Forget hitting the beach this holiday weekend.
Yes, it’s tough when work, family and other obligations tether you to home when you’d rather join the beach and resort crowds. But no worries — there’s plenty to do in the D.C. area that won’t just keep you busy, but might make you the envy of those beach bums.
After all, the expected summer blockbuster movie “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” — which was filmed here — is opening, and area hotels and other destinations are hosting special events you won’t find anywhere else.
So consider yourself lucky not to be heading to the beach on what may well be a rainy holiday weekend. Instead peruse this guide of some of the great events around town this holiday weekend.
Night at the Museum Events
See the flick: Sure, there are lots of places you can go, but treat yourself to an IMAX experience. You can do that at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History (10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW) or the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum (Independence Avenue and Sixth Street SW) One caveat: Check times carefully, and buy tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
Check out the stuff: Most of the props in the movie were just that — simulations. The Smithsonian museums house the real stuff. Check out the ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” at the National Museum of American History and the real plane flown by Amelia Earhart at the National Air and Space Museum.
Celebrate with a President: Or at least those who keep Mount Vernon, the home of President George Washington. Those who attend “A Night at Mount Vernon” from Friday to Saturday or May 29 to 31 can stroll the lantern-lit grounds and enjoy special events such as people coming out of displays, just like in the movie! [George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va.]
Wait! There’s more
Don’t miss these other Memorial Day celebrations and activities:
» National Memorial Day Concert: PBS sponsors this free events on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan of “Forrest Gump” fame who now travels with the Lt. Dan Band, which entertains troops) and other celebrities are expected at the concert by the National Symphony Orchestra. [8 p.m. Sunday]
» National Memorial Day Parade: Marching bands and veterans units from all 50 states will march in this parade sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee. The parade begins at 2 p.m. Monday at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street NW.
» Rolling Thunder: Started by Vietnam War veterans, this annual event seeks to bring attention to veterans benefits and POW/MIA issues. Watch the rally depart from the Pentagon at noon Sunday.
» Wreath laying ceremony and concert: This event to honor all fallen veterans begins at 11 a.m. Monday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
» Jazz concert: Alexandria hosts the annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival. Pack a picnic and head over to Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, if the weather is mild. If there’s rain, go to Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. The free event is scheduled for 1 to 7 p.m. Monday.
