Checking out a Covid-era trail map at Rock Creek Park
The new month and new season are a good time for a little refresh. Plus, there have been enough reopenings and new happenings to call for the return of a signature KFDC feature: The Weekend Round-Up! In lieu of the Five Things on weekends, start counting on listings of things to do around the area, plus some bonus links. Since special events are still quite limited, I’ll also highlight ongoing activities and places that are especially great at the moment, plus round-ups and new features — all in one convenient post. Happy Weekend!
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Where: Great Country Farm | Bluemont, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
Great Country is known for its awesome festivals, and the Pumpkin Harvest is no exception. Thrills for little people (and grown-ups, too) include P-Rex, the pumpkin eating dinosaur; Rubber Ridge, the tractor tire mountain; the Pumpkin Princess in the pumpkin patch, a giant Pumpkin’ Jumpin’ Pillow; five mazes; 60-foot slides, rope swings, tractor rides, and even more fun in the country. And, of course, find a future jack o’ lantern in the pumpkin patch, the largest u-pick patch in the area.
Reston Farm Garden Market Fall Fest
Where: Reston, VA
When: September 25 – November 1
Admission: $20/child + 1 adult, $5/add’l adult
Enjoy a pumpkin moon bounce, bouncy slides, inflatable corn maze, train rides, and farm animals. There is also a talented balloon artist, face painter, and caricature portrait artist, along with food, pumpkins and more fun for all! (Note: Some activities require additional fee.)
Pumpkin Village Fall Fest
Where: Leesburg Animal Park | Leesburg, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16-18/adult, $14-15/child & senior, free/2 & under
The animals are usually the main draw at the park, but this time of year, there are activities galore that bring visitors to enjoy some seasonal fun. Guests can spend a crisp fall day enjoying loads of great activities such as giant hill slides, hay rides, moon bounces, pedal carts, and more. Reserve tickets in advance.
More Fall Fests
Where: Around the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s going to be great weather to hit up a farm festival! The locales — outdoors with lots of space — make it possible to offer the traditional activities of the season, and all of them are taking extra precautions to keep guests safe. Pick pumpkins, visit animals, jump on giant inflatables, indulge in caramel apples, and much more. This guide to fall festivals has details on all of them.
Autumnal Outings
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the season without all of the hoopla of fall festivals, and there are plenty of ways to do that around the DC area. So, if you’re looking to spice up your autumn recreation (and not with pumpkin flavoring), this round-up suggests places that we love this time of year.
A Monumental Reopening
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission:
The Washington Monument has reopened — again! (It reopened the first time in September 2019 after it was closed for repairs and renovations for several years.) For COVID safety measures, visitors can only purchase one ticket, which is valid for up to four people. Advance reservations are required, and tickets listed as “Not Yet Released” will become available at 10am one day before the tour date. Reserve tickets through the link.
Two-Wheel Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Bike rides are an excellent activity for right now. You can enjoy the pleasant early fall weather while social distancing, and get some exercise, to boot. The DC area has plenty of good routes to ride, with something for every age and rider level. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recommendations.
Monster Market
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Do you relish all things weird, wild, and wonderful? Do you like quirky, funky, bizarre, and off-beat stuff? Do you love fall and all things Halloween-related? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then this market is for you! Indulge your love of autumn and the utterly monstrous with this over-the-top Monster Market featuring lots of treats inspired by the season. While admission is free to the market area, there is a suggested entry fee of $5 for the rest of Annmarie. Read more about the delightful art haven here.
Oktoberfest
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free (but plan to spend on food/shopping)
Since the pandemic currently makes international travel unrealistic, The Wharf is excited to bring Germany to the District during its annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy a day of German-inspired food and specials at their restaurants and shops. Visit outdoor tents and dining halls for German-inspired fare and bier, compete in a stein hoisting competition, and if you have one, bring your dog (costumes encouraged!) to Camp Wharf at the Firepit for a special doggy treat. View the website for more info.
Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | WDC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free, but must reserve
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity to explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world.
First Sunday Arts Festival
Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The weekly festival in Downtown Annapolis has changed a bit due to COVID, but it’s a great way to get out and enjoy a little day trip. It will take place on the first block of West Street with up to 54 artisans. Booths will be spread out to make social distancing easier, and they ask visitors wear masks when inside vendor tents (I ask that you wear them outside of tents, too, especially around other people), and that only one household goes in a tent at a time. If you are not ready for an in-person visit, you can shop over 200 artists online by here.
The Inside Scoop
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you prefer to spend time indoors, want to take advantage of less people since most will be out in the nice weather, or you just want more options for activities around town, you’ve got lots of options! Check out this post about outings that take place inside and this one especially for little kids.
**MORE GOOD STUFF**
* Great places in the Mid-Atlantic region to see fall foliage.
* Rock Creek Park has volunteer training coming up later this month
* If you’re an REI member you can trade in used gear for a gift card.
* Microadventures!
* Seems like a good time to reiterate this advice.
