Washington, D.C
The Weekend Scene: Bounce to a huge inflatable park and more around DC through Dec. 21
This weekend is your last for Christmas shopping! We’ll share some unique markets worth checking out, both in the highlights and in our list of bonus events at the bottom of this page.
- Weekend weather: Saturday will be chilly, but sunshine on Sunday will bring a little more warmth. Here’s the forecast.
The ‘DMV’s largest indoor bounce park’ jumps into Maryland
Family pick
Funbox Bowie
🔗 Details
Boasting the “DMV’s largest indoor bounce park,” Funbox jumps into Bowie with $4 tickets just in time for kids to get some energy out over winter break.
Funbox opens today, and the $4 grand opening deal runs until Dec. 28 (it also includes birthday parties starting at $99). Typically, it costs $22.95 to bounce.
Tackle a 23-foot slide, obstacle course or the battle beam where competitors tussle with soft tubes while wearing nonslip socks.
Holiday highlights
Free & family-friendly
Late hours for Season’s Greenings
Thurs., plus Dec. 23, 30 and Jan. 1
🔗 Details
The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Dino-Mite! holiday display is open until 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 (except Christmas Day), but you still have a few chances to visit during extended hours.
Tomorrow and on four other evenings, the Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. Live music plus food and drink vendors make it a cheap date night option.
Free pick
12 Days of Joy with Art to Go-Go
Through Dec. 22, Historic Anacostia
🔗 Details
Head to Anacostia to get in on 12 days of art, go-go, joy – and shopping!
Local businesses are hosting events like poetry readings, live music, games and classes every day of the week. Pick up a Joy Pass and visit over 15 participating businesses to find “Drops of Joy,” including discounts and neighborhood adventures, around Anacostia.
Drop into the UMOJA Market between noon and 8 p.m. to find small vendors selling giftable items from hand-painted journals to chocolate bars. You’ll find it at 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Check the website for special events, including Selfies with Santa on Saturday (make sure to sign up in advance)!
Free pick
Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market
Through Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Northeast D.C.
🔗 Details
Whether you’re coming or going from Union Station, the holiday market in its majestic main hall is worth a stop.
Shop from over 40 local shops, artists and makers while enjoying live music.
Free pick
ROCK’N’SHOP
Sat., 2-6 p.m., Black Cat
🔗 Details
The Black Cat’s annual holiday shop says it’s one of the longest-running in D.C. You’ll find a mix of local crafters, record dealers, shops and junk sellers as DJs provide a great soundtrack, the Black Cat says.
Family-friendly
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)
🔗 Details
Fireworks over the Potomac River and sparkling lights make George Washington’s former estate a festive destination for the whole family.
You can meet George and Martha Washington, talk to Revolutionary War soldiers at the winter encampment, take a picture with Aladdin the Camel, plus play games and dance for an 18th-century celebration.
Mount Vernon recently reopened the first and second floors of Washington’s mansion after a $40 million renovation, and Christmas Illuminations visitors can be among the first to step inside.
Family-friendly
The Dad Games
Sun., 3-7 p.m., The St. James in Springfield, $5 suggested donation
🔗 Details
The whole family is invited for an afternoon of games and challenges testing dads’ skills with Legos, trash can basketball, golf and more (bad jokes not included).
The organizers say you don’t need any training – just show up and try to win prizes up to $250!
Family-friendly
Arlington Drafthouse Holiday Movie Festival
Sun., Arlington, $10 (adult)/$5 (child)
🔗 Details
The Arlington Drafthouse theater is showing Christmas movies of all stripes – from “It’s A Wonderful Life” to “Die Hard” – through Dec. 23.
On Sunday, you can grab a ticket, then come and go all day for a full day of classics like “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street” before the fest ends with holiday horror “Krampus.”
Sit back in theater seating, order food and drinks and enjoy an easygoing afternoon of holiday favorites.
Heads up, Commanders’ fans: Arlington Drafthouse will show Saturday’s game against the Eagles on the big screen. Admission is free!
Music Snob: Concerts and more
Patti Smith, 7 p.m. Friday, Lincoln Theatre, $68.40
Not a concert, but this book talk will rock. The icon of punk, prose and photography brings the new memoir of her fascinating life and career – “Bread of Angels” – to the historic Lincoln for discussion. Book included with ticket. Details.
The Max Levine Ensemble, 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $18
D.C.’s premiere pop punk band celebrates its 25th (!!!) anniversary. Not as active as a couple decades ago, it’s not as easy to catch this politically minded District institution these days. Among the openers is excellent indie rock singer-songwriter Oceanator. Details.
The Owners, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $18.75
Last-minute shopping? Stop by Black Cat for The Owners’ record release show. The venerable punk venue’s owners – and a couple of longtime employees – used pandemic free time and their empty club to put together one of D.C.’s best bands. Catchy, energetic garage-punk paradise. Details.
More to do in D.C.
