Wanderlist: 100+ Awesome Things to Do in DC in October

So long, summer! Fall has officially arrived bringing with it a couple crunchy leaves and another crisp, cool list of things to do in the District. 

There's always a lot to do in the District and it's even better in the fall!  From ghosts and ghouls, reopened museums, pop-up wineries and colorful murals, we've rounded up some of the best things to do right now, whether you're a local or just visiting.
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• Act fact theatre lovers! Theatre Week ends its run of discounted performances soon
• ​Put on your best lederhosen and dirndl for Wunder Garten's Oktoberfest takeover
• ​Brave Congressional Cemetery after dark to hear stories about the dead; if you dare
• ​National Museum of Women in the Arts reopens with a really BIG exhibit
• Practice your golf swing when Nats Park temporarily turns into a 9-hole golf course
• There'll be dancing in the streets with Porchfest SE edition and in Adams Morgan
• ​Learn the elements of mural making with renowned DC artist Aniekan Udofia
• Celebrate National Taco Day (evidently this is a thing) with a guided taco tour

And that's just for starters, an activities amuse bouche if you will. This month is jam-packed with 100+ awesome things to keep you busy every day of the week. 

So dress in layers and get ready for all the fun, frolic, food and foliage to be had this season.

Legend:

• ​🆓 ​:        This is a free event​
• 💰:         Donation or paid ticket required​​
• 💻:         This is an on-line/streaming event​​
• ​👻:          Halloween related event

Ending Soon

3rd Annual Lawntoberfest. Hit the roof for a seasonal rooftop party with live music, Oktoberfest beers, brats and halfsmokes, caramel apples, a pop-up bakeshop and pumpkin painting, of course. 🆓 Hi-Lawn, Union Market District // September 29 - October 1

World Culture Festival. Making its U.S. debut, this cultural extravaganza welcomes everyone to make connections and share in the diversity of the global community through music, dance, art, food and inspiring talks. 🆓 National Mall // September 29 - October 1

DC Theatre Week. This is the best time of year for theatre lovers to sample upcoming shows  -- many are free or at a discount -- from theatres around the region, everything from musicals, dramas, comedies and more. 💰Multiple locations // Now - October 8 

Monumental Travesties. In this dark comedy, Chance, a Black performance artist living on the Hill, surreptitiously removes Lincoln’s head from the Emancipation Memorial; it ends up in the shrubbery in front of the home of his white liberal neighbor, Adam. When Adam knocks on Chance’s door, what the latter sees as a revolutionary act unleashes an absurdist chain of events. 💰 Mosaic Theatre , DC // Now - October 8  

Latin American Film Festival. Now in its 34th year, North America's largest and long-running showcases of Latin America cinema features international film festival favorites, award winners, local box office hits and debut works by promising new talents, Titles include: Carlos, the Extortion, The Ones From Below, and Let the Dance Begin. 💰 AFI Silver Theatre + Cultural Center, MD // Now - October 12 

Ongoing 

Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. To mark the 50th anniversary of Maynard Jackson, Atlanta's first Black mayor, this drama travels  back in time to the election that changed everything and marked the beginning of the New South. 💰Ford's Theatre , DC // September 22 - November 15 

Notorious RBG Exhibition. Explore Justice Ginsburg’s life and legacy through archival photographs and documents, contemporary art, media stations, and playful interactives.  💰 National Jewish Museum, DC // Now - November 30 

Museum of Failure. Bic for her? Limeade Oreos? History's memorable mishaps are on display at this unique pop-up museum.  Other failures include fat-free Pringles (the side effects of that one were rough), Google Glass, and Coke II. 💰Georgetown Park, DC // Now - December 10 ​

What Color is Divine Light? Set against lavender walls, What Color is Divine Light? contains thousands of fine chromatic threads in complementary yellow and blue colors – creating a cloud of color that evokes light itself. Contemporary artist Anne Lindberg’s immersive installation invites visitors to gather and reflect: If divinity could be experienced as a physical presence, what might it look like? Sound like? Feel like? What color is divine light? 🆓Textile Museum DC // Now - December 23 

