Family Events for All Ages in DC, Maryland & Virginia
Finding Dory at the Georgetown Waterfront
Finding Dory turns 10, screened free on the waterfront with the Potomac behind the screen. Bring a blanket.
Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade
Eighty-eight years of marching bands, antique cars and floats around Bohrer Park. Two hours, free, always candy.
DC State Fair 2026
A real state fair packed into one free Sunday downtown: giant vegetables, baking contests, 50+ local vendors, live music, and kids' activities at Anthem Row.
Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair 2026
Costumed artisans demo blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery at George Washington's estate. Admission covers the mansion grounds, gardens, and farm animals.
H Street Festival 2026
A mile of H Street NE closes for 15 stages, 200 vendors, food, and family activities. Free. Go at noon with kids, before the crowd peaks.
Fiesta DC 2026
A free Latino culture weekend: Saturday street festival on Pennsylvania Ave, then Sunday's Parade of Nations on Constitution. Brazil is the 2026 country of honor.
Takoma Park Folk Festival 2026
Seven stages of folk, blues, bluegrass, and world music at Takoma Park Middle School, plus a Children's Nook with face painting. Free, rain or shine.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Four days of carnival midway, live music, a pet show and a Monday parade, run by volunteers since 1955. Free entry.
Old Post Office Clocktower Is Back
Free Park Service rides up the 1899 clocktower, Wed-Sat mornings. One of the best views in DC, and kids see the giant clock inside.
FRESHFARM Mosaic Market
Nearly 60 vendors across three blocks every Sunday, one of the biggest farmers markets in Northern Virginia.
Maryland State Fair
Midway rides, livestock barns, horse racing, and fair food across three weekends in Timonium. The light rail stops right at the gate.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
The 50th season opens Aug 29 in Crownsville: jousting, stage shows, and a wooded village. Date-specific tickets on sale July 27.
Kids Bowl Free
Two free games per child every day all summer at participating bowling alleys. Sign up at kidsbowlfree.com.
Cox Farms Summer Market
Fresh seasonal produce, local honey, and a Corner Market. Open Friday through Sunday.
Cox Farms: Smokin' Saturdays BBQ
The farm fires up the smoker every Saturday for BBQ, fresh lemonade, and milkshakes.
Air & Space Museum: 5 New Galleries
Five galleries reopen for the museum's 50th anniversary. See the Hubble Space Telescope, Skylab, and the How Things Fly exhibit.
DC Spray Parks Open for Summer
DC spray parks and splash pads open on weekends. Free water play for the whole family to enjoy on hot summer days.
Boro Biergarten
Outdoor beer garden with food trucks and space for kids. Parents get a drink, kids get room to play.
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
Smithsonian exhibition exploring how American artists used the flag. Runs through December, so no rush.
National Zoo
Free every single day, year-round. Spring baby animals make it even more magical. The ultimate DMV family go-to.
Planet Word Museum
A free language museum with something for toddlers, kids, tweens, and adults. Voice art, storytelling, and word games for all.
Bison Standing Strong at Natural History Museum
Explore Bison Standing Strong at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
July 4th Fireworks on the National Mall
Where to watch the July 4th fireworks on the National Mall in 2026, plus Metro, timing, and tips for doing it with kids during the America25...
Fairfax County Drone Light Show
Fairfax County trades fireworks for a drone light show at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on June 27, 2026.
Takoma Park 4th of July Parade
The Takoma Park Independence Day Parade runs the morning of July 4, 2026, with an evening street party to follow.
Art All Night DC 2026
Two nights of free art, music and performance in every DC ward. The 6 to 9pm window is the family stretch, before the crowd shifts older.
Adams Morgan Day 2026
18th Street closes to cars for DC's oldest neighborhood festival. Food, stages and kids activity tables. Come at noon, before it fills up.
DC Bike Ride 2026
Twenty car-free miles past the monuments, ending with a festival on Pennsylvania Ave. Kids 3-7 ride free, ages 8-17 half price. Passes sell out.
Past events
These already happened. We keep them here so you can see what this category looks like across the year, and so you know what to watch for next season.
Doxie Derby: Rescue Race
A dachshund race benefiting a Loudoun County dog rescue, with the farm's five-acre play area included in the afternoon.
Back to School Bonanza
Free outdoor kickoff for the school year: vendor fair, kids activities, and live performances by local youth groups.
Around The World Cultural Food Festival
Vendors from 50+ countries at Oronoco Bay Park, with a Kids' Corner of moon bounces set away from the food lines. Free entry.
