October is here and spooky season is in full swing!
Washingtonians looking to embrace fall festivities in D.C. can rejoice: from apple-picking to haunted tours and raging concerts to delicious meals, here are the top things to do around D.C. this month:
1. Attend one of the incredible Halloween-themed Candlelight Concerts taking place in D.C. this month
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: Heroes and Villains
- Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
- Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
- Candlelight: Best Horror Movie Soundtracks
2. Feel the magic at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
A woodland trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series will be debuting in Leesburg, VA. in late October!
Inspired by the wizarding world, the Forbidden Forest will take guests through a magical woodland trail filled with curious creatures and characters from both popular series.
Have you ever wanted to bow to a Hippogriff? This is your chance!
3. Treat someone special to one of the most unique culinary experiences in the district – Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark features a mystery meal prepared by world-class chefs to match the dietary preferences you share with them when you book your table.
The experience is as delicious as it is entertaining, this unforgettable experience will test your tastebuds and have you and your dining partner chuckling and smiling throughout the meal.
4. Imbibe and vibe at the annual Snallygaster beer festival right by the Capitol
Beast out with over 400 craft brews and ciders at Snallygaster beer festival’s 12th year by joining the party on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd & 7th on October 12th!
There will be dozens of vendors including microbreweries, food trucks, and merchandise, plus there will be live entertainment performing during the event!
Tickets can be purchased today, but act now because they are selling out fast!
5. Get to see authentic Mexican Mariachi live at a top-secret venue
This authentic tribute performance will feature iconic Mariachi classics reimagined by talented musicians and vocalists.
The authentic festive atmosphere will be adorned with traditional Cempasúchil flowers and the performers will be wearing traditional costumes with a festive seasonal twist.
6. Discover over 1,000 perfectly reconstructed Egyptian artifacts and treasures
Are you planning your next big outing in Washington, D.C.? Why not explore the wonders of ancient Egypt? At Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures, visitors can see exquisite replicas of more than 1,000 artifacts firsthand.
Complete with a complementary audio guide, the unique exhibition is both visually stunning and educational. Plan your visit today.
7. Go apple picking at one of the apple orchards around D.C.
October is the perfect time to go out with friends or family and pick 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 this month!
8. Take a trip to NYC to partake in the real-life Squid Game event happening in Manhattan this Fall
Admittedly this is not quite a local event, but this is truly a can’t-miss experience that sounds like it will be a blast for everyone who partakes in it.
The real-life Squid Game event starts in early October in NYC, but tickets are already selling out incredibly fast, so if you think this might be something you and your friends might enjoy – don’t wait – get your tickets ASAP.
9. Book your spot and attend the October National Gallery Night
Taking place on Thursday, October 10th, this National Gallery Night event will highlight the cultural celebrations of Día de los Muertos with incredible culturally authentic snacks, live music, and art!
The event is going to also encourage guests to wear their costumes for Halloween, so the holiday spirit for either Halloween and/or Día de los Muertos will play a major role in the occasion.
10. Escape reality and enter a world of happiness at Dopamine Land
Your daily dose of happiness awaits! D.C.’s Dopamine Land experience is the perfect place to take a break from everyday life this October, offering 10 playful rooms designed to spark joy.
From oxygen aromatherapy to an infinity room, there is so much to be discovered. Snag tickets here!
11. Attend the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Annapolis, MD
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 October!
The Renaissance Festival has multiple dates – some of which are already sold out – but the remaining available dates to visit include October 6th, 13th, 19th, and 20th.
12. See if you’re equipped for espionage at the International Spy Museum
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a spy?
When you visit the International Spy Museum, you can test your own espionage capabilities while learning about some of the most famous spies who have shaped the world’s history and the tools that helped them along the way!
Not to mention, currently on display is an exhibit dedicated to the numerous vehicles used on-screen by the world’s most famous spy, James Bond!
13. Get a private tour of these two beloved Smithsonian museums in one trip!
If you are interested in getting a private tour from a genuine expert at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum AND the National Art Gallery on the same day, this special deal is perfect for you.
