WASHINGTON — Fall is certainly kicking into high gear by mid-October, and all of these fall festivals might be the strongest indicator. Check out everything from outdoor movies to pumpkin patches, corn mazes, markets and more!
Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) every week each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.
DC
- Sunday, Oct. 15 at 12 p.m.
- Franklin Park, 1332 I St NW, Washington, DC, 20005
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Events DC
This event honoring Día de los Muertos is the final hoorah in a three-day lineup that has proved so popular, the first two events have already sold out!
Anyone can still get in on the fun with this free finale that will feature the movie Coco along with food, drink, culture and more.
- Saturday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. to Sunday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m.
- Georgetown, 3217 P Street NW Washington, DC 20007; Shop small along Wisconsin Avenue from O Street to Reservoir Road
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Georgetown Main Street
Georgetown is inviting visitors and locals alike to engage in this seasonal sidewalk market. Fall-themed fun will be on full display, including pumpkin painting and music. Some participating local businesses will also be in on the celebration.
- Sunday, Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: District Wharf
This rescheduled event will be rife with Oktoberfest spirit, but in addition to the dogs you eat, you'll instead watch them race!
"It’s that time of year—put on your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund, and head to The Wharf for the 10th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue,: organizers said. "Watch the speediest Dachshunds in DC race for fame and fortune on the District Pier race track."
Visitors can expect to see the race up-close or with the jumbotron screen, and available ice-cold beers to sip on as the competition heats up.
VIRGINIA
- Friday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151
- Admission: $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Senior discount available; children under 12 free
- Organizer: Fairfax-based events management company, SPARGO, Inc
This shopping experience is perfect for anyone in need of some mid-season retail therapy. The Capital Art & Craft Festival brings nearly 150 artists to the Dulles Expo Center, featuring art in more than a dozen mediums.
Visitors can expect to find everything from glass, jewelry and leather to paintings, pottery and photography.
- Saturday, Oct.15 and Sunday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Tysons Corner Center 1961 Chain Bridge Road Tysons, VA 22102
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Tysons Corner Center
It's Mall-o-ween this weekend at Tysons Corner Center! Come for the pumpkin carving or mall trick-or-treating with the little ones and stick around for the Barrel & Bushel beer garden, Seasons52 wine tent, photo booth, vendor market and more! You'll also find a puppet show, face painting and a kid's corn maze at this celebration of the season.
- Recurring; Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Great County Farms; 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA 20135
- Admission: $30 (BYOL - Bring your own light!)
- Organizer: Great County Farms
"The kids get to enjoy our corn maze all day long. Now it’s your turn," organizers share of this event, back by popular demand.
"Join Great Country Farms, Henway Hard Cider, and Bluemont Vineyard for an evening under the stars as we kick off fall with an event just for the adults. Tackle our “Stories from the Stars” themed corn maze then cozy up by one of our bonfires and listen to live music while enjoying wine, cider and snacks from the Farm Market."
Tickets are $30 per guest and include admission to corn maze and your first glass of cider or wine.
MARYLAND
- Recurring; Fridays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD
- Admission: $39.99 to $74.99
- Organizer: Six Flags America
If you're missing the theme park days of summer, Six Flags' Halloween festivities have already gotten underway! Visitors will find two events at the park; one for the little ones and another for teens and adults.
All family-friendly fall activities will be in one place with no frights - just delights, organizers say. These daytime attractions will include a trick-or-treat trail and a corn maze, plus Halloween-themed kids' crafts.
Meanwhile, Fright Fest will bring the scares to those in search of them this season. Recommended only for ages 13+, Organizers call it the DMV’s largest and most horrifying Halloween event.
"Enjoy haunted attractions, including frightful shows, scare zones and tons of deliciously evil treats!" they share.
- Recurring; Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; last entry 4:30 p.m., Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; last entry 4:30 p.m.
- 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876
- Organizer: Butler's Orchard
- Admission: Tickets start at $10 for weekdays if bought in advance and $15 on weekends if bought in advance
Butler's Orchard is putting on their annual pumpkin festival with tons of activities in store. A twisted corn maze, hayrides, corn hole games, pony rides, picking your own pumpkins and more are ready for all of the fall lovers out there.
Hungry visitors can also enjoy bites at the Farm Park, including sandwiches, pizzas and an array of seasonal offerings that take advantage of fresh-picked produce, according to the organizers
- Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m.
- BlackRock Center for the Arts lawn, 12901 Town Commons Drive Germantown, MD 20874
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: BlackRock Center for the Arts
Keep this fun tradition of summer going into fall at this Saturday movie night! Organizers recommend bringing along your most comfy blanket or lawn chair for the evening under the stars.
WATCH: Celebrate Fall at Gaver Farm
There's so much more to do at this Maryland farm than at your average pumpkin patch!