Washington DC family weekend planner
Free things to do with kids this weekend in Washington DC (October 9–11)
Updated October 10, 2026
The weekend of October 9–11 in Washington DC brings STEAM Fair at Fairfax County Public Library (Saturday) and Digital Discovery Fair: Explore. Learn. Connect. at Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium (Saturday). Every listing comes from the organizer's own calendar, with times, venues, and official links — free ones are marked.
Weekend snapshot
Plan a 3-stop day with FamHop Full weekend guide
Top free picks
- STEAM Fair · Fairfax County Public Library · Saturday
- Digital Discovery Fair: Explore. Learn. Connect. · Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium · Saturday
- Herndon Quilters · Herndon Fortnightly Maker Lab · Friday
- Playdate Cafe · Thomas Jefferson Meeting Room 1, Thomas Jefferson Meeting Room 2 · Friday
- Preschool STEAM Play at Courthouse · Children's Area · Friday
Free family events in Washington DC this weekend: October 9–11
Friday, October 9
36 events · 36 free · already happened
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Herndon Quilters
Work on your own quilting projects with other members of the community or help with charity quilting projects.
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Playdate Cafe
is our regular weekly time for kids and adults to enjoy free-play and socialize in an informal setting - blocks, cars, puppets, music, and more.
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Preschool STEAM Play at Courthouse
For families with Preschoolers Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activites that explore the STEAM- based concepts of…
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Baby Storytime
We sing, play, dance, and rhyme all while promoting your baby’s development and literacy skills.
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Family Storytime at Central
For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult.
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Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5
Held in the Storytime Room Bring your preschooler for a fun-filled half-hour of stories, songs, and fingerplays!
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Baby Storytime at Aspen Hill
Followed by Stay and Play! A storytime experience for our youngest library users and their caregivers. A storytime experience for our…
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Family Storytime at Westover Library
For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult.
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Library Playdate
A variety of toys and books will be spread out for you and your little one to enjoy.
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Play Date at the Library
A drop-in playtime for children and their caregivers.
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Playdate Cafe
Come and chat with other caregivers while the kids play together.
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Playdate Cafe (ages 0-6)
Enjoy free-play and socializing in a casual setting.
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Pre-K Story Hour / Hora de Cuentos de Prekinder
Held at the Springhill Lake Recreation Center 6101 Cherrywood Ln, Greenbelt, MD 20770 Enjoy vibrant stories, fingerplays, and songs led by Greenbelt Branch Library Staff.
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Sip and Solve
Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and puzzle your heart out.
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Spanish/English Bilingual Storytime
Space is limited! TICKETS REQUIRED! Please join us for a fun and interactive bilingual Spanish/English storytime! Together we’ll read,…
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Toddler Storytime
Germantown Library Get up and get moving at storytime!
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Family Storytime at Brigadier General Charles E McGee Library
**Tickets required for entry. Free tickets available on the 5th floor at 10 am the same day. Space is limited** Join us on the 5th floor to…
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Family Storytime at Marilyn J. Praisner Library
Followed by Stay and Play! These 25-30-minute programs are designed to delight children of all ages and are filled with diverse stories and…
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Play and Grow: Ages 0-3
Presented by the PGCPS Infants and Toddlers Program Stories, music, and activities for children ages 0-3 with and without special needs.
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SOW Library Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series
Featuring Rio SOW Library Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Family Fun Film Series Featuring Rio SOW Library Celebrates Hispanic…
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Baby Lapsit Storytime at Westover Library
For families with babies 0-12 months Bond with your baby through songs, rhymes, and games!
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Play and Grow: Ages 0-3
Presented by the PGCPS Infants and Toddlers Program Stories, music, and activities for children ages 0-3 with and without special needs.
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Medicare 101
training is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare, as well as those who already have Medicare and…
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Maker Lab Drop-in Hours
The Maker Lab @ Herndon is a space designed for people who love to learn, discover, and explore.
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Teen Zone
After school, unwind with video games, crafts, and plenty of other fun activities!
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Brick and Chill: Teen LEGO® Hangout
This program is for grades 6-12 Start your weekend with a blast of creativity!
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Here's the Stitchuation!
Come stitch with us – one thread at a time!
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Fun Friday
*AGES 8-13* Have fun on Fridays after school – building, making, playing games, and winning prizes!
