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DC Thrifty Mom’s suggestions for

FREE DMV #Shutdown Weekend Events

January 4 – 6, 2019

Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Always call or check the event website before heading out;

Event information is subject to change or weather cancellation.

*** Washington D.C.***

Light Yards

The Yards DC

Thru TONIGHT – January 4, 2019 ∙ 6-10 pm ∙ Free

Light Yards ends TONIGHT! Two must-see, worldwide traveling light installations, The Pool, by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio and Angels of Freedom, by Israel-based OGE Group.

Madame Tussauds Washington DC is offering FREE admission to all federal employees during the Government Shutdown!

Federal employees can show their US government employee ID for entry.

NOTE: Save money by booking online. Receive an instant e-ticket when booking online.

NEWSEUM is OPEN during Government Shutdown

Federal employees can receive FREE admission during the government shutdown by showing their badge in person at the admissions desk.

NOTE: Receive a 15% discount on all general admission tickets purchased online.



Family Afternoon: Capturing Light with House Lanterns

National Building Museum

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ Free, drop-in. All ages

Capture the warm glow of light to break the winter cold by constructing and decorating a paper lantern to take home. The program runs from 10 am – 2 pm while supplies last.

NOTE: The National Building Museum remains open with regular hours during the government shutdown. Federal employees receive FREE ADMISSION by showing their federal badges at the admissions desk.

Shake Up Your Saturdays – Shakespeare’s plays are for everyone!

Folger Shakespeare Library

Saturday, January 5 ∙ FREE with Registration

Shake Up Your Saturdays is a free program that takes place on the first Saturday of every month.

Folger offers programs for all ages and encourages families to experience Shakespeare’s language together. Family members of all ages are welcome to join the fun!

NOTE: The 2019 Schedule is available. This weekend is Celebrate Twelfth Night, get festive with Twelfth Night traditions.

10-11AM: Recommended Ages 4-7

11-12PM: Recommended Ages 7-11

Foulke Conference Room; Register Here to attend.

Register for multiple programs at once HERE.

Gettin’ Stitchy With It

DC Public Library – Woodridge Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!

Do you like to knit, crochet or something else stitchy? Woodridge has a new monthly club for you!

Getting Stitchy is a new club for anyone who wants to craft. Whether you’re an expert seamstress, a novice knitter, or just looking to check out something new, you’re welcome here. We’ll meet to make cool stuff and we will have supplies for you to borrow. We’ll also have advice on finding patterns, getting started with different crafts and coupons.

This club is for all ages – please feel free to bring your own projects or get inspired by theirs.

Game Night (Tweens & Teens)

DC Public Library – Capitol View Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 2:30 pm ∙ FREE!

Are you bored? Do you like playing games? If you do, come out to our family game night, where you will have a chance to play against others in family board and card games.

“May the odds forever be in your favor!”

Paper Snowflake Craft

DC Public Library – Southwest Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ FREE!

Children ages 4-12 are invited to design their own or use fun templates to create beautiful paper snowflakes.

NOTE: Children under 9 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Orquesta Akokán

Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 6:00pm ∙ FREE!

Straight out of Havana comes Orquesta Akokán, a mambo ensemble reminiscent of Benny Moré, Pérez Prado, and the Banda Gigante of the 1940s and 1950s. Their original songs were recorded at the Estudios Areito with Cuba’s finest players, led by singer José “Pepito” Gómez.

Teen Night

U.S. Botanic Garden [Conservatory]

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 6:30pm ∙ FREE – Pre-registration required

Ever wanted to explore the Conservatory after hours? Ever wondered what plants do after dark? Join the U.S. Botanic Garden Education Team for an evening of exploration and discovery! Spend the evening wandering through the Conservatory and learning about the USBG plant collection through hands-on science stations.

Please note: This program is intended for those aged 13-17. No adults may enroll without registered teens. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. The U.S. Botanic Garden is open as scheduled, having been funded for the current fiscal year.

Free Community Day: January

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 12:00pm ∙ FREE!

The first Sunday of the month is Community Day at NMWA!

Visit on Community Day for FREE admission to the museum—take this opportunity to explore current exhibitions, newly reinstalled collection, and events.

Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

GALA Hispanic Theatre

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 2:00pm ∙ FREE!

Due to funding and permitting challenges, GALA cannot offer its complete Three Kings Day program. Instead, the Magi will greet children in the lobby and gifts will be distributed.

NOTE: They will return to the larger event in 2020. For more information, email info@galatheatre.org.

5th edition of GLOW

Georgetown

Thru Sunday, January 6, 2019 ∙ 5 – 10 p.m. nightly ∙ Free

Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine.

Curling & Cocktails

The Wharf

Monday, January 7 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE

Looking for a fun way to spend some time outside this winter? Join us for a free, friendly game of curling! The Canadian game marries hockey and shuffleboard for a low-pressure evening on the ice.

Want to play? Sign-ups are on-site (no advance registration available). Beginners are welcome and encouraged. Come with a friend or we’ll match you with a partner when you arrive. No ice skates allowed, but please wear soft-soled tennis shoes. All other equipment will be provided.

