Artechouse — DC’s digital art house known for its immersive digital spaces — is opening its latest interactive exhibit, New Nature. Take a look.
Welcome to another fall weekend! Trying to figure out how to make the most of it? We've got plenty of options.
But first:
— Great music coming to D.C.:
— Halloween season is upon us! Get ready to be spooked:
Where: 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton, Virginia
nLocated on the site of a former prison, this popular attraction promises to keep you entertain you with heart-pounding scares even as you wait in line. is Madhaunter's Madhouse is recommended for ages 13 and up, and attendees are advised to dress comfortably for all the running away you'll want to do.
Where: 501 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney, Maryland
nWith names like the "Trail of Terror" and "Slaughter Factory," Field of Screams in Olney is sure to get your heat pumping. When you're done getting scared, you can enjoy s'mores, and funnel cake next to one of the venue's 15 bonfires.
Where: 601 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg, Virginia
nThis 3-level haunted manor promises to have people jumping out of their skin but for a good cause. The spooky annual event is a fundraiser for The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus.
Where: 935 Fairlawn Avenue, Laurel, Maryland
nYou could run into a real ghost at this haunted attraction. After having a paranormal experience at the abandoned movie theater, the owners of Laurel's House of Horror had ghost hunters come to the theater to do an investigation, and they found signs of "other-worldly activity," according to the attraction's website. In addition to possibly spotting real ghouls, Laurel's House of Horror says guests can explore their haunted house or escape rooms.
Where: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia
nHundreds of monsters will roam the fog-draped park hoping to scare you for Halloween Haunt. In addition to the creepy cast of characters, the annual event features eight mazes, five scare zones and live entertainment. For smaller guest, the park will host the Great Pumpkin Fest in Planet Snoopy during the day.
Where: 13710 Central Ave., Woodmore, Maryland
nThis year's Fright Fest promises two new haunted houses called "The Crypt" and "Total Damnation." The park will also have four new shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Friendly ghosts and ghouls will fill the park during the day, but the park says activities after 6 p.m. are recommended for ages 13 and up.
Where: 6340 Oak Shade Road, Harrisonburg, Virginia
nThis haunted attraction is in its 13th season, but don't let that scare you off from its fear forest, haunted hayride or fear factory. This day trip is sure to complete your Halloween experience.
Where: 19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson, Maryland
nAfter you hike through one of Markoff's terrifying trails, you can get you adrenaline pumping again with the attraction's zip line or death jump. Guests can also venture to an old town on the other end of the farm that's filled with horror.
— Fall got you feeling festive? Check out these fall festivals across the D.C. area.
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— Eat a Michelin-approved meal at a good-value price.
Here are our top picks for your weekend:
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends through Oct. 21, Crownsville, Maryland
Hear ye! Hear ye! Don your best 15th-century garb and grab a turkey leg at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Performances including jousting, music, science demos and Shakespeare, are plentiful. Check out the schedule in advance so you don't miss your favorite thing. Tickets are $26 for adults and $11 for kids. Organizers recommend buying your tickets in advance online because they often sell out for the fest's final weekends.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m., National Zoo
The National Zoo's annual kid-friendly, after-hours Halloween party is coming this weekend. Check out the small mammal exhibit when they're active after dark, fill up on treats, enjoy live entertainment and more. Tickets were sold out at publishing for Saturday night and parking tickets were sold out for the weekend. It's $30 for non-members.
ARTECHOUSE New Nature by Marpi
Ticketed Daily through Jan. 13, 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C.
The interactive art space's newest exhibit takes you outside. Timed tickets cost $15 for adults.
Death Becomes Us Pop Up Bar
Through Nov. 4, 1843 7th Street NW
Cant get enough of true crime? Drink Company's newest pop-up bar is right up your alley. The bar showcases three of history's most infamous crimes. The GWAR pop-up bar continues the horror in other rooms.
Return of the Red Ruby Slippers
Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m., National Museum of American History
After a harrowing journey far from the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy's slippers are going back on display. The museum will also be screening "The Wizard of Oz" in the Warner Theatre.
Middleburg Film Festival
Oct. 18 to 21, Downtown Middleburg
Middleburg's film festival has attracted a lot of Oscar-nominees in the past, and the 2018 lineup continues to be promising. Check out the lineup here.
Halloween at Augment VR Arcade and Bar
Saturday 2 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., 645 Florida Avenue NW
Augment VR Arcade is rolling out some scary virtual reality experiences in honor of Halloween!
Sports and Sporting
Capitals V. Panthers — Friday, 7 p.m.
Wizards V. Raptors — Saturday, 7 p.m.
DC United V. New York City FC — Sunday, 3 p.m.
Redskins V. Cowboys — Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
Your Saturday
Club House Festival
Saturday, noon to 10 p.m., Laurel Park Racetrack
Electronic music giants deadmau5 and Steve Aoki perform along with Tyga, Rich the Kid and more. But it's more than just a music festival: You can also catch horse races all day long.
DC Rollergirls Game Four: Scare Force One vs. DC Demoncats
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., DC Armory
Catch this Halloween-worthy derby event, complete with costume contest and kid-friendly games. Tickets cost $15 for adults and the competition kicks off at 4:30 p.m.
Air and Scare at the Air and Space Museum
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Udvar-Hazy Center
Bring the kids for indoor trick-or-treating and Halloween fun, including spooky science experiments and crafts. It's free to get in. Expect security lines and crowds for parking, which costs $15.
Annual Potomac Day Celebration
Saturday, 10 a.m., to 4 p.m., Falls and River Road
Potomac's annual celebration kicks off Saturday with a parade, followed by a classic car show and carnival. It's free to attend.
Oyster & Beer Festival
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Nationals Stadium Lot
How many oysters can you eat? Test your limits at this festival, which also features mussels, clams, beer, wine and spirits. Tickets cost $79.
Shakespeare Theatre Company Costume & Prop Sale
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 507 8th Street Southeast
Looking for a stunning Halloween costume? Or a piece of theatre history? Here's your chance! Props, furniture and other items will be for sale alongside costumes.
Light the Night
Saturday, 5 p.m., National Mall
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is raising funds for cancer research. It's a 2-mile walk between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Your Sunday
Ghost Tours: Escape the Museum
Sunday, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., National Building Museum
Solve an escape room and then get a spooky tour of the museum.
2018 Dupont Circle House Tour
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., 9 Dupont Circle NW
Get a unique glimpse inside private homes and historic buildings around Dupont Circle. Tickets start at $40.
