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Tag: things to do in dc

  • Things to do in the DC area: Capital Art & Craft Festival, ‘an Irish Carol’ … and more! – WTOP News

    The Capital Art and Craft Festival is back this weekend with more than 300 juried artists at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

    The Capital Art & Craft Festival features over 300 artists. (Courtesy Capital Art & Craft Festivals)

    One of Northern Virginia’s largest winter markets returns this weekend. The Capital Art and Craft Festival features more than 300 juried artists at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

    From Friday through Sunday, expect everything from glass and metal works to jewelry and clothing to pottery and printmaking.

    “We also have specialty food vendors who have wonderful items, all kinds of pastries, cheeses, dips, sauces that make wonderful presents as well,” said Judy Spargo, the director of the Capital Art and Craft Festival.

    This is the sixth year that the event has been hosted at the Dulles Expo Center. Due to the venue’s impending closure at the end of the month to make way for a new Ikea store, the Capital Art and Craft Festival event will debut at a new venue in 2026, which Spargo said will be announced “soon.”

    Tickets cost $11 per person and can be purchased online.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Sake & Wine: Holiday Soirée
    In collaboration with D.C. Sake cō and The Wine Concierge, the two organizations are planning an evening of wine and sake tastings at the rooftop of Skyline 609 in Northeast D.C. The approximately $92 ticket includes tastings of four wines and four sakes in a festive setting. The event is Thursday.

    “An Irish Carol”
    The Keegan Theatre in Dupont Circle is presenting an homage to the Charles Dickens’ classic, this time set in a modern Dublin pub, following “a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity.” “An Irish Carol” is running through Dec. 28 with tickets that cost $65 for adults, $54 for students and those under 25 and $54 for seniors ages 62 and above.

    D.C. Rawhides
    Get your line dancing boots ready. D.C. Rawhides is hosting a country Western dancing event Saturday inside the North Hall of Eastern Market. For more than a decade, the organization has been focused on creating space for the LGBTQ+ community to dance, but everyone is welcome to the event. A $10 donation is requested at the door.

    “The Holiday Show” by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.
    On Dec. 13, 14 and 20, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. is hosting a holiday extravaganza with soulful arrangements of holiday carols at the Lincoln Theatre. Tickets for the 90-minute show start at approximately $32.

    Main Hall Holiday Market
    From Wednesday, Dec. 17 through Saturday, Dec. 20, the Main Hall of Union Station is hosting over 40 vendors, artists and makers, perfect for holiday shopping. Foods like baklava from The Persian Table and other treats from RavenHook Bakehouse are also planned for the market. The third annual Main Hall Holiday Market is free and open to the public. For more holiday markets to consider, check out WTOP’s guide.

    Drink up at the Elf on the Shelf Pop-up Bar
    The Morris American Bar in Mt. Vernon Triangle is decorated from floor to ceiling with holiday decor to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book, “The Elf on the Shelf.” This pop-up, made in partnership with Versus and The Lumistella Company, features themed drinks like the minty “Nice-tini” and the creamy, coconutty “Snow Surprises.”

    Maryland

    Holiday tree lighting and fireworks
    At National Harbor in Maryland, head to the heart of the Waterfront District for festive fireworks and a holiday tree light show Saturday.

    Kwanzaa Celebration
    Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday. The event includes art and moderated discussions, music, food and a Black-owned vendors market. The event is free and open to the public.

    Bowl with Santa
    Have some fun with Santa Claus this Saturday and Sunday in Maryland at various AMF and Bowlero locations. Families who attend this event get to enjoy festive photos, bowling, arcade games and special giveaways. Find a list of participating locations here.

    Virginia

    Holiday Blues-A-Palooza
    Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, is hosting a holiday music performance with a focus on the blues on Sunday. The event features Deanna Bogart, Jenny Langer, the Eric Scott Band and Jonathan Sloane. Tickets cost $46.

    Sid Satellite & the Ripple at Galaxy Hut
    Galaxy Hut in Arlington, Virginia, is hosting two bands Sunday. Headlining is the psychedelic rock trio, Sid Satellite & the Ripple. Also featured are the “carousel punks” Boy Meets Pearl, a band that offers modern takes on sea shanties, circus waltzes and Victorian music hall sing-a-longs. Tickets are $10 at the door.

    Chanukah Festival
    This Monday, The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is hosting a Chanukah Festival with a lighting of a giant, 6-foot-tall menorah, plus festive music as well as food and drinks like potato latkes and hot cocoa to get in the holiday spirit. The event is free and open to the public.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park, film festival … and more! – WTOP News

    Those looking for a holiday paradise should keep an eye on this winter carnival that is on its way to D.C. The inaugural Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park opens Friday and runs on select dates through Dec. 30.

    Tubing at Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park.(Courtesy of Magic Ice)

    Those looking for a holiday paradise should keep an eye on this winter carnival that is on its way to D.C. The inaugural Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park opens Friday and runs on select dates through Dec. 30.

    The experience hosts a variety of activities, including a 100-foot tubing slide, a winter train ride, LED seesaws, a nine-hold putt-putt course and a snowball throwing challenge.

    The outdoors event is held on the field and is tailored for all ages, though the Après Chalet by Fireball with a “hidden speakeasy” is restricted to guests ages 21 and older.

    Jonathan Stahl, vice president of Nationals Park events, said some of the food and drink items to look forward to include roasted nuts, funnel cakes, hot cocoa in specialty mugs that can be spiked if desired, savory hand pies and “classic ballpark fare.” The speakeasy is also restricted to up to 50 guests with “some of the best mixologists in Washington.”

    General admission tickets are roughly $30 per person. Food, beverages and retail items are available for additional purchase.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    ‘Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite!’

    The U.S. Botanic Garden is hosting its annual “Season’s Greenings” exhibit; but this time, it will host more than just holiday decor and D.C. landmarks made from plants. It will also showcase displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts as well. Note that the outdoor train display only runs during certain hours. There is no admission fee and no tickets are required. The exhibit runs through Jan. 4, 2026.

    Folger Frost Fair

    Starting Friday, the Folger Shakespeare Library is hosting a monthlong winter festival with holiday music and free activities. The Folger Frost Fair, which runs through Jan. 4, 2026, includes Christmas carols, tributes to Emily Dickinson’s 195th and Jane Austen’s 250th birthdays, plus an Austen afternoon tea. Families can also get excited for craft stations, storytimes and wintry treats at Quill & Crumb cafe.

    Native American Heritage Day

    Join the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian on Friday to celebrate Native American Heritage Day. The museum is hosting award-winning hoop dancer Joseph Secody, who will demonstrate the power and art of the Hoop Dance. There are three free chances to see the performance throughout the day.

    Punk Rock Karaoke

    If you’re a fan of belting out tunes from bands, such as 100 Gecs, Bad Moves, Ekko Astral and other punk rock bands, don’t miss Black Cat’s punk rock karaoke event on Friday. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

    A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington

    D.C. punk historian John R. Davis will illustrate the history of D.C. punk fanzines and their ongoing relevance at a virtual talk on Monday, hosted by The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum. Registration is required.

    Trans Writing Workshop

    Rhizome D.C. is hosting a Trans Writing Workshop on Sunday that covers topics, such as “how to help maintain focus and writing inspiration during such stressful cultural times.” The free workshop is tailored for trans, nonbinary and Two-Spirit writers of all experience levels.

    Maryland

    Disco Biblioteca

    Facilitated by Takoma Radio’s own Night Nurse, People’s Book in Takoma Park, Maryland, is hosting an event where folks can listen to curated playlists inspired by the store’s book selection. The event is this Friday.

    Takoma Collective Fall Market

    This Saturday, shop at the Takoma Collective Fall Market to buy the works of local artists, creators and makers. The event is on Laurel Avenue in the heart of downtown Takoma Park, Maryland. For more holiday markets to consider, WTOP has you covered with over 30 mapped across the D.C. area.

    A Swingin’ Little Christmas! Starring Jane Lynch

    Once again, actress Jane Lynch is hosting a jazzy musical show, called “A Swingin’ Little Christmas,” at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. The event is on Saturday with “late ’50s, early ’60s style” music reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams. Hear Lynch’s full interview with WTOP to learn more about the event.

    AFI European Union Film Showcase

    For its 38th year, the AFI European Union Film Showcase features a mix of international film festival award winners as well as new talents to offer a variety of film screenings worth attending. The event spans from Dec. 3 through 21 at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

    Virginia

    Jimi Hendrix Birthday Celebration

    Celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix through blues, rock and soul live performances at Jammin Java this Friday. The Vienna, Virginia, venue is hosting the Jonathan Sloane and the Bobby Thompson Band with tickets that cost $27 per person.

    Mount Vernon by Candlelight

    Learn about the holiday traditions of 18th-century Virginia at Mount Vernon during a candlelit guided tour that explores the first and second floors of George Washington’s mansion, Mount Vernon. General admission for this Friday’s and Saturday’s event costs approximately $41 per person for adults and those above the age of 12 or $33 for those under the age of 12.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: ZooLights, Umbrella Art Fair … and more! – WTOP News

    The District’s National Zoo is glowing again thanks to the return of ZooLights. The event runs on winter evenings from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2026.

    A lit-up panda display dazzles visitors under a brightly colored banner of flowers at ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. (Courtesy Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    The National Zoo is glowing again thanks to the return of ZooLights. The 17th annual event runs in D.C. on winter evenings from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, with 1 million twinkling, environmentally-friendly LED lights, over 100 glowing animal lanterns and a festive atmosphere.

    Those who attend can enjoy a heated lounge with a bar for hot cocoa or adult beverages, while families can take part in a train ride that makes its way around Lion-Tiger Hill. Carousel rides are also available.

    “It is one of the most magical ways to see the zoo,” said Nikki Mounts, director of business operations at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “This is a beloved D.C. holiday tradition where you can come to the zoo and it’ll be lit up and magical and just a time to have Instagrammable moments or make core memories with your family.”

    A new feature at this year’s ZooLights is “Date Night,” which is an adults-only evening on Dec. 17. Prices for this night increase to $19 per person; the ticket cost includes one alcoholic beverage.

    Otherwise, general admission costs $9 per person with parking available at $30 per vehicle. No animals will be on exhibit during ZooLights.

    Mounts said she anticipates more than 100,000 visitors will attend ZooLights this year.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Umbrella Art Fair
    More than 100 artists are coming together at a free art fair, from Friday through Sunday. The Umbrella Art Fair includes workshops, a walking tour and a “game panel” focused on indie game developers. The event is free to attend.

    Employees Only speakeasy pop-up at Bourbon Steak
    Bourbon Steak is hosting a two-night collaboration with New York City’s speakeasy, Employees Only, on Friday and Saturday. The speakeasy is listed as one of The World’s 50 Best Bars and has been for 10 consecutive years. At this event, guest bartender Frank “Maldonado” Kurt is bringing five famed Employees Only craft cocktails to D.C. alongside Bourbon Steak lead bartender Engi Alebachew. The event does not require tickets or reservations and is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

    D.C. Punk Rock Flea Market
    On Saturday, shop at the D.C. Punk Rock Flea Market at St. Stephens in Northwest D.C. The market is free to attend, but it is requested to bring goods for a canned food drive that will benefit We Are Family D.C.

    Flower Potluck
    Northwest D.C. cafe Doubles is hosting one last Flower Potluck events this year on Saturday. The potluck invites the public to bring foraged or store-bought flowers and a vessel with the goal of creating a flower arrangement. Food and beverages are also available for purchase.

    Falling for Myself Market
    With size-inclusive vendors available, Femme Fatale D.C.’s Falling for Myself Market is a celebration of fashion, art and “empowering activities” that promote self-love. The free event is on Sunday.

    Light Yards
    Coming up soon is the annual winter extravaganza known as Light Yards. The family-friendly art installation, which runs from Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, features an interactive holiday light installation. The event is free and open to the public.

    Maryland

    Afrobeat Dance Essentials
    Immerse yourself in African dances at Mount Rainier’s Joe’s Movement Emporium. This Friday, the all-ages event allows the public to learn popular West African dance steps and Igbo cultural dance. The ticket price is “pay-what-you-wish,” starting at $5.

