The Weekend Scene: What To Do Around DC Oct. 18-20

What to Know

  • Saturday is looking ideal for outdoor fall activities. Expect sunshine and temps rising into the 60s
  • Sunday brings a chance for rain

— Say goodbye to Bei Bei: The 4-year-old panda born at the National Zoo permanently moves to China in November.

— Everything you need to know about the Nationals in the World Series.

Haunted houses and Halloween bashes around D.C.

Over the Weekend

Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 18-19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
National Zoo

Break out your Halloween costume and bring the kids to trick-or-treat at Boo at the Zoo. Expect spooky activities, treat stations and after-hours access to animals in the Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center and more. Tickets start at $20 for zoo members and $30 for everyone else.

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Through Oct. 20
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland

It's your last weekend to catch medieval jousting and street entertainment at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Dressing up in medieval attire is encouraged. Make sure to bring to bring cash to enjoy the giant turkey legs, mead and dozens of artisans and merchants that create art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Tickets: children $12, adults $27, seniors $23.

Virginia Wine Festival
Oct. 19-20
4460 Freetown Blvd, Ashburn, VA 20147)

Enjoy unlimited wine and cider tastings from Virginia wineries, live music, and access to an oyster pavilion at the 44th Virginia Wine Festival. Make sure to bring cash to this event. Advance tickets start at $39.

Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days
Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Pioneer Farm (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121) 

Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, check out candle-making demonstrations and try your hand at 18th-century dance at the Fall Harvest Family Days event at Mount Vernon. Folks can take a free sightseeing cruise during the event. Prices start at $12 for kids 12 years old and $20 for adults.

29Rooms by Refinery 29

Oct. 18-27, Friday- Sunday 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 1:30-10:30 p.m.
DC Armory (2001 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003)

Have a new art experience in the matter of steps at Refinery 29’s immersive art experience, 29Rooms. Installations feature local artists Trap Bob and Jamea Richmond-Edwards. Perfect for the Instagram fanatic, tickets for this event are $29 for adults and $10 for children.

Free Pick
Down In the Reeds
Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Parks at Walter Reed (1010 Butternut St NW)

This home-grown music festival aims to support local artists and vendors. Head to Northwest D.C. for live music, workshops, lawn games and a beer garden sponsored by Atlas Brew Works.

No outside food or drinks allowed, except for water. There is a suggested $10 donation that you can make on Eventbrite.

Saturday

Capital Brewfest: Fall Seasonals Beer, Wine & Music Festival
Oct. 19, 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Navy Yard 

Enjoy unlimited tastes of more than 50 of the very best fall seasonal craft beers from your favorite breweries in the mid-Atlantic and across the country! There will be a selection of wines and ciders, amazing food choices, outdoor games, music, vendors and more! You can buy tickets for Session One from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Session Two from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cuffing Season Mixology Class & Brunch
Oct. 19, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Bin 1301 Wine Bar

Named one of the best dating events in D.C., attendees can learn how to craft  classic cocktails with Chef Vic of @oneroutemixology. No experience is necessary, just bring an open mind and a hungry stomach! Follow @oneroutemixology for more information. Tickets range from $34-$95. 

OAKtoberfest
Oct. 19, noon to 2:30 p.m.
The National Arboretum

D.C.-favorite band The Shmoods will fill the park with tunes. Patrons can also enjoy food and drinks.

OktoBEARfest at Maryland Zoo
Oct. 19 noon to 5 p.m.
The Maryland Zoo (1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217)

Lions, eastern tiger salamanders and bears, oh my! Get a chance to sip on dozens of seasonal beers and take a stroll to see the animals at OktoBEARfest at the Maryland Zoo. Tickets start at $29 for non-drinking visitors, who will get access to live music and dozens of local venders. Sampling tickets start at $49.

Free Pick
Fall Fest at Springfield Town Center
Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Springfield Town Center (6500 Springfield Mall Springfield, VA 22150)

Usher in the new season with a day full of crafts, pumpkin decorating, food and entertainment. Make sure to arrive early as children receive a free pumpkin while supplies last. Stick around to hang out for face painting and a magic show.

Free Pick
Art Safari at Torpedo Factory Art Center
Oct. 19, noon to 5 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314)

Children are encouraged to get their hands messy at the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Art Safari. Activities range from making papier-mâché animals to a doodle party and many more hands-on activities. Keep your favorite shirt at home at this event. Kids should expect to get a bit messy while having fun.

Sunday

NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 20, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m.
The Kennedy Center's Concert Hall

Musicians dressed to spook will play some classic Halloween-themed music and newer arrangements including music from "Harry Potter." Arrive early for trick-or-treating and to see the instruments up close. Tickets cost $15-18.

Home Game Roundup

  • Friday, 7 p.m.: Washington Capitals play the New York Rangers at Capital One Arena 
  • Sunday, 1 p.m.: Washington Redskins play the San Francisco 49ers at FedExField
Contact Us