What's a Weekend to Do?

by Ben Carmichael  |  April 18, 2008  |  More By Ben Carmichael

Trying to plan your Earth Day weekend? Me too.

I have some good news: there’s a lot going on. Now, I have some bad news: there’s too much going on. Too much, that is, for any one person to do.

And so, to simplify your choices, I’ve included a number of suggestions below of events going on in the greater DC area. If you go to any of these, respond by letting me know how they were. I know I won’t make it to all of them, and I’d love to hear your feedback.

Events:

National Hanging Out Day, Saturday, Saturday, April 19th: Organized by Project Laundry List, this is a day to raise awareness about the benefits of using a clothesline to dry your clothes. See my response to Molly’s post about a wiser dryer for some of these benefits.

Hartwell Eagle Festival At Mason Neck State Park, Saturday, April 19th: At this day to honor Elizabeth Hartwell, who founded a number of parks in the greater DC area, including the 2,277-acre Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, the state park opens its doors to bird lovers and families alike. The park now hosts dozens of bald eagles – which will undoubtedly be the topic of conversation – but it also hosts upwards of a thousand great blue herons. Their rookery is usually closed to the public, but on this day, the park grants special access to the area. Also present will be live bluegrass music, canoe tours, guided hikes, and animal shows. Check their website for info.

National Zoo Trash Cleanup, Saturday, April 19th: Sign up to help clean up trash along Rock Creek Park, which runs through the Park’s property.

Green Apple Festival Sunday, April 20th: The Earth Day festival on the National Mall will feature elected officials and candidates, community speakers, celebrities and major musical acts as well as educational displays and voter registration. Also look out for the NRDC table in the "Jefferson Exhibitors" tent to the right of the stage.

Capital Area eCycling Event, Sunday, April 20th: Wondering what to do with your old cell phones, computers and other electronic devices? The EPA is hosting an event to collect your old electronics. Come to DC’s Freedom Plaza and check out their website for specifics on what they’re collecting.

Food:

Two new farmer's markets open on Saturday.

SAT: April 19 ~ Silver Spring, Ellsworth Drive, 9am-1pm. Chef demo by Odessa Piper at 11am.

SAT: April 19 ~ St. Michaels, Muskrat Park, 8:30am-11:30am. Chef demo by Michael Rork of Town Dock at 10am. Live Music! Plus activities for kids!

Check out Freshfarm Markets for more info. Also, last weekend, there was a baby lamb at the DuPont farmer’s market. Check it out –- maybe it will be there again?

Tonight and Sunday, Food Matters, in Alexandria, VA, is hosting some wine and beer tastings. They look outstanding. Check out the DCist article for the full story.