One with Eternity at the Hirshhorn
With a lot of rain in this weekend’s forecast, it’ll be a good idea to check ahead on the status of outdoor events before you go. I’ll update this round-up best I can, too. Happy Weekend!
Quick links to round-ups of local fun:
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Pick Your Own
* Peaceful Places
* On the Water
* Baltimore with Kids
Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Get the Halloween party started early with activities and events that celebrate the spooky spirit throughout October. This post has details on where all the tricks and treats are happening.
Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
With rain in the forecast all weekend, it’s a perfect time to explore some museums that are off the well trodden path of the National Mall. If you don’t veer from it now and then, you could miss out on some other amazing exhibits and experiences that aren’t as well known. Check out this round-up of some museums in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.
The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This list of over 100 ideas for adventures around the area that take place indoors is always a good one to keep handy, but especially this weekend as wet weather heads our way. Many are well known attractions, but sometimes we need reminders about even the most obvious spots. You’ll likely find lots of nice surprises listed, too!
One with Eternity
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free (with timed-entry passes)
Catch the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the Hirshhorn before it closes after November. Including two Infinity Rooms, the yellow and black polkadot Pumpkin, plus a couple more pieces and elements that illustrate Kusama’s fascinating life and artistry, all ages will dig it. Free same-day Timed Passes are distributed daily at the Museum starting at 9:30am. All visitors age 12+ must have a pass! Kids under 12 do not need passes, and adults with a pass can bring up to two children. Be sure to read this KFDC write-up about the exhibit that includes more info, tips, and a glimpse of what you’ll experience.
Kids DIY Project
Where: Home Depot locations in the C area
When: Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Head to Home Depot for their free monthly workshop that welcomes kids to complete a hands-on project, this weekend a wooden fire rescue boat toy. All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All supplies are provided, including a little apron, and kids get to keep their craft along with a certificate of achievement and collectible pin (while supplies last).
District Hunt
Where: Throughout DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: $100/team
Get your team together for a city-wide scavenger hunt that’s fun and charitable! Game Genius, a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of play for social good, is hosting its 4th annual District Hunt. The live, city-wide event highlights local changemakers through an outdoor puzzle adventure all around DC. Designed around the theme of Literacy, the unique treasure hunt brings the community together while raising awareness and creating opportunities to support local organizations. [Note: There is also a self-directed option to do this from October 2-10.]
Fall Fest
Where: East Market Lane | Georgetown Park, DC
When: Through October 30, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
NeighborsDC, the buzzed about community market in Georgetown Park’s East Market Lane, will be hosting Fall Fest, a curated shopping destination with small business vendors selling everyone’s favorite fall items. This will include a phenomenal lineup of DC-based brands creating handcrafted goods from all creative niches, cultural backgrounds, and diverse communities. Expect fall themed florals, home goods, fashion, jewelry, hot apple cider, and even fall themed snacks.
Legendary Yard Sale
Where: Maury Elementary Village | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free (but be ready to spend on amazing deals!)
This is always one of the best school yard sales around. Find bargains on used toys, books, games, clothes, baby gear, household items and small appliances in good working order. And fuel your browsing with delicious goodies from Maury’s best bakers. (PS: It’ll take place indoors due to rain!)
Open Streets DC
Where: Georgia Avenue, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Three miles of Georgia Avenue will close to cars, and the street will open the street for people to walk, bike, scoot, and play. Five activation zones along the route will host hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, drum circles, double dutch, traffic gardens, pop-up bike lanes, dancing, and more. Businesses along the route will also provide space for outdoor dining and retail. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities! No cars, just people.
Nats vs. Phillies
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are back home and hosting the Phillies this weekend. Catch afternoon games all three days or an evening game on Friday (doubleheader that day). Giveaways include Nats hoodies and winter beanies. Don’t forget that kids can run the bases after the Sunday game. And before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.
Celebrate Fall
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Fall has officially begun! And while it may not feel like it weather-wise, events around the area are celebrating the season’s arrival. Fall festivals are in full swing at area farms, in local communities, even a 16th century village in Maryland, and they’re welcoming visitors for all kinds of fun. Get details on them in this round-up of autumn celebrations around the area.
