from 35 tasty local restaurants that include Lebanese Taverna (yum!), Jaleo, Tallula, La Tasca, Carlyle Grand, The Melting Pot and many more. Entertainment and kid's events are also part of this Sunday afternoon fete that normally falls in mid to late May.
The Preakness
Pimlico Race Course
Baltimore MD 21215
www.preakness.com/
Information courtesy of the Preakness Celebration. The Preakness Celebration has become a tradition for people of all ages since its inception in 1988. The week-long series of special events celebrates the annual running of the Preakness Stakes, Baltimore's "Super Bowl" and the 2nd jewel in thoroughbred racing's prestigious Triple Crown. The 9 day event is typically held during the early part of May.
The Washington Home & Garden Show
Washington DC
LINK
Held annually at the DC Convention Center, this massive undertaking presents over 800 vendors, millions of flowers and thousands of products. In keeping with DC fashion, this is one of the BIGGEST shows of its kind in the country. If you are design enthusiast or just looking for kitchen ideas, don't miss this show. Noteworthy, held for 4 days in early March, the event welcomes children. I would recommend leaving Junior at home or bringing a stroller can be long day with a lot of walking.
Virginia Fine Arts Weekend
Reston Town Center
Reston VA 20190
www.restonarts.org/
This local Northern VA event is really starting garnish some real DC street cred. Held in Mid-May this annual event draws over 200 painters, sculptors and craftsmen. Take a slow walk through the festival and enjoy the sounds of jazz, bluegrass and country. Scrumptious food plus a beer and wine garden are available. Noteworthy, The outdoor event is held at the Reston Town Center and is truly kid-friendly! Check out the Children's Art Tent that allows Junior to explore his or her inner architect. Don't miss this one!
Washington Craft Show
Check attached website
Washington DC
www.craftsamericashows.com/
Information courtesy of Craft America Shows. Among the nation's premier events of contemporary American crafts, the show presents 190 of the nation's leading craft artists gathered at the Washington Convention Center. For the 20th season, this juried event features recognized masters and promising emerging artists. Noteworthy, don’t expect to see sweet wreaths and knick-knacks for your home. By crafts they really mean upscale sculpture, art and more☺ Event held annually in November.
Washington DC Restaurant Week (Winter & Summer)
Check website for DC Metro locations
www.washington.org/restaurantwk/
This is one of best culinary treats that is offered in our area. Here is the deal; local restaurants are offer deep discounts on traditional menus options. The event is held in the Winter and Summer and allows people to get a glimpse and a taste of a restaurant that might be typically out of financial reach or just hasn't previously ranked in your calendar of events. These events also help restaurants draw crowds on otherwise sleepy weeks in the District and local areas. When booking, be sure to indicate that you are signing up for the "Restaurant Week" special. Book early! Upon arrival confirm that you are there for "Restaurant Week". This event is normally held the second week in January and August each year. Check the website for additional details.
White House Easter Egg Roll
Check attached website
Washington DC
202-456-7041
www.whitehouse.gov/
Children of all ages can enjoy the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The event includes egg coloring, art activities, face painting, music, magicians, and other activities. Tickets are required ticket to attend. The National Park Service holds an online lottery about a month prior to the event.
Stay tuned to the website for updates. Great fun for all, bands such as the Black Eyed Peas have been in attendance. Here is a link that shows the fun, LINK.
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