09-05-2025
Your D.C. Weekend: Mother's Day, spring festivals and EU Open House
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 workshop on Sunday.