    “A Christmas Carol”
    Get your tickets while you can for Olney Theatre Company’s production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This version takes a twist on the classic by having actor Michael Russotto host a one-man show as he portrays nearly 50 characters on his own during the performance. The production runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28.

    Holiday Art Show & Sale
    Glen Echo Park’s annual Holiday Art Show & Sale is back and running through Jan. 4, 2026. Expect a variety of art mediums, including photography, jewelry, painting as well as holiday ornaments. For more holiday markets, check out WTOP’s holiday market guide.

    Virginia

    Hardwired: The Tribute to Metallica
    The Metallica tribute band, Hardwired, is performing on Thursday at the State Theatre in Falls Church. Tickets cost $21.50 in advance or $24.50 on the day of the show. Dinner reservations are available for an additional $12.

    Alexandria Cider Festival
    The historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria is hosting the Alexandria Cider Festival, which includes cider tastings, live music, tavern games and a food truck. Tickets cost $55 per person or $25 for designated drivers. The event is on Saturday.

    Winter Lantern Festival
    At Lerner Town Square in Tysons, celebrate the holiday season with hundreds of lanterns lit up with LEDs along an illuminated, winter-inspired night walk. Tickets to this Winter Lantern Festival include access to a high-energy acrobatic show. Ticket prices vary.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Four Seasons DC Wine & Dine, Mezcal With Friends … and more! – WTOP News

    Experience the best of D.C. this week with the fourth annual Four Seasons Wine & Dine in Georgetown, featuring celebrity chefs like Michael Mina and Antonia Lofaso, curated wine tastings, and a four-course dinner benefiting cancer research at MedStar Health.

    The Four Seasons D.C. Wine & Dine event is hosted across two evenings with proceeds going to MedStar Health. (Courtesy Four Seasons)

    An exceptional food and wine experience is uniting with philanthropy at the Four Seasons in D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood this week. The fourth annual Four Seasons D.C. Wine & Dine event spans two days with a cocktail reception and a seated dinner with the goal to benefit cancer research at MedStar Health.

    While highlighting the fight against cancer, the fundraiser showcases the talents of premier chefs, winemakers and distillers. The event on Thursday features “chef action stations,” passed hors d’oeuvres, and curated wine and spirit tastings. The day’s event features Chef Michael Mina, James Beard award-nominated David Burke, Top Chef alum Antonia Lofaso and Bourbon Steak Executive Chef Quentin Welch.

    On Friday, the four-course dinner is curated by Bella Oaks, Kinsman Eades, Laurent-Perrier, Lost Mountain Vineyards, Rudd Estate and Williams Selyem, followed by a dessert and spirits lounge with Rare Character Whiskey, The Macallan and IWA Sake of Japan.

    Michael Mina, the chef, founder and executive chairman of Mina Group, told WTOP in a written statement: “Partnering with MedStar Health allows us to support vital research that directly impacts people in the D.C. community. … For me, food has always been about connection, and this event is an extension of that, offering a way for our industry to use what we do best to move the needle for a cause that matters.”

    Bourbon Steak head sommelier Winn Roberton said part of what makes the event unique is how intimate it is, saying that Thursday’s event will give you “the chance to talk to the winemakers at a little bit more length or talk to the chefs at their stations at a little more length, rather than just being in a mass sea of people, trying to bump elbows.”

    “Wine and Dine is really a showcase of how food and wine can be used for good,” Roberton said. “It’s just something that’s very meaningful, and we’re just really happy to do it every year at this point.”

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Alison Roman
    Author, cook and grocery store enthusiast Alison Roman is headed to Sixth & I for a conversation about her newest cookbook, “Something From Nothing.” Hosting the conversation is Hanna Rosin, a senior editor at The Atlantic, host of “Radio Atlantic” and the author of “The End of Men.” Admission costs approximately $20 with first-come first-served seating.

    Pottery on the Hill
    From Friday through Sunday, the annual Pottery on the Hill show and sale is back at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Friday’s preview reception is ticketed and costs $45 in advance or $50 on the day of the event, while admission for Saturday and Sunday is free. Throughout the event, expect demonstrations and conversations about the works by the potters.

    Five Minute Horror Film Fest
    Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the scarier things in life any other time of the year. The Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library is hosting a Five Minute Horror Film Fest this Saturday, with each flick created during the third cohort of DC Public Library’s filmmaking workshop series.

    The Washington Spirit’s semifinals game
    The Washington Spirit, D.C.’s National Women’s Soccer League, is headed to the semifinals this Saturday. They’re hosting the opposing team, the Portland Thorns, at Audi Field. Tickets are still up for grabs, starting at roughly $50 per person.

    Mezcal With Friends
    Pascual, one of the most respected Mexican restaurants in the District, is hosting a collaboration dinner on Monday with Fabiola Padilla, founder of Mexico’s Bekeb, which is one of the “Top 50 Bars” in North America 2025 and 2024 by 50 Best. The culinary experience entails a curated tasting menu featuring three signature cocktails, alongside à la carte tacos from Pascual chef Isabel Coss and cocktails inspired by Padilla. Tickets are available via Resy, priced at $120 per guest, plus tax.

    “Ho ho ho ha ha ha ha”
    Through Dec. 21, head to the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company for Julia Masli’s chaotic, comedic and unpredictable holiday show that covers everything from family meltdowns to gift-related despair “with no script, no plan, no guarantees.” Tickets for “Ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” start at approximately $49 per person.

    Maryland

    Museum Shop Holiday Market
    The Strathmore’s Museums & Makers Holiday Market is kicking off the holiday shopping season with three days of one-of-a-kind gifts that bring together the area’s top museum shops and local artisans. The free event spans from Thursday through Saturday with a $10 suggested donation for entry. For more holiday markets to consider throughout the region, check out WTOP’s holiday market guide.

    “ICE!”
    Starting Friday, Gaylord National at National Harbor is hosting dazzling displays, tempting treats, holiday shows and other festive activities as part of the annual “ICE!” show. This year, the larger-than-life ice sculptures feature characters and scenes from the film, “The Polar Express.” The event runs through Jan. 4, 2026.

    Ride For Your Life
    For its fourth year, the region’s largest bike ride dedicated to street safety is back. Ride For Your Life is a 10-mile “slow ride” that starts at Downtown Bethesda and ends at the Lincoln Memorial. Those who can’t ride can still participate in a one-mile walk from the Foggy Bottom Metro station in D.C. Rider registration for the event on Sunday is free.

    Local Short Film Showcase
    Discover new emerging talents at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center’s Local Short Film Showcase this Monday. Tickets cost approximately $23 per person.

    Virginia

    DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival
    The Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly is hosting the DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival this Saturday and Sunday. The event offers over 200 exhibitors who offer products like teas, soaps, candles and other gifts, plus classes and presentations, arts and crafts for kids, demonstrations and photo-ops. Ticket prices vary.

    Yoga in the Galleries
    Enjoy a 60-minute yoga session at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington on Saturday. After the event, guests are invited to linger with a journal for doodling, drawing or meditating. Tickets start at approximately $15 per person.

    “Emerald Evening” at Honor Brewing Company
    Celebrate the arrival of the film, “Wicked: For Good,” at Honor Brewing Company in Sterling with an event featuring painting activities, a light charcuterie spread, drinks (i.e., beer, wine, cocktail or a mocktail) and a screening of the first film, “Wicked.” The “Emerald Evening” event on Tuesday costs approximately $45 per person.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Capital Food Fight, HBCU First Look Film Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    One of the biggest, boldest and most delicious food events in the D.C. region is back and being hosted this Thursday at The Anthem.

    The Capital Food Fight, hosted by D.C. Central Kitchen at The Anthem in D.C. (Courtesy Deb Lindsay)

    One of the biggest, boldest and most delicious food events in the D.C. region is back and hosted this Thursday at The Anthem. The Capital Food Fight returns for its 21st year with tastes from dozens of the D.C. area’s top restaurants along with a thrilling stage show.

    This year’s chefs who are competing in a culinary battle include Julie Cortes of KAYU, Dina Daniel of Fava Pot, Matt Price of Fraiche and Suresh Sundas of Daru and Tapori. Some of the celebrity chefs making an appearance this year also include Amanda Freitag, Eric Adjepong and Spike Mendelsohn, among others.

    Guests can also enjoy arcade games, a “roaming photo booth,” a Topo Chico Ranch Water station and more, according to Mel Gold, director of communications and marketing at D.C. Central Kitchen.

    “So lots of really cool, fun things to eat, drink and play during the battles,” he told WTOP.

    Hosted by D.C. Central Kitchen, the mission of the Capital Food Fight is to raise funds that will combat hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. In this past year, over $900,000 was raised thanks to this event, which went directly into funding the D.C. Central Kitchen’s efforts.

    Get your last-minute tickets here, with prices starting at $350 per person. The event is strictly for those ages 21 and up.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    HBCU First LOOK Film Festival
    Students and graduates of historically Black colleges and universities have united to elevate up-and-coming storytellers. The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival includes classes, panels, workshops and networking opportunities, all located at Howard University’s Blackburn Center. The film festival runs from Thursday through Saturday. Ticket prices vary.

    “Lie Low”
    Solas Nua, a D.C.-based Irish contemporary arts organization, is hosting the North American premiere of “Lie Low,” a play by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth that is “a dark comedy about trauma, the lies we tell ourselves, and the outrageous ways our brains work. Or don’t.” The production is running at the Atlas Performing Arts Center from Nov. 6 through 23.

    Half and Half Market
    The Femme Fatale D.C. store is hosting a pop-up vintage market on Saturday for the public to discover jewelry, paintings, stickers, prints and a mix of vintage and upcycled clothing. Visitors of the Half and Half Market also get access to flash tattoos, piercings, a screen printing workshop (registration required) and a caricature portrait booth. Tickets are free.

    100th Birthday Memory Making
    The Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library is celebrating its 100th birthday all month long. This Saturday, the library is teaching the public the best practices of personal archiving, while offering information on resources available at Memory Lab, The People’s Archive and the D.C. History Center.

    D.C. Beer Fest
    Nationals Park is bringing back the D.C. Beer Fest with over 80 breweries, 200 beers, food trucks, bands and dueling pianos in tow. The event on Saturday costs $55 for general admission and $90 for VIP admission.

    International Arts & Crafts Market
    On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, head to the World Bank on H Street NW for a festive, multiday shopping experience to get a head start on the holiday season. Vendors at the International Arts & Crafts Market plan to sell crafts, handmade jewelry, colorful housewares, Turkish towels and more.

    Maryland

    “Hello, Dolly!”
    This classic 1964 musical is all about “love, second chances and the magic of an adventure to the big city.” The musical is centered around a matchmaker in search of a match for a miserly character, named Horace Vandergelder. “Hello, Dolly!” runs at the Olney Theatre Center from Nov. 6 through Jan. 4 of 2026. Audiences of all ages are welcome, though “if this were a film, it would be rated PG,” according to the Olney website. Tickets start at around $45.

    Tribute to Erykah Badu & Jill Scott
    This event is a tribute to the queens of Neo Soul, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. Located at the Bethesda Theatre, expect some of their most popular songs, performed by Virginia native Angelica Baylor. The event is on Friday with tickets that start at roughly $40.

    Nerd Cabaret
    The Silver Spring Black Box is hosting a nerdy cabaret this Saturday featuring a medley of iconic musical TV episodes and opening themes. Tickets start at approximately $60.

    Virginia

    Alexandria Film Festival
    Through Sunday, the 19th annual Alexandria Film Festival has more than 60 films expected to make their debut with half made by local filmmakers. Each showcase in Alexandria, Virginia, is priced at $15. Furloughed federal government workers impacted by the shutdown are offered complimentary tickets.

    Northern Virginia Christmas Market
    For its 32nd year, the Northern Virginia Christmas Market promises over 300 fine artisans from more than 30 states, offering a diverse selection of goods, including pottery, jewelry, stained glass, wood, photography and fiber arts. The event runs from Friday through Sunday. Tickets cost $9, while children under 12 can enter for free.

    Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival
    For its second year, this briny, cheesy festival is prepared to offer guests a variety of vendors and food trucks to make the event a truly dill-icious time. Expect pickle tastings, pickle beer and cider and also pickle-themed activities. The Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival is this Saturday at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Tickets cost $30 per person.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Fright Fête, Día de los Muertos … and more! – WTOP News

    Lovers of indie bookstores and spine-chilling festivities should head to Fright Fête at Lost City Books in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood this Friday.

    Lovers of indie bookstores and spine-chilling festivities should head to Fright Fête at Lost City Books in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood this Friday.

    This is the fifth Fright Fête hosted on Halloween by Lost City Books. At the event, guests can expect costumes, dancing, snacks and refreshments, a live DJ and even free flash tattoos.

    “It’s great if you already have plans on Halloween, but maybe this can be like a first stop for you and a friend … before going on to the next thing. Some people who love indie bookstores and maybe don’t go to house parties in that kind of way — they’re welcome to stay at Lost City the whole night,” said Jonny Teklit, events manager at Lost City Books. “We just try and make it fun. We try and make it a party that we as staff would want to attend as well.”

    Tickets to the Fright Fête cost roughly $53 per person.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Looking for other Halloween activities? Check out these spooktacular parties and other events, or head to a themed pop-up at a local bar or restaurant.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Nightmare on U Street
    Get boo-zy this Halloween at Whitlow’s on U Street. This Friday, expect the bar to be filled with live music, specialty drinks and a $500 prize for the winner of their costume contest. Those who arrive between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. also get a free JELL-O shot.

    D.C. Zinefest
    Head to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday for the annual celebration of zines, known as D.C. Zinefest. The festival is being hosted on the fourth and fifth floors with workshops hosted in The People’s Archive in the library.

    Fall Family Fun Day
    For some of the best seasonal, family-friendly fun, the Brookland Arts Walk is hosting a puppet show on Saturday along with a photo booth and other activities.

    Adams Morgan PorchFest
    One of the city’s biggest neighborhood music festivals is back for the fall season. Adams Morgan PorchFest is being hosted at dozens of businesses with over 100 bands participating.

    Día de los Muertos
    The Wharf is celebrating Día de los Muertos this Saturday in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute and Fiesta D.C. The family-friendly festival includes live music, cultural performances, a Modelo beer garden, face painting and sugar skull decorating.

    Maryland

    Ball-o-ween/Baddie-ween
    The Bethesda Theater is hosting a Halloween costume party, called Ball-o-ween/Baddie-ween, with sounds from Dylan Ali, the Styles Band, Tyra the Zombie, and Stardust, with headliner TikTok star and rapper Adamn Killa. Tickets cost $35.

    “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror”
    The Mansion in North Bethesda, Maryland, is hosting a live music screening of the 1922 film, “Nosferatu,” accompanied by Strathmore’s very own AIR musicians. The event is this Saturday with tickets that cost approximately $35 per person.

    Carla Hall on “Carla and the Tin Can Cake Party”
    This Sunday, celebrity chef and TV star Carla Hall is hosting a story time at People’s Book in Takoma Park, Maryland, to read her book, “Carla and the Tin Can Cake Party.”

    Virginia

    Halloween Dog Costume Contest
    Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, Virginia, is celebrating the spookier things in life with pups this Friday. Their Halloween dog costume contest includes more than just prizes. The public can also enjoy special cider releases and Thai food on site.

    Taylor-Ween: A Taylor Swift Halloween Dance Party
    The Fearless Eras, performers who are “not just a cover band — it’s an experience,” are performing at the State Theatre in Falls Church this Friday. The cost is $20 per person.

    Halloween Night of Devilish Music
    Jammin Java in Vienna isn’t hosting a Monster Mash, but instead a Halloween Night of Devilish Music with bands and performers like the Aidan Leclaire Band, BUKO BUKO and Lena Taynham. The event costs approximately $20 to attend.

    Alexandria Fall-O-Ween
    John Carlyle Square in Alexandria is hosting a Fall-O-Ween celebration with holiday desserts, a kids’ costume contest and a pet costume contest. The free event is this Saturday.

    ALX Jazz Fest Pop Up Series
    On Sunday, enjoy a free jazz performance and spoken word performance at Alexandria’s Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market. The performers are musician Jordan Curls with poetry by Dehejia B. and Chet Been Cool.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Chefs for Equality, District Arcade … and more! – WTOP News

    The Chefs for Equality benefit dinner is back on Monday, and there’s plenty more things to do in D.C. this weekend. Here’s WTOP’s guide.

    Food previously served at Chefs for Equality in D.C.(Courtesy Human Rights Campaign)

    The Chefs for Equality benefit dinner is back on Monday — and this year, it’s not one single dinner. Instead, the event encompasses five chef-driven collaboration dinners at Acqua Bistecca, The Duck and the Peach, Moon Rabbit, CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Perry’s in D.C.

    As part of the event, Perry’s is also presenting a “Drag Brunch for Dinner,” which is a buffet curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Masako Morishita with performances by several of D.C.’s top drag stars.

    Since its inception in 2012, Chefs for Equality has raised over $20 million for the HRC Foundation through chefs and mixologists coming together to create “the most spectacular food event in Washington” with the purpose to fight for full LGBTQ equality, according to David Hagedorn, creator and co-chair of Chefs for Equality for the Human Rights Campaign.

    Each dinner accommodates between 60 to 80 people. There is also an online silent auction that is publicly accessible, which includes opportunities such as a “culinary experience” for four at The Inn at Little Washington or a dinner for four with former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, Centrolina chef Amy Brandwein and Baan Mae chef Seng Luangrath.

    “Times are tough, and (Washington’s restaurant community is) still stepping up to stand up for equality of LGBTQ people and all marginalized people,” Hagedorn said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to have Chefs for Equality, and we appreciate them so much.”

    To be a guest in this year’s event, which is titled, “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” ticket prices vary and can be purchased at the Chefs for Equality website.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    District Arcade
    The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is celebrating video games and game makers from the D.C. region this Saturday. The free District Arcade event includes works from 20 to 30 local developers showcasing games of different genres and levels of completion, ranging from prototypes to complete games.

    Haul-O-Ween Yard Sale
    Drop by the Capitol Hill neighborhood Saturday for a massive yard sale happening across the neighborhood, hosted by The Hill is Home. Find a map of the participating locations here.

    Pumpkin Boulevard
    Union Market is hosting over 60 vendors who are serving seasonal spooky treats and handmade goods to celebrate the autumnal season. Pumpkin Boulevard is happening on Saturday and Sunday with tickets that cost $5 per person. Admission is free for federal workers.

    LawnToberFest
    Celebrate the fall season this Sunday at LawnToberFest presented by Hi-Lawn in Northeast D.C. This family-friendly event offers several activities, such as pumpkin painting, themed trivia, bingo and lawn games. Also, expect live music and a DC Brau tap takeover.

    Stadium Chef Series at Nationals Park
    Experience fine dining at Nationals Park as part of the Stadium Chef Series. Next Wednesday’s dinner features a five-course menu from James Beard Award-affiliated and standout chefs that include Carlos Delgado of Causa, Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit, Angel Barreto of Anju, Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster and dessert by Isabel Coss of Pascual and Lutèce. Tickets start at $450 per person.

    Maryland

    Trek or Treat
    With costumes highly encouraged, come to Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro for a trick-or-treating experience that invites families to “trek” through a haunted trail packed with games, mazes and spooky characters. Candy can be collected along the way. The Trek or Treat event is this Friday.

    Spooky Season Candle Making
    Get crafty at the Shop Made in MD’s College Park location with a candle making workshop hosted by artist Olga Kardonova on Saturday. The custom candles will get in the spirit of fall with the option to create a candle with a skeleton or a pumpkin. Tickets cost approximately $60.

    Harbor Halloween
    Celebrate the season at National Harbor this Sunday with trick-or-treating at over 30 locations. Find the map of participating businesses here.

    Virginia

    ZigBone Writers Step Up to the Mic
    Step up your writing skills at Old Town Books in Alexandria. This Thursday, the “ZigBone Writers Step Up to the Mic” event brings author and writing coach Diana Friedman and alumni from ZigBone Farm’s writing retreats for an evening of short readings and a Fabled Ice Cream tasting. Tickets cost approximately $12.

    Factory of Fear
    For a haunted experience, head to ARTfactory in Manassas for Factory of Fear. Hosted Friday and Saturday, the walk-through experience encompasses four levels of a historic building transformed into a “world of darkness, deceit, and unspeakable horrors.” Tickets are priced at approximately $28 per person.

    Harvest Festival Fly-In
    This Saturday, visitors of the 11th annual Harvest Festival Fly-In in Fredericksburg can expect to see historic aircraft and participate in aviation-style trick-or-treating and candy drops. Tickets for the plane rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Shannon School of Aeronautics tent near the terminal of the Shannon Airport and Air Museum. General admission costs $17 and $10 for children between the ages of 4 and 12.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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  • Halloween pop-ups and other frightening foodie events in the DC area – WTOP News

    The Halloween Mini Box at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken.(Photo courtesy Scott Suchman) The Halloween Mini Box at Astro Doughnuts…

    The Halloween Mini Box at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken.(Photo courtesy Scott Suchman)

    Eat, drink and be scary at these spooky and delicious Halloween pop-ups and events in the D.C. area.

    WTOP rounded up several foodie-focused events for consideration, from a Halloween murder mystery dinner to an Adams Morgan party with themed potions and costume contests to a Navy Yard pop-up dedicated to the legacy of D.C.’s football team — talk about spooky!

    Find out where you can get spooky spirits and other wicked potions to imbibe below. Find more Halloween events in WTOP’s event guide here.

    Themed Halloween bars and pop-ups in the DC region

    Haunted Mansion Spookeasy at Chicken + Whiskey
    1738 14th Street NW, D.C.

    The 14th Street location of Chicken + Whiskey opened a “spookeasy” pop-up bar with no cover charge and live DJs spinning eerie beats on Thursdays through Saturdays. Costumes encouraged as you drink your boos … I mean, booze.

    “Spirits of RFK Stadium” at Tap99
    1250 Half Street SE, D.C.

    The self-pour Navy Yard bar, Tap99, has a pop-up dedicated to D.C.’s football past, but with a Halloween twist. The “Spirits of RFK Stadium” pop-up transforms the space into a frightful escape with pom-pom-waving skeletal cheerleaders, skulls in football helmets and cobweb-draped hallways.

    McClellan’s Retreat
    2031 Florida Avenue NW, D.C.

    It’s not necessarily very Halloween-y, but McClellan’s Retreat is hosting a cocktail menu inspired by the film, “Wicked.” From “Glinda’s Goblet” to “Elphaba’s Elixir,” enjoy these and other themed cocktails before the theme changes for the holiday season.

    Del Ray Pop Up Bar
    2312 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Va.

    For frightful cocktails and an ambience sure to send shivers down your spine, head to this rotating pop-up bar in Alexandria, Virginia’s Del ray neighborhood. The menu features plenty of bubbling potions and other brews, plus themed bites like a “spider pretzel,” with “cobwebbed” queso.

    Honor Brewing Company
    42604 Trade W Drive, Sterling, Va.

    At their Loudoun County, Virginia, location, Honor Brewing Company is celebrating the spooky season with spooky sips in themed glassware and movie nights on the lawn.

    Themed Halloween tasting menus and other tasty treats at DC-area restaurants

    CarnEvil Nights at Dirty Habit
    This spine-chilling soiree on Oct. 31 is a twist on typical carnival shenanigans. With costumes encouraged, the CarnEvil Nights event includes a live DJ, themed drink and food specials, a costume contest and other spooky surprises. This event is for those ages 21 and older only. Tickets cost approximately $35 per person with one complimentary drink offered.

    Hot Cider Cart at Le Diplomate
    On Oct. 31, Le Diplomate in D.C. is transforming their signature ice cream cart into a hot cider cart with mini cinnamon sugar doughnuts. These treats are complimentary to guests from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The French brasserie is also hosting a Halloween costume contest.