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LEGO Construction Crew and Duplos Too!
Quince Orchard Library Join us on Friday afternoons to build with LEGO and Duplos too!
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Preschool Play and Learn
Twinbrook Library Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to the library to participate in a short circle time, followed by…
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Sew it Seams: Learn the Basics
Learn the basics of using a sewing machine!
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Teen Gaming
Let's Some Play Video Games! Do you like playing video games? Then come out to our gaming hour at MLK, where you have a chance to relax and…
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Movie Matinee
Join us for our monthly movie programming!
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Chess Club for Kids
Learn chess and have fun at the same time!
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Passport to Fun
Travel the world exploring different languages and cultures through crafts and games with the Chantilly High School French Honor Society.
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Evil Laugh
Contest Capitol View Library is hosting an Evil Laugh Contest!
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Saturday, October 10
72 events · 72 free
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Crafty Kids Take and Make at Courthouse
Take a Craft to Make at Home! Our Take and Make bags contain supplies, materials and instructions to complete a craft. (Some crafts may…
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Family Nature Program
Outdoor nature, ranger, garden, or recreation programming for families in Washington DC.
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Friends Book Sale
So Many Items for Sale: Books, CD's, Dvd's and More!
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Georgetown Library English Conversation Club
A weekly conversation circle for English-language learners Would you like to improve your English-language skills in a small and comfortable group?
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Jigsaw Puzzle Sale
Shop from a large selection of jigsaw puzzles for all ages!
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Period Products 101
Exploring Reusable and Disposable Options for Young People Calling young minds 9 to 15 years old!
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Quilt Show
Presented by the Uhuru Quilters Guild Enjoy a beautiful collection of quilts created by members of the Uhuru Quilters Guild!
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Quilting 101!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to quilt?
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STEAM Fair
Calling all Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) enthusiasts!
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Teen Volunteering Hour
It takes a lot of work to keep a library running - do your part & give back by volunteering at your local public library... and earn service hours along the way!
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Used Book Sale
Hosted by Friends of the Northeast Library Shop a wide range of donated titles -- there is something for everyone!
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Sensory Storytime at Central
For Children With Sensory Needs and Their Families Join us for an inclusive and modified storytime for children aged 2-11 years old with…
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Family Storytime
Followed by Stay and Play! These 25-30-minute programs are designed to delight children of all ages and are filled with diverse stories and…
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Firefighter Storytime
Quince Orchard Library! Join us for a special firefighter storytime to celebrate Fire Prevention Week! Come join in a special firefighter…
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First on Site: A First Aid Class
Ever wanted to learn first aid? Then look no further! Join us for a class that will help you identify and respond to emergencies, learn how…
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Flow For Hope Yoga
Stretch at a yoga session while helping kids with cancer!
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Play Date at the Library
A drop-in playtime for children and their caregivers.
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Play Date at the Maggie Nightingale Library
Drop-in playtime for children 6mos - 6yrs & their caregivers Drop in anytime between 10:30am & 12:00pm for free play time in our meeting room.
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Read to a Dog
Drop in and read to a dog! Drop in and read to a certified therapy dog! Bring your own book or choose one from our collection. For…
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Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5
Hispanic Heritage Month Bring your preschooler for a fun-filled half-hour of stories, songs, and fingerplays!
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Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5
Held in the Storytime Room Bring your preschooler for a fun-filled half-hour of stories, songs, and fingerplays!
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Saturday Stories
Make new friends, introduce storytime manners, and socialize with other families during this family storytime.
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Saturday Stories
Join us in the children's area for a storytime designed for families with children ages birth to five.
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Sew it Seams: Intermediate Open Sewing Lab
Join community members as they meet together to sew.
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Sew It Seams: Introduction to Machine Sewing Session 1
Held in the Foundry Learn the basics of machine sewing in this program!
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Spooky Slime Lab
Join us in making Halloween themed slime!
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Stuffed Animal Storytime!
Stuffed Animal Storytime A winter family storytime!
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Yoga With NZINGA
Chair Yoga for Seniors Join Instructor Nzinga for rejuvenating Kemetic Yoga classes.
