Looking for something fun to do with kids in the D.C. area this weekend? Here are our top picks.
Greek Festival at St. Sophia’s Cathedral
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For fans of roast lamb and homemade spanakopita and loukoumades, it doesn’t get much better than this annual festival at St. Sophia’s Cathedral near Woodley Park, which features three days of food, music and dancing. Greek bands perform at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, while folk dancers, DJs and children’s groups are featured throughout the weekend. There are long lines for gyros and souvlaki cooked over coals (smell them and you’ll understand why), while the “Taverna” serves Greek beer and wine. A bazaar features Byzantine icons, jewelry, CDs and Greek soccer scarves, while a moon bounce and games keep the kids busy. If you’ve never visited St. Sophia’s before, tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Free.
Music in the Meadow at the National Arboretum
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Bring a picnic to enjoy while watching the concert in the Arboretum’s Ellipse Meadow, featuring local neo-cumbian band Cumbia Heights. This event, supported by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, is pay-what-you-can. Note that ticketing is only for concert access; the grounds won’t be open during the show. Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. $25 recommended ticket price.
Fiesta Asia
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The annual Fiesta Asia shuts down Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Sixth streets NW to showcase more than 20 Asian cultures in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Look for live music and dance performances representing multiple countries, a karaoke stage, a cosplay contest, martial arts demonstrations, hands-on games and crafts for kids, a large vendor area, and a “food alley” featuring local and New York City restaurants that is apparently 50 percent larger than last year’s. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.
Loudoun Farm Tour
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The Loudoun Farm Tour is a way to immerse city slickers — kids and adults alike — in the rural communities on the other side of Dulles Airport. The 38 farms open their doors for more than just talks about farm management or letting kids come face to face with barnyard friends such as pigs, donkeys and llamas. Over two days, taste raw honey straight from an apiary or try a scoop of all-natural ice cream on a dairy farm. Learn how craft beer goes from the field to the bottle or tour farms dedicated to mushrooms, garlic or tea leaves. This year, the tour includes shuttle buses running on loops between farms, leaving from four locations, including the Ashburn Metro station. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free; farms may charge for tours and activities.
Africa on the Avenue at Bruce Monroe Park
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Washington’s African heritage and community are celebrated during Africa on the Avenue, held in Park View’s Bruce Monroe Park on Saturday. There’s music from a variety of DJs and artists, including the Ethiopian fusion of the Feedel Band, the Grammy-nominated songs of Malian griot Cheick Hamala Diabate, and the Farafina Kan drummers and dancers. For families, there’s a foam party, double Dutch, hula hoops and interactive art projects. Vendors will be selling African coffee, head wraps, braiding, clothing, books and pepper sauces. Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free.
Bladensburg Waterfront Art Festival
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Painting and pontoon boats meet at Bladensburg Waterfront Park’s outdoor arts party, which features a market of local artists, hands-on community art projects, demonstrations and activities for kids. Adults can sip beer or wine, and all ages can enjoy live music and free boat tours on the Anacostia River. Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Free.
Lincoln Strawberry Festival
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Supermarket strawberries have nothing on a freshly picked red berry, which you’ll find in abundance at the inaugural Lincoln Strawberry Festival in Loudoun County. This two-day fundraiser from Wegmeyer Farms begins Saturday morning with a strawberry pancake smorgasbord (buy a separate breakfast ticket in advance) and continues with musical performances, a strawberry baby fashion show, tractor rides, and eating competitions for strawberry pie and strawberry ice cream. Sunday’s schedule is similar, swapping in 4-H animal presentations in the morning instead of pancakes. Each day, you’ll be able to pick your own strawberries for purchase while supplies last. Proceeds benefit a variety of local causes. Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $15; free for kids age 2 and under.
The Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf
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The Wharf’s quirky combination of the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo is back for the 12th year on Sunday, after rain on May 4 postponed the original event. The annual Running of the Chihuahuas involves more than 100 of these tiny dogs sprinting in groups of eight on a 60-foot “racetrack.” One Chihuahua eventually emerges as the fastest of the pack, winning $100 cash and swag during this bracket-style tournament. Only Chihuahuas can race, but dogs of all types can enter an all-breed dog costume contest, while human spectators enjoy the Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, a pet photo booth and an adoptable-dog parade. This event is very popular: Arrive early for the best views of the track, or watch on a giant video projection screen. Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Free admission. All spots for racing Chihuahuas are filled.
