Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter to get our picks delivered straight to your inbox — every Wednesday
Add “sad panda fan” back to your list of D.C.-themed Halloween costumes. We’re getting into the third week of the shutdown, now without our emotional support animals at the National Zoo (or any Smithsonian museum).
We’re taking it as a challenge to explore some of D.C.’s more unsung museums – especially the free ones (in this economy).
Boo at the Zoo and Air and Scare got shut down’ed, too, but never fear: There are plenty of chances for your kids to show off their costumes. Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter to get our list before anyone else.
- Weekend weather: Nice weather is on tap for most of the weekend. Here’s the forecast.
Weekend highlights
Free pick
Spooky movies
Watch a screening of Disney’s witchy classic “Halloweentown” at the Capitol Riverfront Boardwalk on Friday. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
In Northeast D.C., you can catch “Ghostbusters” at Union Market’s Plaza on Friday. The movie is set to begin at 6:35 p.m.
Family-friendly
Halloween climbs at Sandy Spring Adventure Park
🔗 Details
For some of us, nothing could be scarier or more thrilling than tackling a high-ropes course after dark.
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is decked out for Halloween with spooky decorations and lights.
Families can go to Glow in the Park this Friday, plus Oct. 24-25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Kids aged 7 and up are welcome, and it costs $59 per person (6-year-olds can climb with an adult).
Keep It Lit is the adult-only night. While this Saturday’s Halloween bash is sold out, you can go back for a night climb on Nov. 8.
Free and family-friendly
Loudoun Farm Tour
Sat. and Sun.
🔗 Details
It’s looking like a nice weekend to go down to the farm – or 40!
Dozens of farms, apiaries and wineries are inviting you inside to hang with alpacas, sip craft brews and see how local products are made.
New this season are two family-owned farms selling handmade products: Robert’s Roost Farm and Danny’s Dream Acres, home to Nigerian dwarf goats.
The Sassy Ass Donkey Retirement Farm in Hillsboro is worth the trip for their rare, public open house and plenty of horse play with the residents. Tommy shared why he loves it on Instagram.
Pro tip: Use the official Farm Tour Map to plan your trip. You can use the filters to see which farms are best for kids, pets or people using wheelchairs and walkers, plus where the public bathrooms are located.
- If you’re more of a flea market person, check out the Lucketts Fall Market in Clarke County, Virginia, this weekend.
Free & family-friendly
The Big Build
Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The National Building Museum
🔗 Details
Teach the kids a thing or two about plumbing, woodworking and more at this interactive event where they can wire a light, pour concrete and even climb inside construction equipment at a Truck Petting Zoo.
Free & family-friendly
Adams Morgan Apple Festival
Sat., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1770 Euclid St NW
🔗 Details
News4’s own Eun Yang knows good D.C. eats, and this weekend she’ll be tasting pastries to help determine who makes D.C.’s top apple pie. You can purchase a slice of pie yourself, taste heirloom apples and shop specials at local businesses.
Free & family-friendly
American Indian Festival
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Patuxent River Park
🔗 Details
Everyone is invited to celebrate Native American heritage, culture and traditions. You’ll see dancers, horsemanship and live music, plus join in on crafts and interactive storytelling.
Free & family-friendly
College Park Day
Sat., noon to 6 p.m., College Park Aviation Museum
🔗 Details
“The city’s biggest day of the year” has a little something for everyone, from live music to family entertainment to shopping.
You also get a chance to explore the College Park Aviation Museum for free and witness fly-ins.
Parking is free, and complimentary shuttles will be running from select lots.
Free and family-friendly
Spooky Mad Science Expo
Sat., 3-7 p.m., Patrick Henry Recreation Center in Alexandria
🔗 Details
Mad scientists are escaping from the lab … to share their spooky science with all the kids! Arlington Sky Dome Planetarium will offer immersive space experiences while dozens of local and national organizations share their smarts at STEAM stations. For older kids, there’s a Teen Science Café to learn about careers.
Show off your Halloween getup at the STEM Street Costume Parade at 2 p.m. and the STEAM Fashion Walk and Costume Contest at 6 p.m.
Free & family-friendly
Turkish Festival
Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown D.C.