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National Harbor Kids Day on the Plaza
Free waterfront fun every Tuesday at 10:30am through Aug 25: story time, music, dance, and meet-and-greets with police and fire crews.
Kidwell Farm Children's Concerts
Free Wednesday morning concert at the farm. Kids see farm animals and play on the grounds after the show.
Marine Barracks Evening Parade
Precision marching, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the drum and bugle corps. Free every Friday evening on Capitol Hill.
DC Hot Air Balloon Festival
Balloons over Rosecroft Friday and Saturday evening, with tethered rides, a kids zone, and a glowing balloon-and-laser show after dark.
Rock Hall Pirates & Wenches Weekend
The whole town goes pirate for three days on the Eastern Shore. Costume contests, kids' games, a harbor full of skull flags.
Live from the Lawn at Strathmore
Free Wednesday concerts on the big Strathmore lawn through Aug 12. BBQ tent, ice cream truck, kids dancing at dusk.
DockDogs at The Wharf
DC's first DockDogs: top dock-diving dogs flying into a 40-foot pool on the pier. Free, 10 to 6, drop in whenever.
The Princess Diaries at Audi Field
A free movie ON the field where DC United plays. Stadium screen, concessions open. Reserve free tickets ahead.
Sunset Cinema: Roman Holiday
Audrey Hepburn's runaway-princess classic, free on Transit Pier. Chairs at 7pm, movie 7:30, Wharf dinner welcome.
Panda Fest DC
One of the country's biggest Asian food festivals debuts on Pennsylvania Ave: 90+ vendors, 200+ street foods, lion dances.
Great American Farmers Market
Correction: this market did not take place as announced. We went Saturday and found nothing at either location. Our apology is on the event page.
Mosaic LIVE Saturday Concerts
Free all-ages concerts Saturdays at 6pm in the Mosaic District through Aug 16, playground steps from the stage.
Live from the Lawn: Nathalie Pires
Free Portuguese fado on the Strathmore lawn with BBQ tent and ice cream truck. Kids dance in the grass.
Great American Farmers Market
Six evenings of farm tents on the Mall, 4 to 8pm. 50+ vendors from 28 states, plus goat yoga Monday and a movie night Friday.
Library of Congress National Book Festival
The family hall runs 9am to 6pm with story times, hands-on STEM, and a 50-state stamp hunt. Free tickets required in 2026.
Marcella Simien at Strathmore
Saturday special on the Strathmore lawn: Memphis soul, blues, and roots. BBQ tent, ice cream truck, no school-night bedtime.
Marine Corps Sunset Parade
Free 45-minute show at the Iwo Jima Memorial: Drum and Bugle Corps, then the Silent Drill Platoon, monuments glowing behind.
Mubadala DC Open Tennis
Pro tennis in Rock Creek Park, July 25 to Aug 2. Opening weekend has the cheapest tickets and the closest look at the pros.
Live from the Lawn: Damn Tall Buildings
Free Brooklyn bluegrass on the Strathmore lawn. BBQ tent, ice cream truck, and room for kids to dance until dark.
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World Children's Festival
Three days of free art, music, and STEAM workshops for kids on the National Mall. It only happens once every four years, and 2026 is the year.
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Perseid Meteor Shower
The year's best meteor shower peaks Aug 12-13 with a new moon, so skies stay truly dark. Up to 100 shooting stars an hour from a dark spot.
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MoCo Farm Tour & Harvest Sale
26 farms across the Ag Reserve open free for one weekend: hayrides, goat milking, pony rides, and farm stands with peak-summer produce.
Montgomery County Ag Fair
Nine days in Gaithersburg: animal barns, monster trucks, rodeo, demolition derby, and a full midway. Kids 11 and under free.
Howard County Fair
The 80th Howard County Fair: livestock barns, carnival rides, and a hands-on Little Farmers building. Kids 12 and under free.
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Arlington County Fair
The 50th Arlington County Fair, free admission, Metro-friendly, with rides, live music, and an air-conditioned exhibit hall.
Wolf Trap: Omnium Circus
Free inclusive circus with acrobats and aerialists in Wolf Trap's shaded woodland theater. No tickets needed.
Postal Museum: Bluegrass Celebration
Live bluegrass music celebrating the new stamp. Hands-on activities for kids, exhibits open late. Right next to Union Station.
Mosaic District: Films in the Park
Free outdoor movie on a big screen at Strawberry Park. Bring a blanket and grab dinner at Mosaic first.