    Haunted Heights: A Halloween Prix-Fixe Dinner at VUE Rooftop
    At one of the city’s best rooftop venues, expect a night of tricks, but mostly treats at this prix-fixe dinner at the Hotel Washington’s VUE Rooftop. The one-night-only dinner includes three courses, cocktails and a live DJ. With reservations possible via OpenTable, the Halloween event on Oct. 31 costs $185 to attend.

    Halloween Mini Boxes at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
    Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is selling festively decorated mini doughnuts for the spooky season. There are Halloween Mini Boxes and Stranger Things Mini Boxes featured at the D.C. and Shirlington locations, each priced at $35.

    “Halloweed” Donuts at Donisima
    For spooky-themed doughnuts with a Latin-inspired flair, head to Donisima at The Square in D.C. for their pumpkin spice alfajor doughnut, a flor de canela doughnut with a cinnamon glaze and a cinnamon caramel or their bloody velvet doughnut for those who love red velvet flavor. These treats are available from Oct. 25 through 31.

    And more Halloween events to enjoy at DC-area restaurants and bars

    Morris Masquerade
    Oct. 30, | 1020 7 Street NW, D.C.

    Don your favorite mask, and be prepared for a night of revelry with a vintage-inspired cocktail bar, a live DJ and themed cocktails. The approximately $25 ticket includes a welcome shooter. This event is for those ages 21 and older only. Costumes are required.

    La Casita Embrujada
    Oct. 31, | 2127 I Street NW, D.C.

    The back of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is being transformed into a Halloween dance party with a live DJ. Costumes are required.

    Stranger Things Halloween Party
    Oct. 31, | 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Va.

    In the lower level of Astro Beer Hall’s Shirlington location, expect to be transported back to the 1980s with a Halloween party themed after the “Stranger Things” TV show. Along with themed cocktails and a photo booth, also expect a costume contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

    Adam’s (Morgan) Family
    Oct. 31, | 1819 Columbia Road NW, D.C.

    The Popal Group, which is known for restaurants like Lapis, Pascual, Lutèce, and Maison Bar à Vins, is hosting a spooktacular Halloween party in Adams Morgan. On the evening of Halloween, each of the group’s restaurants are offering a special signature cocktail, plus JELL-O shots and other themed drinks to enjoy. This event is for those ages 21 and older only. Early admission costs $15 per ticket, while general admission costs $20 per ticket. Be sure to also bring a costume as there is a costume contest expected during the evening’s festivities.

    Murder at the Masquerade
    Oct. 31 | JÔNT, 1904 14 Street NW, D.C.

    Michelin-starred restaurant JÔNT is hosting an immersive and delicious masquerade event Oct. 31. On Halloween night, guests can sip on Champagne and enjoy exquisite cuisine as secrets, whispers and hidden tokens unfold. With wine pairings included, the event is hosted at 5:30 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. with a cost of $695 per person.

    Spooky-Danza
    Oct. 31 | Sonny’s Pizza, 3120 Georgia Avenue NW, D.C.

    Celebrate Halloween at this natural wine party in D.C. Along with bottomless pours, the late-night event also includes a costume contest, DJs and dancing, as well as snacks. There will also be flash tattoos from local artists to benefit the D.C. Migrant Fund. Tickets cost approximately $80 per person.

    Navy Yard Halloween Bar Fest
    Nov. 1 | Various locations in Navy Yard, D.C.

    This festival doesn’t just cross into one bar, but over 10 across the Navy Yard neighborhood, including The Bullpen, Royal Sands Social Club and Problem Child. All day long, enjoy drink specials at participating bars with costumes encouraged for the event. Tickets cost approximately $26.

    Sinister Séance
    Nov. 1 | Ned’s Club, 734 15th Street NW, D.C.

    The Ned’s Club and HEIST are presenting Sinister Séance, an experience with immersive rooms, eerie performances and a live DJ set. The event includes an open bar and bites. For those ages 21 and older, the early bird general admission fee is approximately $275, while the regular general admission fee costs roughly $312.

    “Sissy That Haunt!” Halloween Drag Brunch
    Nov. 2, | 1811 Columbia Road NW, D.C.

    With costumes encouraged, attendees for the Halloween drag brunch at Perry’s can expect tons of fun, including a costume contest, brunch buffet and cocktails and, of course, queens dressed in Halloween costumes. Tickets cost approximately $18 per guest.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Deaf Way Film Festival, ‘Fremont Ave.’ … and more! – WTOP News

    Gallaudet University is hosting the Deaf Way Film Festival for the first time since 2002, celebrating deaf culture and cinema with free public screenings and inclusive programming. The four-day event features documentaries like “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” and “Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie,” along with conversations and cultural experiences on campus.

    Tabitha Jacques, director of art, culture and experience at Gallaudet University.(Courtesy Gallaudet University)

    For the first time in over 20 years, Gallaudet University is hosting the Deaf Way Film Festival this week with plans for it to become a regularly hosted, biennial event that is free and open to the public.

    The festival is planned across four days, from Thursday through Sunday.

    The D.C.-based university last hosted a Deaf Way Festival in 2002 as a way for deaf people from all over the world to meet, connect and celebrate their art and culture.

    This year, the film-themed festival includes a screening of the 2025 documentary, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” accompanied by a conversation between Shoshannah Stern and film programmer, Andrea Passafiume.

    Also planned is a screening of “Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie,” which is a documentary on the deaf icon, Shelley Beattie.

    “For folks who are not a part of the deaf community, for people that don’t know about Gallaudet University, I want them to be a part of our landscape here at Gallaudet, to appreciate who we are as a linguistic minority; as a culture of peoples; and to build bridges that allow for both deaf people and hearing people to connect,” said Tabitha Jacques, director of art, culture and experience at the university.

    The events throughout the festival will have spoken language interpretation and captions on the screens among other accommodations for those with other disabilities. For those who are not fluent in American Sign Language, International Sign language is also used.

    “It’s not just about watching the films,” Jacques said. “It’s really about experiencing the culture, the campus, the nuances of the deaf community.”

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Fall Festival
    Celebrate the season on Saturday at the Franciscan Monastery’s Fall Festival. This family-friendly event includes pumpkin picking, fall flowers and sheep.

    Adams Morgan Apple Festival
    On the front steps of the LINE DC hotel, the annual Adams Morgan Apple Festival is back Saturday with an Heirloom apple tasting, a homemade apple pie baking contest and fall-themed specials from local businesses. The event is free and open to all.

    Georgetown Fall Market
    With over 30 vendors expected, head to the Georgetown Fall Market this Saturday and Sunday for all your shopping needs. The event is at 3206 N Street Plaza NW.

    Black on the Block
    Nationals Park is hosting the third annual Black on the Block event Sunday. This live music event showcases over 80 Black-owned businesses as well as DJs and giveaways. Ticket prices vary.

    D.C. Record Fair
    The D.C. Record Fair at Eaton DC this Sunday features over 40 vendors selling vinyl, books and other memorabilia. Admission is free.

    Turkish Festival
    This Sunday, Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 6th streets is going to be a place of celebration for the Turkish Festival. Along with food and drinks, the event hosts a Turkish coffee and tea experience as well as several dance performances.

    “Fremont Ave.”
    Running through Nov. 23 at Arena Stage, “Fremont Ave.” is a dramatic-comedy about love, legacy and “a cutthroat game of spades.” Written by Reggie D. White and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, this world premiere of “Fremont Ave.” is about how three generations of Black men face off at the card table and come face-to-face with their own masculinity. Ticket prices vary.

    Maryland

    Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show
    The Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show represents 33 car clubs and includes a flea market, car sales area and live music, plus food and drinks available for purchase. Saturday’s event in Rockville, Maryland, is free and open to the public.

    Cabin John Halloween Eye Spy Train
    For family-friendly fun, head to the Cabin John Regional Park on Saturday in Bethesda for the Cabin John Halloween Eye Spy Train. This “Eye Spy” train comes with sights of seasonal items such as pumpkins, ghosts and black cats with train stations like “Día de los Trenes” and “Trainsylvania.”

    “Giselle”
    From Friday through Sunday, the Maryland Hall in Annapolis is presenting “Giselle.” This Romantic-era ballet set in Paris in 1841 has themes of betrayal and mercy, music by Adolphe Adam and choreography based on Marius Petipa’s late-19th-century revivals. Ticket prices vary with a virtual ticket option available.

    Virginia

    Middleburg Film Festival
    From Thursday through Sunday, Middleburg, Virginia, is hosting the Middleburg Film Festival. This year’s schedule has more than 45 films that include both narratives and documentaries, such as the “Billy Idol Should Be Dead” documentary and the new Yorgos Lanthimos absurdist black comedy film, “Bugonia.”

    Fall Artisan Market
    The Plaza in Fairfax Corner has a Fall Artisan Market planned for Saturday in Fairfax. The all-ages event has live music, arts and crafts activities and a market with more than 40 local artisans. The event is free to attend.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Capital Art and Craft Festival, Race the District … and more! – WTOP News

    Returning to the Dulles Expo Center this year in Chantilly, Virginia, is the Capital Art and Craft Festival. Here are other things to do in the D.C. area.

    The Capital Art & Craft Festival is hosted at the Dulles Expo Center.(Courtesy Capital Art & Craft Festival)

    Returning to the Dulles Expo Center this year in Chantilly, Virginia, is the Capital Art and Craft Festival. From Oct. 10 to 12, the festival is showcasing works of art and fine crafts from more than 200 juried artists. The artworks featured range far and wide, from glass art and metal works to paintings and photography to clothing and specialty foods.

    Judy Spargo, festival director of the Capital Art and Craft Festival, said this is the sixth year for the event, which will also include hands-on demonstrations, such as pottery, painting and metal spinning.

    For those who may have attended in the past, Spargo said, “Each show is unique,” so expect the variety of artists featured to be different compared to years past.

    Tickets cost $11 for general admission for adults and those above the age of 13. Guests who are 12 and younger have free admission.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    D.C. Palestinian Film & Arts Festival

    For its 12th year, the D.C. Palestinian Film & Arts Festival is uncovering the experiences of Palestinians, starting this Thursday and running through Sunday. The multiday festival features performance artist Fargo Nissim Tbakhi, several award-winning films, discussions with artists, an interactive culinary workshop and a children’s program. The venues are at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Find the full schedule on the event website.

    Race the District

    A go-kart racing experience is on its way to the Union Market District from Oct. 9 to 12. Race the District is transforming Union Market’s parking lot into an outdoor racetrack. Also planned is a live block party performance on 5th Street NE on Saturday. Tickets cost approximately $42 per person.

    Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival

    The District’s premier comedy festival is back from Oct. 10 to 12 at The Wharf in Southwest D.C. The Because They’re Funny (BTF) Festival brings together today’s leading comedians and some of the brightest new voices in the industry across several venues. Ticket prices vary.

    Snallygaster

    Behold, the District’s “biggest and beastliest beer festival,” hosted this Saturday on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th streets NW. For its 13th year, Snallygaster is bringing pours from more than 175 of the finest American and international beer producers. The “Basilisk” pass is sold out, but the “Kraken” passes are still available for $75 per person. These passes include unlimited beer, wine and cocktail tastings all day long, plus a commemorative tasting glass. “Designated Driver” passes are also available for $25 per person.

    1A Fest

    Celebrate the First Amendment this Saturday at a free, family-friendly festival, called 1A Fest. Hosted by the Freedom Forum, the event at The Wharf’s District Pier is hosting giveaways and several activities, including a tote bag personalization station, caricatures, face painting and a balloon artist.

    Pupusa Party Alleycat

    This alley cat bike race and fun/education ride starts from the Don Juan restaurant and ends at the Dew Drop Inn with proceeds going to education in El Salvador. As part of the event, Guarina Lopez of Native Women Ride is leading the Fun Ride portion of the Pupusa Party by taking riders on a short tour of sites connected to the history of the Indigenous people of D.C. Bands, vendors, a silent auction and food are expected at the end of the race. Tickets cost $20.