Opening: “Beyond the Light” Exhibit. Artechouse's latest exhibit is truly out of this world!  Developed in collaboration with NASA, the latest from the digital art house features images from the Webb telescope, AI-aided visual production, and an original musical score created from galactic data,  💰 Artechouse DC // Now - TBD 

New This Month

Week 1: OCTOBER 1 - 7

Wunder Garten's 9th Annual Oktoberfest Festival. The annual Oktoberfest takeover calls for German food, live bands, Bavarian games, DJs, themed parties, stein-holding contests, and prizes like $100 drink tabs and free cabana rentals. Look for Märzen-style beers from legendary Bavarian breweries Spaten Franziskaner and Weihenstephan. Sport your best lederhosen and dirndl for the chance to win on-the-spot prizes. 🆓 WunderGarten, DC // Now - Ends October 15  

NOMA in Color. Watch art come to life as artists paint murals on the walls, fences, and any other surface they can find, and take a curated walk to discover installations around the neighborhood. Plus, enjoy live music, pop-up performances, dining specials, and more. NoMa,  🆓 ​ DC // Now - October 19

Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party. You’re invited to an eerie evening at an elegant but haunted mansion, featuring mini-cocktail tastings, roaming live entertainment and some ghoulish, uninvited guests. 💰Whittemore House, DC // Now - October 30

C&O Canal Boat Tours. Don’t miss the boat! Get onboard the historic canal boat for a tour along the Canal and learn about the fascinating history of the waterway. 💰​ Georgetown, DC // Now - October 31 ​

The Tell Tale Heart. Edgar Allan Poe’s heart-humping tale where reality and madness blur invites you to question: who is the crazy one? 💰Synetic Theatre, VA // Now - November 5 

José Andrés in Conversation. The multi-hypenate chef, restaurateur, and the founder of World Central Kitchen discusses WCK’s first cookbook, a collection of globe-trotting recipes from where the organization has helped after disasters, and stories from chefs and front-line volunteers. 💰Sixth + I , DC // October 1 

Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Get transported to the Far East and experience Vietnamese heritage with food tastings, cooking demonstrations, performances, and activities like lantern painting and puppet crafting. 💰 Eastern Market, DC // October 1 

Echo Arts Festival. Art lovers, you don't want to miss this! The 2nd annual Echo Arts festival celebrates the visual and performing arts, which includes: open studios, art sales, interactive crafts and demos, live music and more! 🆓Glen Echo Park, MD // October 1 

Harvest Wine Tour & Tasting. Get a close-up look at the winemaking process from crushing, pressing, and fermenting this year’s grapes to the best part–tasting. Each tour includes a tasting of five wines. Cheers to that! 💰​District Winery , DC // October 1-29 

Glow in the Dark Ax Throwing. Hope you've got good aim! Imagine the joy of hurling axes during the day, now amplify that excitement by adding the mystique of darkness into the mix with black lights, glowing ranges, glow tape, glow sticks, and body paint. 🆓 Ivy City, DC // October 2  ​

Drunk History. Shots, shots, shots! You’ve never experienced Shakespeare quite like this as a classically-trained actor take shots of whiskey and attempts to perform a role in a Shakespeare play as the rest of the cast tries to carry on. 💰​Downtown DC // October 2 ​

Rooftop Bingo. Bingo may have a reputation as a game for the senior set, but this unique rooftop space is here to put a new spin on it. Bring a blanket and your competitive crew to enjoy a fun-filled night, plus exclusive food + drink specials. 🆓 Hi-Lawn at Union Market , DC // October 4 (ongoing)   

Renwick Handi-Hour. DC's favorite crafty happy hour is back! Make your own jewelry, enjoy hard cider and explore the museum's collection on an artsy scavenger hunt. 21+ only. 🆓 Renwick Gallery, DC // October 4 