Kennedy Center: Matheus Fonseca
Brazilian troubadour at the Millennium Stage. No tickets, just show up. Plus outdoor films on the REACH Video Wall.
Putt-Putt at CityCenterDC
Six holes of free mini golf in downtown DC. Last weekend before it closes July 12.
Air & Space: Soar Together Family Day
Special family event about the sun and solar science. Hands-on activities for kids.
Jazz in the Garden
DC's summer concert series in the Sculpture Garden. Free lottery tickets, pack a picnic.
Washington Capitals Development Camp
Watch the Caps' top draft picks hit the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Free and open to the public. Through July 3.
Vienna Independence Day Celebration
Live music, food trucks, and kids' entertainment at Yeonas Park, with fireworks at 9:30pm. A great alternative to the Mall crowds.
National Independence Day Parade
Marching bands, military units, giant balloons, and historic floats along Constitution Ave. Arrive early for shaded spots.
National Archives July 4th Celebration
Meet Founding Father reenactors, sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, face painting, and arts and crafts.
Anacostia Park Fireworks
Separate fireworks show at Poplar Point with way fewer crowds than the Mall. A relaxed fireworks experience with kids.
Mount Vernon: An American Celebration
Meet "George Washington," see a Revolutionary War encampment, and watch daytime fireworks over the Potomac at 1pm.
Great Falls 4th of July Celebration
Little Patriots Parade at 8:30am, main parade at 10am, inflatables, face painting, car show, and live music. Fireworks at Turner Farm around 9pm.
Leesburg Independence Day Celebration
Morning parade through historic downtown, live music from Go Go Gadjet, funnel cakes, tacos, and fireworks at 9:30pm.
Capital Jewish Museum: Free Family Day
Scavenger hunt with prizes, vintage Legos and Lincoln Logs, photobooth, craft room, and book nook. All ages welcome.
Chalk the Block at the National Portrait Gallery
Free sidewalk chalk art, ice cream, DJ, and a jazz concert at 5 PM. Part of the Smithsonian's America 250th celebration.
Juneteenth for the City Block Party
Bread for the City hosts this Anacostia block party with live music, Black-owned vendors, food trucks, face painting, and bounce houses.
Montgomery County Juneteenth Festival
Family carnival with rides, games, live performances, and hands-on activities at Cabin John Regional Park. Free parking shuttle.
Smithsonian Solstice: Museums Until 11 PM
First-ever 3-day Smithsonian Solstice weekend. Museums open until 11 PM with special programs, DJ sets, and roller skating.
17th Street Block Party (Pride)
Dupont Circle's biggest street party with food vendors, live entertainment, and community vibes. Best for families during daytime.
Capital Pride Parade + Family Fun Festival
Family Fun Festival at Stead Park with crafts, glitter tattoos, and inflatable obstacle course. Parade at 3 PM. Sunday festival with Maren Morris.
Home Rule Music Festival
Free all-day outdoor music at Walter Reed. Chuck Brown Band, Trouble Funk, Sun Ra Arkestra. Kids Zone, vinyl record fair, food trucks.
Littles Bike Ride at Eastern Market
Tiny cyclists ages 3-6 ride through Capitol Hill with a police escort. Balance bikes and trikes welcome. Register on Eventbrite.
Manassas Bee Festival
Bounce house, wagon rides, farm animals, and a pollinator costume parade for kids. Bluegrass band, food trucks, free tractor shuttle.
Science Solstice Sunday at the National Zoo
First day of summer at the zoo. Scavenger hunt with animal clues and prizes, animal demos, and hands-on STEM stations. Free with pass.
National Gallery Block Party
The National Gallery of Art throws a family block party with art activities, live music, and open galleries. Free and right on the Mall.
Spirit of Independence Festival
Three-day festival at the American History Museum with hands-on demos and historical reenactments. Something for every age.
Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk
Eight museums open with special programming across the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Walk between them at your own pace.
Shrek 2 Outdoor Movie at The Wharf
Free outdoor screening of Shrek 2 on the waterfront. Bring blankets, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy the show.
Jazz in the Garden
Free live jazz every Friday evening in the Sculpture Garden. Kids can run around while you relax with the music.
Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival
Strawberry picking, hayrides, pony rides, and live music at this beloved Maryland festival. Fun for the whole family.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
Colorful dragon boats race along the Potomac while families watch from the waterfront. Live music, cultural performances, and food vendors on-site.
Arlington Palooza
Arlington's big spring celebration at Lubber Run Park with games, activities, food, and live entertainment for the whole family.