    Maryland

    Noir City Film Festival

    If you’re a lover of noir, head to the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, from Oct. 10 to 13 for the Noir City Film Festival. This year, the festival is expected to have a “distinctly feminine slant to the proceedings,” showcasing films actresses who were notable for their performances in crime films of the era. Tickets cost $15 per screening or $200 for an all-access pass.

    Oktoberfest in Gaithersburg

    Get ready to prost! This Sunday in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg expect a lively Oktoberfest festival. Multiple stages of live entertainment with traditional Bavarian music and dancing are to be expected, plus fall-themed activities for families. Admission, parking and shuttle services are all free to the public.

    Disney’s ‘Moana’ Live-to-Film Concert

    The Strathmore’s Music Center in North Bethesda is accompanying a full-length screening of the movie “Moana” with live performances by top Hollywood studio musicians. The event is this Sunday. Tickets start at approximately $38.

    Virginia

    Disney On Ice

    Disney On Ice presents “Jump In!” from Oct. 9 through 13, where families can be immersed in the world of “Moana 2” in EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. The event also comes with a special appearance by Mickey Mouse.

    Fall Wine Festival

    Mount Vernon, President George Washington’s estate, is hosting a Fall Wine Festival from Oct. 10 to 12, where guests can enjoy unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours. Ticket prices vary.

    Taste of NoVA

    This food and drink festival spans across Oct. 11 to 12 at the NOVA LIVE campus in Manassas. The Taste of NoVA event brings together over 120 chefs and mixologists, as well as influencers from across the region. Across two days, enjoy drinks and bites from popular restaurants, expert talks, live cooking demos and more. Ticket prices vary.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • DC-area Halloween parties and spooktacular events – WTOP News

    For those seeking something scary, delicious, enlightening or family-friendly this Halloween season, there’s something in D.C. for every haunt of life.

    It’s time to party it up this spooky season. For those seeking something scary, delicious, enlightening or family-friendly, there’s something in the D.C. region for every haunt of life. Here’s your guide on what to expect this year.

    For a list of haunted houses, fields, forests and other local attractions, check out this guide from WTOP.

    And for more events, consider WTOP’s “Things to do in the D.C. area” guide, which publishes every Thursday.

    For those seeking family-friendly or pup-approved fun

    Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest
    At Dacha’s Navy Yard location, lovers of fluff can come and participate in a pet costume contest or browse through a vendor marketplace. Tickets for the Oct. 11 event cost $10 or $20 for a contest entry.

    Howl-O-Ween Bar(k) Crawl
    Invite your favorite furry friend to come to The Yards in D.C. for the Howl-O-Ween Bar(k) Crawl. This event transforms several of the outdoor patios in the neighborhood into Halloween playgrounds for dogs and their humans. Expect Halloween-themed treats, cocktails and happy hour bites. The event on Oct. 15 is free to attend.

    Boo at the Zoo
    The Smithsonian National Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is back Oct. 17-19 with 30 trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. The $35 general admission includes after-hours access to the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center. Guests can also expect a live giant pumpkin carving, a roaming magician and a troupe of costumed actors bringing Halloween characters to life.

    The Haunted Library
    For those aged 13 and up, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting an hour of reading scary stories. The free event is Oct. 22.

    PumpkinPalooza
    Alethia Tanner Park in D.C. is hosting a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, live Smurf costumed characters and a costume parade, a screening of the “Hotel Transylvania” film, and a petting zoo at their annual PumpkinPalooza event. The event is Oct. 22.

    Haunted House Decorating
    Drop in at the National Building Museum on Oct. 25 for an arts and crafts session where children can design their own haunted houses. Preregistration is recommended, but not required. The program costs $7 per child and $10 per adult.

    Air & Scare
    The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, is hosting a Halloween event Oct. 25 for families to dress up and enjoy trick-or-treat stations, special story times and puppet shows and creepy crafts within the museum. Air & Scare is free to attend, but the outdoor portion of the event requires tickets.

    Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
    Come with costumes and bags Oct. 25 for children and their families to collect candy at the historic presidential home. Tickets to trick or treat at Mount Vernon cost $30 per adult and $25 per youth.

    For foodies or those craving bottomless pours

    An Evening of Poisons and Potions
    The U.S. Botanic Garden is inviting the public to sip on sinister spirits and wicked potions Oct. 17. For $35, adults ages 21 and up can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, while exploring the garden after hours.

    Murder at the Masquerade
    Michelin-starred restaurant JÔNT is hosting an immersive and delicious masquerade event Oct. 31. On Halloween night, guests can sip on Champagne and enjoy exquisite cuisine as secrets, whispers and hidden tokens unfold. With wine pairings included, the event is hosted at 5:30 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. with a cost of $695 per person.

    Spooky-Danza
    Celebrate Halloween with the Spooky-Danza natural wine party at Sonny’s Pizza in D.C. Along with bottomless pours, the late-night event Oct. 31 also includes a costume contest, DJs and dancing, as well as snacks. There will also be flash tattoos from local artists to benefit the D.C. Migrant Fund. Tickets cost approximately $80 per person.

    For the lovers of art, music and history

    Ghosts of Georgetown
    Explore Georgetown in this family-friendly tour all month long to learn about the dark secrets hidden within the neighborhood. The one-and-a-half-hour walking tour costs approximately $39 per adult or $25 per child.

    Soul Strolls
    Experience the Congressional Cemetery like never before with this hourlong walking tour, which navigates those interred there and the secrets buried alongside them. Soul Strolls is a rain-or-shine event recommended only for adults due to mature themes. The “second wave” of ticket sales open Oct. 10 for walking tours that are hosted Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1.

    An Evening with Jack the Ripper
    The local lecture series, known as Profs and Pints, is heading to D.C.’s Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital for a gripping presentation on Jack the Ripper. Luxx Mishou, who is a former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, plans to discuss the infamous case and whether the sensational press coverage surrounding the murders helped or actually hindered the search. And, of course, the lecture will tackle the biggest question of all: Who was Jack the Ripper? Tickets for the Oct. 15 event cost approximately $15 per person.

    COVEN: A Halloween Dance Party
    Head to the Black Cat in D.C. for a night of dancing and tarot readings Oct. 23. Guests can also get excited for spooky vendors and a witchy photo booth. Tickets cost $13 in advance.

    Girls Rock! D.C. Halloween Benefit
    Five bands are performing for this Halloween fundraiser for Girls Rock! D.C., a group that provides music programs for young people. The event is at Songbyrd Music House in Northeast D.C. on Oct. 26. Tickets cost approximately $25.

    Early American Witch Hunts
    Another Profs and Pints lecture to consider is this event on the colonial hysteria that led to the tragedy of Salem. Richard Bell, a history professor at the University of Maryland, will lead the lecture Oct. 27. Tickets cost approximately $15 per person.

    “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror”
    The Lincoln Theatre is hosting a screening of “Nosferatu” with a live orchestral accompaniment. Tickets to the event on Oct. 29 start at approximately $45.

    Other notable events

    D.C. WitchFest
    On Oct. 11, head to the 3400 block of 11th Street NW for D.C. WitchFest. This event promises a magical afternoon of tarot readings, astrology readings as well as witchy crafts and spells. Admission is free.

    HORRORGVSM IV
    For something that is not only spooky, but a little sexy too, D.C. Braulesque is hosting a horror-themed burlesque show at D.C. Brau on Oct. 25. General admission costs $25, while VIP costs $40.

    All About Bats in the District
    Learn about the science of bats with local expert Kelly Russo-Petrick at this free event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The event is Oct. 25. Preregistration is encouraged.

    Creature Feature
    For adults only, Rhizome is hosting a Halloween drag show hosted by performer Exquisite Corpze. The event is Oct. 30 with tickets that are free, but donations are appreciated.

    Nightmare in Navy Yard
    On Oct. 31, Scorpio Entertainment is hosting the sixth annual Nightmare in Navy Yard with three DJs, three dance floors, themed cocktails and food trucks. But don’t forget the spooky decor and animatronics! Tickets cost approximately $45 per person.

    Halloween Drag Bingo + Dinner
    Head to the D.C. restaurant Unconventional Diner on Oct. 31 for a drag bingo and dinner event hosted by India L. Houston. This Halloween event costs $60 per person with a buffet and five bingo cards included. Cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine are available a la carte.

    Fantom Comics x Dupont Underground Halloween Party
    In the deep subterranean depths of Dupont Circle, or Dupont Underground, Fantom Comics is planning a Halloween party with live DJs and video games. Ticket prices cost $20 for first release and will increase as Oct. 31 nears.

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    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Black-Owned Wine and Spirits Festival, Taste of Bethesda … and more! – WTOP News

    The Black-Owned Wine and Spirits Festival is honoring the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Black makers and business owners on Saturday in D.C.

    The 9th Annual Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival is being hosted at the Hamilton Hotel in D.C. (Courtesy Hamilton Hotel)

    The ninth annual Black-Owned Wine and Spirits Festival is honoring the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Black makers and business owners on Saturday in D.C.

    The festival is at the Hamilton Hotel (not to be confused with the nearby Hamilton Restaurant).

    “What we want to do here is give consumers and the attendees an opportunity to learn more about Black-owned wine and spirits that are in the industry, so that they know that they have other options to choose from outside of the mainstream brands in the liquor stores or the grocery stores,” said Chanel Turner, owner, founder and organizer of the festival.

    Approximately 28 wine and spirit brands are participating in this year’s event. For the first time, the event is also hosting the Black-Owned Spirits Awards to further spotlight the best brands currently on the market.

    Tickets cost roughly $100 for general admission and approximately $200 for VIP admission. VIP admission includes access to a VIP lounge, a cocktail class, a “dedicated chef experience” and a private Champagne bar, among other perks.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Pickle Festival
    Celebrate all things briny and tangy at the Pickle Festival on Saturday at Merry Pin. The event includes pickle tastings, a pickle making competition, pickle drinks, pickle-themed board games and live entertainment (some of which is pickle-themed!). The event is free, but those with an “All Access Pickle Pass” ($45 for adults, $25 for children) get access to an all-you-can-eat pickle bar, a pass holders lounge and craft stations.

    Oktoberfest at The Wharf
    Get your dirndl or lederhosen ready because there are a variety of Oktoberfest celebrations happening Saturday at The Wharf. Along with the 13th annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, there is also a stein hoisting championship and a free polka dance class on Transit Pier.

    “The Juke Joint”
    Go-Go lovers shouldn’t miss this kick-off fundraiser and community event for the Go-Go Museum and Café in Anacostia. On Saturday, the museum plans to transport guests to an “immersive atmosphere” inspired by the 2025 film “Sinners” with a fundraising goal of $500,000.

    Home Rule Music Festival
    Celebrate the people and performers who make up the District at the Home Rule Music Festival this Saturday. The live music and food festival at Alethia Tanner Park is free and open to the public, but there are a limited number of VIP tickets available.

    Maryland

    Taste of Bethesda
    For its 33rd year, enjoy some of Bethesda’s best restaurants at the Taste of Bethesda. On Saturday, the food-focused event also features four stages of live entertainment as well as activities for kids. Admission is free with taste tickets sold in bundles of four tickets for $5.

    Takoma Park Street Festival
    With over 185 vendor booths and music from 18 local bands, enjoy the 44th year of the Takoma Park Street Festival this Sunday. The community festival is free to attend and will occur rain or shine.

    PIKEtoberfest
    North Bethesda’s premier fall festival, PIKEtoberfest, is hosted this Sunday, with beer garden, activities for kids and a pop-up makers market. The event is free to attend.

    Virginia

    Taylor Swift Party at Lost Barrel Brewing
    In case you haven’t heard, Taylor Swift is about to drop her newest album. To celebrate “The Life of a Showgirl,” Lost Barrel Brewing in Middleburg, Virginia, is hosting an album listening party alongside Eras-inspired drinks, a friendship bracelet-making station and several vendors. For more details on this and other local celebrations, check out WTOP’s guide.

    Vienna Oktoberfest
    If you’re a fan of beer and pretzels, head to the Vienna Oktoberfest on Saturday. The family-friendly event in Vienna includes live entertainment across three stages, a business expo showcase and a vendor and artisan marketplace.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Art on the Rocks, Craft2Wear … and more! – WTOP News

    Art and culinary delights collide at Art on the Rocks, which will have 10 local mixologists and chefs create cocktails and appetizer pairings inspired by a piece of art.

