WASHINGTON — As October gets into full swing, events across the DMV will ensure you're making the most of fall. From unique frights to festivities to imbibe and celebrate world cultures, there is so much to see and do!
Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) every week each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.
DC
- Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Union Market, 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Admission: Starts at $39
- Organizer: Union Market
This District Wine Fest at the beloved Union Market will bring visitors the opportunity to sample wines all day and all night, while also taking in live-entertainment.
- Saturday, Oct. 8 at 12:00 p.m. to Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 a.m.
- Wunder Garten, 1101 First Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Wunder Garten
Organizers call this "the German-themed beer garden’s favorite and largest event of the year!"
The event features German cuisine, live bands, Bavarian games, DJ parties and tons of beer.
"Revelers will sip on beers in the Märzen-style hailing from Bavaria's oldest breweries like Spaten Franziskaner, and Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan, as well as the best Oktoberfest brews from local and regional breweries like Devils Backbone, Port City Brewing, Left Hand Brewing Co., and Red Bear Brewing," they shared.
- Friday, Oct.7 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Sidney Harman Hall 610 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
- Admission: Tickets start at $30
- Organizer: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Washington Performing Arts, presented in partnership with CityDance.
The world premiere of Sounds of Hazel by the illustrious Dance Theatre of Harlem will kick off the Washington Performing Arts' 2022/23 season this weekend and it's not too late to snag a seat!
"In this special three-performance engagement at Sidney Harman Hall, DTH stages their acclaimed Higher Ground, a 2021 social commentary set to Stevie Wonder's Motown hits. The piece mixes neoclassical dancing with contemporary African-American social dancing, as choreographed by Dance Theatre of Harlem's resident choreographer Robert Garland.
For the second half of the program, DTH presents the world-premiere ballet, Sounds of Hazel, co-commissioned by Washington Performing Arts, and inspired by the life and work of Hazel Scott—the prodigiously gifted Trinidadian-American jazz and classical pianist, bandleader, recording artist, and star of stage and screen. Scott, also known for her fervent civil rights activism, suffered persecution at the height of her fame amid the hysteria of McCarthyism," the company shared.
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VIRGINIA
- Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- East Lawn; 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
- Admission:
- Friday: Member $49; Non-Member $59
- Saturday: Member $53; Non-Member $63 (sold out)
- Sunday: Member $43; Non-Member $53
- Organizer: Mount Vernon
"Bring a blanket to taste unlimited wine samples from Virginia wineries on the East Lawn overlooking the Potomac River, visit the Mansion, and meet George and Martha Washington," organizers shared of this festive event on the water.
Members and non-members alike can enjoy an evening of vino right on location at the famous Virginia monument.
- Saturday, Oct. 8 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 9 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20153
- Admission: $5 for adults; Kids under 5 are free. Tickets only available at the door. Free parking.
- Orgniazer: Rushhi Entertainment
Come celebrate the vibrant and varied cultures of South Asian Americans at this weekend event, highlighting culture, cuisine, commerce and entertainment.
" The festival, held twice a year, draws thousands of South Asian Americans to experience and revel in the colors of the subcontinent," the event description reads.
"The Diwali festival is the perfect way kick off the holiday season and enjoy the vibrant colors, fragrances, sounds and delicacies of one of the Indian subcontinent."
- Recurring; Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 with multiple time slots between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
- 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 (there is also a Williamsburg location)
- Admission: Starts at $39.95
- Organizer: Go Ape Treetop Adventures
Take your horror hobby to new heights with this unique and spooky Springfield event.
Organizers describe Frights at Height as a "horror-filled experience" where guests will find "zombies, ghosts and ghouls hiding in dark corners of the Treetop Journey zipline and ropes course."
"This activity is not for the faint of heart. Thrill seekers are invited to tackle our wobbly obstacles and epic ziplines during a 1-hour gravity-defying, scream-filled adventure after dark."
Organizers add that BOOking ahead is highly recommended. Space is limited and is subject to change.
MARYLAND
- Saturday, Oct. 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods; 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044
- Admission: Starts at $45 in advance; $50 at the door, $15 for "designated drivers"
- Organizer: CoFestCo LLC, sponsored by the Maryland Brewer's Association and the Maryland Office of Tourism among others.
Bring the beer enthusiast in your life (and wine lovers are welcome, as well!) to this autumnal tasting, which will showcase more than 100 Maryland artisans, breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Organizers say that visitors can expect to enjoy unlimited tastings, live music, fresh local food, games and more!
- Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 4827 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Bethesda Row Arts Festival, Co-Directors Jon Gann and Jim Taglauer
Locals who love the finer things in life will be right at home at this fine arts festival. The event description shares that over 165 artists from around the country will showcase "incredible works across four blocks — including painting, drawing, jewelry, photography, sculpture, fabric, glass, ceramics, wood, and many other mediums."
- Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- 3501 Hernwood Rd, Woodstock, MD
- Admission: $35, be sure to bring along a matt and water
- Organizer: Strohmer's Farm
Maybe you've busted out a yoga move before... but surrounded by cute goats? That's a whole new adventure!
"Each session is a relaxed form of yoga, consisting of various poses primarily at beginner level and intended to be open to yogis of every skill level - with our adorable goats," according to farm event creators. "Yoga with goats offers the numerous therapeutic benefits of yoga - coupled with the physical and emotional benefits derived from interaction with animals. Join us for an hour to take a break from your daily routine and let goats be your muse!"