Welcome to another fall weekend! It's slated to be mild and dry... 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 are slowly coming to an end, but there are still plenty of options.
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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:
All Things Go Fall Classic
Saturday and Sunday, Union Market
One of D.C.'s homegrown music festivals kicks off this weekend. Two-day general admission tickets start at $95; one-day tickets start at $65.
Love Beer Festival
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Capitol Riverfront
Out of dozens of beer festivals, there aren't that many that are free and family-friendly. Enter Love Beer Fest. Hop heads can sample limited edition and seasonal beers from Wicked Weed and Devils Backbone. Old Ebbitt Grill and The Hamilton chefs will serve up noms. Kids can say hi to the Budweiser Clydesdales and have their faces painting while everyone enjoys live music. It's Metro accessible from the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro stop.
Pepco Trail
Now open to the public
The public can now bike along this newly opened trail Montgomery County. The six-mile trail runs from the Hoyles Mill Trail in South Germantown Recreational Park. The trail partially closes 2.5 miles down the road and picks up again south of Seneca Creek. It ends near Muddy Branch Creek. You can check out a map here (it may load slowly).
Vikings at The Wharf
This Friday though Oct. 15, The Wharf
The world's largest operational viking ship, the Draken Harald Hårfagre, is invading The Wharf. The ship was built in modern times but modeled after the ships that real vikings sailed centuries ago. Celebrate the ship's arrival at 1 p.m. Friday, or visit through the weekend for talks from the captain, a documentary screening and more. You can buy timed tickets for tours, which start at $12 for adults and $6 for kids.
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.
DC Palestinian Film & Arts Festival 2018
Through Sunday, various times and theaters
Centered around the theme threads of resilience, the Palestinian Film & Arts Festival brings a host of programs to D.C. over the weekend, including free stand-up comedy from Mona Aburmishan on Sunday at the Kennedy Center.
Russian Bazaar 2018
Saturday and Sunday at noon, 4001 17th Street NW
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Cathedral hosts a bazaar complete with cultire including dance and food.
Sports and Sporting
Sunday, 1 p.m. — D.C. United plays the Chicago Fire
Friday, 7 p.m. — Wizards play the Miami Heat
Your Friday
MarketSW - Community Night Market
Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., 4th and M streets SW
There are only a few weekends left this season to enjoy the beer garden, flea market and art sale near the Waterfront Green Line station. There will also be live music. The event is pet- and family-friendly.
District Made Friday Nights
Fridays, 6 p.m. to midnight, One Eight Distilling
Hydra and elliott ness are performing at the kickoff of One Eight Distilling's Friday night shindigs. The cover is $8, and that includes a cocktail made with locally distilled liquor. Food, $8 cocktails and $5 punches will be available.
Misfits and Mayhem
Friday, 9 p.m., The Black Cat
Burlesque, magic and other entertainment come together at the Black Cat on Friday night. Tickets cost $12.
Poetic Vibes DC
Friday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Honfleur Gallery
The Anacostia Arts Center is partnering to host a spoken word and poetry event featuring KaNikki J. Tickets start at $10.
Your Saturday
DachtoberFest
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Frederick County Fairgrounds
Races, costume contests and selfies with Santa make Frederick's DachtoberFest the ultimate Instagrammable moment. Adult tickets are $5.
Rock the Block with REI
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Earth Treks Rockville
Rock climbers can enjoy lots of freebies here! REI in Rockville is partnering with Earth Treks to provide climbing access (Free for REI members, $25 for non-members), Denizen's beer and food truck eats (while supplies last).
Taste of Bethesda
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodmont Triangle
Try food from 60 restaurants and entertainment on 5 stages at Bethesda's food and music fair. It's free to enter. Food tickets cost $5 for four tickets and each bite costs between one and four tickets. Performers include Wong People Lion Dancers, Aztec Sun and the 19th Street Band.
District Clay Pop-Up
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Shop Made in DC
Shop Made in DC hosts pottery demonstrations.
Barly Mac's Third Annual Pig Roast and Bourbon Bash
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Arlington, Virginia
Head to Barly Mac (1600 Wilson Boulevard) for a day of unlimited roast pig and sides. Tickets start at $35 and also come with booze tastings.
Adams Morgan Porch Fest
Saturday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Adams Morgan
The citizens of Adams Morgan will be out and making music for your Saturday. Maps will be available at the corner of 18th and Columbia Road NW during the event.
VIDA Gives Back Volunteer Fair
Saturday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Penthouse Pool Club (1612 U Street NW)
Looking to volunteer more? This fair can help connect you with a number of organizations, including the Anacostia Watershed Society, Thrive DC and N Street Villiage. Donate to get drink tickets at the cash bar. You must be 21 to attend.
Newseum Teacher Open House 2018
Saturday, the Newseum
Educators, school and public librarians can go to the Newseum for free, and up to five guests can get in for $11.
Your Sunday
Million Corg March — Derpin' in DC Vol. 5
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., National Mall
We're not sure if one million corgis will end up on the Mall, but any number is good for us! Corgis and their humans can meet at the Jefferson Memorial at 2 p.m. Then the crowd will head over to the Washington Monument. Dog owners must keep their pups leashed.
The Yards Park Boardwalk Block Party
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., The Yards Park Boardwalk
Enjoy Italian food, ice cream, wine and drinks in support of the Project Sunshine, which works to brighten the lives of kids who are hospitalized. Tickets are $35.
Southwest Yoga Fest
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Wharf
Stretch into a full day of free yoga classes, ranging from high-intensity morning sessions to a sunset restore yin. Bring your own mat.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., The National Cathedral
Sunday marks the feast day for the patron of animals and the environment, Saint Francis of Assisi. The blessing is free and open to the public.
Takoma Park Street Festival
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Main Street Takoma
Dozens of artists, groups, shops and musicians will be out, including 18 local bands performing on three stages. It's free.
ZombieChase 2018
Sunday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Penn Social
Try out a live adventure game at Penn Social. It plays out like a D.C.-wide scavenger hunt... where you could be bitten and turned undead. Tickets cost $10.
