What to Know
- Saturday is going to be hot — so hot it could break a record. Expect some humidity and a mix of sun and clouds
- Sunday looks very warm and dry with highs in the mid to upper 80s
You may be feeling the summer sweat, but fall is truly in swing with an apple festival, Oktoberfest and more Halloween-themed haunts than a heart can handle in just one weekend.
Over the Weekend
Crafty Arts & Makers Festival
Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m.
Akridge Lot at Buzzard Point
Puruse unique, artisan gifts, decor, clothing and other goods at this fair hosted by Washington City Paper. Tickets start at $5.
Free Pick
Queen City Mischief & Magic
Sept. 27-29
Downtown Staunton, Virginia
A whole wizarding world is about to apparate into downtown Staunton, Virginia. Go to tour a Cave of Magical Dreams, get your tarot read, take a Dragonology class and more. You can even meet Harry, Ron, Hermione and more favorite characters or purchase magically-themed drinks and food.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends through Oct. 20
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland
Come out to see medieval jousting and street entertainment at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Dressing up in medieval attire is encouraged. Make sure to bring to bring cash to enjoy the giant turkey legs, mead and dozens of artisans and merchants that create art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Tickets: children $12, adults $27, seniors $23.
Pumpkin Village Festival
Sept. 21-Nov. 5
Leesburg Animal Park (19270 James Monroe Highway Leesburg, VA)
Fall is here, and with it comes pumpkins. This year, the Pumpkin Village Festival in Loudoun County will feature slides, hay rides, face painting and pumpkins all month long.
State Fair of Virginia
Sept. 27-Oct. 6
13191 Dawn Blvd. Doswell, VA 23047
This family-friendly event will include performances, tons of exhibits and even a chainsaw artist. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults and $12 for children between ages 5 and 12.
The Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show
Sept. 28 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ans Sept 29 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
314 Mill St., Occoquan, Virginia 22125
Celebrate the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show’s 50-year anniversary with a beer garden and concerts in River Mill Park. Families can also enjoy food and check out the hundreds of arts and craft vendors. Come prepared to enjoy local artists rain or shine this weekend.
Photos: Free and Cheap Things to Do in Washington, DC
Oktoberfest
You don't need a flight to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest. Here are a few places celebrating the beer drinkers' holiday. Prost!
- Dacha (1600 17th St. NW, Washington, D.C.) and Dacha Navy Yard (79 Potomac Ave SE) will have fun events and special local beers through Oct. 4
- Wunder Garten (1st and L St NE, Washington, D.C.) will have games, music and German food from Cafe Berlin and other authentic restaurants. Go on Saturday, Sept. 28 for the Bavarian Olympics — including a stein holding competition — and on Sunday, Sept. 29 for dogtoberfest complete with a costume contest. The fun continues through Oct. 6.
- Biergarten House (1355 H Street NE, Washington, D.C.) has all the official Oktoberfest beers — Paulaner, Hofbrau and Spaten — plus many more in a setting that will truly make you feel like you're in an old German beer hall.
Spook Yourself: Haunted Houses for Halloween
Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion
Weekends through Nov. 2
Kings Dominion
Get in the Halloween spirit at Kings Dominion this October, where in addition to terrifying roller coasters you'll find bloody attractions like the Masquerade, Blood on the Bayou and Cleaver Brothers Carnival. Buy your Haunt tickets online and save on prices you'd have to pay at the door.
Fright Fest at Six Flags America
Through Nov. 3
Six Flags America
In the mood for a scream? This year Six Flag's annual fright fest has included new attractions like Curs3d, the horror musical, and its Medieval Mayhem attraction. The theme park is open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 p.m. on Sundays through the end of the month.
Field of Screams
Sept. 27-Nov. 2
4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd. Olney, MD 20832
Get spooked at this scream park in the D.C. area. The event is open every Friday and Saturday, and most Thursdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $20.56 You can also enjoys s'mores, funnel cakes, fried twinkies and Oreos around 15 different bonfires.
Laurel's House of Horror
Sept. 27-Nov. 2
935 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD 20707
Experience D.C. and Maryland's largest indoor haunted house. Built inside of an abandoned movie theater, attendees can choose between the haunted house and an escape room. Tickets cost between $30 and 45.
Saturday
Free Pick
The Sound of Family and Fun
Sept. 28 from noon to 4 p.m.
2241 MLK Jr. Avenue SE
Celebrate the creativity and diversity of D.C. at the Sound of Family and Fun event. Enjoy food, family-focused activities and live entertainment from local artists in the last moments of summer.
Free Pick
Fifth Annual Brentsville Day
Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, Virginia 20136
Love bluegrass, antiques and hayrides? Then the Brentsville Day event is for you. Celebrate the almost 200 years of Prince William County history with historic farm demonstrations, living history and local artisans to choose from. Enjoy food truck vendors when you need something to snack on.
Merrifield Mall Festival
Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mosaic on District Avenue
Enjoy a day of live entertainment and shopping at Merrifield Mall. Kids will love activities like face painting, art, building toys and a petting zoo, while drivers can get valuable tips at Craftsman Auto Car's mini car care sessions. There will also be beer and wine from Caboose Brewery and Walsh Family Winery.
Make It Funky Fest at Denizen's Brewing Co.
Sept. 28, 1 p.m.
1115 E W Hwy, Silver Spring, Maryland
This Maryland brewery is celebrating all the unique beers you can't always find. This year, the focus is on barrel-aged beers. Expect a lot of wild and sour brews. General admission tickets start at $60 and unclude unlimited samples. There will also be live music.
Mexicanidad: A Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Sept. 28, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Mexican Cultural Institute (2829 16th Street Northwest Washington, D.C. 20009)
$25
Have a musical experience through Mexican culture and identity at the Mexicanidad celebration. Try authentic food and drinks before the Corazón Folklórico Dance Company performs ballet folklórico in vibrant attire. You won't want to miss this Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Prince William Forest Park Free Day
Sept. 28
Prince William Forest Park (18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle, Virginia 22172)
Soak up the last of the sun and experience the largest green space in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region during The Prince William Forest Park free admission day. Take advantage of this opportunity to be submerged in an abundance of nature.
The 78th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
Sept. 28 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$40 in advanced, $45 at the door
Take a look into six 18th and 19th century homes during the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour while learning about the history of Old Town. Take your chance with a raffle with proceeds benefiting Inova Alexandria Hospital. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to save.
Sunday
Fall Harvest Party at District Winery
Sept. 29, 1-5 p.m.
District Winery (385 Water St. SE, Washington, D.C.)
This party has some of the best elements of fall, including hot apple cider, fresh mini doughnuts and live entertainment. Tickets, which start at $69, get you unlimited food and three drinks.
Free Pick
NatureFest at Runnymede Park
Sept. 29, 1-5 p.m.
Runnymede Park (195 Herndon Parkway)
Explore butterflies, bees, meadow creatures and more alongside live animal shows, arts and crafts and more. Here's a map of the stations.
Free Pick
2019 Turkish Festival in Washington, DC
Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
1400 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C.
Lively folk dancing, musical performances and arts activities come alongside traditional coffee, food and fortune telling. There's also a bazaar on site.
Home Game Roundup
The Nationals play the Indians at Nationals Park
- Friday, 7:05 p.m.: Bourbon and Baseball drink tasting
- Saturday, 4:05 p.m.: Faith Day and Pups in the Park
- Sunday, 3:05 p.m.: Nationals Puffy Vest giveaway
- Sunday, 3 p.m.
- Saturday, 7 p.m.