Bring the kids on Saturday, October 17, because this STEM day costs nothing.
The Big Build Turns the Museum Into a Hands-On Workshop
The Big Build returns to the National Building Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM. This annual festival is free, although registration is suggested.
Visitors work alongside roofers, plumbers, woodworkers, home remodelers, construction workers, designers, and artisans. The museum becomes a living lesson in how the built world comes together, one skill at a time.
Families can review the details on the official Big Build event page before heading downtown!
Trade Careers Meet Curious Kids and Parents
This community day doubles as a free introduction to STEM and trade careers. Visitors speak directly with professionals, from urban planning to home building. As a result, children handle real tools and meet real experts. Parents, meanwhile, learn what these careers involve.
The museum also hosts other annual celebrations of design and construction, and they are listed on its festivals page.
A Landmark Building Adds History to the Fun
The festival takes place inside the former Pension Building, a National Historic Landmark. Congress created the museum in 1980, and the building was formally renamed in 1997, according to the National Building Museum entry on Wikipedia. Consequently, families get history and hands-on play under one roof.
Readers who enjoy this kind of outing can find more family-friendly plans across The Washington Lobbyist. Mark your calendar now!
Plan Your Visit to the National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. The Big Build runs Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free, and registration is suggested.
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