    Art and culinary delights collide at this Thursday’s event, Art on the Rocks. Hosted at the Heron Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, the event invites 10 local mixologists and chefs to create cocktails and appetizer pairings that are each inspired by a piece of art from a local Art League artist.

    The Art League is a nonprofit that was founded in 1954 that supports, showcases and educates artists. Art on the Rocks acts as a festive fundraiser that supports the local arts community and showcases the incredible talents of Alexandria’s top bars and restaurants.

    Ariane D’Souza, communications director at The Art League, said this year’s participants include Captain Gregory’s, Chop Shop Taco, Josephine, Royal Restaurant, Vermilion, Aka, Kiln, Whiskey and Oyster, People’s Drug and Hank’s Oyster Bar.

    As part of the event, the public can vote for their favorite pairing, alongside a panel of judges. The event is for those ages 21 and up with tickets that cost approximately $100 per person.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show
    At the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building, explore wearable craft and design at the Craft2Wear Show. With clothing, jewelry and other accessories in tow, the event runs Friday through Sunday with tickets that cost $20 per person.

    Umbrella Art Fair
    Over 20 of the D.C. area’s emerging and established photographers are getting in the limelight at the Umbrella Art Fair. From Friday to Sunday, the art fair invites collectors and art enthusiasts alike to enjoy boundary-pushing works. General admission is free.

    Boot ‘N’ Scoot Country Music Festival
    Get your boots ready, line dancers. Northeast D.C.’s Hi-Lawn venue is hosting the third annual Boot ‘N’ Scoot Country Music Festival with live music, roping lessons and BBQ available. The country music fest is Saturday, with tickets that cost approximately $18 per person.

    Fotos y Recuerdos Festival
    On Saturday, the Smithsonian’s Fotos y Recuerdos Festival is being hosted in the Kogod Courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This bilingual event is family-friendly and includes dancing, museum tours, story times, book signings and more. The event is free to attend with registration encouraged.

    Fiesta D.C.
    Fiesta D.C. is dubbed the “nation’s largest Latino festival,” and this year, it’s set to liven up the District with live performances, culinary delights and handcrafted art. The event is Saturday and Sunday on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th streets NW.

    D.C. Coffee Festival
    The D.C. Coffee Festival is an ideal experience for anyone in search of unique beans, coffee snacks and live entertainment. From Saturday to Sunday, the festival at Dock 5 at Union Market includes several local roasters, such as Small Planes Coffee, La Coop Coffee Co. and Swing’s Coffee Roasters. Ticket prices vary.

    Family Day
    Head to Hill Center in the Capitol Hill neighborhood on Sunday for free, day-of, family-friendly fun. Family Day promises magic, music, face painting, balloon animals and a photo booth.

    Mid-Autumn Night Market
    Across two days, restaurant Tiger Fork and its sister bar Hi-Lawn present the Mid-Autumn Night Market at Hi-Lawn from Oct. 1 to 2. This night market will transform the 1,000-person rooftop space with more than a dozen food stalls from local vendors, plus pop-up shops, cultural performances and late-night DJs. Tickets cost roughly $8 per person.

    Maryland

    All Things Go Festival
    Get your tickets for the All Things Go Festival while you still can. The music festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion is from Friday to Sunday with headliners that include Noah Kahan, The Marias, Lucy Dacus, Clairo, Doechii and Kesha. Three-day tickets are currently sold out, but there are limited one-day tickets available.

    Rocktobierfest
    Rockville’s Rocktobierfest is celebrating German culture with beer, bratwurst, live bands and more. Approximately 8,000 people are expected to attend at Rockville Town Center this year, on Saturday. General admission is free.

    Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival
    The 9th annual Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival features some of Montgomery County’s top talent. The visual arts festival offers booths for art vendors, several stages for live music and dance performances, and a Kids Zone with face painting. The arts parade also invites the public to participate while dressed like a famous work of art or artist, but sign-ups end at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. The free event is on Sunday.

    Virginia

    Virginia State Fair
    Head to Doswell for the Virginia State Fair, running from Friday through Oct. 6. The event is chock full of opportunities for a fun time, from live musical performances to amusement rides and several competitions to see or take part in. General admission is approximately $13.50 for adults and $12 for children ages 5 to 12.

    Aslin Beer Co.’s 10th Anniversary Party
    Celebrate the 10th anniversary party of Aslin Beer Company at their Alexandria location on Saturday. Expect a full day of “family-friendly(ish) fun” with live music and stand-up comedy included. Ticket prices vary.

    Beer and Wine Festival
    This Saturday, drink and mingle at the second annual Beer and Wine Festival in Crystal City’s Water Park. Along with the obvious — beer and wine selections — the festival also features live music, lawn games, a photo booth and face painting. Tickets to purchase the beer and wine will be available at the entrance with each drink worth one $5 ticket.

    Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
    Take a walk on the historic side by getting tickets to the 83rd annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour. On Saturday, this tour showcases some of Alexandria’s oldest homes, with proceeds supporting Inova Alexandria Hospital. Ticket prices vary.

    Manassas Latino Festival
    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by heading to Manassas for the Manassas Latino Festival. Hosted on Saturday, this festival features a wide variety of vendors, plus live music and performances.

    Mosaic Fall Festival
    Fall is finally here, so bask in the autumnal vibes at the Mosaic Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The Mosaic District in Fairfax is transforming into an outdoor festival with over 90 handmade and vintage vendors, performances and family-friendly activities.

    Fredericksburg Greek Festival
    Taste authentic Greek cuisine at the Fredericksburg Greek Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Along with savory pastries and seasoned and marinated meats finished on the grill, there will also be Greek wines, beer, coffee and ouzo, which is a dry anise-flavored aperitif often consumed in Greece.

    Reston Farm Fall Fest
    The Reston Farm Fall Fest is happening for about a month, from Saturday through Oct. 27, and is worth a visit for families in search of a petting zoo, pumpkins of all shapes, ball mazes, apple cider and cute fall decor all in one place.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Hot Air Balloon Festival, H Street Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    The Flying Circus Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bealeton, Virginia, is inviting the public to soar near the clouds with hot air balloon rides.

    The Flying Circus Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival includes tethered and free-flight rides. (Courtesy Vernon Wells/Flying Circus)

    The Flying Circus is one of the oldest continuous air shows in the nation, starting in 1971. This Saturday and Sunday, on Sept. 20 and 21, the Flying Circus Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bealeton, Virginia, is inviting the public to soar near the clouds with hot air balloon rides.

    The event is dependent on good weather and runs early, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and late in the afternoon, from 6 to 8 p.m. Gates open at 6 a.m. Attendees have the option for tethered balloon rides, priced at $20 per adult and $10 per kid, or $300 per person for free-flight balloon rides.

    John King, a member of Flying Circus, said that around 15 hot air balloons are registered for the event, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all of them will fly at the same time, as that’s dependent on the weather.

    No advanced reservations are available for this first-come, first-served event.

    Aerobatic airplane rides are also available to attendees.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    H Street Festival
    Now celebrating its 20th year, the H Street Festival is expected to welcome thousands of attendees across a one-mile stretch of the H Street neighborhood. On Saturday, Sept. 20, this festival — which is one of the largest street festivals in the District — is set for multiple staging areas with art, fashion, music, dance, spoken word, games, live paintings and more. This festival is free to attend.

    National Paella Day Party
    If you consider paella in the District, José Andrés is likely one of the first chefs to come to mind. For National Paella Day, Andrés is throwing a party at his restaurant, Jaleo, that allows attendees to celebrate Spanish culture with paella cooking demos, flamenco dancers, live music and unlimited sangria. The event is on Saturday, Sept. 20, with tickets that cost $150 per person.

    Children’s Book and Learning Festival
    The Children’s Book and Learning Festival features 14 authors, interactive activities and crafts as well as a used book sale. The free event is on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

    Foggy Bottom Book Crawl
    Across six venues in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, the Foggy Bottom Book Crawl is being hosted to celebrate local authors and storytelling. On Sunday, Sept. 21, attendees can enjoy author readings, Q&As and book signings. The event is free to attend, but guests are encouraged to make reservations in advance for “special perks” at each participating stop.

    Clay Festival
    Pottery and all things ceramic get some love this Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Clay Festival in Brookland Arts Walk in Northeast D.C. Expect an interactive booth with mini clay projects for those of all ages. Live pottery wheel demonstrations are also expected.

    Columbia Heights Day
    For its 17th year, Columbia Heights Day is back this Sunday, Sept. 21 with a vendor market, family-friendly activities and live musical performances.

    Mezcal with Friends
    Sip on some of the best mezcal at Pascual on Monday, Sept. 22 as part of Mezcal with Friends. This culinary event brings together guest bartenders Kapri Robinson of Allegory and Clinth Lopez of Silver Lyan, who will provide mezcals that are paired with a dish from Chef Isabel Coss and Chef Matt Conroy. Tickets, which are priced at $120 per person, include three mezcals, food pairings, à la carte cocktails and desserts.

    ‘Julius X’
    Folger Theatre is presenting a re-envisioning of “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, called “Julius X,” which is running from Sept. 23 through Oct. 26. This new play reworks the classic through the lens of the American Civil Rights Movement, while focusing on the story of Civil Rights leader Malcolm X. Tickets start at $20.

    Maryland

    Parks Ale Trail
    The Parks Ale Trail event promises a day filled with live music, craft beer and food, plus a 2.5-mile roundtrip hiking adventure. The event on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Rockville, Maryland at Lake Needwood. This event is free to attend.

    ‘Mortified’
    For lovers of schadenfreude, Mortified is an event series that allows adults to share their most embarrassing and totally true diary entries, poems, love letters and memories in front of strangers. The event is being hosted at Baltimore, Maryland’s Creative Alliance theatre on Saturday, Sept. 20 with general admission tickets that cost $35 per person.

    ‘Red Pitch’
    Running through Oct. 19, “Red Pitch” is a new theatrical production at Olney Theatre Center that focuses on three life-long friends and soccer players who have to deal with their neighborhood changing and the threatened demise of their beloved “red pitch” and all it represents. Tickets start at approximately $32 per person.

    Virginia

    Taste of Old Town North
    Get a taste of the diversity of cuisine in Old Town North’s neighborhoods. The Taste of Old Town North is a free, family- and pet-friendly event with restaurant tasting from local restaurants as well as live music performances and art making with Alexandria’s mobile art lab. The event is on Thursday, Sept. 18, in Montgomery Park.

    ‘The Addams Family’
    The creepy, kooky characters from cartoonist Charles Addams’ comedy are coming to Capital One Hall. The hit musical, “The Addams Family,” runs in Tysons, Virginia, from Friday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 21.

    Cox Farms Fall Festival
    Some of the attractions that can be expected at this year’s Cox Farms Fall Festival include a hayride, several large slides, a live music stage and a goat village. The family-friendly festival runs from Sept. 20 through Nov. 9. Ticket prices vary.

    HalloWEIRD Art Market
    In Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, the Del Ray Artisans gallery is hosting an outdoor art market, called HalloWEIRD, that brings together local artists who plan to sell Halloween-inspired creations. The rain-or-shine event on Saturday, Sept. 20 is free to browse and open to the public.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Hispanic Heritage Month events you won’t want to miss in the DC area – WTOP News

    Starting Sept. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month brings a flurry of events to the D.C. region that allow the public to discover the cultural impact of the diverse Latino communities. WTOP has rounded up some of our favorites.

    WTOP celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month this Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with stories spotlighting the contributions, culture and accomplishments of Hispanic communities across the D.C. region.

    Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15 and celebrates all the contributions to culture that Latino and Hispanic people have brought to the American melting pot.

    In the D.C. area, there are some events you won’t want to miss! WTOP has rounded up some of our favorites:

    DC

    Starting Monday, Sept. 15, join the staff at the Juanita E. Thornton Shepherd Park Library in Takoma for a weeklong scavenger hunt. Notable Latin historical figures will be hidden around the library and prizes are in store for those who find them.

