Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day online today or at the American Indian Museum later this week
1. Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! The National Museum of the American Indian is closed on Mondays, but Smithsonian Magazine offers five ways to celebrate, including an online celebration with the museum at 1pm. (PS: I highly recommend a visit to the NMAI… The imagiNATIONS activity center is sadly closed due to COVID, but the exhibits open now are quite powerful and interesting, especially Americans, which highlights the ways American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Reserve timed entry passes here.)
2.The Lane in Ivy City is offering classes for kids ages 18 months – 7 years this fall. Ballet, gymnastics, and art programs will be available. All COVID protocols will be followed, including temperature screenings at the door, small class sizes, frequent hand washing, and required masks for participants and instructors. Find more details and registration here.
3. DC Department of Parks and Recreation is moving into a new phase of reopening this week with some indoor pools, fitness centers, and programs for youth and adults becoming available. To swim or work out, you must make a reservation. And for in-person programs, see what is being offered and register here.
4. Amazon Prime Day is tomorrow, but some deals are already available.
Fallin’
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Whether you want to experience traditional fall fun activities or enjoy the season in more mellow ways, there are plenty of options for both. Check out this round-up of festivals that are happening around the area for pumpkin picking, farm animals, hayrides, and the like. And see this post for some great places to enjoy autumn (that are not fall festivals).
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Where: Mount Vernon, VA
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: Starts at $42/member, $46/non-member
Enjoy wine and the season at George Washington’s (former) digs. Taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours as you enjoy twilight on the grounds of Mount Vernon. Tickets are sold out for Saturday evening, but you can still snag them for Friday and Sunday.
Dinner & Concert (Kind Of)
Where: The Hamilton | Downtown DC
When: Friday & Saturday evenings
Admission: Free, but $100 food/drink minimum/table
The Hamilton can’t host live concerts right now, but they’ve come up with a different way to enjoy live music. On weekends, they are hosting screenings of concert films by awesome acts. You can watch them as you enjoy dinner — their extensive menu will be available. This weekend they are showing Pink Floyd – The Wall on Friday and The Rolling Stones: Shine a Light on Saturday. Dors open 6:30pm, and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Tables seat up to 4 or 6, and there is a $100 deposit to reserve, which will be applied to the bill.
Drive-In “Spooky” Movie Nights
Where: DC Party Box | Rockville, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $15/adult, $10/13 & under
Enjoy Sppoktacular theater at this drive-in, featuring an LED screen, FM broadcasting, and spooky surprises. There are two showings each night, a family-friendly film at 7pm and a classic or scary movie 10pm. This weekend it’s Hotel Transylvania and Halloween on Friday, Beetlejuice and Children of the Corn on Saturday, and Ghost Busters and Paranormal Activity on Sunday. Reserve in advance online, one reservation per car.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Take teens on a fall foliage kayaking expedition. Practice mindfulness at Green Spring Gardens. Investigate salamanders at Riverbend Park. Details and registration for these and more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
King Bullfrog Virtual Concert for Biden- Harris
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Donations start at $25/family
Join local kids band King Bullfrog online for a fun way to support Joe & Kamala’s campaign — a virtual roots-and-blues concert for families! Want to join the fun, but are busy on October 10th? Audio and video of the concert will be available to ticket buyers on King Bullfrog’s website.
Plenty of space to explore exhibits safely at the National Portrait Gallery
Inside Info
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
With a chance of wet weather this weekend, you may be seeking indoor activities. There are plenty of options for them, and venues are taking extra precautions to ensure safety during COVID. This post has details on outings that take place inside and this one has suggestions especially for little kids.
Monuments: Creative Forces
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Through October 25
Admission: $5-30
This unique outdoor art installation throughout Strathmore’s 16 acres sounds like an ideal exhibition for COVID times, being in fresh air with a lot of space. Monuments: Creative Forces by Australian artist Craig Walsh features moving, dimensional video portraits of artists whose work and artistic endeavors are changing the shape of our community in profound ways. The expansive portraits of these creative heroes were chosen by a diverse panel of community and arts leaders are projected on to towering trees, transforming them into animated sculptural monuments.
Carpe Librum
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The mobile book store returns to the Capitol Riverfront, selling high-quality, gently-used items. Browse thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, all on sale for under $6. There’s something for everyone at this sale: children’s books, teen reads, brand-new bestsellers in amazing condition, classic vintage hardbacks, and more! Masks are required, check out will be no-contact, and social distancing will be practiced during browsing. Payment via e-pay methods such as Apple Pay or credit card is accepted; no cash. Carpe Librum is a donation-based used bookstore benefiting the DC nonprofit Turning the Page.
Duets on Ice
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 4pm
Admission: Free
In anticipation of Laurie Anderson: The Weather scheduled to open at the Hirshhorn in Spring 2021, internationally renowned artist Laurie Anderson is recreating her iconic performance Duets on Ice and streaming it live online for the first time from the Hirshhorn’s outdoor Plaza. Debuted in New York in 1974, the performance comprises the artist wearing skates frozen into blocks of ice and playing her violin in a series of electronic duets until the ice melts, and she loses her balance.
Riding the trails at Kingman Island
Ride On
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Bike rides are an excellent activity for right now. You can enjoy the 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.
Go Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a nice fall day outdoors with the family. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses, many of them set up in scenic places, are lovely this time of year. This post has info about one in College Park, and there are also great courses at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg and Burke Lake Park in Burke.
Do Some Garden-ing
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Fall is a great time to roam the many gardens in the area as the changing leaves start to brighten up the summer green. Enjoy the fall flowers and manicured grounds of the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle (then visit the museums). Explore, play, and see a variety of plant collections at the National Arboretum. Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt. Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden. Relish in the peace at the Brookland Monastery. Or roam the expansive grounds of Brookside Gardens. You can bring along a picnic to many of these places and make it a whole day’s outing.
A peek at the powerful Americans exhibit at the NMAI
Indigenous People’s Day
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free with timed entry ticket
There’s no special event going on, but the NMAI is an ideal place to go for learning about Indigenous People. While the museum is closed on the actual day (Monday), it’s open all weekend and safety protocols are in place for COVID, including timed entry passes to limit capacity. If you can’t go this weekend, let this listing serve as a reminder to book passes for another day. Reserve free tickets here.
Even More Activities
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want even more ideas for things to do over the long weekend, this post has plenty of inspo, listing both ongoing activities around the area as well as information on reopenings.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * Time 4 Mom is a new monthly subscription box especially for busy moms, and there’s a giveaway for a chance to win a complimentary box! * Kids of all ages can join the Tiny Chefs and Teen Chefs Cooking Club, a new and fun (& yummy) online membership program from Tiny Chefs. * Plan for Halloween with this round-up of wicked fun (& safe) activities coming up over the next few weeks. *Hanna Andersson has super cute character inspired clothes for kids, plus pajamas on sale. * N Street Village is hosting its annual SHERO Family Walk next Saturday, though it will be virtual this year. The event benefits N Street Village, the city’s largest provider of housing and services for women experiencing homelessness. *This has been “shockingly” useful. * Something fun and delicious to make this fall weekend. *Scary Costume Ideas for 2020 😱 😂
Note: KFDC may earn a commission when you click on one of the links and make a purchase. Thank you for the support!
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.
You’ll once again be able get more than outside views of the Monument
1. 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.
3. It was just announced that DC indoor public pools will open on October 13! Reservations are open now, and you will need one to swim at any aquatic facilities in the city.
4. This podcast is so good, I’m sure the TV show version, which starts today on Netflix, will be awesome, too.
