Welcome to the first full weekend of fall! It's slated to be sunny and gorgeous... so prepare for a fantastic weekend. We've got plenty of options.
But first:
— 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.
— Nothing beats free. We've got you covered on fun, free and cheap things to do in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
— Fall got you feeling festive? Check out these fall festivals across the D.C. area.
— Outdoor movies don't end just because summer does.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
— Eat a Michelin approved meal at a good-value price.
Here are our top picks for your weekend:
Wunder Garten's 4th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Friday to Sunday, Wunder Garten at NoMa
Show up at Wunder Garten this weekend and you'll be welcomed with live music, special DJs and... beer! On Saturday, you can test your yodeling skills or stein-holding abilities in the Bavarian Olympics. Dogtoberfest is on Sunday, so bring a donation for the Humane Rescue Alliance. Humans can try out a costume contest at 3 p.m.
Dimensions featuring Karma Fields
Friday and Saturday, 2046 West Virginia Ave. NE
Nu Androids and Fathom are taking over an Ivy City warehouse with an all-encompassing art experience. Organizers promise you can play with reflective balls, paint in virtual reality, meet an AI DJ and more. Tickets to the exhibit start at $10, and entrance to the exhibit and after-party cost $25.
Fiesta DC
Parade on Saturday; festival on Sunday, Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW
Fiesta D.C., originally scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 15-16, was rescheduled to Sept. 29-30 ahead of Hurricane Florence. The two days of festivities at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW are expected to include a parade and a street festival featuring the Miss Fiesta DC competition, live music and delicious food. Delegations from 17 Latin counties have been invited to participate.
Swerv Weekend 2018
Friday to Saturday, various events
Swerv magazine is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign to celebrate the black LGBT community in D.C. Catch a screening of "The Gospel According to Andre" on Friday or an artist showcase at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V Streets NW. Check their Facebook event for the full schedule.
Human/Progress Festival
Sept. 28 to Sept. 30, various times, 1201 K Street NW
The Eaton Hotel is launching in D.C. with a weekend of socially conscious activities, outings and workshops. On Friday, you can check out a screening of documentary "Warriors to the Front" or enjoy acoustic music and a cocktail. Saturday kicks off with a panel on fake news followed by a sound bath. Director Boots Riley will host a Q&A after a screening of his dystopian comedy "Sorry to Bother You." And on Sunday, you can relax with a guided meditation at 10 a.m. See a full list and RSVP on their website. Activities are free and open to the public.
AFI Latin American Film Festival
Sept. 13 to Oct. 3, AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring
Catch some of the breakouts of Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese cinema, including crime drama "Birds of Passage," a documentary on Bolivian hip-hop artist Abraham Bojórquez, and a Latin take on Shakespeare's "Othello" titled "Pablo's World." The festival will also offer a number of screenings with special receptions, Q&A sessions and cocktail hours. See a full schedule on the theater's website. Tickets cost $15 for non-members, and there are $200 passes if you plan on attending many of the movies and events.
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 $19 for adults.
Sports and Sporting
Saturday, 7 p.m. — D.C. United plays the Montreal Impact
Your Friday
Truckeroo
Friday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., 1299 Half St. SE
Friday is the last Truckeroo of the season! Show up for a lineup of delicious food and drinks, and stay for the music. Admission is free.
Your Saturday
Art All Night 2018
Saturday, 7 p.m. to Sunday at 3 a.m., various locations in D.C.
Six neighborhoods in the D.C. area will stay open for night-owl art lovers. H Street, Congress Heights, Dupont Circle, Minnesota Avenue, North Capitol, Shaw and Tenleytown all have planned indoor and outdoor programming, including a history of go-go (Congress Heights), booze tasting (Tenleytown), a Marvin Gaye tribute band (Deanwood Heights) and fire jugglers (Dupont Circle). Most events are free.
Make It Funky at Denizens Brewery
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Denizens Brewing Co.
Make It Funky Wild Beer Festival is for hop heads and stout snobs who want something different. Sour beers will star alongside music and special festival eats. The celebration is inside and outside Denizens Brewing Co.
Capital BrewFest
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., The Fairgrounds (1299 Half St. SE)
Choose one of two sessions and try as much beer as your belly can handle. Tickets start at $21.95 if you buy a four pack.
Dardanella: The Great Gatsby Lawn Party
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., National Cathedral
In the grand shadow of the National Cathedral, you can step back into the roaring twenties for Saturday's Gatsby-themed lawn party. It's a perfect time to dig out that flapper dress you bought three years ago. Tickets for adults start off at $55, but the $85 open bar of Prohibition-themed cocktails may be worth the splurge. Kids under 14 are admitted free.
Your Sunday
Hidden Union Station
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Union Station
We bet you don't often stop to smell the roses in Union Station. Atlas Obscura's tour offers the chance to learn the little-known history — and actually soak in those amazing high ceilings. Tickets cost $25.
2018 Turkish Festival
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue between 12th and 14th streets NW
Music, dancers, kids' activities and vendors with a Turkish flair will gather near Freedom Plaza. See the full lineup of events here.