🔗 Details
Enjoy the flavors, performances, exhibits of Turkish culture – and the buzz of Turkish coffee – all day at this massive festival taking over Pennsylvania Avenue.
Concerts this weekend
Tony Molina, 9 p.m. Thursday, Comet Ping Pong, $25.05 (advance)/$31.24 (day of)
Molina comes from hardcore, but his solo work is a near-180 — short power pop songs reminiscent of ‘90s Guided By Voices, except his recorded songs don’t seem like fragments. Somehow, the California artist manages to write tunes that comfortably wrap up in about a minute even without punk velocity. Likewise, opener Jeanines from New York plays short, power pop songs, but closer to twee and New Zealand jangle. Details.
Hiss Golden Messenger, 6 p.m. Friday, Wolf Trap, $43.25+
M.C. Taylor’s long and fascinating career in music has found its most success with Hiss, making the best Americana that’s not Jason Isbell. This tour finds him returning to the folk singer origins of Hiss, stripped down to solo with a guitar. Details.
Modest Mouse and Built to Spill, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, The Anthem, $69.85
A bill made in ‘90s indie rock heaven (aka the Pacific Northwest). Guitar gods Isaac Brock — MM (before it became a pop band) — and Doug Martsch — (the original) BTS — were the torchbearers of pre-Y2K, non-grunge rock with riffs big and beautiful (Doug) and unconventionally catchy (Isaac), making this tour a double dose of ‘90stalgia. Details.
Watchhouse, 7 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 Club, $56.35
Married Americana/folk duo’s music has a wistfulness to it but ultimately feels optimistic. It’s chill music to hang out and relax to. For fans of Mandolin Orange (Watchhouse’s previous name before they decided to scrap the pun and be taken more seriously). Details
More to do in D.C.
Deaf Way Film Festival: Thurs. to Sun., Gallaudet University, $65-$200 for passes; free access on Sunday
Planet Word’s 5th Wordiversary Celebration community day: Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 925 13th St. NW (enter on K Street), free
DC Wine Fest: Fall Edition: Sat., Union Market, $44.36+
Comedy – Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng: Sat. and Sun., DAR Constitution Hall, $50
Washington Folk Festival: Sun., noon to 8:30 p.m., Glen Echo Park, free
Georgetown Canal Day: Sun., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., C&O Canal at Thomas Jefferson Street NW, free
Turkish Festival: Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown D.C., free entry
Meet the Makers Food Festival: Sun., 2-6 p.m., Union Kitchen Eckington, $53+
DC Record Fair: Sun., Eaton DC, free admission
Commanders tailgate with free food and game on a big screen: Sun., 4 p.m., Kenilworth Track, free
More to do in Maryland
Concert – Kozak Siromaha – benefit for Ukraine: Thurs., St. Andrew Grand Hall, $32.25
Foodees Fest: Fri. to Sun., Tanger Outlets National Harbor, free entry
Ch/Art’s 6th Annual Art Walk: Sat. and Sun., Chevy Chase, free
Zombie Chase: Sat., 5-9 p.m., Upper Marlboro Community Center, $15
Scary Stories by the Campfire: Sat., 7-9 p.m., Old Town Bowie Welcome Center, free
U.S. Oyster Festival and National Oyster Shucking Championship: Sat. and Sun., Leonardtown, $15 (adult, single-day)
Uncle Devin’s In the Pocket Go-Go Show: Sun., 2 p.m., Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville, $8 adult/$6 child
More to do in Virginia
Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Meadowlark’s Children’s Garden: Through Oct. 31, Vienna, $8
Lucketts Fall Market: Fri. to Sun., Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville, $23.18+
Loudoun Farm Tour: Sat. and Sun., various locations, free
Fall Fest: Sat. and Sun., Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, free (hayride and movie picnic cost $10 per person or $35 for a family of four)
Centreville Day: Sat., Historic Centreville Park, free
The Carpenter’s Cook-Off fundraiser: Sun., noon to 3 p.m., The Birchmere in Alexandria, $20-$75
Spooky Mad Science Expo: Sat., 3-7 p.m., Patrick Henry Recreation Center in Alexandria, free
Fall Bonsai Show and Demonstrations: Sat. and Sun., Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, free
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
