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TodayFriday, October 16
All day, through Nov 8
About 15 min drive15 minArches Gallery, Lorton, VASolo exhibition of mythical creatures and magical places by Donnalynne Lefever at the Arches Gallery in the Workhouse. Layered paintings inspired by mythology and dreams, with an artist reception on October 10.
All day, through Nov 7Free
About 15 min drive15 minWorkhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VADocumentary photographs by Lloyd Wolf record a pioneering drug rehabilitation program inside the Lorton Reformatory from 1989 to 1991. Shown where the events took place, the images trace recovery and resilience among incarcerated men. On view in the McGuireWoods Gallery with an artist reception on October 3.
All day, through Oct 31Free
About 35 min drive35 minDel Ray Artisans Gallery, Alexandria, VACarnival and circus themed group exhibition at Del Ray Artisans, from fun foods and games to haunted oddities. Opens with a reception on October 2 and closes with a masquerade party and People's Choice award on October 30. Free, donations appreciated.
9pm$18
About 40 min drive40 minFalls Church, VASaved By The 90's returns to the State Theatre with the Bayside Tigers for a full-throttle 90s dance party, playing the decade's biggest hits live. Tickets from about $18. 9 PM.
All day, through Jan 24
About 40 min drive40 minMuseum of Contemporary Art Arlington, Arlington, VAFive artists with deep ties to Maine's Penobscot Bay coast work across sculpture, textiles, video, and photography. The show traces environmental change and creative resourcefulness along the rugged shoreline. Part of MoCA Arlington's Assembly 2026 biennial.
All day, through Jan 24
About 40 min drive40 minMuseum of Contemporary Art Arlington, Arlington, VAFour Atlanta-based artists (Sheila Pree Bright, Michi Meko, Paul Stephen Benjamin, Shanequa Gay) examine the Southern landscape as a site of memory, power, and unresolved history. Part of MoCA Arlington's Assembly 2026 biennial marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
10pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCGrammy-winning singer-songwriter Allison Russell headlines a late show at 9:30 Club, touring her forthcoming third album after Outside Child and The Returner. Folk and Americana with her Rainbow Coalition ensemble; Autumn Nicholas opens. $1 per ticket supports the ACLU. Doors 10 PM.
All day, through Oct 16Free
About 40 min drive40 minWorld Bank, Washington, DCFour-day fintech and policy conference. Opens Oct 13 with full-day programming at the World Bank in DC, moves to Amazon HQ2 in Arlington on Oct 14, then runs salon-style sessions at the Milken Institute and FINRA headquarters in DC on Oct 15 and 16. The 2026 program covers stablecoins and programmable finance, real-world asset tokenization, smart contracts, digital identity, and crypto market structure. Free with registration; 2,300+ in-person attendees expected.
All day, through Jan 17
About 40 min drive40 minNational Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DCThe East Coast debut of a touring exhibition of twentieth-century African American quilts made in California, tracing how migration west shaped a distinct quilting tradition. An NMWA presentation that opened September 18 and runs into the new year.
All day, through Oct 17$40
About 40 min drive40 minCongressional Cemetery, Washington, DCCongressional Cemetery's annual lantern-lit twilight tours return with the 2026 theme Becoming America, marking the nation's 250th anniversary. Costumed interpreters bring the cemetery's residents to life in immersive performances as you walk the grounds after dark. Food truck, live music and drinks on the grounds; costumes encouraged. Rain or shine; times vary by tour date.
14 more, 45 min or fartherBrentwood, Centreville, Dickerson
7:30 to 11pm, through Oct 17$25
About 45 min drive45 minCox Farms, Centreville, VACox Farms turns scary after dark. More than 20 acres of haunted attractions: the Cornightmare haunted corn maze, the Dark Side Hayride, and The Forest, a half-mile woodland walk. Between scares, the Firegrounds has bonfires, a dance party, karaoke, a six-lane slide, and the Fear Market. Separate ticket from the daytime festival; online only. Not recommended for kids under 12.
