Found: This Week’s Family Events!

We’ve got your list of family-friendly events to check out, from staples like storytime at the museum, to seasonal celebrations like Holi and St. Patty’s Day Parades. Keep scrolling for some unique finds, like the Annual Maple Syrup Festival and an Astronomy Festival!

Here’s our roundup of events happening now through March 12:

Storytime: Weave with Color

Join the Hirshhorn Museum on Wednesdays for special storytimes. These programs explore contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week features a fresh and fun theme! This week, guests will look closely at I Went Away and Forgot You. A While Ago I Remembered. I Remembered Iʼd Forgotten You. I Was Dreaming, by artist Dana Awartani, read aloud Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall, and practice making layered works of art.

When: Wednesday, 3/8 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Address: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC, 20560
Find out more on their website.

Holi Celebration at Union Market

Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, at Union Market this Wednesday! Family and friends will celebrate colored powder, great music, food, and cocktails. All ages are welcome, and it’s recommended guests arrive early since this event is first-come, first-served. This event will take place rain or shine.

When: Wednesday, 3/8 from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Neal Place outside of Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC, 20002
See all the event details here.

Sleeping Beauty Puppet Show

A funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this enchanting rod-puppet show from The Puppet Co. Playhouse. The performance runs for 45 minutes and is recommended for children ages 4+.

When: Thursdays through Sundays now till 4/9. Thursday and Friday shows begin at 10:30 a.m. Weekend shows begin at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Price: $15/attendee
Address: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD, 20812
Get tickets here.

Nailed It! St. Patrick’s Day Edition

Test your cookie decorating skills with this St. Patrick’s Day-themed challenge at Rust Library! This event is geared towards children grades 4-6.

When: Thursday, 3/9 from 4 p.m. - 5p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Rd. NW, Leesburg, VA 20176
See the library’s event listing here.

Campfire Fridays

Enjoy an evening of campfire activities for the whole family! Roast s’mores around the campfire while learning about a different topic, ranging from animal presentations, to nature walks, to hands-on activities. This event is best suited for children 3 and up, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Friday, 3/10 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Price: $8/participant
Address:  Lake Accotink, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA, 22150
Sign up here.

Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Manassas parade can be viewed along Center Street in Old Town Manassas. The parade boasts unique Irish flair with pipe bands including the Alexandria Pipe and Drums, Irish dance groups, and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The parade will be held rain or shine. Families are encouraged to wear green.

When: Saturday, 3/11 beginning at 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Address: Old Town Manassas along Center Street
Find out all the details on their website.

Annual Maple Syrup Festival

Learn the traditional way of turning maple sap into syrup, enjoy some bluegrass music, and take a hayride at the Maple Syrup Festival! Falling over two weekends, families can also enjoy a pancake breakfast, participate in a pancake race, and more. Pets are permitted on leash. This event is ADA accessible, and an ASL interpreter will be at the Sugar Shack both Sundays.

When: Saturday, 3/11 and Sunday, 3/12, and Saturday, 3/18 and Sunday, 3/19. Events take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Price: $5 per person
Address: Cunningham Falls State Park, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD, 21788
See all the details here.

Soar Together Family Day: Messages in the Sky

You may already be familiar with a banner pulled by an airplane, advertising a beachside restaurant. But what are the other ways aircraft are used to deliver messages in the sky? Learn all about this topic with the Udvar-Hazy Center at this month’s Soar Together Family Day!

When: Saturday, 3/11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Price: Attendance is free; parking is $15
Address: Udvar-Hazy Center (National Air & Space Museum), 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA 20151
Click here to learn more.

Astronomy Festival

Join Turner Farms for an evening of astronomy activities for the whole family! Enjoy guided stargazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations round the campfire. Hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase, and there will also be other activities and games throughout the evening. This event is suited for children ages 3 and up. Canceled if raining or snowing.

When: Saturday, 3/11 from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Price: $10/participant
Address: Turner Farm Park, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066
Click here for tickets.