Oktoberfest
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: Free
It’s that time of year… put on your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund, and head to The Wharf for a weekend of free Oktoberfest festivities. Kick it off with Polka dance lessons on the pier and cheer on the dogs competing in the 10th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. Throughout the weekend, enjoy German fare, Bavarian decor and costumes, and Sam Adam Octoberfest beer for adults. Hours are Friday 7-9pm, Saturday and Sunday: 2-5pm. UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, the Wiener 500 has been moved from Saturday 10/1 to Sunday 10/16 from 2-5pm.
Taste of Bethesda
Where: Woodmont Triangle | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but pay for samples
According to some stats, Bethesda has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S. Accurate or not, DC’s suburban neighbor definitely has a food scene worth celebrating. This 31st annual food and music festival will bring a variety of restaurants and five stages of entertainment to the downtown’s Woodmont Triangle. Taste tickets are sold on-site in bundles of four tickets for $5. Food servings cost one to four tickets. UPDATE: The event has been canceled.
Adams Morgan PorchFest
Where: Adams Morgan, DC
When: October 1, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches of homes and store fronts of local businesses are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Enjoy a variety of music styles from over 60 bands playing on porches, patios, and stoops in the neighborhood. Music maps are usually available at the corner of Adams Mill and Columbia Road NW on Porchfest Day. UPDATE: PorchFest has been postponed to a later date in October TBD.
The Hero of EVERYTHING
Where: Montgomery College | Silver Spring
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $13.50
InterAct Story Theatre’s The Hero of EVERYTHING explores the importance of teamwork and the perils of trying to do everything yourself. This action-packed interactive play is performed by three actors on stage and a whole team of superheroes in the audience, who join in to become part of the action to save the day in Citytown City. See more about it here (but note that the giveaway has ended).
Witchwartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: October 1-31
Admission: $15/age 2+
The wonderful Puppet Co. has reopened and just in time for Halloween! Witch Wartsmith (the sister of Witch Wartsmith from our Legacy show Rapunzel,) hosts the annual Halloween Spooktacular and you get to vote on the winner! Part contemporary competition show, part vintage telethon, and part punpalooza, this spooky variety show will tickle your funny bone. Don’t miss this year’s performances, because some contestants will change year to year. Shows are performed Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30am, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am & 1pm.
Kick it with Spirit
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
The Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, is playing at Audi field this weekend, as they take on Houston Dash. Watch some amazing soccer play while supporting women in sports and see a few players from the US women’s national team in action! Purchase tickets here.
More Live Entertainment
Where: Theatres around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Tiny Tots at The Puppet Co. (littlest ones)
* Host & Guest at Synetic Theatre (teens & older)
* Hamilton at the Kennedy Center (age 10+)
* The Trip to Bountiful at Ford’s Theatre (age 13+)
* Dance Nation at Olney Theatre (Rated R)
* Once on this Island at Source Theatre
Baba Bomani & The ABCs of Hip-Hop
Where: Publick Playhouse | Cheverly, MD
When: Sunday, 2 pm
Admission: $5
Join the Playhouse for a fun-filled workshop that explores the reading, writing, and arithmetic of Hip-Hop performance. From learning to recognize vowels and syllables to understanding the rhythm patterns that turn those syllables into raps over a beat, students will be engulfed in dance and song through this highly interactive presentation. All ages welcome, Purchase Tickets on here. Publick Playhouse is located at 5445 Landover Road in Cheverly, MD.
Takoma Park Street Festival
Where: Carroll Ave. to Carroll St. | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The streets of Takoma Park will be filled with music, artisans, community groups, kids activities, food vendors and a variety of green companies at the city’s 41st annual festival. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping — over 150 vendors will be selling all kinds of artistic wares. Music lovers will enjoy three stages hosting 18 bands playing all day.
Autumn off the Farm
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Farm festivals may be the go-to autumn outing, but there are lots of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post lists 10 great places to for fall adventures — view it here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* How to help those affected by Hurricane Ian.
* SAY: DC is offering free art workshops and more resources for young people who stutter.
* Reminder: Plan ahead and snag tickets for live entertainment this fall.
* Got a hockey player or fan in the fam? On Monday 10/3 at 6:30pm, catch a showing of the documentary film Hockeyland at The Miracle Theatre.
* A first-time visitor’s guide to the New River Gorge National Park from Afar.
* Get a peek inside 12 of the coolest homes in the DC area.
* Prep for the coming cold…Backcountry.com has a great winter clearance sale.
* Love this… best friends are the best.