All day, through Nov 7
About 45 min drive45 minMcLean Community Center, McLean, VAThe 15th iteration of MPA's juried biennial celebrating painting and works related to painting, featuring dozens of mid-Atlantic artists across media. On view in the Emerson and Atrium Galleries at the McLean Community Center, with a Tea and Talk on October 21.
All day, through Dec 31Free
About 45 min drive45 minThe Kreeger Museum, Washington, DCSeven Hamiltonian Artists alumni show painting, photography, sculpture, video, and installation at the Kreeger Museum, alongside boundary-pushing works from the museum's permanent collection by Sam Gilliam, Frank Stella, Simmie Knox, and William Christenberry. Curated by Anisa Olufemi and presented under The Collaborative, the Kreeger's program supporting Washington-area artists.
All day, through Oct 17$61
About 45 min drive45 minDock 5 at Union Market, Washington, DCMulti-session wine tasting at Dock 5 at Union Market with wineries pouring samples; early admission available. 21 and over. Session times not listed on the organizer site.
All day, through Dec 31Free
About 50 min drive50 minReston, VAFree community-led morning Tai Chi at Hunters Woods Plaza, a daily drop-in session open to all.
All day, through Jan 31Free
About 50 min drive50 minTephra Institute of Contemporary Art, Reston, VAMid-career retrospective of sculptor Janet Echelman spanning four decades, from early drawings and maquettes to full-scale net sculptures. The show presents softness as both material and philosophy, with works shaped by wind, light, and engineered fiber. Free admission.
All day, through Oct 18$35
About 50 min drive50 minSmithsonian National Zoo, Washington, DCEvening Halloween trick-or-treating and after-hours animal viewing at the National Zoo. Costumes welcome; tickets typically around $35.
All day, through Oct 31
About 50 min drive50 minBrentwood Arts Exchange, Brentwood, MDAnniversary exhibition celebrating 25 years of the Washington Glass School: founders, resident artists, instructors and alumni showing sculpture, installation, public art and architectural glass. On view at the Brentwood Arts Exchange in the Gateway Arts District through October 31.
All day, through Oct 31
About 50 min drive50 minBrentwood Arts Exchange, Brentwood, MDSolo exhibition by Wayson R. Jones of paintings built from pumice gel and Flashe on wood panel. Color-driven abstract work by the DC-area artist, on view at the Brentwood Arts Exchange in the Gateway Arts District through October 31.
5 to 11pm, every Friday
About 50 min drive50 minSpotsylvania, VABring your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle for no-prep street racing fun with weather updates announced.
All day, through Oct 18
About 65 min drive65 minMiddleburg, VAAward-season film festival in Middleburg, October 15–18, 2026. Screenings are ticketed; the festival page did not list a dollar price.
All day, through Nov 8
About 65 min drive65 minThe Artists in Middleburg, Middleburg, VAJuried group exhibition at The Artists in Middleburg gallery celebrating the seasons of Virginia's Piedmont region. Opening reception on October 3.
All day, through Oct 18
About 65 min drive65 minBlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown, MDFinal stop of the first survey of women visual artists from the DC metro region, curated by Florencio Lennox Campello. A greatest-hits selection of more than 20 artists closes a year-long run that spanned 20 art spaces. On view at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown through October 18.
All day, through Oct 18$50
About 90 min drive90 minMarkoff's Haunted Forest at Calleva Farm, Dickerson, MDA mile-long haunted trail plus a haunted town on Calleva Farm, with a bonfire midway and DJ. Try the low-scare Lights On Night on Oct 28; proceeds fund outdoor education.
TomorrowSaturday, October 17
10am to 4pm
About 10 min drive10 minWoodbridge, VAAll-day family Renaissance Faire at Potomac Library.
11am to 6pmFree
About 15 min drive15 minWorkhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VAFamily festival on the Workhouse campus with live music, food trucks, local small business and craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, glassblowing demos, and field games. Free admission, raising funds for the Lorton Community Action Center.
