There’s never a shortage of things to do in the beautiful Washington D.C. Area. This time of the year is idyllic in this region. As temperatures drop, outdoor festivals become an enjoyable experience, and there’s certainly a sufficient amount of them in and around Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia this weekend. We at LawnStarter have culled the best and most fun family friendly events for you and your kids to check out this weekend. Enjoy!
Friday, September 19, 2014
The KORUS Festival
Cost: Free
Location: Bull Run Park, Centreville, VA
Date/Time: Sept 19, 2014 Friday 6pm~10pm
Sept 20, 2014 Saturday 10am~10pm
Sept 21, 2014 Sunday 10am~9pm
What is it?
The KORUS Festival celebrates Korean Culture through authentic cuisine, live musical performances, a taekwondo demonstration, a talent show, a singing contest, and a K-Pop cover contest. It’s free and it goes all weekend, so make sure to make an appearance. Bring the kids, as they also have a kid zone that includes all sorts of activities and crafts. Here’s the description from the KORUS website: “The KORUS Festival is organized by the Korean American Association of Washington Metropolitan Area (KAAW), a non-profit 501(c) organization. The KAAW advocates the rights of Korean-Americans and promotes the well-being and prosperity of the Korean-American community. We conduct activities to promote unity and fellowship, community participation, provide educational and social programs to the Korean-American community, and share our culture to play a part in the diverse community of our region.”
Saturday, September 20, 2014
DC Veg Fest
Cost: Free
Location: Yards Park, Washington, DC
Date/Time: 11 a.m – 6 p.m.
What is it?
The DC VegFest was founded by the Vegetarian Society of DC in 1997. It’s an annual event, and it is free. According to their website, the DC VegFest “aims to highlight how easy and delicious it is to choose vegetarian foods in and around the nation’s capital.” The festival includes free vegetarian food samples, over 100 vendors, live music, cooking demonstration, a beer garder, a kids activity area, free prizes, and so much more. Check out more information on their website.
Dulles Day Plane Pull
Cost: Free
Location: Dulles International Airport, Dulles, VA
Date/Time: 11 a.m – 4 p.m
What is it?
Here’s a unique event, and one that is for a great cause. The Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull is an annual event that has already raised over $2 million since its founding in 1993. According to their website, “The Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull® is Special Olympics Virginia’s “heaviest” fundraiser, pitting teams of 25 against one another to see who can pull a 164,000+ pound Airbus 12 feet the fastest. Teams must raise a minimum of $1500 to participate – that’s just $60 per person – and all proceeds help Special Olympics Virginia provide year-round training and athletic competition to more than 13,000 athletes of all ages.”
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Cost: Ticket price varies. Check out pricing information here.
Location: Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD
Date/Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
What is it?
The Maryland Renaissance Festival recreates a 16th century English village, and it includes crafts, food, a jousting arena, musicians and dancers, 8 stages, and just general revelry. For kids, the festival offers free pony rides, games, archery, and a play area. Check out more information on their website.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Zoo Fiesta
Cost: Free
Location: National Zoo, Washington D.C.
Date/Time: 10 a.m – 4 p.m
What is it?
This fantastic event at the National Zoo is designed to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. From 10-4, this event includes animal feedings, arts and crafts, music, educational activities that highlight conservation efforts in Central and South America, and authentic Latin American cuisine. RIF will also be there with free books from 10-2. Check out more information on their website here.
Prevent Cancer 5k Walk/Run
Cost: $30 to register
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Date/Time: 7:45 a.m
What is it?
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is hosting a family-friendly 5k Walk/Run this Sunday. This is the 6th annual event, and Prevent Cancer’s goal is to raise $200,000 for education and awareness programs and research on cancer prevention and early detection. The 5k begins and ends at the Nationals Park, and the route travels along the Capitol Riverfront. There will also be a health fair before and after the 5k that will feature 20 community partners that support health and fitness. This event includes healthy food, the Nationals batting cages, the Kids Zone, and free health screenings. Check out more information at the Prevent Cancer 5k website here.