CiNoMatic Outdoor Movie. Bring your blanket and watch the Oscar-winning movie La La Land under the stars. 🆓 Alethia Tanner Park , DC // October 4 

Vintage Game Night. Party like it's 1924 with board games from the past and present at the home of the 28th President. Admission includes complimentary snacks and one drink ticket. 💰Woodrow Wilson House // October 4

Fall Jazz Series. Unwind and get in the pocket listening to live jazz of different flavors performed by some of the best local bands, including the Feedel Band and Tobago Bay Calypso.  🆓 ​Canal Park, DC // October 4 + 11 ​

GLDN+ Sounds. Golden Triangle's lunchtime live music series is back this fall. Grab a meal from an area restaurant and enjoy performances from local artists. The lineup includes Mauro Mir (Latin Pop), DuPont Strings (Classical) and Tre. Charles (Soul). 🆓 Farragut Park, DC // October 4 - 25 

Día del cine español. To mark the 3rd anniversary of Spanish Cinema Day, the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain screens Embrujo: Love is impossible between Manolo, a flamenco singer, and Lola, a flamenco dancer. She leaves for America to forget him and he gives himself to alcohol. 🆓 Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain // October 5

Halloween Cocktail Making Class. Level up your hosting game by learning how to make scary good Halloween-themed cocktails in a hands-on class. 💰Urban Roast, DC // October 6 

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. George Washington loved wine–a lot. Raise a glass to the first president while sampling unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after-hours at his estate. 💰 Mount Vernon , VA// October 6 

Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival. You’ll laugh till you cry during this three-day comic extravaganza featuring side-splitting performances by comedic talents from the BIPOC community. Besides the “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition, check out screenings, panels, live shows and comedy classes to try out your material. $40+ Times vary. 💰 The Wharf , DC // October 6 - 8 

Heels Dance Class. Get your groove on, give your legs a great workout, and learn sassy dance moves in heels that would make Beyoncé envious. 💰 Dance Place, DC // October 6 - 27

Spanish Paella & Tapas Class.  Top Chef makes it look so easy. Learn to make traditional paella and tapas from scratch in a hands-on class. Afterward, enjoy the results of your culinary hard work. 💰 Union Kitchen, DC // October 6 - 29

Library of Congress Guided Tour. Wear comfy shoes for a walking tour that explores the exterior architecture of Union Station, Supreme Court, and ends with an interior guided tour of the Library of Congress. 💰Union Station, DC // October 7 

Club Quarantine Live. Legendary DJ D-Nice brings Club Quarantine Live back to DC for another year with an array of special guests alongside host comedian Chris Spencer and the Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band. 💰Kennedy Center, DC // October 7 

Shakespeare Everywhere Festival. In recognition of the Bard and his productions, this festival hosts 12 shows, over 12 weeks at multiple venues in the DMV. 💰 Multiple venues // October 7 - December 31

What's Happening DMV? Fall Indoor Market. Come shop and see what’s happening in the DMV with fantastic indie makers and sellers of new and vintage goods! 🆓 Songbyrd Music House, DC // October 7 

Yoga on the Farm. Enjoy all the wonders of fall with all-levels yoga practice on an urban farm. 🆓 Marvin Gaye Farm, DC // October 7-28  ​

WEEK 2: OCTOBER 8 - 14

DC Taste of the Nation. Put on some stretchy pants and come hungry for a day of delicious eats and craft cocktails from some of the city's best culinary talents, plus entertainment and games. Proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry. 💰 M St SE & New Jersey Ave SE // October 8 

Porchfest DC - Southeast Edition. Hey, all you funky people!  Yards, lawns, patios, and (of course porches) will transform into intimate makeshift stages for the day for the southeast edition of the popular day-long music festival. Shop, dine and explore the area while listening to local talent. 🆓 Hillcrest, DC // October 8 

Woodley Park Walking Tour.  Explore architecture from 1804 to 2015 in this upper Northwest neighborhood. 💰 Woodley Park, DC // October 8 