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Neurodivergent Brilliance: Unleashing Your Superpowers through Afrofuturism (For ages 10-13)
Presented by V.O.I.C.E for Neurodiversity This training empowers neurodivergent young people, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia,…
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Playday at the Library
Held in the Children's Area Enjoy a time of play and socializing with friends!
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Read to a Dog
Pets on Wheels will be bringing a dog to the Aspen Hill Library!
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Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5
Held in the Storytime Room Bring your preschooler for a fun-filled half-hour of stories, songs, and fingerplays!
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Saturday Stories at Herndon Library: Autumn and Halloween Edition
Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes for the whole family at this interactive storytime.
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Sensory Storytelling with ReadAbility
Gaithersburg Library Join us for a multisensory book and storytelling session for neurodivergent children & children with intellectual…
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Sing Books with Emily
Join Emily for singing storytime with illustrated songs!
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Unsung Heroes Who Shaped America
Presented by the Surratt Historic Site & Museum Some of the people who have made this country so awesome sometimes go unnoticed.
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Craft and Create: Family Art Time
For children who have autism or other exceptional needs and their families Presented by Kyle's Art for Autism World, Inc, this program aims…
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Sew It Seams: Introduction to Machine Sewing Session 2
Held in the Foundry Learn the basics of machine sewing in this program!
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Teen Drop-in Sewing
the Gaithersburg Library Tweens and teens (ages 12-17) can join us to work on a variety of sewing projects.
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LEGO in the Library
Calling all LEGO lovers! Drop in after school to create and build with LEGO bricks. Meet others who love building creations as much as you!…
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Digital Discovery Fair: Explore. Learn. Connect.
Digital resources, all in one place At the County's first Digital Discovery Fair, people of all ages and skill levels can explore emerging…
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Game On: Board Game Fun
Join the Bowie Board Game Group for a variety of contemporary board games.
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Robotics Boot Camp at Wheaton Library- Media Lab
for Middle School Students (6th through 8th grade) This is a 4-week robotics program presented by two High School juniors at Walter Johnson…
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Craft and Create: Frida Kahlo Inspired Self-Portrait
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be creating surrealist portraits inspired by the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
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Recital poético hispano / Hispanic Poetry Reading
Presented by Ofelia Luya Zanabria, David Alberto Fernandez, Javier Vilcapoma, & Janeth Urquizo Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a…
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Author Talk: Lotería
Stories by Cynthia Pelayo There are 54 cards in the Lotería game, and for this short story collection you will find one unique story per…
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Chess Club at MLK - Learn to play, play to learn!
Join us for open, casual chess play. Walk-ins are welcome! All ages and skill levels are welcome! Staff will be available to introduce…
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Community Plant Swap
Do you have extra seedlings? Are your houseplants getting out of control? On the hunt for different varieties of plants to add to your…
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Craft and Create: Spooky Resin
Join us as we create spooky keychains and crafts with UV resin.
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Craft and Create: Stories Our Hands Remember
A Community Mural Workshop Exploring Latine Culture, Memory, & Resistance This workshop, presented by artist AnaYelsi Velasco Sanchez,…
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Documentary Screening: Bird Walk
Gaithersburg Library Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with this screening of "Bird Walk" a documentary short about the grassroots…
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Family Fitness and Play
Low-pressure movement, games, and recreation for families in Washington DC.
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Game On
Gear up for an exciting time filled with friendly competition!
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Georgetown Library Chess Club
All ages and skill levels are welcome! This is a friendly open-play event -- feel free to bring friends or family -- and match up against…
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Get Active: Capoeira Regional (Brazilian Martial Art) Class
Presented by Barro Vermelho Capoeira Group Experience Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that blends dance, music, and traditional songs!
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Kids and Family Yoga with ARISE Educational Services
Learn. Breathe. Rise. Yoga, literacy, and family fun! Registration required. (Ages 3-8) ¡Yoga, alfabetización, y diversión familiar! Hay…
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Make your Own Toys
See the power of invention and innovation by making your own simple toys.
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Maker Lab Drop-in Hours
The Maker Lab @ Herndon is a space designed for people who love to learn, discover, and explore.
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Neurodivergent Brilliance: Unleashing Your Superpowers through Afrofuturism (For ages 14-17)
Presented by V.O.I.C.E for Neurodiversity This training empowers neurodivergent young people, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia,…
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Paws to Read with Lucy
Read aloud to Lucy, a trained therapy dog.