    At the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, a new exhibit honoring the culture of lowriding cars, “Corazon y vida,” combines the artistic expression of Mexican Americans and the technical understanding of mechanics and car-making. The exhibit opens Sept. 26 and will showcase two classic cars, photos and awards.

    For the foodies, enjoy a free 1 ounce snifter of Don Q rum at Cuba Libre in Chinatown when you order their 25th Anniversary Chef’s Tasting Menu all month long. Also, at Amparo Fontina in Dupont Circle, give back to the community at a six-course fundraising dinner on Sept. 24 that benefits at-risk Mayan youth in Mexico — tickets are $175.

    Fiesta DC, the annual cultural festival, will take over Pennsylvania Avenue on Sept. 27 and 28. The festival’s purpose is to showcase the diversity and culture of the Latino community in D.C. The festival is free and offers authentic dishes, live music and folk dance performances. There will also be vendors selling handcrafted creations and a parade Sunday down Constitution Avenue featuring a display of the flags from 17 different countries.

    On Sept. 27, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is holding a kid-friendly event, “Fotos y Recuerdos Festival,” with story times from books by Latin authors and arts and crafts in the Kogod Courtyard. The event is free but registration is encouraged.

    Maryland

    At the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, performers will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14 with a celebration for all ages including an art exhibition, live music, dance performances and arts and crafts for kids.

    At the College Park Aviation Museum, celebrate Latina women in the aviation field starting with a stunning fly-in by authors who will do meet and greets. The annual event on Saturday, Sept. 27, also offers art, story times and giveaways.

    From Sept. 18 through Oct. 9, the AFI Latin American Film Festival will celebrate its 36th year of showing Latin American films. Held at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, the festival will show about 45 films from Latin directors, producers and cinematographers. General admission for all 21 days of the festival is $200, and general admission passes per screening are $15.

    Montgomery County’s Hispanic Heritage Month Festival is being held at Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton on Oct. 12. Admission is free.

    Virginia

    An exhibit called “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage through Art“ will put local artists’ work on display at the Loudoun County Government Center in Leesburg. It will feature paintings, photography and mixed media pieces. The exhibit is open from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3. From Monday through Thursday, it’s open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Fridays, it closes a bit earlier at 6 p.m.

    The Manassas Latino Festival is bringing live music, dance and food to the Harris Pavilion in old town on Sept. 27. The festival looks to uplift the contributions of Latin Americans to the community.

    At the Arlington Mill Community Center, Arlington’s diverse Latino community will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the “Festival Latinoamericano” on Oct. 3. The free event will showcase art, food and culture with the support of local businesses, chefs and performers.

    Fiesta Fairfax in Old Town Square will put Latino culture on display with music, dancing, food and art. The party starts at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4. The event is in partnership with the City of Fairfax and takes place at 10415 North St., Fairfax.

    Learn the fundamentals of traditional Puerto Rican bomba dancing with Semilla Cultural in Fredericksburg. The introductory class on Oct. 5 welcomes all ages and is $25 per person.

    Explore the flavors of Latin cuisine during Restaurante Week throughout Virginia. The weeklong celebration starting Oct. 6 offers special menus and meals at discount, and allows residents to support local Latino-owned restaurants.

    WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Ciara Wells

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  • Things to do in the DC area: WalkingTown, Art All Night … and more! – WTOP News

    Get your walking shoes laced up and ready to go because Events D.C.’s WalkingTown event returns this weekend for eight days of guided walking tours across all eight wards of D.C.

    A guide provides insight on a historic photo as part of a tour through WalkingTown.(Photo courtesy of Events D.C.)

    Get your walking shoes laced up and ready to go because Events D.C.’s WalkingTown event returns this weekend for eight days of guided walking tours across all eight wards of D.C.

    From hidden history discussions to mural tours to biking meetups, WalkingTown has a lot to offer — and best of all, it’s free.

    With no cost of admission, there are more than 60 walking and biking tours available from Saturday through Sept. 20. This is the 26th year of WalkingTown, which grew out of Events D.C.’s D.C. Heritage Trail program, which was produced by the now-defunct Cultural Tourism D.C. nonprofit, according to Cheryl Crowell, program manager of Events DC.

    A few of the newest highlights this year include; “Walk, Snap & Discover: Penn Quarter in Arabic,” which is a Penn Quarter exploration offered entirely in Arabic; “Biking Tour: A Tale of Two Canals,” which is a ride-along through paths of the Washington City Canal and the C&O Canal; and “Brushstrokes & Backstreets: Murals in NoMa,” which explores many of NoMa’s vibrant street murals.

    “It brings together residents, visitors, historians and local storytellers to explore the city’s hidden gems and diverse communities — all for free,” said Events D.C. Deputy Chief of Staff and Cultural Affairs Dania Jolley.

    Find the full schedule on WalkingTown’s official website.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Art All Night
    For two nights, the public is invited to stay out late from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. for a festival taking place across all eight wards of the District. On Friday and Saturday, expect a variety of visual and performing arts activations that showcase the city’s diversity of talent. Find the participating locations for Art All Night on the event’s official website.

    Edible Book Contest
    Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library this Friday with an edible book contest. Attendees are bringing cakes and cupcakes that recreate the cover of their favorite novels, which an expert panel of local judges will review.

    Maker Market & Brewfest
    Shop from some of the best artisan makers in the D.C. region at The Stacks this Saturday. At this Maker Market & Brewfest, expect live music, beer and wine tastings, lawn games and over 40 featured local vendors.

    Adams Morgan Day
    The annual, family-friendly community celebration, Adams Morgan Day, is back once again this Sunday. Expect a wide variety of music across several stages, Tai-Chi and yoga lessons, a Go-Go fitness class and family-friendly activities.

    Sawasdee D.C. Thai Festival
    Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Thailand at the Sawasdee D.C. Thai Festival on Sunday. Hosted on the National Mall, this celebration includes authentic Thai food, live cultural performances, workshops and demos, plus free Thai massages and spa experiences. The event is free to attend.

    Maryland

    The Great Frederick Fair
    Come and attend livestock shows and auctions, explore arts and agriculture exhibits and enjoy live musical performances at The Great Frederick Fair. The fair is from Friday through Saturday, with tickets costing $8 in advance and $10 at the gate for adults. Kids ages 10 and under can get in free.

    Charles County Fair
    In La Plata, the Charles County Fairgrounds is hosting the annual Charles County Fair with live music, carnival rides, pie eating contests and more. The event runs Thursday through Sunday, with tickets at $10 for those aged 11 and over. Tickets are free for anyone under the age of 11. Four-day passes cost $25.

    Washington Ukrainian Festival
    From Friday through Sunday, families and friends can attend the Washington Ukrainian Festival in a joyous weekend that celebrates Ukrainian culture with live entertainment, food and drinks as well as children’s activities. The event is at the St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring. Ticket prices vary.

    Small Press Expo
    The alternative comics convention known as Small Press Expo is back. The event is on Saturday and Sunday with a large array of exhibitors, workshops and special guests, such as graphic novelists Lee Lai and Paul Karasik.

    Hispanic Heritage Month Community Day
    Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park. On Sunday, the museum is hosting a community celebration with interactive, hands-on and educational activities. The museum is also hosting free, one-hour guided tours in Spanish later in the month. Elsewhere, in Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville, there is also a celebration planned for Sunday, with an art exhibition as well as live music, dancing and arts and craft activities for children.

    Foraging for kids
    The Darnall’s Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro is hosting a hands-on foraging workshop for those ages 6 to 14 to learn about the state’s native plants. Tickets cost $5 per student with chaperones able to come for free.

    Virginia

    Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’
    WTOP contributor Briana Thomas previewed the new Cirque du Soleil show, “Luzia,” before its debut in Fairfax County, Virginia. As she put it, the show is a love letter from Mexico with more than 45 artists performing live circus acts, such as hoop diving, hurling acrobats, trapeze stunts and other physical feats. The show is currently showing in Tysons’ Under the Big Top venue through Oct. 19 with tickets that start at $60 per person.

    Falls Church Festival and Taste of Falls Church
    With free admission, the Falls Church Festival is coinciding with the Taste of Falls Church with samples from local restaurants paired with live entertainment, kids activities and a beer garden. This event is on Saturday.

    Alexandria Art Festival
    On Saturday and Sunday, the free-to-attend Alexandria Art Festival is showcasing thousands of artworks across several mediums, including sculptures, paintings, jewelry and pottery. The event is hosted at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria.

    Fall Crafts Fair
    At Tavern Square in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the Fall Crafts Fair is set to host a variety of arts and food vendors. The event is planned for Saturday.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Afro Flavour Food Festival, National Book Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    Frederick, Maryland, is getting a taste of the African continent this weekend. And there’s a lot more going on too.

    Frederick, Maryland, is getting a taste of the African continent this weekend when the Afro Flavour Food Festival is hosted in the city on Saturday, Sept. 6. Along with a wide variety of African cuisines featured with approximately 15 to 25 vendors, there is also fashion, art, music and networking expected at the event.

    Yewande Oladeinde, president of the Association of Nigerians in Frederick, said, “The goal of this is to showcase the different areas within the African continent, so from the from West Africa to South Africa to East Africa and North Africa.”

    Lucky Idike, CEO of Afro Flavour, said the festival has been hosted before in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as abroad in the United Kingdom, but this year is the first time it has been hosted in Frederick, Maryland.

    “We’re bringing the goodness of African cuisine to the world,” said Idike. “We believe very strongly that Africa is the world’s largest untapped cultural market. So whether it’s food, whether it’s fashion, whether it’s music, whether it’s the drama … and activities like this offer a window into the African culture for so many non-Africans.”

    General admission to the Afro Flavour Food Festival is free with $75 VIP tickets up for grabs.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Washington, D.C. Arte Agave Festival
    Sip on some of the best mezcal and tequila at The Schuyler development in Northwest D.C. as part of the Washington, D.C. Arte Agave Festival. The event on Friday, Sept. 5 is a celebration of all things involving Mexico with over 100 varieties of tequila and mescals to sample, traditional mariachi music, artisan shopping and authentic cuisine by local chefs. Tickets cost approximately $145 for general admission or roughly $170 for VIP admission.

    National Book Festival
    Literary lovers should head to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 6 for the annual National Book Festival. This year’s headliners include Amy Coney Barrett, R.L. Stine and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, among others. The event is free and open to the public with a selection of programs available for livestreaming online.

    D.C. Bike Ride
    On Saturday, Sept. 6, cyclists of all levels can explore the nation’s capital with the D.C. Bike Ride. The event starts along Constitution Avenue NW, between 12th and 7th streets NW, with a festival at the evening on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 6th and 4th streets NW.

    D.C. State Fair
    The D.C. State Fair is filled with live music, demonstrations and educational workshops in celebration of the city’s agricultural, culinary and artistic talents. The event is free and located at the Bryant Street NE development on Saturday, Sept. 6.

    Maryland

    Greek Festival
    Expect authentic Greek culture, food, music and entertainment as part of the Greek Festival, hosted by the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The MoCo Show reports that the event from Sept. 5 through 7 includes a Gyro Eating Contest. Admission is free.

    Bethesda Row Arts Festival
    From Sept. 6 through 7, over 180 artists are coming to Bethesda, Maryland, for an outdoor experience that is totally free. The Bethesda Row Arts Festival is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors across the two-day event.

    Takoma Park Folk Festival
    There is a packed schedule for this year’s Takoma Park Folk Festival with several live musical performances expected, plus community crafts and artisans featured. The family-friendly music and arts festival is free to attend.

    Virginia

    Watermelon Pickers’ Festival
    In Berryville, Virginia, the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds is hosting the family-friendly music festival, called the Watermelon Pickers’ Festival. Some of the many bands featured this year include Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, the Foghorn Stringband, and the Fireside Collective. Tickets start at approximately $45 per person.

    Rosslyn Jazz Fest
    For a free, outdoor music festival, head to the Rosslyn Jazz Fest at the Gateway Park in Rosslyn, Virginia, on Saturday, Sept. 6. Performers include the New Breed Brass Band, The Sensational Barnes Brothers and Son Cubano Subterraneo with Tommy McFly returning as emcee.