R&B Club Presents: The Year in R&B. The year is 1998. Songs like “The Boy Is Mine,” “Nothing Even Matters, and “My Love Is Your Love” dominate the airwaves. Music will be played, discussions about the artists will be had, and 100% there will be impromptu karaoke.  So come and relive your music memories, pick up some music knowledge and be prepared to singalong. 💰 Songbyrd Music House , DC // October 8 

Jonah Kagen.  Drawing inspiration from a wide range of musicians like Noah Kahan, Ed Sheeran, Anson Seabra, , RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Kygo, the indie-folk songbird is making music meant to transcend genre-norms.  After his debut single “Broken” went viral on TikTok, and opening for Maisie Peters on her sold-out U.S. tour, he's hitting the road solo. 💰 DC9, DC  // October 9 

Rooftop Bingo. Put your knowledge to the test with three or more rounds of trivia + prizes every round. Enjoy exclusive food + drink specials at this incredible rooftop greenspace. Bring your own blankets and chill with us on the lawn! This week’s theme — Harry potter (special prizes + a costume contest)! 🆓 ​Hi-Lawn , Union Market District// October 9

Macbeth In Stride. Through a range of musical genres: pop, rock, gospel and R&B, this production melds a rock concert with a play in a contemporary take on the Bard’s classic tragedy that explores just what it means to be an ambitious Black woman, as told from the POV of the murderous Lady Macbeth. $25+. Times vary. 450 7th Street NW, DC;  💰 Shakespeare Theatre, DC //October 10 - 29

Black Lagoon Pop-up. Head down to the dungons in an immersive, creepy AF experience and drown your terror with boo-zy and spooky cocktails. 💰👻​ Trouble Bird // October 10 - 31 

Gastronomy and Movies. France, 1789, before the Revolution. A sacked chef frees himself from his noble master to open the first-ever restaurant in France. Sounds delicious! 💰 French Embassy // October 11 

Taco Crawl. Giving “dine and dash” new meaning, celebrate National Taco Day on a guided taco tour through Rosslyn. 💰 Central Place Plaza, VA / October 11 

The Supreme Court: What Happened and What's Coming. As the Supreme Court gets ready for a new term, join in for a discussion about its previous decisions, preview upcoming cases, and current relevance. 💰 Politics + Prose (Conn Ave) // October 12 

Stamp Portraiture and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be featured on a soon-to-be-released US postage stamp. Join the artist who took the photograph of Justice Ginsburg on which inspired the stamp, the USPS Art Director of the stamp, and others in a discussion about the process of creating this stamp, stamp art, and stamp portraiture. 🆓 National Postal Museum, DC  // October 12 

Movie & Mixer. Come for the pre-show mixer, stay for the movie. On the big screen, the classic Casablanca 🆓 Wisconsin Ave., NW // October 12 

Whiskey and Cigar Tasting Evening. Whiskey and cigars go together like an age-old marriage. Sample premium whiskeys and cocktails paired with small bites, and a medium-bodied Habano cigar. You'll feel very fancy, indeed. 💰 Washington Hilton, DC // October 13 

16th Street and Adams Morgan Walking Tour. Explore the rich history and stories of DC neighborhoods along 16th Street, including Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Adams Morgan on a guided walking tour. 🆓 Meridian Hill Park , DC // October 13 

Millennium Stage: Flex Mathews. DC rap veteran who cut his teeth on U Street’s legendary open-mic circuit performs. 🆓 Kennedy Center, DC // October 13 

Boot N' Scoot. Put on your cowboy boots for 3-days of country fun, including live country music, roping instruction, mechanical bull riding and BBQ. 💰Hi-Lawn, Union Market, DC // October 13 - 15

​Noir City DC: The Washington DC Film Noir Festival. The Film Noir Foundation team delivers an curated selection of films noir, combining canonical classics with rarities ripe for rediscovery. 💰 AFI Silver Theatre + Cultural Center, MD // October 13 - 26 

POTUS. The play has a full title POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, which should give you an idea of its farcical nature as the women in a US president’s inner circle try to fix his PR disaster before it becomes an international crisis. 💰 Arena Stage, DC // October 13 - November 12 

