Antsy for some holiday cheer? Let our weekend roundup tide you over with festive markets, plays, and more!
It might be getting colder outside, but the DMV's event calendar is only heating up! Venture to D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for a host of festive outings that'll have you covered through Thanksgiving and into the holidays. Here's your weekend roundup for Friday, November 12, to Sunday, November 14.
Events on Friday, November 12
Strathmore's Museum Shop Holiday Market | The Mansion | 10701 Rockville Pike | North Bethesda, MD | Friday-Saturday
Wanna think outside the box for holiday shopping? Give the gift of the arts by visiting Strathmore's annual Holiday Market! Featuring selections from The Philips Collection, Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Brookside Gardens, shoppers can support these incredible institutions while giving their loved ones something unique to cherish. There's no admission fee, but a suggested donation of $10 is encouraged. Check it out here.
Maryland Irish Festival | Maryland State Fairgrounds | 2200 York Rd | Timonium, MD | Friday-Sunday
If you've ever wanted to travel to Ireland, you're in luck—the Maryland Irish Festival may be the next best thing! Now in its 47th year, guests can immerse themselves in the culture of the Emerald Isle with delicious cuisine, live entertainment, and shopping at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Event proceeds will benefit the Irish Charities of Maryland. Tickets are $15-$20. You can buy them here.
Dining in the Dark | Abigail | 1730 M St NW | Washington, DC | Friday-Saturday
We do a lot of things in the dark—like sleeping, for example—but have you ever eaten a meal? This unconventional dining experience from Sensoreats treats you to a five-course dinner. But there's a catch: you'll eat in total darkness, forcing you to taste, touch, and smell your way through the meal. Between the delicious food and the bizarre concept, it's perfect for shaking up the usual date night or happy hour. Tickets are in limited supply, so don't wait! Buy them here.
28th Annual Northern Virginia Christmas Market | Dulles Expo & Conference Center | Chantilly, VA | Friday-Sunday
Get a head-start on your holiday shopping with NoVa's ultimate Christmas marketplace! Spend the weekend perusing goods like art, pottery, and woodwork along with edible goodies and Christmas collectibles at the Dulles Expo Center. With over 200 vendors to browse, there's sure to be a gift for every person on your list! Like events' past, there'll also be a food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank you can donate to. Admission is $8 and FREE for children under 12. For more information, click here.
Events on Saturday, November 13
United Airlines Rock 'n' Roll Running Series | Washington, DC | Saturday
Brought to you by United Airlines, explore DC's iconic landmarks with a rock n' roll edge! Participate in a 5K or half marathon to experience panoramic views of Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, with live artists jamming out at select stops on the route. Afterward, runners will receive complimentary swag and a concert celebration. This isn't your typical capital tour—if anything, it's so much more! You can register here.
15th Annual Parade of Trabants | International Spy Museum | 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW | Washington, DC | Saturday
Dedicated to the anniversary of the Berlin Wall's collapse, join the International Spy Museum for a European car showcase. Visitors can learn about the Cold War era while viewing a parade of German automobiles, including the notoriously dysfunctional Trabant vehicle. Car-lovers and history buffs won't want to miss the nation's only Trabant parade! The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is FREE. Read about it here.
Virginia Opera: La Boheme | George Mason University Center for the Arts | 4400 University Dr | Fairfax, VA | Saturday-Sunday
Two days only! Puccini's masterwork gets an abridged edit by the Virginia Opera that's shorter in length but with no less impact. Set in 19th-century Paris, it follows a youthful band of artists striving to live life as they wish. If you think the opera is only for people in fur coats and monocles, think again! The show runs for under 2 hours and tickets start at $45. Reserve your seats here.
Taylor Tomlinson: Deal With It Tour | Capital One Hall | 7750 Capital One Tower Rd | Tysons, VA | Saturday-Sunday
If you laughed your butt off at Taylor Tomlinson's Netflix special Quarter-Life Crisis, just wait until you see her live! The 28-year-old comedian will be packing punches and venues on her Deal With It Tour, and lucky for us, she's bringing the goods to Virginia's newest concert venue. Featuring brand-new material, come out and see why she's comedy's rising star! Tickets start at $29.75. Snag them here.
2021 Sykesville Craft Beer Festival | Sykesville Main Street | Sykesville, MD | Saturday
How does a craft beer bonanza sound? Gather for a day of unlimited sipping between noon and 4 p.m. at Sykesville's charming Main Street. In addition to the sprawling variety of breweries, visitors can also enjoy a bite from local food trucks and check out live entertainment and vendor booths. No better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in our books! Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required for entry, and admission is $45-$50. Get the details here.
Events on Sunday, November 14
Unique Boutique Fine Arts and Crafts Show | Hollywood Fire Department | Hollywood, MD | Sunday
FREE event! Art collective Unique Boutique is back with its 47th annual craft extravaganza! Browse a variety of handicrafts including basketry, stained glass, and pottery by artisans in Southern Maryland. So much talent will be on display, and the shopping opportunities will be endless! The show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Fire Department. View the artist lineup here.
Let us know what you'll be doing this weekend. Do any of our picks interest you? Leave a comment!