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It finally feels like fall, y’all! Time to pick the perfect pumpkin.
We’re also channeling spooky season vibes with a witchy fair and a haunted house in Lorton. If you’re looking for a different kind of thrill, try go-kart racing. Or, sample local brews at festivals in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
This weekend, you might want to stop by your favorite Smithsonian museum or the National Zoo – they can only stay open through Saturday unless the government shutdown is resolved.
If you have a long weekend and wanted to visit a museum on Sunday or Monday, check out these alternative options.
- Weekend weather: Sweater weather is upon us. Saturday is looking more mild before soaking rain arrives Sunday. Here’s the forecast.
Weekend highlights
Race the District
Thurs. to Sun., Union Market, $41.46+
🔗 Details
Race go-karts around Union Market’s parking lot to get bragging rights among family and friends. You’ll book a 15-minute racing slot, then get access to live music, games and more.
Louis the Child will headline the music stage (general admission is sold out, but those who buy tickets for the race are guaranteed entry).
Anyone who buys a ticket can also enjoy the simulators at the F1 Arcade for free.
Do your kids have the need for speed? Check out the Wow Wheelz experience for ages 18 months to 12 years (RSVP for free here), and a Doona trikes race for kids 10-36 months.
Songbyrd’s 10 Year Anniversary Block Party (Sun., noon to 6 p.m., Union Market, free) will cap the festivities with live music and community vibes.
Because They’re Funny
Fri. to Sun., venues at The Wharf, plus Arena Stage, priced by event
🔗 Details
D.C. could use a laugh, and this weekend you’re in luck. This comedy festival spotlighting people of color will have the laughs rolling all weekend.
Virginia’s own Jay Pharoah will host the third annual Breakout Comedian of the Year competition. On Sunday, don’t miss the ladies showcase and local comedians at DC Funny.
Comedy fans should also know Nikki Glaser is performing in D.C. this weekend, too!
Free pick
DC WitchFest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Coupe (3415 11th Street NW)
🔗 Details
Get your coven together for an afternoon of witchy vibes in Columbia Heights. You’ll find local artisans and makers selling spooky candles, botanical fae art and cicada-obsessed ceramic art and more, plus plenty of spellbinding activities from tarot to astrology, crystal aura readings and henna.
Brandywine SPCA will be there if you want to bring home a fuzzy familiar.
Save the date for their Witches Halloween Party later this month, too.
Snallygaster
Sat., noon to 6 p.m., Downtown D.C., $75 (GA) or $150 (VIP)
🔗 Details
The D.C. legend is back for its 13th year (and we’re not talking about the mythical creature this beer festival is named after).
Snallygaster will be pouring “no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle + can pours from 175+ of the finest American and international producers. You can also sample wine and cocktails.
Two stages of live music and local food trucks will keep you busy, too.
Capital Art and Craft Festival
Fri., Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $11 in advance; $12 at the door (kids under 12 free)
🔗 Details
With more than 225 juried artisans, the Capital Art and Craft Festival says it’s the largest art festival in the region. Head to Chantilly to refresh your home decor, find unique holiday gifts or add to your collection. You’ll find jewelry, leather, paintings, prints, photography, pottery, wearable art and more.
Taste of NoVA
Sat. and Sun., NOVA LIVE campus in Manassas, $100+
🔗 Details
Taste of NoVa moved from the National Museum of the United States Army to NoVa Live in Manassas because of the government shutdown. But it’s still bringing together more than 100 restaurants for two days.
Tickets come with unlimited drinks. This is a 21+ event.
Free & family-friendly
Gaithersburg Oktoberfest
Sun., noon to 5 p.m., Kentlands,
🔗 Details
This Oktoberfest celebration has local brews and plenty more things to entertain the whole family, including pumpkin carving demos and free sip and paint classes.
You’ll find inflatables and more kids’ entertainment near the Kentlands Mansion, while the Oktoberfest Green will host German music and Bavarian-style dancers.
Admission, parking and shuttle service from the satellite parking at 101 Orchard Ridge Drive are all free.
Workhouse Haunt Apokalypse – Kingdom of Shadows
Oct. 10 (Fri.) to Nov. 1, Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, $22.94 – $55.05
🔗 Details
This year, Workhouse Haunt has multiple scare-inducing attractions to choose from, including haunted trails and creepy games.
The Horsemen is a classic haunted trail that will take you through the woods around the site of the notorious former prison. But if you’re serious about getting a scare, check out the more intense Blood & Rust trail.
