Happy Back to School Week for so many of us around the DMV! A holiday weekend is upon us, which means not too many big events going on but there are a few hidden gems. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is heading back to the Museum of the Bible beginning Friday (8/29). I've heard many good things about this performance that's on stage through October 19th. Tickets are $59 - $85 per person. If I find any promo codes, I'll pass them along. On Saturday at 10:30 am, there's the "Move with Mr. Prather" Live Show at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. This interactive performance includes games, ASL moments, call-and-responses, music, dancing & a lot of fun. I'm excited to check it out! Tickets are $30 per person and there's an extra meet and greet add-on that's $20. I've added these events and more down below + some recommendations for Labor Day Monday! Have a safe and memorable weekend. Happy Planning!
Sarah Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+
Events
Favorite picks in this list have the heart symbol ♥ at the end of the listing.
Free movies in this list have the club symbol ♣ at the end of the listing.
Friday, August 29, 2025
Washington, DC
- 9:00 am | Countdown to Gabby’s Dollhouse at National Children’s Museum ($)
- Includes pop-up activities inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse
- [Final Weekend] 2:00 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- 3:30 pm | Teen Maker Lab: Personalized Pencil Cases at Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library in SE
- Make a statement this school year with a custom pencil case.
- 4:00 pm | Nintendo Switch Free Play at West End Neighborhood Library in NW
- [Opening Night] 7:00 pm | The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Museum of the Bible ($) ♥
- 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 7:30 pm | Free Movies on the Plaza featuring Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (PG-13) at Union Market ♣
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 11:00 am | Family Farm Tours at Old Maryland Farm ($)
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens ($)
- 10:30 am | Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant’s Garden at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 4:30 pm | Nail Art for Tweens & Teens at Potomac Library (Best for ages 10-18)
More Maryland Events
- 1:00 pm | Family Paint Fun at Savage Branch Library in Laurel (Best for ages 6-11)
- 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
- 8:00 pm | Sky-watching at Howard Conservancy ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 8:00 pm | Play On! at Signature Theatre ($) (Best for teens & adults) ♥
- A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. This show contains adult themes around gender/sexuality/sex.
More Virginia Events
- 8:00 am | Single Day Camp at Potomac Music in Lorton ($) (Best for ages 5-13)
- 8:00 pm | Campfire Fridays at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
Saturday (8/30) in Washington, DC
- 9:00 am | Countdown to Gabby’s Dollhouse at National Children’s Museum ($)
- Includes pop-up activities inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse
- 9:00 am | Love All Community Tennis & Empowerment Day at Southeast Tennis & Learning Center ♥
- Includes free tennis lessons, group games, snacks, music & more!
- [Final Weekend] 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 10:00 am | STEM Budding Builders at Palisades Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 0-5)
- 10:30 am, 2:30 pm & 7:00 pm | The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Museum of the Bible ($) ♥
- 12:00 pm | Crochet Creations with the Crochet Kingpin at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (Best for ages 8+)
- Workshop on the art of crocheting wearable art!
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 2:00 pm | 21st Annual DC JazzFest at The Wharf ($) ♥
- 20+ concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent.
- 7:00 pm | The Mummy (1999) Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($)
- 8:00 pm | Sankofa Foundation Incorporated presents KIDZAFEST at The Kennedy Center ($)
- This vibrant theatrical production showcases the powerful voices of South Africa’s Mzansi Youth Choir and the electrifying dance of Uganda’s Ghetto Kids, blending African theater, music, and movement in an unforgettable celebration of culture and creativity.
Saturday (8/30) in Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 10:00 am | Labor Day Weekend Recreation Activities in Greenbelt
- Includes a pie eating contest, balloon waddle race, photo scavenger hunt & more!
- 10:00 am | Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Annual Celebration at Prince George’s Stadium ♥
- Step back in time and experience the excitement, history, and legacy of the Negro Leagues at the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Annual East/West All-Stars Vintage Baseball Game!
- 10:30 am | Move with Mr. Prather Live! at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts ($) ♥
- One-of-a-kind, interactive live show that brings the internet’s favorite educator into your city for an unforgettable mashup of learning, laughter, music, movement, and meaningful moments.
- 10:30 am | Family Zumba at Columbia Park Community Center in Landover (Best for ages 6+)
- 12:00 pm | Runway Rhythms: Seth Kibel & The Kleztet at College Park Aviation Museum ($)
- Get your feet tapping during our annual summer courtyard concert series with the award-winning Seth Kibel Quartet as they perform Klezmer, Yiddish theater, Yiddish folksong, as well as a smattering of Jazz and Swing! Picnics, picnic blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome, and light refreshments will be available for purchase.
- 3:00 pm | Family Games: Puzzle Palooza at Glenarden Library
- 4:30 pm | Poetry, Art & Music – Mixin’ It Up at Art’stination at National Harbor
- Includes live performances, stunning artwork, and an engaging Q&A session where audience members can connect directly with the artists. Whether you’re a poetry lover, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the energy of African drumming, this program offers something for everyone.
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens ($)
- 10:00 am | End of Summer Concert with Mr. Gabe at People’s Book Takoma ♥
- 11:00 am | PIKEkids at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda ($)
- Pizza making at Summerhouse
- 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant’s Garden at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 12:00 pm | Music Free-for-All at Glen Echo Park
- There’s also an art show happening at Glen Echo Park this weekend.
- 12:00 pm | BiteMe Summer Food Festival Charity at The Square at Rockville
- Includes authentic dishes from Asia, cultural showcase, fun attractions & more!
