Weekend Best Bets

Tot Swap: The consignment sale to beat all consignment sales is taking place in Gaithersburg through Sept. 27. Tot Swap was started by a Montgomery County mom, Robyn Rutland, in 2006. The Tot Swap folks report that they are expecting more than 50,000 items from more than 400 sellers. Items range from baby gear and goods to stuff for teens. Consignors have until noon today to drop off their goods. The pre-sale begins this afternoon (3 p.m. for volunteers, 5 p.m. for consignors and 7 p.m. for new moms). The rest of us are welcome from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday or from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Tot Swap is located not far from the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Click here for directions.

National Book Festival: This year's book festival on the mall HAS to be better than last year's, when the line for Laura Bush's security detail blocked all of us Jan Brett fans from getting in to see her. Some great kids' authors will be around, including Mo Willems (Elephant and Piggie, Penguin, Knuffle Bunny); Judy Blume, Jon Scieszka (The Stinky Cheese Man), David Shannon (No, David!), and Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid).

Magical Montgomery:  Live entertainment, mini parades, art projects, instrument petting zoo and more, all in downtown Silver Spring from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Child's Play Sidewalk Sale: One of the last remaining independent toy stores in our area, Child's Play in Rockville, is holding it's first ever sidewalk sale Friday through Monday. So, if you're willing to brave all that construction traffic on the Pike, it'll probably be worth a trip. All sale items will be displayed outside. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

KidzRock at The Rooftop in Rockville: Hip hop tunes with dance instruction by Studio-310 followed by a  performance by The Great Zucchini. Party is from 6-8p.m. The Great Zucchini starts at 7 p.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Recommended for ages 2-6.

Burtonsville Day: The annual celebration has music, the requisite moonbounce and a parade.

Do you have an upcoming event for families in Montgomery County? E-mail me at mocomoms@gmail.com