With peak tourism season behind us, this is the perfect time for you to check out these incredible museums without being overwhelmed by crowds of visitors from out of town!
14. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before!
Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results.
15. Catch a concert in D.C. at one of your favorite local venues
- Capital One Arena: Maxwell (Oct. 4), Peso Pluma (Oct. 9), Justin Timberlake (Oct. 13), Cyndi Lauper (Oct. 27)
- The Anthem: Vampire Weekend (Oct. 1), Sofi Tukker (Oct. 5), Giggly Squad Live (Oct. 9 & 10), Vince Staples (Oct. 24), Die Antwoord (Oct. 26)
- 9:30 Club: Valley (Oct. 1), Jess Glynne (Oct. 4), Salute (Oct. 5), Myles Smith (Oct. 18), Fontaines D.C.(Oct. 18-19), Rise Against (Oct. 27-28)
- Echostage: Fisher (Oct. 4), Oliver Tree (Oct. 5th), Nero (Oct. 11), DeadMau5 (Oct. 12), Diplo (Oct. 19), Meduza (Oct. 25), Kaskade (Oct. 31)
16. Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Walking Tour
So much history lies in the streets of Washington, D.C., that it can be overwhelming trying to take it all in. This fun and knowledge-filled walking tour features a professional guide who will bring you to all the major sites and attractions while teaching you their rich histories!
17. 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:
- Haunted Washington D.C. Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
- Walking Night-Time Ghost Tour of Washington DC
- Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour
- Washington DC: Guided Ghost Walking Tour
- Murders, Mysteries, and Hauntings of DC Night-Time Walking Tour
18. Learn about the cultural history behind Día de los Muertos
Head to the Mexican Cultural Insitute for the Celebración del Día de los Muertos this Fall, and if this isn’t your direct culture and you want to witness the celebration, that’s okay too!
The exact dates of the celebration will be posted on the official site of the Mexican Cultural Institute as they have not yet been published.
19. Peruse your local pumpkin patch for the perfect gourd
The start of October means that we have officially entered spooky season and with that comes a whole new long bucket list of seasonal activities you’ll want to do with your friends and family.
Checkout out of the D.C. area’s best pumpkin patches should be high on that list!
20. Take a hike at one of the incredible trails in the D.C. area before it gets too cold
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.
21. Celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend in style at The Wharf with the annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash
One of the most spectacular events of the month takes place at The Wharf during its Oktoberfest Celebration, and that’s the annual Weiner 500 Dachshund Dash on October 5th!
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!
22. Get in on the drama with Theatre Week
The district’s 2024 Theatre Week will be taking place from September 26th to October 13th, which is an event that every local should want to support.
Tickets are available at a range of prices to minimize the economic barriers that often exist in the world of theatre.
23. Take a trip to some of the most beautiful spots in the DMV to see the Fall foliage at its peak
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.
The Fall foliage and changing leaves are expected to peak around mid-to-late October, so you’ll have plenty of chances to plan your trip before the time comes.
24. Check out these Yom Kippur meals and deals in D.C.
Whether you’re observing the religious holiday or are looking to indulge in a delicious Jewish-inspired feast, D.C. has options for you!
A number of District eateries are offering day-of and order-ahead meals in honor of Yom Kippur.
From brisket and couscous to challah and potato latkes with applesauce, these are great deals on mouth-watering dishes!
25. Celebrate National Taco Day at these D.C. restaurants
An excuse to eat a taco? Count us in! National Taco Day is Oct. 4 and several Mexican restaurants around D.C. are offering mouth-watering deals you won’t want to miss!
26. Take the whole family to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for the ‘Boo at the Zoo’ event
This October on the 18th, 19th, and 20th, 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.
27. Enjoying the final weekend of Wunder Garten’s 10th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Ending on October 13th, Wunder Garten’s 10th annual Octoberfest celebration is going to be nothing short of spectacular!
While the event started on September 20th, so you’ll have plenty of time to check it out at the start of October, the final weekend of this incredible event is consistently one of the most fun social events of the season.
28. Sit and sip at D.C. Wine Fest: Fall Edition
Returning on October 19th, 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.