    U.S. Asian Fest
    Celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian culture through vibrant cultural performances and traditional music at second annual U.S. Asian Fest this Saturday, Sept. 6. Ticket prices vary for the event at the Dulles Town Center in Sterling, Virginia.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Sunflower Festival, luau and pig roast … and more! – WTOP News

    As the late summer weather finally returns to more manageable temperatures, it’s a good time to take advantage of the great outdoors. Here’s what is happening in the D.C. area.

    As the late summer weather finally returns to more manageable temperatures, it’s a good time to take advantage of the great outdoors.

    This weekend, the Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival is a solid opportunity to get away from it all and spend the weekend smelling the flowers and enjoying family-friendly activities.

    The Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival includes hay rides, face-painting, a petting pen and a local art show. It’s located at Serenity Farm in Hughesville, Maryland, about an hour from D.C. proper.

    Set for Aug. 30 and 31, the festival costs $12 per person for online purchases or $15 at the in-person festival entry gate. Children aged 7 and under enter for free.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    D.C. JazzFest

    Lively jazz music will flood the District this weekend for the D.C. JazzFest celebration. You don’t need a ticket to listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade, but performances on the District Pier or Transit Pier, Union Stage and Arena Stage require a ticket. Find the full schedule and ticket prices on the official D.C. JazzFest website.

    D.C. Festival of Magic
    If you’re a fan of all things involving illusions and trickery, the D.C. Festival of Magic is being hosted at the Capital Hilton from Aug. 29 through 31. Ticket prices vary per show.

    Food Is Medicine Festival
    Rhizome D.C. is celebrating all things raw, vegan and holistic with health workshops, herbalists and more as part of the Food is Medicine Festival on Saturday, Aug. 30. Entry is free.

    Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series
    Enjoy an evening of rhythm, rhyme and culture as part of a “Hip Hop Celebration” during the Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series. The event on Saturday, Aug. 30, is free with no tickets required. It is recommended to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

    The Alt Comedy Revival Show
    For those looking to scratch their funny bone with something “alternative,” Rhizome D.C.’s Alt Comedy Revival Show is sure to bring some laughs. The event is on Saturday, Aug. 30, with “pay what you can” tickets that start at $10.

    Luau and Pig Roast
    This Sunday, Aug. 31, Whitlow’s on U Street is celebrating a luau and pig roast party with drink specials, hula dancers and live DJs. The event runs from 6 p.m. through 1 a.m.

    Maryland

    African Art & Fashion Fusion Showcase
    In Rockville, Maryland, African artists and fashion designers are coming together to celebrate fashion and culture on Aug. 30 and 31. The event features art displays and vendors, crafts and pop-up boutiques. Admission is free.

    Labor Day Art Show
    Glen Echo Park is hosting the 54th annual Labor Day Art Show from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 with works from over 400 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. Admission to the event in Glen Echo, Maryland, is free.

    CatVideoFest
    If you are paws-itively in love with cats, the CatVideoFest event has over 70 minutes of videos featuring fluffy and rambunctious cats on the big screen. General admission tickets cost $15. The event is hosted at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Virginia

    Arlington Beer Garden Cookout
    As part of a Labor Day celebration, the Arlington Beer Garden in Arlington, Virginia, is hosting a cookout party on Monday, Sept. 1. General admission costs approximately $28 per person, while late general admission increases to roughly $45. This event is for those ages 21 and over.

    Bluegrass Jam Night
    Port City Brewing Company is hosting a live celebration of Bluegrass music with a jam night on Wednesday, Sept. 3. For those who may want to join in on the jam, this event is for acoustic instruments only, but bass players may bring a small amplifier. No hand drums.

    Fairfax City Restaurant Week
    Don’t miss the tail-end of Fairfax City Restaurant Week, which runs through Aug. 31. Support local eateries and other participating businesses with prix fixe menus of $25 for brunch or lunch and $40 for a three-course dinner.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: DC JazzFest, Md. State Fair … and more! – WTOP News

    Celebrate the rhythm of D.C. at JazzFest 2025. Plus, explore more local events — from opera at Nationals Park to the Maryland State Fair.

    Immanuel Wilkins and Linda Oh perform at the DC JazzFest. (Josh Brown)(Credit Josh Brown)

    Jazz is taking over the District from Aug. 27-31 as part of the D.C. JazzFest celebration.

    The live musical event spans across several neighborhoods, including The Wharf and Downtown, with headliners that include five-time Grammy Award winning artist Lalah Hathaway.

    Attendees do not need a ticket to listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade, but performances on the District Pier or Transit Pier, Union Stage and Arena Stage require a ticket. Find the full schedule and ticket prices on the official D.C. JazzFest website.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Opera in the Outfield
    Free for all ages, the Opera in the Outfield event offers live performances on Saturday at Nationals Park. The Washington National Opera is performing Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” as well as “Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera” by Mo Willems and Carlos Simon.

    Metalcore Blast Matinee Cookout
    Rhizome D.C. is organizing a metalcore festival on Saturday with local bands that include Out to Destroy, Balisong, Denouement and HardTruth. Tickets for the all-ages event are “pay what you want.”

    Paw Paw Hunting
    Ever heard of paw paws? The “hillbilly mango” or “hipster banana,” as it’s often called, is the focus of this foraging event on Sunday. Tickets cost approximately $12.

    D.C. Plant Week
    Starting Monday and running through Aug. 31, D.C. Plant Week is bringing green-thumbed folks together for several herbal experiences. Expect a workshop on plant care basics, a plant bingo activity, an outdoor makers market, a block party and more.

    Maryland

    Maryland State Fair
    Starting Thursday, the Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fair Grounds in Baltimore County is bringing tons of fun across three weekends. Families can anticipate a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment as well as horse racing, a rodeo, puppy yoga and more.

    “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
    Catch the Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” while you still can in Frederick. The iconic musical about a gender-bending, punk rock goddess is running through Saturday. Ticket prices vary.

    African Caribbean Music and Arts Festival
    In Silver Spring, head to Veterans Plaza for the best reggae, Afrobeats and soca music with a live DJ in celebration of the African Caribbean Music and Arts Festival. Admission is free for the event on Sunday.

    Virginia

    Around the World Cultural Food Festival
    Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park is hosting over 30 food vendors and 96 artisan vendors with a multitude of countries represented on Saturday. The Around the World Cultural Food Festival offers free admission.

    “The Parent Trap”
    If the weather is nice, why not head to an outdoor screening of the 1998 hit movie, “The Parent Trap?” The Metropolitan Park in Crystal City is hosting the movie night on Friday. Be sure to bring a lawn chair!

    Wright at Twilight
    The Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria is hosting an evening event with snacks and wine, yard games and period music, plus the opportunity to tour the famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home at your leisure. The event is on Friday.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Halloween parties, Adams Morgan Fall Porchfest … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Halloween parties, Adams Morgan Fall Porchfest … and more! – WTOP News

    For last-minute spooky celebrations, WTOP has you covered with this list of Halloween events happening Thursday and later this week in the D.C. area.

    For last-minute spooky celebrations, WTOP has you covered with this list of Halloween events happening Thursday and later this week.

    For a list of over 10 bar and restaurant pop-ups in the D.C. area, check out this roundup from WTOP. For those looking for frightening experiences, check out these haunted houses, fields, forests and other attractions.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    First, for the fashion-focused, the DAR Museum is diving into the histories of costumes in old and new films with its event called Terror in the Seams. The Thursday event costs $25.

    In an interview with WTOP, Kevin Lukacs, curator of education at the DAR Museum, said, “We’re taking these classic horror films that many of us know and love and obsess over, like James Wales’ 1931 classic ‘Frankenstein’ to the 1992 ‘Dracula,’ that’s very love-it-or-hate-it, and so we’re looking at these films from the eyes of fans and historians.”

    You do not have to be a member of the museum to attend the event.

    On Halloween, Atlas Doghouse in Northeast D.C. is hosting a “Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty” for furry friends, with ghostly games and spooky treats included. Costumes are optional, but encouraged.

    The Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building is offering a Halloween Happy Hour on Thursday with food, drinks and candy. Visitors also get the chance to experience the grand Main Reading Room, arguably one of the city’s most beautiful spaces.

    The Howard Theatre is also hosting a Monsters Ball on Halloween. Costing $59 per person, the event includes a live music immersive show with aerialists and dancers included.

    If you’re searching for drinks, head to popular dive bar Lyman’s Tavern for a costume contest and a pinball tournament Thursday. A portion of the sales go to the Ward 1 Mutual Aid Fundraiser.

    On Saturday, Eckington Hall in Northeast D.C. is hosting a free Halloween costume party along with a market on the patio.

    Elsewhere, in Alexandria, Virginia, the Galactic Panther Art Gallery is hosting a live musical performance Thursday, where bands switch instruments and play each other’s songs. The Halloween Band Switcheroo hosts four local bands: Professor Goldstein, Fake Radio, The Orange Slices and Sol Reactor. General admission costs $16.

    Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia, is also hosting the Vampire Glam Halloween Party on Thursday. This event features local pop artist Ari Voxx and The Sad Lads, Zeus on the Leus and Shelley Star and the Galaxy. General admission costs $15.

    Through Nov. 3, catch “The Dracula Experience” in Leesburg, Virginia, for an immersive journey into the vampire legend. The hourlong experience has danger lurking around every corner and tickets priced at approximately $40 per person for those ages 13 and up and $35 for those 12 and under.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Día de los Muertos
    Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf on Saturday with live music, a beer garden, sugar skull decorating and a community lantern procession. The event is expected to bring several cultural performances with a variety of food and drink offerings included. The event is free to attend with no tickets needed.

    Story District’s Top Shelf
    Story District is gathering the best storytellers in D.C. for them to tell completely true tales at the Top Shelf event. This Saturday, the event at the Capital Turnaround includes eight stories with topics such as gay pride, women’s history and the “worst date ever.” For more details on this event, check out Kyle Cooper’s feature on WTOP.

    Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
    For more live music opportunities, head to Adams Morgan this Saturday for the popular PorchFest event. Across 25 porches, some of the city’s best local musical talent performs throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public.

    “Dance Like There’s Black People Watching”
    Woolly Mammoth is hosting a hilarious, witty and brand-new show created exclusively for the D.C. theater company that features rising comedy stars, songs and sketches. The show runs from Nov. 6 through Dec. 22 with ASL-interpreted performances, open captioned performances and mask-required performances available.

    “The Other Americans”
    Don’t miss actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo’s performance in “The Other Americans,” a theatrical production about a “Colombian-Puerto Rican laundromat owner grappling with a failing business and buried secrets.” The show runs through Nov. 24 at Arena Stage. Special performances are also available that offer closed captioning, ASL interpretation or mask requirements.

    Maryland

    Hot Cider Hustle
    Get your running shoes ready. The Hot Cider Hustle 5K and 10K run/walk-a-thon is this Saturday.

    44th Annual Pumpkin Festival
    Catch the tail-end of the annual Pumpkin Festival at Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, through Sunday. This year, joining attractions such as a hayride, corn maze and pony rides is a brand-new playground. In-advance admission tickets range from $11 up to $18, depending on the day.

    Gaver Farm Fall Fun Festival
    In Mt. Airy, Maryland, the Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm is running through Nov. 5, so join in on the family fun while you still can. The event includes over 65 exciting attractions, including a seven-acre corn maze. Tickets cost $14.50 on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

    Virginia

    “$100 and Under”
    Expand your art collection with lower-priced works at Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray Artisans Gallery. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 1, the “$100 and Under” exhibit is showcasing members’ original artworks, all priced at $100 and under. The gallery is free and open to the public.

    Día de los Muertos Celebration
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is hosting a free Day of the Dead celebration on Friday with food trucks, family-friendly games and art making. For more Día de los Muertos events to consider, check out WTOP’s event guide here.

    Alexandria Fall Fest
    For autumnal, family-friendly fun, head to Alexandria, Virginia, for the Fall Fest. This event includes pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and bounce houses. Set for Sunday, tickets and parking must be purchased in advance, with no tickets available on site.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide?

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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