Things to Do in the DMV This Month
It’s official: Fall has descended on DC, and with it, an endless host of events and activities that deserve your time. From scenic hikes to refreshing beer festivals to pet costume parades and haunted dance parties to county fairs, the DMV is brimming with as many ways to maximize the month as it is colors.
Whether you’re in the heart of DC or hopping just over the border into Maryland or Virginia, here’s your guide to the best October happenings around!
Looking for more of the best of DC? Check out the Lifestyle Section of our blog for everything from the best places in DC to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids!
Washington, DC
Music & Performance:
Jon Batiste with Andra Day and Diana Silvers – Celebrate the season with the Grammy-winning composer and vocalist at The Anthem (October 31, $73+, Wharf).
Home Rule Music Festival Finale – Wrap up the grassroots rhythm fest with go-go beats from Junkyard Band (October 4, free, Alethia Tanner Park).
Snallygaster Festival – Sample hundreds of craft beers, ciders, and bites while dancing to live music (October 11, $75+, Downtown).
Halloween & Spooky Fun:
Ghosts of Georgetown Tour – Hear spine-tingling stories on a guided walking tour of historic Georgetown (ongoing, $39 adults, $25 ages 4–16).
Soul Strolls at Congressional Cemetery – Discover the stories of DC’s interred residents, victims and perpetrators alike, brought to life by the cemetery’s talented actors. This year’s theme? Grave Robbing and Resurrection. Some tickets are already sold out for October, but be sure to check back for future drops (Oct 17–18, 24–25, 31, Nov 1).
Boo at the Zoo – Zoo animals, Halloween treats, and after-hours fun combine to create a spooky good time for the whole family during this beloved annual event (October 17–19, $35, National Zoo).
Looking for more exciting ways to celebrate Halloween? Check out these blogs!
PumpkinPalooza – Pick pumpkins, catch a pet costume parade, and enjoy live music (October 22, free, Alethia Tanner Park).
Nightmare in Navy Yard – Three floors, three DJs, and one epic Halloween dance party (October 31, $45, Navy Yard).
DC Wine Fest: Fall Edition – Sip, shop, and savor artisanal offerings along Dock5’s waterfront (October 18, $44+, Union Market).
Food & Drink:
Lantern-Illuminated Night Market – Explore a Hong Kong-inspired night market with eats from Tiger Fork, Hi-Lawn, and more (October 1–2, $7.50, Union Market).
Enjoy the fall weather around town with these local recommendations!
- Best Restaurants and Bars with an Outdoor Patio in DC
- Best Bike Trails in and Around DC
- Best Public Parks in DC
Maryland
Halloween & Spooky Fun:
Laurel’s House of Horror – Haunted houses, escape rooms, and spine-chilling attractions await (select dates through Nov 1, $30+, Laurel).
Food & Drink:
Taste of Bethesda – Discover four stages of live entertainment paired with bites from local restaurants (October 4, free; $5 for taste ticket bundles of four).
Hops & Harvest / Wanderland – Baltimore’s Craft Beer Festival meets fall fun with brews, cider, and bites (October 4, $45+ for drinks, $20 for designated drivers, Columbia).
MD State BBQ Bash – Get ready for smoke, sauces, and surprises: ax-throwing, rage-room trailer, and a martial-arts dojo for kids (October 10–11, free, Bel Air).
Family & Kids:
Disney on Ice – Sing along with Moana, Inside Out, and Toy Story characters live on the ice (October 9–13, 16–19, $26+, Fairfax & Baltimore).
Interested in buying a home this fall? Explore these related blog posts!
- Should You Get a Home Inspection on a New Build?
- What Does Sale Pending Mean in Real Estate?
- What NOT to do if You Want to Buy a Home This Year
Virginia
Music & Performance:
Chamber Music at the Barns at Wolf Trap – Mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter and pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout kick off the season (October 9, $55.50+, Vienna).
Halloween & Spooky Fun
Air & Scare at Udvar-Hazy Center – Explore aviation exhibits with a spooky twist (October 25, free; registration required, Chantilly).
Mount Vernon Halloween Activities – Revolution-era music, 18th-century soap-making, and family trick-or-treating converge on this iconic estate (October 25, $24 kids, $30 adults).
Food & Drink
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival – Tap into unlimited tastings from Virginia vineyards on George Washington’s historic grounds (October 10–12, $50+).
Family & Kids:
Farm Day at Cherry Hill Park – Pumpkin and birdhouse painting, apple fishing, and pony rides are the activities on tap at this year’s farm day (October 11, free, Falls Church).
Stafford County Fair – Who could say no to carnival rides, a petting zoo, and fun for the whole family? (October 9–12, free, Fredericksburg).
Curious about more than just local events and happenings? For all your DMV real estate needs, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.
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