Your D.C. Weekend: Mother's Day, spring festivals and EU Open House
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Fine Day Fair returns to Chevy Chase. Photo: Courtesy Fine Day Fair
It's Mother's Day weekend, and we found fun activities beyond the typical brunch that moms, mom figures, aunties, and friends can all enjoy.
State of play: It's peak spring festival season, and even if you're not celebrating Mother's Day, there are some lovely outdoor events to attend.
Potomac Bonsai Festival | National Arboretum
- Lil' tree enthusiasts can head to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Northeast D.C. (Fri-Sun) for exhibits, free demos and interactive workshops, kids activities and a marketplace. All levels welcome (schedule here).
Fine Day Fair Home & Garden Show | Chevy Chase, MD
- Shop hundreds of curated and vintage goods and gifts at this European-inspired brocade fair that started in New York (Sat-Sun, 9am-4pm). Tickets starting $25 (kids under 16 are free).
Books in Bloom Festival | Columbia, MD
- The free outdoor book festival (Sat, 10am-4pm) at Color Burst Park features top storytellers from around the country like Kwame Alexander, Eric Puchner, and Laurie Frankel, plus a family-friendly reading garden, outdoor bookstore, flower shop, wine bar, and light bites.
Takoma Flea and Porch Fest |Takoma Park
- A free afternoon of shopping and music awaits in quaint Takoma, MD. A vintage market (Sat, 10am-4pm) takes over Grant Avenue with fashion, home goods, records and more. Musicians set up around the neighborhood (Sat, 2-6pm) playing jazz, bluegrass, cover rock and beyond.
Mother's Day Weekend Garden Party | The Roost
- The Capitol Hill food hall hosts a free Saturday soiree (11am) inspired by elegant tea parties. Pinkies up with Buzz pastry trays ($35) and floral-infused tea pots ($6), alongside the Roost's regular offerings.
More fun things to do this weekend:
🚗 Union Market Drive-In: It's back for the 13th season (Fri, 7:25pm lot opening, 8:20pm start) with a screening of "Sister Act." Advance parking tickets recommended ($20).
🇪🇺 EU Open House: Over 20 European embassies, delegations and cultural centers open their doors (Sat, 10am-4pm) with live music, cultural experiences, food and drink, and more. It's free, but IDs may be required, and bags are discouraged.
🍻 Maryland Craft Beer Festival: Over 200 brews from dozens of crafters are featured at the suds-filled festival in Frederick (Sat, 12-5pm). Tickets start at $45.
🗣️ Language Science Fair: The free, interactive fair (Sat, 10am-2pm) at Planet Word is for all ages, featuring hands-on stations, public talks, and communication experts on the science behind how we communicate. Plus, there's a free Mother's Day card-making workshop on Sunday.