This chilly weather reminds us that winter is coming, but there are reasons to look forward to coat season.
The National Gallery of Art just let us know their ice skating rink will open up on Saturday, Nov. 26, and the free ticket lottery for the 100th National Christmas Tree lighting will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Even Kings Dominion has big winter plans for thrill-seekers.
But there are plenty of ways to get your heart rate up this weekend — while the forecast is still looking nice for outdoor activities.
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Join the 36th Walk to End HIV and you may see some familiar faces from News4!
Or, head to Middleburg, Virginia, for a precision-timing car race dubbed the 100 Miglia Warm-Up USA — a lead up to an iconic Italian event.
Haunted houses are serving up scares in Maryland and Virginia, and there are plenty of ghost tours in D.C. for spine-tingling fun. Here’s our roundup.
Little ghosts and goblins will delight at the Montgomery County Parks’ Spooktacular.
For a slower ride, check out the C&O Canal Boat before it closes again for construction.
One last thing: The 17th Street High Heel Race — probably D.C.’s best October tradition — is back on Tuesday. After the checkered flag is waved, you can even get midnight brunch.
Here’s what else to do this weekend.
Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
Stadiumlinks at Nationals Park
Friday to Sunday
Think Top Golf, but in Nationals Park. How many people can say they hit a golf ball from the seats to the dugout? D.C. may not be in the World Series, but you can still swing October fun in Nationals Park.
Reel Affirmations Film Festival
Thursday to Sunday
Landmark E Street Cinema plus virtual screenings
Since 1991, the Reel Affirmations Film Festival has showcased movies that bring acceptance and inclusion and affirm lived experiences.
Festival producer Kimberley Bush suggested audiences check out “When Time Got Louder,” “Manscaping,” “Being Thunder,” and “#LookAtMe,” plus the film guide for details on dozens of titles.
Smithsonian Craft2Wear
Thursday to Saturday
National Building Museum
Find wearable art — jewelry, leather and clothing — at the National Building Museum. Thursday is preview night, where you can meet artists plus enjoy snacks and drinks (tickets cost $100). General admission on Friday and Saturday is $17.
Wizards Home Opener
Friday, 7 p.m.
Capital One Arena
The Wizards will open the season in Indiana tonight, but they’ll be back Friday to take on the Bulls. Fan festivities include a magnet giveaway, autograph signings and custom printmaking.
Free Pick
Sports in the Archives Family Day
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
National Archives
The National Archives is running an expansive new exhibit on sports in history — think displays of baseball cards and jerseys that sports legends have given to presidents.
The exhibit is open until January 2024, so you have plenty of time to check it out.
Sports in the Archives Family Day on Saturday will be a home run with kids who enjoy some hands-on activities.
Free Pick
Adams Morgan Pedestrian Zone
Sunday, Oct. 23, noon to 10 p.m.
A stretch of 18th Street will be closed to cars and transformed into a runway. A fashion show will kick off at 2 p.m. — look for a red carpet outside 2424 18th Street NW. Fashionable furry friends can't miss the pet costume contest at 5 p.m., either.
Free Pick
Día de los Muertos
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2-5 p.m.
The Wharf
The Wharf is marking Day of the Dead with music, a beer garden, face painting and sugar skull decorating.
Things to Do in Maryland
Free Pick
Oxon Hill Farm Festival
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oxon Hill
Enjoy live entertainment, including music and dance, plus food at this free fest.
Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival
Saturday and Sunday
National Harbor
Three tacos, unlimited beer pours and tequila tasting, a margarita and live entertainment come with all tickets, which cost $55-$85.
Free Pick
Bladensburg 280th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m.
Waterfront Park
Say happy birthday to Bladensburg with live performances, food trucks and fun activities.
Things to Do in Virginia
Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mount Vernon The Farm
Explore the farm, learn about 18th-century horsemanship, check out demos of cooking or candle-making and tackle the straw bale maze. It's free for members and included in admission for everyone else.
If you're thirsty for some ale, a beer festival is going on at the same time. You can buy a pass or pay $3 per tasting. Here's more info.
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