Fall is almost here, and that means it’s almost time to switch out your Summer closet and shift into the vibe of the new season!
So, without further ado, to get yourself into the full spirit of the season, here is your official Secret DC Fall bucket list for things to do around the D.C. Area before the season comes to an end!
An absolute no-brainer for this list, it doesn’t get more seasonal than going out with friends or family and picking yourselves a bag or two of fresh, crisp apples!
Once you wash them, they’ll be perfect to snack on or make some iconic dishes like apple pie.
As a bonus, most places around D.C. where you can go to pick apples will also have fresh apple cider and cider donuts for you to enjoy, which is another can’t-miss activity during the Fall season!
Bubble Planet is the perfect place to unleash your inner child and have some fun without holding back!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, all with different themes, colors, and sights.
Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
One of the most simple yet elegant plans you can make for this Fall around D.C. is heading to one of the Candlelight Concert events happening around the capital.
There are tribute performances to the songs of your favorite artists and even themed events that transform iconic Halloween tunes into classical music masterpieces!
D.C.’s Metropolitan Beer Trail is officially back for the 2026 season!
Spanning from NoMa to Brookland, the pedestrian and bike-friendly adventure is home to 12 participating locations along the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
This year’s pass includes new prizes, a new location this upcoming summer, and plenty of beer to enjoy!
There are several incredible beer gardens across the capital city and many of them are going all out this fall to celebrate Oktoberfest with special deals and unique events that make for an incredible experience.
You don’t want to miss out and have to wait a whole other year to join in the fun!
With only three National Gallery Night events slated for this Fall, you do not want to miss your chance to attend one of the most talked-about and anticipated events in D.C. nightlife!
The themes for this fall’s events have been announced, so be sure to check out our article to find out more!
Get in the Halloween spirit with a ghost tour of D.C.
Even if you’ve lived in D.C. your whole life, getting to see another side of the district and learn something new might just be one of the best things you can do with your time this fall!
This is exactly why we highly recommend you and your friends take one of these incredibly unique haunted Halloween-themed tours of the district:
Returning on October 16th & 17th, you’ll want to book your tickets to attend the Fall edition of the D.C. Wine Fest as soon as possible!
Aside from the obvious refreshments, the event will have live entertainment, quality food options, and a whole lot of fun to be had.
Just under an hour from the district is one of the most fun and unique events that you can head to with your friends or family this fall!
The Renaissance Festival has multiple dates taking place from September until October.
This Fall is the perfect time to venture out west toward Luray Cavern, the largest cavern system in the eastern United States!
The incredible natural sight is well worth the 1.5-hour drive from D.C. to Luray, Virginia, to see the incredible underground formations.
As a bonus, just a short drive away from the Caverns is also Shenandoah National Park, which is another great spot to see the full spectrum of colors that the Fall foliage has to offer!
One of the most spectacular events of the year takes place at The Wharf during its Oktoberfest Celebration, and that’s the annual Weiner 500 Dachshund Dash on October 3rd!
To raise funds for charity, local dachshund owners can register to have their furry friends partake in a four-legged race in front of a full crowd of fans.
Funds from the event will be donated to Rural Dog Rescue!
This October on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, will be one of the most exciting events that the National Zoo puts on all year – Boo at the Zoo!
Tickets are selling out very fast, so you’ll want to get yours ASAP or risk being unable to go. You get your tickets for $35 per person on the National Zoo’s website, but members may be able to get a better deal on tickets while space is available.
Whether you want to get an incredible view of the Fall foliage when it’s at its peak or take advantage of the weather before the chill sets in, the D.C. area has a long list of incredible hikes that won’t disappoint!
While it might be a little chilly to dip into one of the natural pools in the DMV area, fortunately, many of them happen to be attached to incredible trails that will take you to some mesmerizing views.
Great Country Farms in Bluemont is bringing pumpkins, corn mazes, wagon rides and plenty of fall fun to Northern Virginia this season.
The farm’s pumpkin patch was recently ranked among the 10 best pumpkin patches in the country by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The farm’s Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival runs through Halloween, giving visitors plenty of time to pick pumpkins, explore the farm and enjoy classic autumn activities.
You don’t have to drive hours away from the district to get some incredible views of the leaves changing color this Fall, so we’ve taken the opportunity to list a few of our favorite spots to see the Fall foliage – some close, and some a little further away from the district.
Dining in the Dark is one of the most exciting and unique culinary experiences that you can have in the capital city!
The secret menu is made taking your culinary preferences in mind when you purchase your spot, but the food and drinks seem to always be fantastic.
As a result, this experience ultimately ends up being one of the most fun, hilarious, and memorable dining experiences you can have with someone you care about.
If Adams Morgan Day wasn’t enough, you can immerse yourself in another beloved D.C. neighborhood on Saturday, September 19th, with the H Street Festival.
Featuring live music and performances, street food, and the chance to patronize your favorite local businesses, this free festival is the perfect Saturday activity!
