I hope everyone is enjoying this dry (though much warmer than necessary) October!
I trust you are finding ways to get outside, drink a pumpkin beverage, and wear a little orange. Fall always puts me in a good mood and gets me excited for what’s to come. If you haven’t really had an opportunity to enjoy fall too much, I’ve got tons of great ideas for your weekend.
Here is your weekend roundup for Thursday, October 11 – Sunday, October 14, 2018.
Maryland
The Maryland Renaissance Festival | Annapolis, MD | Friday, Saturday, Sunday
I know I’ve written about this festival several times before, but there are really only a couple weekends left for you to enjoy it. And there is just so much to enjoy. I recommend renting a costume and really getting into the role of living in medieval times. Don’t be afraid to get messy, try a turkey leg, and participate in many of the interactive exhibits and events. Pick up tickets and read more information here.
Bethesda Row Arts Festival | Bethesda Row, Bethesda, MD | Saturday, Sunday
Fall is just the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and I can’t resist a good arts fest. This weekend, the Bethesda Row Arts Festival will light up Bethesda Row with tons of art forms of all kinds -- all selling at different price points. Admission is free, so you can feel free to wander around and experience everything on your own time. Read more information on what to expect here.
Pumpkin Festival | Anne Arundel Country Farmers Market | Saturday
This is the most fall festivals of all fall festivals, and if fall is your favorite thing (have I said fall enough?), you have to go to the Pumpkin Festival this weekend. Bring all your friends and your entire family to enjoy a day picking out pumpkins and then carving your own unique (or not, depending on what you’re going for) designs. You’ll also get to enjoy apple cider, seasonal food picks, live music, pony rides, and tons more.
Washington, D.C.
The H Street Festival | Along H Street NE | Saturday
Finally, the H Street Festival is upon us. The original date had to be rescheduled because of Hurricane Florence, but this Saturday shouldn’t present any obstacles. This is one of the most anticipated and widely attended outdoor events in Washington, D.C., all year. There will be tons of vendors, live music, food and drink specials, and of course plenty of people-watching. All the restaurants and bars that line the street will also be participating. Get all the information here.
Champagne in the Galleries | The Kreeger Museum | Saturday
An event in a museum always makes me feel super glamorous and important, and if you feel the same way, then you should definitely not miss the Champagne in the Galleries event this Saturday at the Kreeger Museum. From 5 to 7 p.m., enjoy champagne, appetizers, live music, and the company of other museum lovers, while also browsing the beautiful displays. Plus, as a bonus, your ticket supports the art education programs that the museum runs. You can purchase your ticket to the event here.
Big Build Community Day | The National Building Museum | Saturday
Here is another museum event for you to attend on Saturday, but this one is family-friendly and happens during the day. It is going to be the 25th anniversary of the Big Build Community Day, and a great learning experience to understand how construction actually gets done on a city scale. You’ll get to meet with builders, contractors, architects, and many more construction-related professions. The event is free to attend and wonderful for kids.
Blagden Alley: Fall Open Air Market | Blagden Alley | Sunday
Blagden Alley is one of the coolest alleyways in Washington, D.C. Located in the neighborhood of Shaw, the alley features large, colorful murals, an adorable coffee shop, several bars with beautiful patio spaces, and more. This Sunday, Blagden Alley will host an outdoor fall-themed market. Local businesses will sell handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, art prints, and of course, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a pumpkin snack or two. Check out more information here.
Virginia
Rosslyn Cider Fest | Arlington, VA | Thursday
Apples are everywhere right now! Head out to Rosslyn this Thursday to try them in their boozy adult beverage form — cider. Food trucks and live entertainment join eight tasting stations for an evening of delicious fun. The event itself is free, and tasting tickets are $10 each. Learn all about it here!
CSA Autograph Show | Chantilly, VA | Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Chantilly holds a gigantic sports card, memorabilia, and sports stars autograph show usually three times a year. This weekend's show marks the last show of 2018, and the autograph list for this one is phenomenal. Whether you're a Caps, Redskins, or Ravens fan, this is an event you won't want to miss. Check out which of your sports heroes will be appearing here.
PetOberfest | Woodbridge, VA | Saturday
Fall meets your pets at the annual PetOberfest at Potomac Town Center this Saturday! There'll be a pet parade, costume contest, puppy kissing booth, pet photo booth, petting zoo, moonbounce, live entertainment, and more! This family-friendly event is free and loads of fun! Find out all about it here.
Virginia Wine Festival | Rosslyn, VA | Saturday, Sunday
Yes, yes, yes. We love our wine festivals, and if two days of tastings from more than 200 Virginia wineries doesn’t sound like the perfect way to spend a fall weekend, I don’t know what does! Plus, there'll be food trucks. Click here to find out everything you need to know.
Are you excited about all the outdoor events this weekend? What kind of activities do you want to be featured in the weekend roundup? Let us know in the comments, and you might see your pick next week!