Asian Festival on Main
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with live performances, art, cultural vendors, and food in Old Town Fairfax.
Free Concert at Yards Park
Outdoor live music at Yards Park along the Anacostia riverfront. Bring a blanket and enjoy a Thursday evening concert with the kids.
Solar Observation at Air & Space Museum
Look at the sun through real solar telescopes with Smithsonian astronomers on the National Mall. A quick stop that kids talk about for days.
Salute the Sunset Concert
Live music at National Harbor as the sun sets over the Potomac. Great waterfront views and a relaxed vibe that works well for families.
Spring at Metropolitan Park
A spring outdoor celebration at Metropolitan Park in Arlington with family activities, open green space, and seasonal fun.
EU Open House, 27 European Embassies
Twenty-seven European embassies open their doors for one Saturday. Kids try costumes, taste food, and stamp a passport booklet. France and Germany do a joint open house, Italy has luxury cars, and Luxembourg gives out chocolate.
Pirates of the Caribbean, Outdoor Movie Night
Free outdoor movie screening at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa. Bring blankets and snacks for a fun evening under the stars.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
120 artists, live music, and street performances in downtown Bethesda. Stroller-friendly and perfect for a family outing.
Burnside Farms
1.5 million tulips plus activities for every age, something for toddlers, something for tweens, and something for parents too.
Earth Day
Outdoor activities everyone can participate in, cleanups, nature crafts, and exhibits that span every age and interest level.
Festival of the Earth
Farm animals for toddlers, live music for adults, hands-on crafts for kids, and food trucks for everyone. Completely free.
Virginia Renaissance Faire
From ages 3 to 103, the Renaissance Faire delights every single member of the family with live shows, food, and spectacle.
Free Outdoor Movie: Hairspray at The Wharf DC
Grab a blanket and enjoy Hairspray under the stars at The Wharf. A free outdoor movie night the whole family can sing along to.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone DC
The National Mall transforms into a massive World Cup fan zone with big screens, soccer activities for kids, and food vendors.
U.S. Navy Band: Schoolhouse Rock Live!
The U.S. Navy Band performs Schoolhouse Rock classics live at the Navy Memorial. A free, energetic show kids and parents both love.
Free Movie: Shang-Chi at Kennedy Center
Watch Shang-Chi on a big outdoor screen at the Kennedy Center. Free seating on the lawn, bring your own snacks and chairs.
Pride on the Pier at The Wharf
A family-friendly Pride celebration at The Wharf with live music, kids activities, face painting, and waterfront fun for everyone.
ALX Jazz Fest & Tall Ships Alexandria
Jazz on the waterfront plus tall ships you can tour. A perfect weekend outing for families along the Alexandria waterfront.
FIFA World Cup Watch Party DC
Free World Cup watch parties across DC with big screens, kid zones, and the kind of energy that makes sports fun for the whole family.
Swedish Midsummer Celebration DC
Dance around the maypole, make flower crowns, and enjoy Swedish traditions at this free family celebration in Georgetown.
Innovations in Flight Family Day
Hands-on flight experiments, real aircraft up close, and STEM activities for curious kids at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
Taiko Adventure! at National Theatre
A free Japanese drumming performance for families at the National Theatre. Kids love the energy and the chance to try taiko.
Library of Congress Family Day: 250 Years of Fashion
Design your own outfit, explore fashion history, and enjoy hands-on crafts at this free family day at the Library of Congress.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
Watch colorful dragon boat races on the Potomac, plus cultural performances, food, and kids activities along the waterfront.
Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
Free outdoor movie night at National Harbor. Bring chairs and blankets for a fun family evening by the water.
Anacostia River Festival
Anacostia River Festival 2026: free canoe rides, live music, food trucks, and tons of hands-on activities for kids along the river.
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony with military bands and wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Free.
Asia on the Creek
Asia on the Creek is a free Asian culture festival with dance, music, food, and a market at Carroll Creek Park in Frederick, MD.
Asian American Book Fair
Free Asian American Book Fair at the National Museum of Asian Art in DC.
Asian BBQ Festival, Rockville
Free Asian BBQ Festival at Rockville Town Square on June 14, 2026, 11am to 6pm.
Giant National Capital BBQ Battle
The Giant National Capital BBQ Battle takes over Pennsylvania Avenue June 27-28, 2026.
National Arboretum Bonsai Festival
The National Arboretum Bonsai Festival runs May 8–10 in DC. Free admission, live demos, kids workshops, and the 400-year-old Yamaki Pine.