Kingman Island Friends & Family Day. If you've never visited this hidden gem before, now is the perfect time to explore the islands with a day jam-packed with activities. Activities include paddling, nature walks, fishing, scavenger hunts, and ranger talks. 🆓 Kingman And Heritage Islands , DC // October 14 

DC Wine Fest! Fall Edition. Select wineries provide samples throughout the day-long vino festival, which includles live music and entertainment. 21+ only.  💰Dock 5 at Union Market, DC // October 14 

Back Dat Jazz Up. Celebrate the changing season at this jazz and wine block party, featuring Future Band and an array of food trucks. 💰 Anacostia Sandlot, DC // October 14 

Georgetown Fall Market. Savor that crisp nip in the air as you enjoy sidewalk shopping and take in the sights in the historic neighborhood. There will also be live music, fall-themed face painting and it wouldn't be fall without pumpkin painting, too. 💰Georgetown, DC // October 14 

Snallygaster. DC’s biggest beer festival offers over 350 craft brews for sampling, local food trucks and live music on two stages. And if you were curious about the name (‘cause we were!), a Snallygaster is a mythical part reptile and part bird from rural Maryland that is said to prey on poultry and children. The more you know! 💰Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC;// October 14 

Adams Morgan Porchfest. If you missed it in the spring, the regular fall edition is back with approximately 100 bands showcasing nearly every musical genre playing porches, business patios and parks. 🆓 Adams Morgan, DC // October 14

Down in the Reeds. The producers of Down in the Reeds Festival returns for a fall afternoon of live music, family fun, and local food and beverage. The afternoon features musical performances from Leon City Sounds, Black Masala, and Cumbia Heights, along with lawn games from DC Fray, vendors, local food truck favorites including Takoma Station Wingery and beverages from ANXO. 🆓 The Parks at Walter Reed, DC // October 14

WEEK 3: OCTOBER 15 - 21

Falling Water Tour.  Calling all architecture lovers! Join Politics & Prose for their annual trip to Pennsylvania for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater. 💰October 15 

Turkish Festival. The annual celebration offers a jam-packed day of family-friendly cultural activities, from folk dancing and musical performances, to arts and crafts. And you'll also get to enjoy sampling Turkish food, coffee fortune telling and a bustling bazaar.  🆓 Downtown DC // October 15

Astronomy on Tap. Get ready for an out-of-this-world evening with professional astronomers giving engaging talks about the Universe and prize giveaways. 🆓 DC9, DC // October 16 ​

Demob Happy, With a new album of insatiable grooves under their belt, the Newcastle-made, Brighton-based trio show off how they’ve managed to avoid the dreaded third album curse.  💰Songbyrd, DC // October 16 

Arlington Restaurant Week. Indulge and explore Arlington's food scene from from fast-casual spots to five-star dining with special deals and discounts. 💰 Arlington, VA // October 16 - 23

An Evening with Dan Pelosi: Let's Eat. Join Bold Fork Books at the Square for the debut of Dan Pelosi's cookbook. There will be a chat about the book, pus drinks and food from Let's Eat and a signing line and photo op with Dan. 💰The Square, DC // October 17 

Spooky History Tour. It’s one thing to visit the cavernous building in the daytime, but at night … that’s another story. Multiple witnesses have confirmed multiple spiritual beings living in the Museum, so have fun with that as you learn spooky facts and anecdotes about the historic site. 💰 👻​National Building Museum // October 17 - 31

Chocolate & Wine Tasting. Swimsuit season is over! Indulge in decadent chocolates and truffles, paired with cava, red, and white wine from Spain for a match made in heaven. 💰Chocolate House, DC // October 18 

Hands-on Mural Making. Renowned DC artist Aniekan Udofia's murals can be seen all across the DMV, including his most well-known work outside Ben's Chili Bowl. Join him for a hands-on workshop on the elements of mural-making. 🆓 Phillips@THEARC , DC // October 18 

