The holiday season is taking off in the DMV with markets, food festivals, and ice-skating!
With the weather cooling down, it's time to get cozy. The DMV is holding all kinds of events that are perfect for friends and family. Dazzle your tastebuds at Emporiyum and Baltimore's Bacon Fest, or track down the perfect gift at the Icelandic Christmas Bazaar. When in doubt, you can always take a spin around an ice rink!
Here's your weekend roundup for Friday, November 8, to Sunday, November 10.
Maryland Irish Festival
Maryland State Fairgrounds | 2200 York Road | Lutherville-Timonium, MD | Friday–Sunday
Lovers of Irish culture have luck on their side with Maryland's own Irish Festival! Celebrate Irish cultural heritage with delicious food, live dance, music, and more. Shop 'til you drop from artisanal vendors, and savor pours of Irish beer. Kids can enjoy age-appropriate entertainment like games and bouncy houses! Admission benefits the nonprofit Irish Charities of Maryland. Tickets begin at $10. Buy them here!
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Dulles Expo Center-South Hall | 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center | Chantilly, VA | Friday–Sunday
'Tis the season for a Christmas market! The Dulles Expo Center is hosting a weekend-long bazaar full of area crafters and artisans. Shop handcrafted jewelry, home goods, art prints, Christmas ornaments, and so much more! Admission is $8 while children under 12 are free. Pro-tip: donate canned food for a $1 discount. You can find out more here!
13th Annual Parade of Trabants
Spy Museum | 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW | Washington, D.C. | Saturday
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall, the Spy Museum is holding a Trabants parade! From 10 to 4, check out the German cars on display and learn about their Cold War history by professionals in the field. A raffle will be held for a chance to ride in a Trabant! How cool is that? Admission is free—just show up! Check it out here!
Baltimore Bacon Fest
Power Plant Live! | 34 Market Place | Baltimore, MD | Saturday
The ultimate ode to bacon if there ever was one. Pig out on bacon-inspired dishes and cocktails from over a dozen vendors, along with bourbon flights and bloody mary bars. Other activities include live music, eating contests, and a Kevin Bacon dance-off. Admission starts at $9.99. Check it out here!
George Washington Whiskey Festival
George Washington's Mount Vernon | 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway | Mount Vernon, VA | Saturday
This event mixes history class and happy hour (say what?!). Sample dozens of local distilleries and learn the fascinating history of whiskey-making in colonial America. Of course, guests will get a sneak-peek into how Mount Vernon's George Washington Whiskey is made! General admission is $85. Reserve your spot here!
Emporiyum
Dock 5 at Union Market | 1309 5th Street NE | Washington, D.C. | Friday–Sunday
D.C.'s hippest spot is hosting the ultimate foodie paradise! This festival will showcase dozens of culinary businesses and the amazing chefs at the helm. Try samples, mingle with creatives, and browse wares for a little something extra to take home! Tickets begin at $15. Find out more here!
Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival
Howard County Fair | 2210 Fairgrounds Road | West Friendship, MD | Saturday–Sunday
Talk about the warm and fuzzies! All weekend, Howard County will showcase everyone's favorite fuzzy animal, the alpaca. Crafters can browse the extensive bounty of yarns and textiles all while real-life alpacas will be available for petting and pictures. Did we mention admission is free? Check it out here!
Ice Rink Opening
Reston Town Center | Reston, VA | Friday
The season of ice skating has officially begun! Reston Town Center is kicking off the holidays with the opening of their ice rink. Grab your skates and hit the rink with family and friends alike this Friday, November 8! The rink operates until March 15, 2020, and adult tickets are $10. Find out more here!
Icelandic Christmas Bazaar
The American Legion Post 177 | 3939 Oak Street | Fairfax, VA | Saturday
The Icelandic Association of D.C. is bringing its wildly popular Christmas Bazaar for its 50th year! From 10 to 3, shop Icelandic wool, chocolates, and fish leather along with enjoying traditional Icelandic food—the lamb hot dogs are a crowd-pleaser! It's the perfect start to the holidays! Admission is free. Find out more on their Facebook page!
Baltimore Book Festival and Light City
Locations Vary | Friday—Sunday
Baltimore's biggest literary event is coming to a close this weekend! Experience a final hurrah of author panels, readings, demos, and of course Light City's breath-taking installations around Inner Harbor. The festival's last day is November 10, and admission is free. Check out the full schedule here!
So what's on the agenda this weekend? Any events we missed? Share them with us in the comments—we'd love to hear from you!
