Discover an abundance of autumn events in the District, including Snallygaster, Hispanic Heritage Month festivities, Theatre Week and all-star soccer at Audi Field.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts plenty of special discounts and packages for a festive fall, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend, DC is Open content as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Celebrate Oktoberfest throughout the District
Beginning in mid-September and extending into October, DC beer enthusiasts break out their lederhosen and dirndls to observe Oktoberfest with German beer, bites and live music. Locations across the city will participate, including a few annually recurring favorites: Bluejacket serves weissbiers, schwarzbiers and helles lagers from the keg, Wunder Garten hosts its Pridetoberfest LGBTQ+ party and The Wharf goes all out with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash.
Washington Spirit
Last Chance for Soccer Season in Washington, DC
Head to Audi Field to catch four-time MLS Cup winners D.C. United or 2021 NWSL Champion (and 2025 Finalist) Washington Spirit, which fields some of the best women’s soccer players in the country. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a high-energy night out, experiencing the electric atmosphere of professional soccer is easy in DC.
Spirit Tickets
D.C. United Tickets
Tea Around Town
Turn DC into your own mobile tea room! Step aboard Tea Around Town and enjoy a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea adventure. Delight in fine teas, sweet and savory bites and live entertainment while taking in the capital’s most treasured landmarks, from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.
Tickets
790 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
DC Coffee Festival – Oct. 3-4
Savor the creations of dozens of the District’s top coffee roasters at the second annual DC Coffee Festival. In past years, there have been two days of festivities, with coffee roasters, tea brewers and live music filling the warehouse at Dock 5. All coffee samples are included with your ticket and additional snacks are available for purchase if you need a little something extra to ward off the jitters.
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Wharf
Oktoberfest at The Wharf
Don a dirndi or lederhosen and make your way to The Wharf for its free annual Oktoberfest celebration. The Wiener 500 Dachschund Dash kicks off the festivities, followed by a stein-hoisting championship and Polka on the Pier, which includes a free polka dance class, live music and a best-dressed contest.
2-7 p.m. | Free Admission
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Theatre Week
Theatre Week
Celebrate the theater season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington which includes $25, $45 and $65 tickets to highly anticipated productions at venues all over the DC area. There are musicals, dramas, comedies, theater for young audiences and much more. In addition to discounted tickets, Theatre Week also includes special events (most of which are free) designed to entertain, educate and inspire, including the free Kickoff Fest. Plan your stay: Book a hotel today.
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour – Oct. 9-11
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is at its scenic best when fall rolls around, so it’s fitting that the historic estate hosts this special celebration of wine followed by a sunset tour of the property. Bring along a blanket, chill out on the east lawn and sample Virginia wines with views of the Potomac River. Fruit and cheese boxes to accompany your wine are available for purchase in advance.
Tickets
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212
Because They're Funny Comedy Festival
Join NICECROWD®, the producers of the American Black Film Festival, in partnership with Events DC, for the Because They're Funny Comedy Festival. Expect a fun-filled weekend showcasing BIPOC comedians throughout the Wharf, including the Anthem, one of the most vibrant destinations in the nation's capital. Curated for anyone who likes to laugh, the lineup includes headline shows, new comic showcases, comedy classes, panels, podcasts, screenings and live music.
Queer Black Broadway Walking Tour
Celebrate LGBTQ History Month with a guided tour through DC’s U Street Corridor (once known as “Black Broadway”) led by Off the Mall Tours and the Rainbow History Project. Begin exploring the intersections of Black and queer history at Howard Theatre and wrap up your tour at Thurst Lounge, the District’s only Black queer-owned bar. Prohibition-era clubs and pivotal moments from the Civil Rights Movement await.
620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Snallygaster
Beast out with craft brews and ciders on Pennsylvania Avenue thanks to Snallygaster. Named after a mythical creature, the festival roars with a hefty lineup of 450 brews selected by Greg Engert, one of the city’s leading beer connoisseurs, including countless new breweries and rare beers. Festivalgoers can also expect two stages with live music, a makers' market by Shop Made in DC, a kids' zone and a selection of ciders, wines and cocktails. Attendees must be 21 or older.
12-6 p.m. | Tickets
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Army Ten-Miler
Army Ten-Miler – Oct. 11
Now in its 40th year, the Army’s annual Army Ten-Mile Race and Expo attracts over 35,000 runners and 900 teams from around the world to celebrate the spirit of sport. Military, civilians, wheel chair athletes and wounded warrior athletes are able to participate and all are encouraged to cheer them on.
Register
850 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA and 955 15th Street South, Arlington, VA
Photo by Robin Groulx
Oyster Wars
Co-hosted by The Salt Line and Other Half Brewing, Oyster Wars gathers more than 30 local chefs, breweries and oyster farms up and down the Eastern Seaboard to pack an afternoon with eating, drinking and live music. The 21-and-over event is ticketed with admission that provides access to food from every chef and oyster farm.
The Salt Line, 79 Potomac Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
National Portrait Gallery
Honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the District – Through Oct. 15
Washington, DC's vibrant culture is deeply rooted in its Hispanic and Latin American community. During Hispanic Heritage Month, it's even easier to celebrate.
- Catch performances at FiestaDC's festival and parade
- Secure tickets to a heritage night game with DC United, the Nats, the Washington Spirit or the Capitals
Adams Morgan BID
Adams Morgan Apple Festival
The annual Apple Festival brings neighbors and visitors together to celebrate the season with heirloom apple varieties from the Adams Morgan Farmers’ Market and a spirited apple pie-baking contest judged by local food personalities. Guests can sample apples, cheer on the bakers and purchase slices of freshly made pies. Proceeds support the Sitar Arts Center, a local nonprofit that provides arts education to young people.
Free Admission
The Line DC, 1770 Euclid Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Shuck It! Festival
Celebrate the Chesapeake along the scenic Georgetown waterfront at Fish & Fire Food Group’s annual oyster and beer celebration. Hosted at Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, visitors can enjoy bottomless local oysters, unlimited craft beer and live music, with a percentage of proceeds supporting local population restoration through the Oyster Recovery Partnership.
3000 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007
Turkish Festival
Turkish Festival
The community-organized Turkish Festival fills Pennsylvania Avenue with special art and photo exhibits, folk dancers and concerts ranging from Turkish rock to folk. There will also be Turkish coffee and tea demos and a bazaar touting food and artisanal goods.
More Info | Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd Street and 6th Street
Fall Harvest Festival
Experience what harvest season looked like in the 18th century with activities and demonstrations at the Farm at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Navigate the corn maze, sample fresh breads or farm products and witness centuries-old techniques for wheat treading, cooking, candle-making, spinning, textile-making and horseshoeing.
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212
Celebrate Spooky Season in DC
The nation's capital has a frightful amount of options for spook-tacular festivities. Themed parties, specialty cocktails, family arts and crafts and ghost tours are just a few of the ways to have spirited Halloween and Día de los Muertos in the District.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon – Oct. 31
George Washington’s former estate welcomes the entire family to enjoy Halloween fun. Festivities include candy-collecting in special Mount Vernon treat bags, a costume parade, Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, an 18th-century baking demonstration, a straw bale selfie station, musical entertainment and much more.
2-5 p.m. | Tickets
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours – Through Oct. 31
An expert on architecture will guide you through this memorable experience from DC Design Tours. Cast off from Georgetown along with the professional crew of Capitol River Cruises and head south on the Potomac as live commentary adds to your views of architectural gems like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Watergate Hotel, Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. Lesser known landmarks like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial will also be showcased.
Places to Stay
Hotel Nell
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
