THURSDAY 20
Reptiles Alive
This popular live reptile show is a great introduction to the world of reptiles. Learn snake secrets and laugh at our lizard stories and turtle tales. Featured animals may include a boa or python, tortoise, lizards and other amazing animals. 11 a.m., FREE, Twinbrook Library, Rockville, Md.
FRIDAY 21
Daddy Daughter Date Night
Make it a special night out with your little princess(es). Enjoy music, snacks, drinks, games, dancing, a photo area and more! Each child gets to go home with a craft goodie bag. 6:30 p.m., $7-$25, The Zen Lounge, 9042 Hornbaker Road Manassas, Va.
SATURDAY 22
The Cat in the Hat
Based on the book by Dr. Seuss, from the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. 11 a.m., $20, Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.
Astronomy Festival
This annual festival brings amateur telescopes, astronomy exhibits and fun activities to the Mall. They will have a Discovery Dome showing a video of “Apollo and Beyond,” which highlights the Apollo mission and future lunar missions. Perfect for science-loving families! 6 p.m., FREE, Smithsonian Castle, Washington, D.C.
27th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Come out to Washington D.C.’s largest annual food and music festival! This tasty event offers attendees a two-day line-up of everything from tempting BBQ & grilled food samples to cooking demonstrations, interactive exhibits and non-stop live entertainment on three music stages. 11 a.m., $12-$20, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
SUNDAY 23
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Born to parents who prize their own ignorance and disdain books, learning and any information they can’t get from television, Matilda somehow manages to emerge … a genius. Maybe even a magical one. However, she and the rest of the school are under the tyrannical rule of a deliciously devious villain, principal Agatha Trunchbull. Matilda embraces the fearful and terrifying moments of childhood with humor, hard-earned optimism and astoundingly witty musical numbers. 2 p.m., $54-$79, Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Md.
27th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Come out to Washington D.C.’s largest annual food and music festival! This tasty event offers attendees a two-day line-up of everything from tempting BBQ & grilled food samples to cooking demonstrations, interactive exhibits and non-stop live entertainment on three music stages. 11 a.m., $12-$20, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