7 to 10pm, through Oct 17$39
About 15 min drive15 minWorkhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VAThe Workhouse Haunt's 13th-year trail Dark Encounters winds through dark woods on the old Lorton Prison grounds with professional scare actors. Built for adults, ages 13-plus; a sensory-friendly session runs Oct 17, 6 to 7.
9 to 11am, every Saturday
About 15 min drive15 minLorton Community Center, Lorton, VASaturday morning open gym play for families with toddlers; registered center members only.
7 to 10:30pm, through Oct 17$25
About 25 min drive25 minARTfactory, Manassas, VAARTfactory's fifth annual haunt turns four floors of the historic Manassas building into Outbreak, a walk-through of infection and quarantine with live actors. Proceeds support arts programming; not for kids under 14.
11am to 7pm, through Oct 18
About 30 min drive30 minClifton, VAParadise Springs Winery celebrates harvest season October 16 to 18, 11am to 7pm daily, with special tastings, harvest tours, lawn games, and artisan food trucks. Kids are welcome on the lawn.
10am to 3pmFree
About 35 min drive35 minAnnandale, VASecond annual community art festival in downtown Annandale with more than 50 local and regional artists, hands-on artmaking booths, and a performance stage with music, dance, comedy, and theater. Free, rain or shine.
8am to 2pmFree
About 35 min drive35 minMt. Vernon Masonic Lodge #219, Alexandria, VAThird-Saturday community market hosted by Mt. Vernon Lodge #219, inside and outside the lodge. Up to 45 vendors: antiques, vintage, collectibles, coins, stamps, glassware, clothes, and handmade goods. A Sotheby's-trained appraiser offers $15 verbal appraisals. Free browsing; proceeds fund college scholarships.
3pm, through Oct 18$13
About 35 min drive35 minArlington, VAEncore Stage & Studio opens its 2026/27 season with Hansel & Gretel, a magical family adventure performed by young actors at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
8pm$17
About 40 min drive40 minState Theatre, Falls Church, VAUrgent recreates the arena-rock anthems of Foreigner, from Cold as Ice to I Want to Know What Love Is, at the State Theatre. Tickets from about $17. 8 PM.
8am and 9am, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minCity Hall parking lot, Falls Church, VAAward-winning year-round Saturday farmers market in the City Hall parking lot in Falls Church, with 50+ vendors plus a monthly Chef Series; no ZIP listed on the event page.
10:30 to 11am, every Saturday
About 40 min drive40 minFalls Church, VAWeekly Saturday family storytime for children birth to 5.
1 to 2pm
About 40 min drive40 minFalls Church, VAKids brain-health and wellness workshop at Tysons-Pimmit Library.
10am to 12pm$6
About 40 min drive40 minAlexandria, VADress-up dance party for ages 1–5 with kiddie tunes, lunch, and activities; child must attend with a parent/guardian. $6.
All day
About 40 min drive40 minNational Harbor, MDThe PFF Walk at National Harbor raises funds and awareness for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation along Spirit Park and the Harbor Trail.
6 to 9pm$192.60
About 40 min drive40 minThe Palm - Tysons, Tysons, VAFive-course anniversary dinner at The Palm pairing Italian and Napa wines (Marchese Antinori, Stag's Leap) with signature dishes. $192.60 including tax and gratuity.
1 to 6pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minShipgarten, McLean, VAOktoberfest with a Renaissance theme at Shipgarten's beer garden: German beers, food, live entertainment, and themed activities. Free entry.
11am to 4:30pm, through Oct 18Free
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCWeekend hands-on art-making at the REACH celebrating creativity and the artist in everyone.
10am to 9pm, through Oct 23
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCGeorgetown Cupcake is serving Halloween-themed cupcakes daily through October 31 for spooky season.