NOTE: You must be 8+ to play ∙ Limit 200 people

Spectators are welcome, too! Cheer on the players and learn the game from the sidelines—while sampling some winter cocktails. Can’t make it January 7th? Game is played on January 14th too! SAVE THE DATE – Fire & Ice Festival, Saturday, January 19th!

A DOG’S WAY HOME

Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14

Monday, January 7 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE PASSES HERE, while supplies last

A Dog’s Way Home chronicles the heartwarming adventure of Bella, a dog who embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her beloved human.

A lot can happen between lost and found. Watch the #ADogsWayHome trailer here – on the big screen January 11th.

*** Maryland ***

2019 Summer Camp Sampler

Imagination Stage

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 9:45 am [Check-in starts at 9:15 a.m.] ∙ Registration is FREE!

The annual Summer Camp Sampler is a great way to get a taste of what camps are like at Imagination Stage before registering! Children and parents can try out a variety of camp titles and theatrical disciplines in 20-45 minute segments, as well as speak with the Education staff about our program offerings. Additionally, our Digital Media Studio will be open for those interested in Imagination Stage’s filmmaking program. Descriptions for all sample camps available here.

NOTE: While this event is geared toward families with children Age 3.5 – Grade 9, please note that Imagination Stage Summer Camps have options for ages 3.5-18.

Personal Finance & Investing

Anne Arundel County Public Library – Brooklyn Park Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 9:45 am ∙ Registration is FREE!

Become a more effective manager of your own assets, with guest Steve Shaw presenting on Active Corporate Bond Investing. Call 410-222-6260 to register.

Discovery Day: Rocks, Minerals, & Fossils

Gaithersburg Community Museum

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ The program is free, but please register here to attend

Explore rocks, minerals, and fossils with the Gem, Mineral, & Lapidary Society of Montgomery County and the Calvert Marine Museum. The fluorescent mineral display will be enLIGHTening and visitors may get bitten by the fossil hunting bug when they see the shark’s teeth display. Appropriate for ages 4 and up.

NOTE: The Gaithersburg Community Museum presents Discovery Days, a series designed to stir the imagination and foster family involvement in a fun and stimulating environment. Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted. Registration is not required, but recommended.

Cuentos & Canciones with Ms. Mabelle

Montgomery County Public Libraries – Rockville Memorial Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE

Read, sing, and dance with Ms. Mabelle during this energy-filled bilingual storytime! Families will have lots of fun singing, dancing, and listening to stories in both English and Spanish. Children will develop motor and early literacy skills while engaging though books and songs from many cultures.

Fossil Deposit Interpretation part of Dinosaur Park Open House

Dinosaur Park

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!!

Dinosaur Park is a 41-acre park in Laurel, Maryland, featuring a rare deposit of fossils from the Cretaceous Period (144 to 65 million years ago). On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, you can join paleontologists and and volunteers on-site to interpret fossil deposits. Fun for all ages!

On with the Wind

Baltimore County Public Library – Loch Raven Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ Free w/RSVP [Spaces Available]

Build and test designs for turbine blades. CAPE Science introduces this hands-on engineering challenge focused on renewable energy and harnessing the power of the wind. Registration required.

NOTE: Best for ages 6 to 11 years. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

We Can’t Resist the Snow: An Art Class for Kids

Baltimore County Public Library – Essex Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ Free w/RSVP [Spaces Available]

A special art class, teaching marker and watercolor resist techniques to build your very own snowman. Please arrive on time. All supplies provided.

NOTE: Best for ages 6 to 11 years. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Star Wars Light Sabers

Montgomery County Public Libraries – Long Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE

MoComCon is coming! (see details below) Make sure you’re ready to celebrate! Join us as we make light sabers using pool noodles.

2019 Vision Board Workshop

Anne Arundel County Public Library – Discoveries: The Library At The Mall

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!

Create a collage of things that you’d like to attract to your life in 2019. Learn to set goals visually so that you can realize your dreams in the coming year!

Sensory Social Hangout

Anne Arundel County Public Library – Mountain Road Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!

Are you looking for a sensory event geared for older children beyond storytime? Our sensory social hang-out may be just the thing! This stress free hangout afternoon is for children ages 8-12 who are on the Autism Spectrum. Join us for board games, Jenga, cards, to name a few. Kids can come relax and meet friends with similar interests and experiences. Registration and adult supervision is required. For more information call 410-222-6699 or email nbenjamin@aacpl.net

Science Club

Montgomery County Public Libraries – Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville) Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 2:30 pm ∙ FREE

Join us at the library to learn about various topics of science. Children will learn about science doing various activities and experiments! This week’s topic will be about space and the planets. Ages 6-8.

Community Acupuncture Poke Night

Black Hill Nature Programs

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 5:00pm ∙ FREE!

Join Jessica Feltz of The Turning Point: Frederick’s Community Acupuncture for an evening of wellness at the Visitor Center! Learn about the benefits of acupuncture and get a restorative acupuncture nap in the center as the sun sets. The Turning Point was voted Best of the Best in Frederick for acupuncture and recently honored by the Maryland General Assembly for their commitment to affordable healthcare.