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Storytime Diversión
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month Join the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino for a story time and fun hands-on activities.
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Teen Volunteer Work Day
Teens are invited to earn volunteer hours by helping with a variety of library tasks.
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Art2Hearts: Create Art, Share Joy
Join Samantha Hightower for a family-friendly art event in support of the Art2Hearts Foundation.
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Lego (and Duplo!) Construction
Twinbrook Library Kids accompanied by their caregivers are invited to drop in and play with our Legos and Duplos.
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Let's DIY! Monster Tin Can Organizer
Drop in to create your own monster-themed tin can organizer.
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Film Screening
"Caramelo" Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this 2025 family comedy-drama film inspired by how dogs can transform human lives.
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Math Pals
For grades 2-5 Practice your math skills by playing fun math games with local teen volunteers.
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SOROCHE Block Party & Record Release
Live music & screenprinting in Lamont Plaza Join Secret Planet Productions & the Mt Pleasant Library Friends for another free concert in Lamont Plaza!
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Tail Waggin' Tutors
Held in the Children's Area Boost your child’s confidence by reading to friendly, trained therapy dogs!
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Crafts at the Library: Halloween Suncatchers - In Person
ilyn J. Praisner Library Create two Halloween themed suncatchers with craft sticks, tissue paper and some spooky cutouts.
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True Crime in NOVA
For our Halloween true crimers, we have invited researcher and true crime author Zach Ford explores the hidden mysteries of the McLean and…
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Evil Laugh
Contest Capitol View Library is hosting an Evil Laugh Contest!
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Sunday, October 11
21 events · 21 free
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Family Nature Program
Outdoor nature, ranger, garden, or recreation programming for families in Washington DC.
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Squash A Squash
Explore pumpkins, squash, and gourds with all five senses.
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Stop in for Stories at Central
For families with children of all ages Stop In for Stories is for children of all ages and an accompanying adult.
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Creative Art Adventures
Hands-On Art Workshops for Grades 3–8 Learn new artistic skills from experienced high school mentors.
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Sensory Storytelling with ReadAbility
Germantown Join us for a multisensory book and storytelling session for all children who learn best through sensory play.
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STEMtober Fest
Walking you through a FIRST robotics journey Explore and interact with robots made from Legos to custom designed 3d printed parts.
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Quilting 102!
For next level quilting. This class is for confident and independent quilters. Learn more advanced techniques. No registration necessary…
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Chess at Rockville Memorial Library
The Rockville Chess Club will host Open Play from 4:00pm to 5:50pm.
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Make An Autumn Wreath! - In-person
Celebrate the new season with the Wheaton Arts Parade Create some colorful fall decorations with torn paper and paper plates.
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Page Turners & Touchdowns
The Francis Gregory library will be hosting live football watch parties every third Sunday starting September 20th 2026 from 1-4:30pm The…
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Washington Commanders Football
NFL Football at Bellevue Library Come enjoy watching the Washington Commanders Football Team play.
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Tween Craft and Snack
Craft, snack, and chat! (ages 9-12) Join us the second Sunday of the month for open crafting, relaxing music, and light snacks.
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Cricut Reservation
Use the Cricut at the SOW STEAM Lab Reserve a Cricut for two hours to work on your own projects.
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Sewing Machine Reservation
Use the sewing machine at the SOW STEAM Lab Reserve a sewing machine for two hours to work on your own projects.
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Chantilly's Close-KNIT Community
knitting group invites knitters of all levels to bring in a project, chat with fellow knitting enthusiasts, and learn from each other in this weekly get together.
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Little Pages: English Learning Storytime
Enjoy stories and writing activities designed for kids learning English as a second language.
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Pokémon Card Trade
Bring your Pokémon cards to meet, compete, and trade with other collectors your age!
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Vocal Techniques for Beginners
Discover the power of your voice! Join us for an engaging workshop led by world-class singer & vocal pedagogue, John Schreiner. This talk…
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Charades / Juego de actuar y adivinar
For families with children of all ages Get ready to act, explain, and laugh out loud in this hilarious twist on classic charades!
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Preschool Play and Learn
White Oak Library Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to the library to participate in a short circle time, followed by…
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Evil Laugh
Contest Capitol View Library is hosting an Evil Laugh Contest!
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