12 to 5pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minJerusalem FundDay of Palestinian music, exhibits, performances, and children's activities at The Jerusalem Fund, 2425 Virginia Avenue NW: a choir singing traditional Palestinian folk songs, children's storytime, a souq market, a dabke performance, poetry, an exhibit on the festival the Fund has hosted since 1977, and traditional olive harvest activities. Free.
8am to 1pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCJoin the Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction at The Wharf to raise awareness and support for people and families impacted by addiction.
11am to 2pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree NMAAHC Kids Book Day celebrating the children's book 123 I Like You and Me with activities, games, and hands-on explorations for ages 4 to 8.
2 to 3pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minMeyer AuditoriumFireside conversation on Korean culture and cultural diplomacy with former US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Ambassador of Korea to the US Kang Kyung-wha, moderated by NMAA director Chase Robinson. In person in the Meyer Auditorium and online. Free with registration.
10pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCAvant-garde art rock collective The Residents perform their Eskimo Live show, a staging of their 1979 concept album, as a late-night 9:30 Club set. Expect costumes, surreal visuals, and the group's trademark anonymous theatricality. Doors 10 PM.
10am to 5pm, through Dec 31$10
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCVirtual reality experience stepping back to 1776 to discover how Patriots worked together to thwart a British invasion.
12:30 to 3pm, through Dec 31Free
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree costumed demonstration meeting an 1890s cyclist to learn how the safety bicycle brought women greater mobility and independence.
10am to 2pm, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree October Saturday art-making sessions inspired by artists such as Aliza Nisenbaum, Picasso, and Joan Mitchell, with live music from Inspired Child.
10am to 5:30pm, through Dec 24Free
About 40 min drive40 minHirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DCA long-overdue survey of American abstract photographer Carlotta Corpron (1901-1988), whose experiments with light, form, and photographic technology helped establish photography as fine art. The show traces six bodies of work made in Texas from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, from nature studies to light drawings, anchored by 48 recent gifts from collector Herbert Lust.
2:30 to 4:30pm, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree drop-in art-making for teens ages 13-19 painting portraits in pairs inspired by Aliza Nisenbaum.
9am to 1pm, every Saturday
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCA weekly Saturday farmers market near Nationals Park with 30-plus local produce and food vendors, running May through December.
10am and 10:30am, one of 5 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DCFree 25-minute live guided planetarium tour of the current night sky, generally on the first and third Saturdays of each month; timed-entry passes required.
11:15am to 12:15pm, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree interactive story time with a children's book by a Native author or illustrator, plus hands-on objects and a craft for ages 3-9.
1:15 to 2:15pm, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree family-friendly tour of the Water's Edge exhibition with guided discussion and a take-home water-inspired art activity for ages 4-10.
2 to 3pm, through Oct 18Free
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCGuided tours of the National Gallery Sculpture Garden.
12 to 3pm, every Saturday
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCOutdoor fall concert series in Dupont Circle park.
1 to 1:45pm, through Oct 18Free
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree 15-minute Spotlight Talks by a Phillips educator on a work from the permanent collection or a special exhibition; no reservations required.
2 to 4pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCWizard-school themed scavenger hunt at the National Gallery of Art.
11 to 11:30am, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCThemed Saturday sketching tour of portraits with educator-led artmaking in the Education Center afterward.
11:30am and 1pm, through Oct 18Free
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree weekend drop-in art program exploring a different artistic medium inspired by the Portrait Gallery's collections.
11:30am to 6pm, through Dec 31Free
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCHands-on family discovery space for ages 18 months to 8 with portrait-themed play activities like tracing silhouettes and building faces; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
10am to 5pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCLibrary outreach at the National Building Museum's Big Build festival.
10am to 2pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFeatured building festival at the National Building Museum.
10:30am to 3:30pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree Library of Congress Family Day honoring Ben Franklin as part of the America 250 commemoration, with hands-on activities and a visit from Franklin himself.
3 to 6pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCOpen family afternoon at the J with activities for all ages.