CiNoMatic Outdoor Movie: Top Gun
Free outdoor screening of Top Gun at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa, DC. Hosted by Alamo Drafthouse with lawn games and food vendors.
Columbia LakeFest
The free Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest returns June 12-14 to the Columbia Lakefront in Maryland - live music, kids' art workshops,...
DC Chocolate Festival at the French Embassy
DC Chocolate Festival 2026 at the French Embassy: kids' chocolate-making classes, tasting stations, and pastry demos.
DelFest
DelFest bluegrass and roots music festival in Cumberland, MD. Dedicated KidZone, camping, food vendors, and live music. May 22-25, 2026.
Drive-In at Union Market
Drive-In at Union Market on May 8, 2026. Watch Mulan from your car or blankets. $25 per car or free on foot. Monthly screenings all summer.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival on May 25, 2026.
Fete de la Musique, Georgetown
Free Fete de la Musique in Georgetown on June 20, 2026, with more than 40 acts across outdoor stages and the French Embassy.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Gaithersburg Book Festival May 16, 2026 at Bohrer Park. 100+ authors, kids activities, writing workshops, and live music.
Saint Sophia Greek Festival
Annual Greek festival at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Glover Park.
Heritage Days Montgomery County
27th annual Heritage Days opens dozens of historic sites across Montgomery County on June 27-28, 2026.
Hill Center Family Day
Hill Center's annual Family Day on Capitol Hill with live music, magic show, face painting, and alpacas and bunnies to meet.
Innovations in Flight 2026
Free outdoor aviation display with 60+ aircraft at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA on June 13, 2026.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at National Harbor on June 19, 2026.
Juneteenth Community Day at NMAAHC
Free Juneteenth Community Day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on June 19, 2026.
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour, May 16–17, 2026. Free self-guided tour of 20+ farms in Loudoun County, VA.
National Memorial Day Parade
Taking the kids to the Memorial Day Parade in DC? We cover the best spots to stand with a stroller, the parade route, start time, and tips f...
Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend
Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend May 2-3, 2026. Military drills, cavalry demos, meet General Washington, and youth muster for kids.
National Memorial Day Concert
Free National Memorial Day Concert on the Capitol West Lawn with the National Symphony Orchestra and host Gary Sinise. Live PBS broadcast.
National STEM Festival 2026
Free week-long STEM festival on the National Mall, June 22-27.
Free Outdoor Movies at the REACH
Free outdoor movie screenings at the Kennedy Center REACH every Friday, starting May 30.
Passport DC, Around the World Embassy Tour
Visit 40+ embassies for free during Passport DC's Around the World Embassy Tour.
Play Date: Marvelous Meteorites
Free drop-in play date at the National Museum of Natural History. Hands-on meteorite activities for ages 0-5.
Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park
6th annual Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park on June 13, 2026. Free crafts, face painting, carousel rides, and playground fun for all ages.
Rockville Hometown Holidays
Your guide to Hometown Holidays 2026 in Rockville, MD. Free concerts, carnival rides, bouncy houses, face painting, and food trucks at Town...
Sails on the Potomac Tall Ships
Free Sails on the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria, June 12 to 14, 2026.
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Smithsonian museums on the National Mall stay open late for Solstice Saturday on June 20 - free sun-themed crafts, performances and after-ho...
Star Wars Weekend at Barracks Row
Star Wars Weekend at Barracks Row, May 1-3, 2026. Free costume contest, lightsaber battles, Jedi meet-and-greets, and Star Wars movie screen...
Strawberry Festival at Messick's Farm
Strawberry Festival at Messick's Farm Market in Bealeton VA, May 16. Strawberry picking, hayrides, barrel train, candy launch.
Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms
Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA, May 23–31, 2026.
Strawberry Picking Season
Strawberry picking season is here in DC, MD and VA. Head to Miller Farms, Larriland Farm, or Yankey Farms for family-friendly pick-your-own...
ViVa! Vienna!
A parent's guide to ViVa! Vienna! 2026. Free admission, carnival rides for all ages, live music, food vendors, and practical tips on parking...
Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods
Wolf Trap's outdoor kids' theater returns to Vienna, VA for summer.
World Cup Watch Parties in DC
DC United's free FIFA World Cup watch parties come to Franklin Park (June 12-14) and Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard (June 19-21) - big screens, y...
Friday Night Concerts at Yards Park
Free Friday night concerts run June through July 2026 at Yards Park in DC's Capitol Riverfront.
Bird Migration Celebration
Free Bird Migration Celebration at the Smithsonian National Zoo on May 10, 2026.