EXCELLENT FOR EARTH DAY
Gus Goes Green: Earth Day Edition
April 8. This performance is recommended for grades 2-6. Just in time for Earth Day, this play follows "Gus" (a giant dog puppet), who leads audiences on a STEM-inspired adventure around the globe. He uses clever resources to find creative solutions for a thirsty man in the desert, a wacky inventor, a toy maker and one very funny bug. Volunteers join Gus on stage to engineer a device for gathering water, build a unique toy from recycled materials and more! By the end of the play Gus and his friends use science, technology, engineering and math to find smart solutions to real-life issues. This show is designed to encourage young people to help the Earth through recycling, energy conservation and creative thinking. Hyattsville, Md.
El Verde es Vida – Kermes & Spring Festival
April 13. An all-day family friendly and community-oriented event with live music and entertainment, raffles and prizes, food vendors and community organizations coming together to welcome spring, celebrate Earth Day and promote the adoption of clean/green energy. El Verde Es Vida (EV2) is a national environmental justice movement aimed at educating the Latino community about adopting the use of clean energy, tree-planting and learning about consumer incentives and job opportunities in the clean/green energy sector. Riverdale Park, Md.
Annie Family Night
April 15. The family night fun starts at 6:30 p.m., with the show itself beginning at 7:30 p.m. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. The Sun Will Come Out on Family Night, where kids and adults will enjoy sweet treats, coloring fun-packs and more surprises. Get your tickets today for a night of family fun and see why this heartwarming show is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family! Washington, DC
SATISFYING SPRING EVENTS
Spring Fest
April 5. Neighbors come together to celebrate the changing of seasons with spring-themed arts and crafts, entertainment and the opportunity for your child to take a photo with the Easter Bunny. Make sure to bring your camera as an Old Firehouse staff member will be on hand to take a photo of you and your family. McLean, Va.
UPCA Spring Egg Hunt and Games
April 6. The Egg Hunt will start at 3:15 p.m., so participants should arrive a few minutes early. Children as young as infants through elementary school age are welcome to participate in the egg hunt, face painting, crafts and more. Wear warm clothes and shoes appropriate for walking in the park, and please bring your own basket and drinks. University Park, Md.
Easter Bunny Hosts Kids and Family Festival
April 13. Enjoy a day of excitement at the Shipgarten Easter Kids and Family Festival. For the little ones there will be free face painting and arts and crafts, allowing their creativity to shine. Additionally, there will be live music, moon bounces and a full outdoor playground to ensure everyone has a blast. Dogs are welcome, either on-leash or in their off-leash dog park. McLean, Va.
Blooming Wonders: A Best of Spring Exhibition
Through April 30. Enter a world where nature, art and technology collide in a vibrant tribute to Washington, D.C.'s beloved cherry blossom season. Now in its 8th year as an official National Cherry Blossom Festival program, ARTECHOUSE's annual spring time celebration has become a seasonal must-see for locals and visitors alike. Washington, DC
MUSICAL MERRYMAKING
Blippi: Join the Band
April 18. C'mon and join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour! Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family. Tysons, Va.
Gamer Symphony Orchestra Small Ensemble Concert
April 6. Join individuals and small groups from The Gamer Symphony Orchestra on a foray into the world of video game music! The Gamer Symphony Orchestra is a student-run symphonic orchestra at the University of Maryland and the first collegiate ensemble exclusively devoted to performing orchestral arrangements of video game music. If you can't attend in person, this concert will be streamed on their Twitch channel. College Park, Md.
Voices United: A Celebration of Global Harmony
April 6. Experience an extraordinary evening of music that celebrates youth voices and the power of global harmony. This concert will feature the Strathmore Children's Chorus, the New England Youth Symphony and the choruses of George Mason University and Washington Adventist University. Together, they will present John Rutter's deeply moving Mass of the Children, a piece that blends the innocence of children's voices with the rich tones of adult singers. Ken Wakia of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus will lead performances of vibrant Kenyan music with the choruses of George Mason University and Strathmore Children's Chorus. This blend of classical and traditional sounds promises to be a joyous and uplifting experience.
EVEN MORE EVENTS
Washington Wizards Harry Potter Night (vs Orlando Magic)
April 3. Calling all witches, wizards and Muggles! The Washington Wizards are celebrating Harry Potter Night with themed player videos and in-game entertainment inspired by the movie series played throughout the game. The first 5,000 fans at the arena will get a limited-edition Harry Potter scarf. Start the night with a magical pre-game Harry Potter-inspired Block Party at District E starting at 5 p.m. Arrive early to score a limited-edition Hogwarts House beanie at the door, while supplies last. Washington, DC
Awesome Con 2025
April 4-6. A family-friendly celebration of geek culture, bringing over 60,000 fans together with their favorite comics, movies, television shows, books, toys, games, cosplay and more! And meet Blue's Clues hosts Josh dela Cruz, Donovan "Joe" Patton and Steve Burns. Awesome Con is proud to offer Awesome Con Jr. which is designed to delight the littlest fans. Awesome Con Jr. brings the whole family together for an interactive and fun-filled weekend full of kid-friendly activities spanning a variety of interests. Families can see incredible performances and get moving in the Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone, experience tons of hand-on activations at vendor booths and get creative in the workshops area – being taught by professional artists. Fun for the whole family awaits. Washington, DC
Snow White
April 7. Come to the library for a magical, interactive story-reading of Snow White, where children become part of the adventure. This enchanting event blends ballet and mime, puppetry and beautiful classical music, all guided by a loveable Cupid storyteller. Little ones will get to dance, mime and join in a fun craft activity to create their own magical keepsake, as well as take photos with the Snow White. For children of all ages. No registration required. Fairfax, Va.
Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration
April 19. Celebrate Shakespeare's birthday at the Folger with fun, family-friendly activities and birthday cake for all. Make an Elizabethan ruff, watch sword-fighting and printing press demonstrations, write sonnets, learn about Elizabethan dance and music in a dance contest and more. Washington, DC
Lyrid Meteor Campfire
April 22. Families are invited to the nature center to make s'mores and catch a glimpse of the annual Lyrid meteor shower away from the lights of the city. Arlington, Va.
Teen Takeover: Spring Skate Night
April 26. Teens of middle and high school ages are invited to Thomas Jefferson Community Center for a night of skating, music, games and more. Arlington, Va.
