Safe and Fun Stuff to do w/ the Family: Memorial Day Weekend

WASHINGTON DC

Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery.
Attend a wreath-laying ceremony and concert in honor of Memorial Day. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery. 11 a.m. All ages. Free. ArlingtonCemetery.org May 30.

National Memorial Day Parade. Salute our veterans at this annual parade of marching bands and veterans units from all 50 states. May 30. Washington DC. 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Begins at the corner of Constitution Ave. and 7th St, NW and proceeds along Constitution Ave. past the White House, ending at 17th St. nationalmemorialdayparade.com

PBS National Memorial Day Concert.
Take in this concert featuring guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. West Lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington DC. All Ages. May 29. Gates open 5 p.m., concert starts 8 p.m. pbs.org/memorialdayconcert

Memorial Day Weekend at Navy Memorial.
Attend a Fleet Reserve Association wreath laying. Navy Memorial, Washington DC. May 30. 10 a.m. All ages. Free. navymemorial.org

The ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Niña’, replicas of Columbus’ ships have arrived in DC!
The ships will be docked at the Gangplank Marina, 600 Water St., until their departure early Monday morning May 30th. The Niña was built by hand and without the use of power tools and considered to be the most historically correct Columbus Replica ever built. The Pinta was recently built in Brazil and is a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.While in port, the general public are invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, and $6.00 for students 5 – 16. Children 4 and under are Free. The ships are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary.

MARYLAND

Rockville Hometown Holidays. Groove to live entertainment, featuring George Clinton and the Parliament; take part in children’s and teen’s activities; browse an arts and crafts fest; see a parade; and more. May 28-30 Downtown Rockville. 1-10 p.m. Sat., 1-10 p.m. Sun., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday. All ages. rockvillemd.gov

Bowie Memorial Day Parade. Bring your flag and dress in red, white, and blue to attend this parade. Bowie. Parade begins at Bowie High School Annex, down Annapolis Road, turning right onto Sussex Lane, and make another right onto Stonybrook Drive, ending with a left turn on Sage Lane. All ages Free. cityofbowie.org May 28.

Memorial Day Celebration at Masonville Cove. Celebrate our country and our environment through games, activities, and stories for the whole family. Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 1000 Frankfurst Ave., Baltimore. May 28. 12-2 p.m. All ages. Refreshments & take home craft. provided. 410-246-0669

Annapolis Memorial Day Parade. Honor our heroes at this parade. Annapolis. 9 a.m. All ages. Free. Parade travels West St. from Amos Garrett, around Church Circle and down Main St., ending at Susan C. Campbell Park at City Dock. May 30. Immediately following the parade will be the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted by the Fleet Reserve. annapolis.gov

Memorial Day at Fort McHenry. Join National Park Service Rangers for a day-long program of Memorial Day observances, including a flag demonstration involving veterans and historic Memorial Day speeches, poems, and special programs about the history of Memorial Day. Fort McHenry, Baltimore. May 30. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. All ages. Entrance fee. nps.gov/fomc

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

ViVa! Vienna! 2011 Memorial Day Festival

The Rotary Club of Vienna sponsors the Viva! Vienna! event, which celebrates the unity and strength of the Vienna community and honors Memorial Day. This event, a time of family fun and pleasure, serves as a major fund raising opportunity for the Rotary Club so that it may, in turn, provide support for charitable, educational, and community groups the following year.  Times: Saturday 5pm-10pm; Sunday 10am-10pm; Monday 10am-6pm Address: Church Street, Vienna, VAPhone: (703) 255-4742 Admission: Free to attend; events and rides extra

ThunderFest 201

Defcon Entertainment will be hosting a concert targeting motorcycle enthusiasts and military Veterans and their affiliated organizations. Food, beverages, souvenirs and merchandise will be available onsite. There will be a classic car and motorcycle show/contest, food eating contest, face painting and Frisbee toss. Live performances will include Jackyl, Junkfood and the Gypsy Sons in Concert.  111am-10pm Bull Run Regional Par k7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA Phone: (703) 631-0550 Admission: $30 (General Admission Tickets Sold at the Gate)

Wolf Trap 2011 Summer Blast Off!

Presented as the symbolic launch of the 2011 summer season at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the Filene Center’s Summer Blast Off! event begins at 8 p.m. with an evening of complimentary entertainment by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, followed by a fireworks display. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. for this event, one hour prior to “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performance beginning at 8 p.m. and concluding at 9:30 p.m. Patrons are free to select their choice of seats either in-house or on the lawn, but should keep in mind that the park closes once capacity is reached. The fireworks viewing area opens following the performance at approximately 9:30 p.m, with the display scheduled for 9:45 p.m.  “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band Times: Gates open: 6:30 pm for Lawn (90 minutes prior to curtain); Fireworks viewing area opens: Following performance, approx. 9:30 pmMay 29, Wolf Trap Filene Center1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VAPhone: (703) 255-1868Admission: FREE (With Limited Capacity)