DC Music Documentary Screening + Performance. Rhizome has been a long-time Takoma Park fixture for experimental music and performance art. Check out the screening of the documentary Rhizome is Home, featuring performances and interviews over a two-year period.  The event kicks off with the trio Drawn, a band formed at Rhizome DC, followed by a Q&A after the screening. 🆓 Mt. Pleasant Library, DC // October 18 

Handmade Empanadas Class. Unleash your inner chef in a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to make golden delicious, sweet and savory pastry pockets. The best part, you get to eat what you make at the end. 💰 La Cosecha, DC // October 19 + 26 

Luce Unplugged. It's been a while, but the long-running music series at the Luce Foundation at the American Art Museum is back, baby! Two local musical acts, Jru Anthony and Ari Voxx and The Sad Lads perform in an after-hours concert in support of the museum's exhibit, Musical Thinking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies. 🆓 Luce Foundation, National Portrait Gallery, DC // October 20 

Conspiratease III: An Illumi-naughty Burlesque and Variety Revue. Featuring burlesque, sideshow, circus and pole performances all about everything ‘They’ don’t want you to know, the show shines a spotlight on history’s most notorious top-secret, supernatural, extraterrestrial and governmental plots to create an entertaining night for all ‘true believers" of such popular conspiracy theories as the moon landing hoax and the global influence of Lizard People. 💰 DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern, DC // October 20 

Soul Strolls. Are you scared of the dark? Brave the darkness to hear tragic tales of Congressional Cemetery’s residents on a guided lantern tour through the grounds with costumed interpreters. 💰👻​Congressional Cemetery, DC // October 20 - 21

 Boo at the Zoo. DC's beloved Halloween tradition features spooky decorations, 30 trick or treat stations around the zoo, after-hours access to view the animals, and roaming creatures to scare up the fun. 💰👻​National Zoo, DC // October 20 - 22 

Stadiumlinks. Fooooore! Play golf like you've never seen it as National Park transforms into a one-of-a-kind, 9-hole golf course, spanning nearly every section of the ballpark. 💰Nationals Park, DC // October 21

Marvel’s Werewolf by Night. Sit back and get ready for an immersive movie experience! It kicks off with clips of classic horror flicks, followed by a full screening of  Werewolf by Night  accompanied by a live orchestra providing the soundtrack. 💰 Kennedy Center , DC// October 21 

Fall Harvest Festival. Try your hand at 18th century activities and demos like candle making, cooking, horseshoeing, and textile production, at George Washington's estate. 💰 Mount Vernon, VA // October 21 

Titanic: The Exhibit. You've seen the movie (probably), now travel back in time to travel back to 1912 through a collection of historic items, including photographs, handwritten letters,  and other personal belongings, that tell the story about the people on board the doomed voyage. 💰 National Harbor, MD // October 21 - December 10 

Rock the Park. Bust a move for a weekend of dance music headlined by internationally renowned DJs Moodymann and Miguel Migs feat. Lisa Shaw, plus local performers like Trouble Funk and DJs from across the country spanning go-go, funk, hip-hop, house, Afrohouse, and rare groove. There will also be food trucks, swag and tion to the performers, there will be food trucks, swag and more. 🆓 Franklin Park, DC // October 21 - 22 

“The Sky’s the Limit” Exhibit. After being closed for more than two years, NMWA re-opens in a BIG way. In celebration of women’s pioneering work in large-scale sculptures, works by 12 artists will be suspended from the ceiling, arc across walls and project outward from corners.  💰 National Museum of Women in the Arts, DC // October 21 - Feb 25, 2024 

WEEK 4: OCTOBER 22 - 28

​Yoga + Crystal Bowl Sound Bath. Relax, relate and release in an all-levels yoga practice and sound bath featuring seven crystal alchemy bowls while surrounded by stunning architecture. 💰 National Building Museum, DC // October 22💰

