The weather will finally be nice this weekend, and I cannot be more excited! It won’t rain (thank God), and it will actually feel like fall!

This, of course, means that fall festivities are on my mind. I’m gearing up for pumpkin spice latte season, people! Activities for this weekend’s roundup include an apple harvest, Oktoberfests, and much more. Trust me when I say this is ONE FULL WEEKEND, and most of it involves being outside! 

Here is your weekend roundup for Friday, September 28, through Sunday, September 30!

Maryland

The Maryland Renaissance Festival | Annapolis, MD | Friday – Sunday

This weekend is supposed to finally feel like fall (think beautiful mid-70s and no more rain!), which means it’s a great weekend for the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Rent a costume, grab a turkey leg, and go see a live medieval demonstration. You’ll have loads of fun -- I promise! Get your tickets for the festival here. It ends in October, so you really only have a couple more weekends to enjoy it.  

Apple Harvest Festival | Mount Airy, MD | Saturday

There is nothing more fall-like than apple-picking, am I right? And this year, instead of waiting until the last minute to participate in fall-themed festivities, why don’t you get a head start? The Apple Harvest Festival at Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, Maryland, will be a beautiful place to go apple-picking this weekend. In between filling your baskets with apples, enjoy a hayride, some cider, the corn maze, and games. It’s a great outing for the whole family. Follow this link for more information. 

Alpaca Festival | Preston, MD | Saturday – Sunday

This two-day event is the perfect opportunity to visit the Eastern Shore. The Alpaca Festival will feature actual alpaca meet-and-greets (yes, please!), spinning demonstrations, various arts and crafts vendors, pony rides, live music and entertainment, locally made ice cream, a moon bounce, and much more! Find out everything you to know about it here.

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival | Annapolis, MD | Saturday

For the 29th year, Annapolis will host the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, an annual event named after Kunta Kinte, one of the slaves brought to Annapolis in the 1760s. From music to workshops, to readings and food, the festival is a huge celebration of African culture and heritage. Learn more here!

Virginia

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival | Leesburg, VA | Saturday

More than 60 beer and 40 bourbon options — plus all of the barbecue you can eat — will be available at Leesburg’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival. The event, which will have beer, bourbon and good ol’ country barbecue lovers rejoicing (and drinking), will run from 2 to 6 p.m. OCN reminds you to please drink responsibly, but by all means, get your booze on.

Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show | Historic Occoquan, VA | Saturday – Sunday

The semi-annual arts and crafts show will be a perfect place to get a headstart on your holiday shopping! Nearly 300 crafters and artisans from the region and all around the country will be present. Come prepared for lots of walking, but also for quaintness overload! Read about it here.

Crystal City Oktoberfest | Crystal City, VA | Saturday

It’s almost October, which means it is time for Oktoberfest. This Saturday, Crystal City will be kicking off the festivities with an ultimate Oktoberfest party. Buy your tickets ahead of time here to only pay $30 per person for admission, or if you prefer to make last-minute decisions, pay $40 the day of. Your ticket will include beer samples, a custom mug, live entertainment, and much more. Of course, there will also be Oktoberfest-themed foods like sauces and pretzels. If you’re a beer fanatic, or just love a good outdoor drinking party, this is the event for you this weekend. 

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest | Fort Belvoir, VA | Thursday – Saturday

Here's one more Oktoberfest for you, but this one is happening on the military base! This family-friendly event features acres of carnival rides, German food and beverages, music, and endless fun for people of all ages. Admission, entry to the craft bazaar, and parking are all FREE. Click here for more info!

Washington, D.C.

Art All Night -- Made in D.C. | 8 D.C. Neighborhoods | Saturday

If you love art and/or are an artist yourself, this is an event not to miss. It will take place from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., so make sure you’re ready to party (and appreciate art) all night long. The event will feature local artists in a pop-up format, with plenty of food, entertainment, and interactive fun. It also has a very neighborhood feel, and if you’ve been meaning to play a bigger role in the community, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the right people. Find out more information here. 

Yappy Hour | W Hotel, D.C. | Sunday

I know I enjoy drinking much better when my puppy can join! On Sunday, the W Hotel will host a Yappy Hour, where you’ll be able to bring your dog to enjoy a drink on the patio with you (though, of course, they’ll be drinking water, I hope). There will also be pet-friendly treats to enjoy that will have your dog happily chilling with you for hours. Read more information on the event here. 

The Turkish Festival | Pennsylvania Avenue NW, D.C. | Sunday

If you’re into different cultures, and love exploring through food, then the Turkish Festival will be right up your alley. There will be plenty of tasty options to try, as well as Turkish coffee tastings and artisans to buy handmade pieces from. Check out more details about the festival here. 

Capitol Brew Fest | The Fairgrounds, D.C. | Saturday

Here is another beer festival for you guys. You can never have enough, right? This one will feature a lot of seasonal beers and wines, both local and national. Your ticket will include unlimited tastings, as well as a special, reusable mug. Like with any outdoor festival, there will be tons of games, music, food, and fun. Get all the information here.  

Are you as excited for the fall season as I am? Let me know what your favorite fall activity is in the comments below!