Holiday shows and winter activities“
“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 31, Ford’s Theatre, $42+
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show: Through Dec. 23, Arena Stage, $49+ (see website for discounts)
A Very Improv Holiday: Through Dec. 28, Studio Theatre
National Symphony Orchestra – Handel’s “Messiah”: Thurs. to Sun., Kennedy Center
Procrastinator’s Holiday Market: Sat., Kraken on Rhode Island Main Street, free entry
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – The Holiday Show: Sat., Lincoln Theatre, $68.40
“The Nutcracker” by The Washington Ballet: Through Dec. 29, Warner Theatre, $63.50+
Sculpture Garden Ice Rink: Daily through winter, National Gallery of Art, $12-$15 admission and $7 skate rental
Light Yards: Through Jan. 2, The Yards Park, free
Downtown Holiday Market: Through Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free
Winter Wonderfest: Through Dec. 30, Nationals Park, $29.50
ZooLights: Through Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9
Frosted at Franklin Park: Through Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free
Theater – “ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” with Julia Masli: Through Dec. 21, Woolly Mammoth, $49
“Elf on the Shelf”-themed holiday pop-up bar: Through Dec. 30, Morris American Bar, $15 non-refundable reservation fee
Everything else:
Washington Capitals: Thurs. and Sat., Capital One Arena
Washington Wizards: Sun., Capital One Arena
Comedy – John Mulaney: Thurs. to Sun., The Anthem
More to do in Maryland
Winter Lights Festival: Through Dec. 21, Seneca Creek State Park, $15-$25 per vehicle
Children’s theater – “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Through Dec. 22, The Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo, $16 per person
ICE! featuring The Polar Express: Through Jan. 4, Gaylord National Harbor, $41+
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: Through Jan. 4, Wheaton, $13.99-$16.99 (free for kids under 5)
Theater – “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”: Through Dec. 28, Olney Theatre Center, $63+
Holiday Toast2Peace!: Thurs., World of Beer Rockville, free entry (donations encouraged)
Winter Fest (with Santa photos for dogs and humans): Fri., Sat. and Sun., Song Dog Farm Distillery in Boyds, free entry
BabyCat Brewery ugly sweater holiday party: Fri. in Bethesda and Sat. in Kensington, free entry
Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor, $41+
Merry Market: Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westbard Square in Bethesda, free entry
Hands on History – Festival of Lights: Sat., 10 a.m., Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park, $10
The Winter Jubilee: Sat., 1-4 p.m., Rockville’s Civic Center Park, $8-$10 (adult chaperones free)
Children’s theater – “The Snowman and the Snowdog”: Through Jan. 4, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, $15+
The ‘Lego Menorah’ Lighting at Bethesda Row: Sun., Bethesda Row, free
More to do in Virginia
Holiday Bricktacular at the LEGO Discovery Center: Through Dec. 24, Ashburn, $24.99+
Elf Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Thurs., Woodbridge, free
Holi-DIY Crafting & Gift Making Workshop (Sat., 3-6 p.m.) and Family-Friendly Workshop (Sun., 3-5 p.m.), AR Workshop Alexandria, prices vary by project
Tequila & Mezcal Cocktail Making Class: Sat., La Prensa Tacos & Tapas in Sterling, $103.22
Holiday on the Farm: Fri. and Sat., Frying Pan Farm Park, $15 in advance/$20 at door
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fairfax Station, $20 in advance/$25 at door
Holiday Train Rides: Through Dec. 21, Reston Town Center, $23.18
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
Washington, D.C
Pleasant, spring-like weekend for Virginia, Maryland, DC ahead of active start to March
After one of the coldest winters in years, the DMV is ending the month of February, and meteorological winter, with a nice spring preview.
Temperatures will reach the low 60s area-wide Saturday afternoon under mostly sunny skies. A real treat for the final day of February, enjoy!
Sunday will bring a few changes as an active weather pattern begins to bring in March.
A cold front will slowly move through the area and be mostly starved of moisture. There is a chance at a spotty shower or two, but most stay dry under mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures will drop throughout the day as the front moves through with most afternoon temperatures in the 50s falling to the 30s by nightfall.
European model forecast rainfall totals
This front will stall just to the south and be a focal point for several days of active weather next week around the DMV.
A wintry mix looks likely Monday with temperatures near freezing with little to no wintry precipitation accumulation, but a different story as that will then switch to all rain chances Tuesday through about Friday.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Stay tuned to the First Alert Weather team as they continue to monitor forecast trends heading into next week.
The expanded funding aims to make college more affordable for thousands of D.C. students, continuing a program that has already helped nearly 40,000 graduates pursue degrees nationwide.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser went back to school on Thursday. She headed to the gym at Coolidge High School in Northwest to make an announcement that could make college more affordable for eligible D.C. high school students.
Standing at the podium in front of a vibrant mural in the gymnasium, Bowser told the students, “A few weeks ago we got some good news from the United States Congress!”