After facing your fears, unwind at the Workhouse Haunt Bar. There will be a DJ, drinks, food and, on select nights, a live band.
You can save by purchasing tickets in advance. This experience is recommended for people aged 13 and up.
Laurel’s House of Horrors
Select dates through Nov. 1, 935 Fairlawn Ave. in Laurel, $30-$40
🔗 Details
Step into a house of horrors inside a long-abandoned movie theater. Here, paranormal seekers can choose their fright: a terrifying haunted house, an escape room or a paranormal tour.
The haunted house walkthrough lasts 20–30 minutes.
It is an all-indoor attraction, so rain or shine, the scares are on.
Spooky History Tour at the National Building Museum
Sun., plus Oct. 13, 14, 26 and 31, Northwest D.C., $20
🔗 Details
Step into the shadows of D.C.’s buildings and secret hallways at the National Building Museum. Hear legends and spine-chilling stories as you explore the hidden places of a monumental structure that is over 140 years old. If you are fascinated by architecture and love a good scare, this tour is made for you!
Concerts this weekend
Speaking in Tongues Festival, Oct. 8-11
Black Eyes’ “four nights of community and visionary music” includes two nights of hardcore faves Pissed Jeans sharing their wry, everyday angst at Comet Ping Pong Thursday and Friday. It culminates with a new release from the D.C. post-punks curating this lineup: Black Eyes at Black Cat Saturday.
Asher White, 7 p.m. Friday, Rhizome, $15
The prolific singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist puzzles together unpredictable and engrossing pop and rock gems on recent LP “8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living.” It deserves the listener’s full attention. Details.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, 7 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 Club, $51.85
Straight up foot-stompin’ rock ‘n’ roll. It’s not retro if it’s timeless. The California trio is touring for the 20th anniversary of classic third LP, “Howl.” Details.
More to do in D.C.
Theatre – “Fremont Ave.”: Oct. 8 to Nov. 23, Arena Stage
Kamala Harris’ “107 Days” book tour: Thurs., Warner Theatre
Movies on the Memorial – “Battleship”: Fri., movies begin at dusk, U.S. Navy Memorial (701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW), free
Race the District go-kart racing experience and Louis the Child block party: Thurs. to Sun., Union Market, $41.46+
Queer Black Broadway tour: Fri., 6 p.m. (plus Oct. 24), U Street Corridor, $30
Dead Man’s Run 2025: Sun., 5:30-7:30 p.m., Congressional Cemetery, $40
More to do in Maryland
Noir City DC: Oct. 10-23, AFI Silver Theatre, $15 per screening or all-access pass for $200
Concert – Lainey Wilson: Thurs., Merriweather Post Pavilion
Annapolis Sailboat Show: Thurs. to Sun., Annapolis, $10-$55+ (one-day entry)
Concert – Fantasia: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor
Greenbelt Fall Fest and Annual Pumpkin Festival: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Schrom Hills Park, free
Reggae Wine & Music Festival: Sat. and Sun., Linganore Winecellars in Mount Airy, $35.12+
Chuseok celebration: Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Gaithersburg Community Museum, free
Bloom at Good Hope Concert Series – Alex Hamburger: Sat., 5 p.m., Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center in Silver Spring, free/pay what you can
7 Locks Brewing Fall Fest: Sat., 3-8 p.m., Rockville, free to $28.52
Fiesta de la Familia: Sun., 1-4 p.m., Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, free
More to do in Virginia
Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village Fall Fest: Through Nov. 4, 19246 James Monroe Hwy in Leesburg, $14.95 to $23.95 (free for kids under 2)
Washington West Film Festival: Thurs. to Mon., Reston, $20+ for individual screenings
Stafford County Fair: Thurs. to Sun., Fredericksburg, free admission and parking
Disney on Ice – “Jump In!”: Thurs. to Mon., EagleBank Arena in Fairfax
Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials: Thurs. to Sun., Morven Park in Leesburg, free general admission and parking
Fall Wine Festival: Fri. to Sun., Mount Vernon, $61 (general public)
49th Annual Fall Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Fairfax, free
Freedom Fest: Sat., noon to 9 p.m., Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, free to $85
Luzia: The Workout: Sun., 9 a.m., 8025 Galleria Dr. in Tysons, free
Concert – Rocknoceros (family entertainers): Mon., doors 10 a.m., Jammin Java in Vienna, $14.25
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