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“Apollo 50: Go for the Moon,” is a special 17-minute show on the National Mall that recreates the launch of Apollo 11 and tells the story of the first moon landing. Rendering courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
“Apollo 50: Go for the Moon,” is a special 17-minute show on the National Mall that recreates the launch of Apollo 11 and tells the story of the first moon landing. Rendering courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
7/17/19 - By Christine Mooney

From the nation’s capital to the ‘burbs, this weekend promises loads of fun no matter what your family is looking for. 

Stargazers will be interested in the the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, which is being celebrated with special film showings and activities. Foodies can enjoy ice cream or pizza making, and music lovers can kick back , tap their feet, and enjoy a summer concert. 

With so much variety to choose from, the question isn’t “what are we going to do?” but “how are we going to pick?” Read on below for some help in figuring out the family calendar or check out our events calendar for more ideas. 

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Weekend

UniverSoul Circus

National Harbor, MD
The UniverSoul Circus brings together global circus performances with lots of fun and soul for the audience. Enjoy diversity and edge-of-the-seat performances at the 26th Anniversary edition this summer. READ MORE

Saturday

Apollo 50 Festival

FREE - Washington, DC
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 50 at the National Air and Space Museum during the Apollo 50 Festival. This outdoor event features hands-on exhibits, activities, live performances, and exciting speakers.  READ MORE

Go for the Moon Show

FREE - Washington, DC
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. Guests can experience a 363-foot Saturn V rocket projected on the east face of the Washington Monument and a special 17 minute show called "Apollo 50: Go for the Moon" show. READ MORE

Olden Day Fun

Springfield, VA
Learn what 19th century people did for fun at Lake Accotink Park. Guests can expect to make crafts, learn historical facts, practice writing how General Washington did, and play colonial games. READ MORE

Tons of Trucks

Alexandria, VA
Head over to Chinquapin Park for its fifth annual Tons of Trucks. This rain or shine event showcases more than 20 City vehicles such as a fire engine, sheriff's car, front-end loader, dump truck, bucket truck, police car, trash truck, sewer truck, vacuum truck, and bus.  READ MORE

Angelina Ballerina The Musical

Vienna, VA
Vital Theatre Company presents Angelina Ballerina the Musical at the Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods. Main character, Angelina, and her friends perform hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig, and ballet numbers for the audience. READ MORE

Dairy Days: Ice Cream and Butter Making

Chantilly, VA
You scream, I scream for ice cream at Sully Historic Site. Visitors can churn butter, crank ice cream, milk a fake cow, play 18th-century games, and experience the products of a historic dairy. READ MORE

Moon Landing Campfire

Springfield, VA
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 at Lake Accotink Park with a campfire complete with s'mores and discussion of space travel. Participants can look at the moon through telescopes too!  READ MORE

Bats, Bugs, and Owls Oh My Campfire

Annandale, VA
Children 4 and up can learn about the nocturnal critters such as bats, bugs, and owls at this session held at Hidden Oak Nature Center. Complete the evening with roasted marshmallows, provided by the Center. READ MORE

Columbia Pike Movie Nights at Penrose Square

FREE -Arlington, VA
Families can enjoy some of their favorite movies under the stars at Penrose Square Apartments' outdoor plaza. Movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles.  READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Mia's Pizza Making Class
Photo courtesy of Mia's Pizza Making Class

Sunday

Mia's Pizza Making Class

Alexandria, VA
Stretch the dough and add toppings at Mia's Italian Kitchen. Be sure to make reservations in advance to participate. READ MORE

Sunday Sunset Concerts at Allen Pond Park

FREE -Bowie, MD
Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening at 7pm at the amphitheater at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. READ MORE

Shark Week at Children's Science Center

Fairfax, VA
During Shark Week at the Children's Science Center, visitors can expect plenty of shark and ocean related activities including shark trivia, crafts, and beach combing sessions. READ MORE

Grinding Demonstration

FREE - Great Falls, VA
Visit Colvin Run Mill to see how the miller uses 19th century technology to grind meal. Demonstrations are from 12 Noon through 3 PM, conditions permitting.  READ MORE

Summer on the Green Concert Series

FREE - Vienna, VA
The Town of Vienna hosts a special concert series every Friday evening at 6:30pm. Bring chairs or blankets and pack a picnic. READ MORE

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