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:
— It's your last weekend before Halloween! Here's where to get spooky:
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.
— Great music coming to D.C.:
— Fall got you feeling festive? Check out these fall festivals across the D.C. area.
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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:
Marine Corps Marathon
Marathon is Sunday at 6 a.m. with more events all weekend
Marine Corps Marathon weekend features multiple races, as well as festivities, an expo and more. Even if you haven't registered to run, there are five locations along the race course where spectators can gather to cheer on runners, in both Arlington and D.C.
Metro will open at 6 a.m. on marathon day. The Pentagon station is closest to the race start on Route 110 in Arlington.
Check out our complete guide to the event here.
Smithsonian African-American Film Festival
Thursday through Sunday
"Widows," a studio film starring Viola Davis and Liam Neeson, offers a high-profile start to film festival's inaugural year. Quincy Jones will be in the audience.
Films are set to highlight themes Making a Way Out of No Way, Cultural Expressions and Power of Place.
Buy $10 tickets in advance online for screenings at the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History. Admission is free and first come, first seated to screenings at the Freer Sackler Galleries. A full schedule is here.
In addition to films, there are a host of special events, exchanges, classes and parties. Learn more here.
Taste of DC
Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Audi Field
Put on your eating pants and dancing shoes for the Taste of DC — and don't forget your drinking gear, either. Hot n Juicy Crawfish, Seneca Smokehouse, Rocklands Barbeque, Capital Chicken and Waffles and Muncheez are only some of 50 eateries you can try on Restaurant Row. Wash it down with wine and beer at what's billed as D.C.'s largest beer garden.
The festival is going completely cashless this year, meaning you'll need to purchase a wristband. You can get them online and pick them up at the festival, or purchase them at the door, organizers say. You can load them up with $1 tokens to purchase food, which costs between one and eight tokens, and drinks, which cost between six and ten tokens.
It's free to enter. In addition to food, you can check out live music, Culinary Stage talks and the Artisan Market. Buy a $30 ticket for unlimited cider tastes at the Rock the Core Cider festival.
Make sure your bag abides by Audi Field's policy: Only small, clear bags are allowed.
Crafty Bastards
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Yards Park
Shop unique, handcrafted gifts and art at the Washington City Paper's annual fair. One-day passes cost $6; Two-day passes cost $10.
Halloween Film Festival
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, various times, Warner Bros. Theatre at The National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian Theaters are screening scary films this month during their Halloween Film Festival. You can catch "28 Days Later" and "Shaun of the Dead" on Friday, classic monster movies on Saturday and "Addams Family" and "Beetlejuice" this Sunday.
Howard University Homecoming
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Lucky Howard Students can meet Donna Brazile for a book signing at the Idea's Festival or see what promises to be stellar shows at Yardfest. The lineup hasn't yet been released.
Anyone can grab tickets to the Homecoming Step Show, which is Friday at 8 p.m.
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
Can't 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.
Halloween at Augment VR Arcade and Bar
Friday at 6 p.m., 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!
The Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival
Thursday through Sunday
Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness, Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos and Tig Notaro are just a few of the big names at Brightest Young Things' annual comedy festival. Many shows are sold out, but you can catch Melinda Hill for free Saturday at the Kennedy Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Broccoli Bar
Opens Friday at 1817 7th Street NW
The organizers of Broccoli City Festival are bringing a community-minded restaurant, bar and meeting space to Shaw. They'll be serving drinks during happy hour on Friday and host their inaugural brunch Sunday at 11 a.m. — you can add a morning cocktail carafe to your &pizza pie for $20.
Check out our first look:
Your Friday
Outdoor Movie Screening: Hocus Pocus
Friday, 6:30 to 11 p.m., Crispus Attucks Park
BloominGays is hosting a movie night courtesy of Crispus Attucks Park Board and neighborhood volunteers. The movie is "Hocus Pocus," where three witches are brought back to life and start wreaking havoc. Bring a blanket and sit under the stars to enjoy the spooky Halloween classic! It’s free and dogs are welcome.
Day of the Dead Celebration at the Smithsonian
Friday, 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m., Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
The Smithsonian’s American Indian Museum is celebrating Día de los Muertos on Friday. The museum is staying open late and will be featuring music from an authentic Mexican folk dance group, food, and drinks. Tickets are free.
Get Spooked at the Newseum
Friday, 8:30-11 p.m., Newseum
The Newseum is hosting a Halloween party Friday where you can dress up and enjoy live music, cocktails, food from Wolfgang Puck and more. Tickets are $50 for Newseum members and $60 for the general public.
Your Saturday
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Offrendas Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; "Coco" screening 6:30 p.m., Petworth
You can make an altar honoring a loved one and learn the history of Dia de Los Muertos at the Petworth Farmer's Market. The workshop will be held at the Wall of Books. Later in the day, you can enjoy a free screening of Pixar's "Coco" at Powell Elementary. There will be snacks, and you are welcome to bring a picnic.
Adams Morgan Apple Festival
Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 18th Street Northwest and Columbia Road Northwest
Embrace your fall spirit and head out to the Adams Morgan farmers market for the 5th Annual Apple Pie Contest, featuring 16 local entries, all made with apples from Takoma Park's Licking Creek Bend Farm. Slices of pie will be sold for $5 per slice and all proceeds will be donated to Higher Achievement, a middle school education advocacy group. A panel of local foodies and celebrities, including WAMU politics analyst and former News4 reporter Tom Sherwood, will select the winner.
Rock The Core Cider Festival
Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Audi Field
Add a little booze to your fall celebrations at this festival of all things cider and craft beer. With over 100 options to choose from, the Rock the Core Cider Festival promises variety, including flavors like Granny Smith, Golden Russet and “untapped” apple flavors. Attendees can get tickets to one of two sessions, and tickets include unlimited full pours of Bold Rock, Bud Light and Shock Top cider and beers. It's inside the Taste of DC, so you can grab some food on your way in our out.
Washington International Horse Show
Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Capital One Arena
The Washington International Horse Show features the country’s top metropolitan horse championship and presents more than 500 top horses and riders from around the world, including Olympic veterans. Part of a weeklong event, Saturday will start off with young and amateur riders jumping for division championships, including categories like Small Pony Hunter, Medium Pony Hunter and Kids’ Day activities. Larger competitions will take place in the evening.
Dia de Los Muertos | Day of the Dead
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
The first part of the National Museum of the American Indian’s celebration of the Day of the Dead starts Saturday and you can expect a day of monarch butterflies and cultural celebrations of Mexico’s holiday. The museum will celebrate the end of the southward migration of monarchs with artwork, masks and an interactive mural from Joaquin Newman, as well as a contemporary memorial to the dead honoring an ancient Maya story.
Your Sunday
Free Coffee and Cats
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Crumbs and Whiskers
Celebrate National Cat Day at Crumbs and Whiskers free walk-in event with coffee and cats looking to be adopted.
World Press Photo Exhibition
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dupont Underground
The World Press Photo Exhibition is on a worldwide tour showcasing the stories that matter. A specially tailored exhibition has been created for Washington D.C.