- 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm | Fake Cake Decorating at Dov & Company in Potomac ($)
- 1:00 pm | Crafts and Crumpets: A Tea Party at The Green Room in Takoma Park ($) (Best for ages 16+)
- Paint your own teacup and saucer, decorate two cupcakes & create a custom blend of tea!
- 2:00 pm | Pokémon Trading Card Club at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring
- 2:00 pm | Capoeira: Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts in Motion at Kensington Park Library ♥
- Live demo of capoeira, a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends acrobatics, dance, music, and self-defense into a powerful and graceful expression of movement. This interactive program is for all ages and offers a fun and engaging introduction to capoeira’s rich cultural heritage.
More Maryland Events
- 11:30 am | STEAM Makers: 3D Printer Pens at Savage Branch Library in Laurel (Best for ages 8-11)
- Use a 3D Printer Pen and colorful filaments to create unique 3D designs!
- 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
- 2:00 pm | Pigeon Palooza at Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Annapolis ♥
- Fun, literary extravaganza to celebrate everyone’s favorite, stubborn Pigeon from Mo Willems.
- 4:00 pm | Crochet Club ar Savage Branch Library in Laurel (Best for ages 8-11)
Saturday (8/30) in Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- 11:00 am | Pre-K: Endangered Species at Gulf Branch Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 3-5)
- Preschool program!
- 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm | Play On! at Signature Theatre ($) (Best for teens & adults) ♥
- A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. This show contains adult themes around gender/sexuality/sex.
- 6:30 pm | The Mummy (1999) Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City ($)
- 7:00 pm | Summer Farewell Campfire at Long Branch Nature Center ($)
City of Alexandria
- 1:00 pm | Candy Making Teacher Appreciation Workshop at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 4-8) ♥
- 2:00 pm | A Tadpole Grows Up at Winkler Botanical Preserve
- Listen to “A Tadpole Grows Up” then take a walk around the Winkler Pond to look for grown up tadpoles living there.
More Virginia Events
- 8:00 am | Teddy Bear Repair Clinic at The Falls Church Farmers Market ♥
- 5:30 pm | Sunset Polo at Great Meadow in The Plains ($)
- Wear Your Whites!
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Washington, DC
- 9:00 am | Countdown to Gabby’s Dollhouse at National Children’s Museum ($)
- Includes pop-up activities inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse
- [Last Chance] 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 1:35 pm | Family Funday at Nationals Park ($)
- Washington Nationals v. Tampa Bay Rays
- 2:00 pm | Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 2:00 pm | 21st Annual DC JazzFest at The Wharf ($) ♥
- 20+ concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent.
- 2:30 pm | The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the Museum of the Bible ($) ♥
- 8:00 pm | National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert at The Kennedy Center
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 10:00 am | Labor Day Weekend Recreation Activities in Greenbelt
- Includes egg spoon race, children’s bingo, T-ball, sack race & more!
- 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm | Labor Day Tours at Riversdale House Museum
- 6:00 pm | Movies on the Potomac: Cinderella (2021) at National Harbor ♣
- [Last Chance] 6:00 pm | Summer Sunset Concert Series: “Voice 24/7” at Allen Pond Park in Bowie
- Live R&B music
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens ($)
- 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant’s Garden at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 1:00 pm | Renaissance Festival Flower Crowns at The Green Room in Takoma Park ($) (Best for ages 14+) ♥
- Get faire-ready in this hands-on workshop led by Roxanna’s Florals, where you’ll learn how to build a fresh flower crown using seasonal blooms and greenery.
More Maryland Events
- 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
- 1:00 pm | Planetarium Movie Showings – Expedition Reef at Robinson Nature Center ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Summer Fun Family Series at Metropolitan Park
- Design & Doodle Activities + Live Music
- 12:00 pm | Kids Sushi Class at Cookology ($) (Best for ages 8+)
- 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Play On! at Signature Theatre ($) (Best for teens & adults) ♥
- A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. This show contains adult themes around gender/sexuality/sex.
City of Alexandria
- 1:00 pm | Candy Making Teacher Appreciation Workshop at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 9-12) ♥
- 2:00 pm | Family Day with Young Historians at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ($)
- Jr Docents provide stationed tours throughout the two tavern buildings and operate special, hands-on activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making.
- 3:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas Workshop at AR Workshop ($)
More Virginia Events
- 10:00 am | Campfire Skills at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
- 12:00 pm | Petting Zoo hits Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten in McLean
Monday, September 1, 2025
Ice Cream Monday on the Train
If you're interested in a mini road trip, head to Baltimore, MD on Labor Day (9/1) for ice cream + a train ride at the B&O Railroad Museum. There's also a special Labor Day program as well. Admission to the museum on Labor Day is $1! Train tickets are $4 for kids & $5 for adults.
Labor Day Concert in Columbia, MD
There's at free Labor Day concert in Columbia, MD from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. This free, family-friendly event is perfect for both newcomers and longtime lovers of orchestral music! The evening will be complete with food trucks on site as well as concessions sold by the park.
Labor Day Festival in McLean, VA
Step into a world of family-friendly fun at Shipgarten, Tysons Corner, the top restaurant for families. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience! For your little ones Shipgarten has FREE face painting and arts & crafts, allowing their creativity to shine. The fun doesn't stop there – they've got live music, great drinks, moonbounces, and a full outdoor playground to ensure everyone has a blast.
Next Week
Navigating Tough Topics with Kids on 9/3
On Wednesday (9/3), Paula Schneider of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Karin Purugganan will discuss navigating tough conversations with children. This event will take place at Old Town Books in Alexandria, VA from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Tickets are $10 + $1.49 fee.
This Week's Book Recommendation
Related Blogs
Few Back to School Events Left
There are a few events left for the back-to-school season! If I see any additional events, they'll be added to the list linked below.
Updated