Golden Girls Night & Show. Travel down the road and back again with everyone’s favorite mother-daughter duo, Dorothy and Sophia, for a nostalgic night filled with fun, music and trivia. 💰 Crazy Aunt Helen's , DC // October 22  

The Crossword Show. Comedians solve an actual crossword puzzle live onstage, with everything displayed on a big screen, while host Zach Sherwin leads everyone down a puzzling rabbit hole of comedy, music and wordplay with every clue. 💰 Planet Word, DC // October 23 

Rooftop Bingo. Put your knowledge to the test with three or more rounds of trivia + prizes every round. Enjoy exclusive food + drink specials at this incredible rooftop greenspace. Bring your own blankets and chill with us on the lawn! This week’s theme — Harry potter (special prizes + a costume contest)! 🆓 ​Hi-Lawn , Union Market District// October 23

Two Faces Comedy Series. Who knew Abraham Lincoln had a sense of humor? Held in the living room of his cottage, this comedy series takes its inspiration from ole' Abe's self-deprecating sense of humor or the history of his former house. 💰 Lincoln's Cottage, DC // October 24 

Trivia Night: Spooky Season.  Show off your knowledge of urban legends, superstitions, and things that go bump in the night – all with questions inspired by the museum’s collection, for bragging rights and prizes. 🆓 👻​ National Portrait Gallery, DC // October 24 

36th Annual High Heel Race. DC’s beloved, annual event starts with an outrageous drag costume parade that RuPaul would envy and ends with participants sprinting, strolling, and strutting down 17th Street. In heels.  🆓👻 17th Street, DC // October 24 

Museum Outdoor Walking Tour. Join a guided tour to learn the story behind the design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and explore its unique architectural features. 🆓 National Museum of African-American Heritage & Culture, DC // October 25 

Fat Ham. James Ijames' Pultizer Prize-winning play recasts Shakespeare's tragedy as a story of intergenerational trauma among a Black Southern family. 💰 Studio Theatre, DC // Starts October 25 

District of the Dead. Shuffle along like the walking dead to four venues for a fright-filled Halloween weekend. From getting your wig will be snatched at the Wig Out kick-off to the circus big-top finale at Cirque du Slay, it's scary good fun. 💰👻​Multiple Venues, DC // October 26. 

Halloween Ghosts and History Tour of Georgetown. Behind the tony houses and manicured laws lurk secrets and scandals that will be revealed on this haunting walking tour. 💰👻​ Georgetown , DC // October 26 

Terror in the Gallery: Spooky Portraits in History and Fiction. Explore chilling tales and eerie artworks late night at the museum. If you dare. 💰👻​ DAR , DC // October 26 

Spooky Queens.  Drag queen Shi-Queeta Lee and her all-star cast put on a frighteningly fierce show. Dress up and show off your inner Transylvanian. $10. Cash bar will be on-site, including beer and wine. 💰👻Gateway Park, VA // October 26

PumpkinPalooza. Celebrate all things pumpkin at NoMa’s annual pumpkin-centered celebration where you’ll  enjoy live entertainment, a scavenger hunt, food and beverage, and yes, a pop-up pumpkin patch so you can take home a future jack-o-lantern. 🆓 👻​Alethia Tanner Park // October 26

Superfine Art Fair. Back by popular demand, the art festival kicks off with a spooky, art-filled masquerade followed by a weekend of art installations, live murals, DJs and live music. And you can buy some art, too. 💰 Dock 5 at Union Market // October 26 - 29

Witches Halloween Party. Hey, witches! Grab your coven for a special Halloween & Samhain ritual with witches brew, astrology & tarot readings, raffle prizes, and more! 🆓👻​ Dewdrop Inn, DC // October 27  

Night of the Living Dead. Rorschach Theatre reimagines George Romero’s 1968 cult classic which finds six strangers trapped in a farmhouse surrounded by the undead. The adaptation examines Romero’s film, the period in which it was made, and the film’s influence on the horror genre. The immersive event transforms a retail space into an unforgettable theatrical experience with thrills and surprises for both horror fans and those new to the genre. 💰👻​ Golden Triangle DC // October 27-November 19

