Imagination Bethesda – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday – Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street
On Saturday afternoon, downtown Bethesda will be transformed into something resembling Neverland, with children lining the streets of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street near Bethesda Row. The 21st annual Imagination Bethesda will celebrate children and the arts with a lively festival featuring musical performances, children’s entertainers, face painters, balloonists, a stilt walker, hands-on arts and crafts activities, and free giveaways.
Takoma Trukgarten – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday – public parking lot next to 201 Ethan Allen Ave., Takoma Park
Takoma Trukgarten is an outdoor festival featuring live music, local breweries and some of Montgomery County’s favorite food trucks. For those 21 and over, admission is $10 and includes a free mug. Admission for those under 21 is free. Food and drinks are sold separately.
Rachel Renee Russell Book Signing – 2 p.m. Saturday – Barnes and Noble in Bethesda
Rachel Renee Russell, the author of the popular young adult Dork Diaries series, will be signing books at the Bethesda Barnes and Noble. The author, who lives in Chantilly, Virginia, just released the ninth book in the series—Dork Diaries 9: Tales From a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen, this week. Since creating the series nearly six years ago, nearly 20 million copies of the books are in print, according to The Washington Post.
Discover Strathmore: Colors of the Caribbean – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday – The Music Center at Strathmore
If you can’t get away for summer vacation quite yet, you can get a taste of island breeze close to home at Strathmore’s annual open house, “Colors of the Caribbean.” This family-friendly event is presented in association with the Montgomery County Caribbean American Advisory Group and aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. Admission is free, and the event features music and dance performances, artistic demonstrations, face painting, storytelling, hands-on art activities, Caribbean food tasting, and workshops on topics such as carnival costume making.
Spampinato Brothers/Ruthie and The Wranglers – 7 p.m. Sunday – Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club
Joey Spampinato—a founding member of the rock ‘n’ roll band NRBQ—will join his brother Johnny on stage for this concert that also features the Washington, D.C.-based Americana band Ruthie and the Wranglers. Bill Starks is also scheduled to perform as part his CD release party. Tickets for the concert are $25.
DC Salsa Showcase – 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday and Sunday – Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Have you ever wanted to master the art of salsa dancing? If so, now is your opportunity. This weekend, High Energy Productions is hosting a Salsa Dance and Performance Showcase. The night begins with a beginner/intermediate lesson with Keith Givens from 8 to 9 p.m., followed by open dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight with live music by Verny Varela and performances by D.C. dance companies at 10 p.m. Admission is $18 and includes a free lesson.
Taste of Wheaton – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday – Wheaton Triangle, Grandview Avenue & Reedie Drive,Wheaton
The 20th annual Taste of Wheaton will highlight the restaurants in downtown Wheaton, such as Moby Dick Sushi and The Limerick Pub. There will be food and wine tastings, a craft beer garden, live music, and kids’ rides. Food samples will range in price from $1-$5, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Mid-County United Ministries.
Raul Midon – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday – AMP by Strathmore, 11810 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda
The New York Times claimed that Raul Midon could transform a single guitar “into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus." On Friday and Saturday nights, this singer-songwriter will be coming to AMP by Strathmore with his guitar and his distinctive voice. Tickets to the show are $30-$35.