“Even they can get it right sometimes!” she added.
The news from Capitol Hill was that funding for the 25-year-old D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant program, or DCTAG, has been increased, something Bowser said she’s been working toward for 10 years.
Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, the maximum annual award for students who apply and qualify for the grants will go from $10,000 a year to as much as $15,000, and the overall cap increases from $50,000 to $75,000.
“These are real dollars guys, a real $15,000!” Bowser told the students. “This year alone, 4,500 students were approved for DCTAG, and that’s the highest number that we’ve had in the last five years.”
Since DCTAG was established, Bowser said nearly 40,000 D.C. high school students were serviced through the program, attaining degrees at more than 400 colleges across the country.
Among those who benefited from the DCTAG program was Arturo Evans, a local business owner who grew up in Ward 7 and graduated from D.C.’s Cesar Chavez Public Charter School.
Speaking to the Coolidge students, Evans explained that as a high school student, he didn’t know if his dreams would ever come true.
“Do your homework, go to class, be on time, listen to your teachers,” he said. “Do not let your current situation determine who you can be tomorrow.”
Evans said without the grant money available in the DCTAG program his college prospects would have been “very limited.”
“I probably would have stayed local, probably would have had to go to a community college,” he said.
But he told WTOP, since he applied for and received grant money through the program, “TAG was able to pave the way for me to go ahead and achieve my dreams and go to my dream school,” at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
While he was at UNLV, Evans said his mother’s illness meant he had to return to the District to help care for her. But thanks to help from his DCTAG adviser, he was able to complete his degree before becoming the CEO of his own D.C.-based business.
Among the Coolidge students attending the event was senior Victoria Evans (no relation to the speaker Arturo Evans), who also was in the DCTAG program and serves as the Command Sergeant Major of the Coolidge Junior Army ROTC.
Victoria Evans said she hopes to study medicine, and explained, “I found out about DCTAG through my school counselors and my college and career coordinators.”
Asked about the application process, she said, “It’s not hard at all. I would definitely say go and get the money they’re providing.”
D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton pushed to establish the funding when she introduced the D.C. College Access Act, which passed Congress in 1999. It was designed to address the fact that, since D.C. doesn’t have a state university system, D.C. students had limited access to in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
WASHINGTON (7News) — More than six months into the federal law enforcement surge in the District, questions remain about how the Metropolitan Police Department’s level of involvement in joint operations and what information the department tracks to ensure accountability.
Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D – Ward 2), chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, held an oversight hearing of three public safety agencies on Wednesday, including MPD.
The bulk of the 10.5-hour meeting focused on testimony from concerned residents and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll about the police department.
“Interim Chief Carroll’s testimony provided a clearer sense of how the federal surge of officers is managed overall; however, many questions still remain regarding the ongoing investigations into the three federal agency involved shootings and how and where deployment decisions are being made and which agencies are handling arrests,” Pinto said in a statement to 7News.
At the same time, more residents are raising alarms about federal agencies responding to 911 calls. Carroll said it is not new for agencies such as the U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Secret Service to respond to those calls, but residents are concerned that other agencies are reportedly starting to show up as well.
SEE ALSO | DC Council committee holds oversight hearing on MPD
“When we say law enforcement in DC in 2026, who are we talking about, who’s there, what are they doing, what limits and regulations and oversight are they beholden to, and what recourse do residents have?” Bethany Young, director of policy at DC Justice Lab, told 7News.
“If you call 911, MPD is showing up,” Carroll testified Wednesday. “Can other agencies hear those calls that have those radio channels? Absolutely, they can. But MPD is being dispatched a call and MPD is responding.”
“You see now the uneasiness of some people calling for help,” Councilmember Christina Henderson (I – At-Large), responded to Carroll. “No, I definitely understand,” Carroll replied. “I’m not saying it’s a situation that we want to be in or where we want to be, but I want to make sure that we’re transparent and clear on what the state is right now. That’s what the state is.”
Requests for comment were sent to the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office and the mayor’s office about Carroll’s testimony. The mayor did not make herself available for questions at a public event on Thursday.
Did the EU bypass Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s €90 billion loan?
How the federal government is painting immigrants as criminals on social media
Newsom staffer who told California reporter to ‘f— off’ is raking in massive taxpayer-funded salary
Walz slams Trump admin for temporarily halting Medicaid funding to Minnesota: ‘Campaign of retribution’
Trump introduces Cornyn, Paxton but stays mum on endorsement in heated GOP primary
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Did the EU bypass Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s €90 billion loan?
How the federal government is painting immigrants as criminals on social media
Where Iran’s ballistic missiles can reach — and how close they are to the US
Has India’s influence in Afghanistan grown under the Taliban?
Bill Clinton to testify before House committee investigating Epstein links
-
World2 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts2 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Louisiana5 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Oklahoma1 week agoWildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city
-
Denver, CO2 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology7 days agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology7 days agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making