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Africa on the Avenue, Old Town Festival of Speed and Style, and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids

Enjoy rides, games, a petting zoo, and more at McLean Day. Photo courtesy of the event
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5/15/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

The arrival of strawberry season kicks off at area farms, and Great Country Farms holds its annual Strawberry Jubilee Fest over the next few weekends.

There are two cultural celebrations this weekend. Africa on the Avenue celebrates the vibrant African immigrant community along Georgia Avenue in DC, while the Asian Festival on Main in Old Town Fairfax honors Asian culture through food, crafts, performances, and more.

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Immerse yourself in Asian cultures at the Asian Festival on Main. Photo courtesy of the event
Immerse yourself in Asian cultures at the Asian Festival on Main. Photo courtesy of the event

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Big Screen on the Green

Vienna, VA - Friday, May 17
Free
Vienna screens family-friendly flicks on the Vienna Town Green during the summer, with a special holiday feature in December. Bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

McLean Day at Lewinsville Park

McLean, VA - Friday & Saturday, May 17 & 18
Free
McLean's biggest annual festival is back with carnival rides, a petting zoo, music, games, food, and more. READ MORE

Cirque de Soleil presents "Corteo" at EagleBank Arena

Fairfax, VA - Thursdays - Sundays, May 17 - May 25
Corteo, the most enchanting arena production from Cirque du Soleil, is for clown lovers. While all of the show's principal characters are clowns—including the Dead Clown, Clowness, Giant Clown, and Little Clown—the 62-member cast features aerialists, acrobats, musicians, jugglers, contortionists, hoopers, and gymnasts in addition to its many jubilant jesters. READ MORE

Africa on the Avenue

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 18
Free
Africa on the Avenue is a celebration of the vibrant African immigrant community along Georgia Avenue NW. Featuring interactive art, fashion, music, and food, as well as highlighting the many African braiders who work along the corridor, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn during this one-day festival. READ MORE

The DC Dragon Boat Festival

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 18
Free
Dragon Boats take to the Potomac in this annual race where nearly 40 teams attempt to take home the first-place medal. Spectators are invited to cheer along the route and participate in festival activities on race day. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Book Festival (at Bohrer Park)

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, May 18
Free
Gaithersburg 's annual book festival features a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can meet their favorite authors, participate in workshops, purchase books, and celebrate literacy. READ MORE

Fest Of Spring Caribbean Wine, Food, & Music Festival (at Good News Stables)

Boyds, MD - Saturday, May 18
This Caribbean festival celebrates local and Caribbean culture through live performances, wine tasting, delectable cuisines, and an arts village offering an array of indigenous jewelry, clothing, and crafts. The festival also has kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Spring Festival and Kids to Parks Day Celebration at Croydon Creek Nature Center

Rockville, MD - Saturday, May 18
Free
Bring the whole family to celebrate Kids to Parks Day with Croydon Creek. Enjoy nature games and crafts, woodland hikes, live animal meet and greets, sustainability exhibits, local vendors, and more. READ MORE

KidStory Theatre Festival

Wheaton, MD - Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19
Free
InterAct Story Theatre artists, over the years, have helped kids craft their own stories. Some of these stories are presented as a series of short plays and stories performed by InterActors. READ MORE

Strawberry Jubilee Fest at Great Country Farms

Bluemont, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, May 18 - June 2
Great Country Farms celebrates the royal strawberry with a Jubilee packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole family. READ MORE

RESCHEDULED: Running of the Chihuahuas (at the Wharf)

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 19
Free
The Running of the Chihuahuas is a free, family-friendly event featuring iconic Chihuahua races on District Pier. Over 100 Chihuahuas race in groups of eight on a 60-foot “race track”. The fastest dogs move on in the winners’ bracket until a single Chihuahua is crowned the champion. Winners take home a dog-friendly swag bag, a trophy, and cash prizes. Spectators can view all the action on two giant video screens on both District and Transit Pier.  READ MORE

123 Andrés at Publick Playhouse

Cheverly, MD - Sunday, May 19
Latin Grammy winners 123 Andrés are the bilingual music duo of Christina & Andrés. Their songs in Spanish and English celebrate language and culture, and get the whole family moving and singing. READ MORE

Asian Festival on Main

Fairfax City, VA - Sunday, May 19
Celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures with food, arts and crafts, live performances, and more. Families can also learn how to fold origami, improve their yo-yo skills, and do tricks on a skateboard. READ MORE

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style

Alexandria, VA - Sunday, May 19
Free
This annual festival in Old Town Alexandria combines exotic cars and high fashion for a unique festival experience. Over 100 exotic supercars, antique racing cars, and motorcycles are on display for kids to look at close up. READ MORE

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