NOTE: Event is FREE but please register – limited spaces available. Donations for the acupuncture treatment are appreciated. Intended for ages 18&up

Girls in Engineering

Montgomery County Public Libraries – Germantown Branch

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 1:30 pm ∙ FREE

Drop in to collaborate with other students to build bridges, create robots and more! For students in grades 6-8.

Sunday Chess Club

Montgomery County Public Libraries – Gaithersburg Branch

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE

Learn to play chess or work on your skills at our monthly chess club. Open to ages 6-18. Sign up online at sundaychessclub.weebly.com.

NAACP College Writing Essay Clinic

Baltimore County Public Library – Randallstown Branch

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ Free

Presented in partnership with the Youth Council Branch of the NAACP, gain skills needed to write effective essays for scholarships and college admissions. Open to high school and college students.

Riderwood Concert Series

Riderwood Village Chapel

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 7:30pm ∙ FREE!

Enjoy a Sunday evening concert featuring classical works performed by accomplished musicians. Program: • J.S. BACH and BRANIMIR KRSTIC: Selections for classical guitar. Branimir Krstic, guitar. • PROKOFIEV: Sonata for clarinet and piano, op 94. Albert Hunt, clarinet; Barbara Peterson Cackler, piano. View upcoming concerts here.

MoComCon 2019

Montgomery County Public Libraries – Silver Spring Branch

Saturday, January 19 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ Free!

2019 marks MCPL’s third Comic Convention. We will be celebrating all things comic and fandom with a variety of events. Come join in the fun at MoComCon! This event is open and accessible to all. We want to attract seasoned comic conventioneers, novices, and the curious of all ages. The event will include a variety of panels, workshops, programs, displays, exhibits and cosplay — all free of charge.

*** Virginia ***

Family Night @ The Mill: Everyone’s Birthday Pajama Party

Arlington Mill Community Center

Friday, January 4, 2019 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ Free, drop-in events for all ages

Celebrate the first Family Night of 2019 at our Everyone’s Birthday Pajama Party

New year, new event time: 6-8 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate all 2018 birthdays and the new year together!

-Play fun birthday party games

-Create your own party hat pinata

-Play on our inflatable obstacle course

-Complete our birthday scavenger hunt to win prizes

-And more!

Pajamas are optional, but encouraged

Youth participants must be accompanied by an adult.

2019 Summer Camp Open House

Encore’s Stage & Studio Main Campus

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE w/RSVP

Students will experience a 30-minute sample class of Encore’s various summer camps. Parents and campers will have the opportunity to meet teaching artists and camp directors, as well as register for camp. Classes for the Open House are available for ages 3-15. View the Summer Camp Open House Schedule here.

MCC Community Open House

McLean Community Center

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE w/RSVP

McLean Community Center is Newly Renovated!

Take a self-guided tour through our new facility and:

• Peek inside The Alden and preview its 2019 Spring Season

• Discover what’s happening at The Old Firehouse and Camp McLean

• Stop by McLean Project for the Arts’ Duval Studio to create mixed media cards and bookmarks

• Join in on “A Preview of Special Events to Come”

• Learn about our upcoming Youth Events

• Explore options for renting our facilities

• Check out the new game room

• Discover new, upcoming classes

Visit the BeFit McLean Health Fair

Free screenings and information on health care issues and preventive practices including: • Vision Screenings • Derma Scan • Blood Pressure • Sleep Health • Managing Stress • BMI • Nutrition • And More!

Chess

Alexandria Library – Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 12:30 pm ∙ Free

Interested in playing chess or learning about the game? Join us every Saturday in the Children’s Area. All skill levels are welcome. All ages, children under 8 age must be accompanied by their adult.

Yule Ball

Fairfax County Public Library – Chantilly Regional Branch

Saturday, January 5 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ Free

You are cordially invited to a Yule Ball featuring Harry Potter-themed snacks, crafts, a cosplay contest and Hawthorn & Holly, a Wizard Rock band! Costumes not required, but encouraged. Grades 7-12.

Virtual Reality Station

Fairfax County Public Library – Pohick Regional Branch

Sunday, January 6 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ Free

You are cordially invited to a Yule Ball featuring Harry Potter-themed snacks, crafts, a cosplay contest and Hawthorn & Holly, a Wizard Rock band! Costumes not required, but encouraged. Grades 7-12.

BECOME A LIFEGUARD – INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD TRAINING PROGRAM

Presented by: DC Department of Parks & Recreation

COURSE FEES: DC Residents FREE – until March 1, 2019

DPR employs the International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) to train and certify lifeguards to work both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities throughout the District. The ILTP is an objective driven program that produces lifeguards that perform at a higher level than those of other national/international training agencies. Lifeguard candidates must successfully pass written and practical (“hands-on”) tests. ILTP Course Completion Certificate can be used to gain employment at any aquatic facility in the world. More information, including registration links, available here.

If you are aware of an event or opportunity that will benefit the DC Thrifty Mom community, please email me at Events@DCThriftyMom.com

*****

REMEMBER: Quality family fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Courtesy of www.DCThriftyMom.com

Highlighting FREE, Cheap, & Discount Happenings in the Washington DC Metro Area.

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