DC on a Dime

The 44th Smithsonian annual Kite Festival this Weekend

This free, public event organized by The Smithsonian Associates and the National Air and Space Museum features kite displays, demonstrations and handmade kite competitions.

When:  Saturday, March 27 (rain date Sunday, March 28) 

Time:  10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: National Mall (around the Washington Monument)

Website:  http://kitefestival.org/

Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival

To kick-off its 2009–2010 season, the Kennedy Center will open its doors for the annual Open House Arts Festival this Saturday, from 12 noon until 6pm.  The event will include free  indoor and outdoor performances, so get there early, to beat the crowd.   Check out this link to see a list of performances and family-friendly activities. 

Admission:  FREE

Location:  The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566

Photo from DCist

Starting tonight, through August 10 (next four Mondays), the Screen on the Green Film Festival returns to the National Mall, between 4th and 7th Streets.  After a brief scare that this annual event had been cancelled, Comcast and the Trust for the National Mall decided to team-up with HBO to bankroll the series.  

Showtime starts at sunset – around 8:30pm — but get there early.  No alcohol allowed.  This event is free.

Schedule:

July 20,  Close Encounters  of the Third Kind

July 27,  Dog Day Afternoon

August 3, On the Waterfront

August 10,  Rebel Without a Cause

Generation O Program Provides Subsidized Tickets.

If you think opera is not your thing – or tickets a little too pricey - think again.  The Washington National Opera has flung its doors open to the younger set.  The free Generation O program offers discount tickets to students and young professionals age 18-35, for season events and performances.  You must first sign-up for the Generation O program here, in order to receive program benefits. 

Check out the Washington National Opera website for details on upcoming events and performances.  You can also check out the Generation O Facebook page.

The National Harbor is getting into the free outdoor movie game.  Starting this Sunday, and every Sunday until October 25, there will be a family friendly movie shown at the National Harbor’s outdoor plaza, just after sunset.  They call it “Family Sundays.”  And each Tuesday, through September 22, they will show classics movies.  You guessed it, “Classic Tuesdays.”

On Sunday, July 12, treat the little ones you know to a FREE screening of Stuart Little.   And on July 14, you can take your sweetheart to see Some Like It Hot, also FREE.  Check here for more information and to view the weekly schedule.