Soul Strolls. Are you scared of the dark? Brave the darkness to hear tragic tales of Congressional Cemetery’s residents on a guided lantern tour through the grounds with costumed interpreters. 💰👻​Congressional Cemetery, DC // October 27 - 28

Boos, Booze, and Brews Halloween Bash. Get your boo, crew and costumes together for a spook-tacular night of fun, including your chance to win in the costume contest. 🆓 👻​Metrobar, DC // October 28 

Día de los Muertos. Celebrate this day of remembering the ancestors with dances and family-friendly, hands-on activities. 🆓 👻​ American Indian Museum // October 28  + 29 

Halloween 5k Beer Run x DC Brau Brewery. This gives a whole new meaning to doing a beer run! Put on your sneakers for a fun run that ends with a free beer, swag, live music, games and giveaways. 💰👻​ DC Brau, DC // October 28 

Sketch Night Of Frights. Mwahaha ... DC's favorite comedy troupe presents a frightful night of sketch comedy. Join Bad Medicine for Halloween-themed, high-energy entertainment featuring characters, music, thrills and chills. 💰👻​ DC Improv, DC  // October 28 

Nightmare in Navy Yard. Special effects, animatronics and haunted props transform Navy Yard into a scene straight from your nightmares. The Halloween party features a DJ, open bar, dance floor and a costume contest. 💰👻​ Capital Turnaround , DC // October 28 ​

Adams Morgan Apple Festival. A long-time local favorite, the apple pie baking and apple tasting contests return for more tasty fun. 🆓 Adams Morgan, DC // October 28

Coffee Brew Methods Class. Are you really into coffee? Learn the basics of two of the most common methods to make a great cup of coffee and try your hand at making them yourself! You'll be a home brew barista in no time. 💰 Shop Made in DC (Gtown) // October 28

Halloween Party with Uncle Jesse. Scare up some fun with live music from 90's band Uncle Jesse, spooky drinks, food and fun. Plus, the winner of the costume content gets a prize pack and giftcard . 21+ only. 💰👻 Hi-Lawn, Union Market // October 28

WEEK 5: OCTOBER 29 - 31

Young Frankenstein Movie Screening. Frankenstein, played by Gene Wilder, follows in his ancestor's freaky footsteps as he sets out to reanimate a dead body in Mel Brooks' horror-comedy classic. 🆓👻​ Kennedy Center, DC // October 29 

Drag Storytime. Bring a chair or blanket to Unity Park in Adams Morgan for Drag Queen Storytime. Hosted by Sebastian Katz in partnership with the Adams Morgan Partnership BID, The Line Hotel, and DC Public Library, the library will be on hand with additional books, information about local libraries, their famous “book bike” and more. 🆓 Unity Park, DC // October 29

DC Record Fair. Can you quote every line from High Fidelity? Audiophiles, this event is for you with 40+ vendors and a special DJ lineup. 🆓 Eaton DC // October 29

The Pocket Presents: Black Folks Don't Swim? w/ Bliberation + Jinjur. With a sound defined as modern Jazz inflected by Quiet Storm, and Alternative R&B, the artists collective ​released their highly anticipated full-length debut album “For the Source” on all streaming platforms in early 2022. Joining them on the bill, Bliberation from Balto explore Afrofuturism themes in their music. 💰The Pocket at DrumCity, DC // October 30

Special Halloween Screening: Ringu (a.k.a The Ring). If you dare, come to the 25th anniversary screening of one of the greatest and scariest Japanese horror films ever made about a journalist investigating an urban legend about a VHS tape that murders its viewers seven days after they watch it.  🆓👻​ Asian Art Museum, DC // October 31 

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Curious? There's More!

• Six Places to Have a Pumpkin & Apple Picking Good Time Near DC
• The Creepiest, Most Haunted Places in Washington, DC
  
• ​Boo! Omni Shoreham Hotel's Haunted History
• DC's Haunted Locations That Are Sure to Spook You!