9am, every Saturday
About 40 min drive40 minBreathing Space Studio, Washington, DCSaturday morning yoga and play for crawlers up to 24 months with a caregiver at the Breathing Space studio on Capitol Hill. October dates from the Breathing Space calendar; registration required.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCSaturday morning neighborhood market next to Milian Park with produce, orchard fruit, grass-fed meats, baked goods, coffee, and prepared foods.
9am to 4pm, through Oct 18Free
About 40 min drive40 minEastern Market, Washington, DCOver 40 years on Capitol Hill: the Flea Market at Eastern Market runs every Saturday and Sunday year-round, 9am-4pm. Antiques, vintage, locally-made arts and crafts, and ethically imported goods. Free admission.
9:30 to 10am, every Saturday
About 40 min drive40 minHill Center DC, Washington, DCSaturday baby ballet for ages 2.5 to 3.5 years at Hill Center on Capitol Hill. A gentle first ballet class, 30 minutes with a caregiver nearby.
10:10 to 10:50am, one of 3 dates
About 40 min drive40 minHill Center DC, Washington, DCA caregiver-and-me dance class for children ages 18 months to 3 years at Hill Center on Capitol Hill. Short 40-minute sessions built for first dancers.
69 more, 45 min or fartherAshburn, Bethesda, Bladensburg
10am to 5pm, through Oct 18
About 17 mi away17 miFairfax, VAFurniture liquidation sale at 8300 Merrifield Avenue Suite 2 in Fairfax, Friday October 16 through Sunday October 18, 10am to 5pm, with designer and mid-range furniture, decor and lighting.
10am to 6pm, through Nov 8
About 45 min drive45 minCentreville, VANorthern Virginia's largest fall festival spans 90+ acres with hayrides, giant slides, the Cornundrum corn maze, farm animals, and live entertainment on select days through Nov 8.
8am to 12pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minVienna, VAProducer-only Saturday farmers market with weekly live musicians and free dog-sitting at the manager's tent; market fees fund Optimist Club kids' programs in Vienna and Oakton.
10am to 5pm, through Oct 18Free
About 45 min drive45 minVienna Community Center, Vienna, VAFree admission coin and stamp show at the Vienna Community Center, with coins and currency, stamps, tokens, and collectibles. Young numismatists program Saturday 11 AM to noon, door prizes, snack bar. Contact Lorne Lavertu, 703-559-1111.
11am to 9pm, through Oct 18
About 45 min drive45 minHerndon, VAWeekend fall harvest celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park with hands-on farm activities, demonstrations, livestock, rides, and a carnival.
2 to 10:15pm, through Oct 18$18
About 45 min drive45 minMcLean, VAA laugh-out-loud musical comedy about Wednesday Addams falling for a perfectly normal young man.
10am to 2pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCSaturday farm stand at THEARC offering fresh local produce from Mid-Atlantic farmers, also a Market Share pickup site.
10am to 2pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCSaturday farm stand at the Anacostia Community Museum bringing fresh local produce to Ward 8 in partnership with the Smithsonian.
10am to 2pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCFree-to-attend Saturday farm stand on the Anacostia Community Museum's outdoor plaza with local produce sold direct to consumers.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCBustling Saturday neighborhood market with local produce, meats, prepared foods, and on-site compost collection.
11am to 1pm, every Saturday
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCHands-on science playtime at Because Science designed for children ages 2 to 5.
12 to 4pm, through Oct 18$400
About 45 min drive45 minMexican Cultural Institute DCArtist Ana Elisa Romo leads an eight-session, hands-on workshop in Mexican cartoneria (papier-mache folk art) at the Mexican Cultural Institute. Two tracks: Tue/Thu evenings or Sat/Sun afternoons. Finished Catrinas join the Institute's Day of the Dead Open House exhibition. $400 for all eight sessions.
10:30 to 11am, through Oct 18
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCWeekly in-store story time at Solid State Books; Thursdays for babies and toddlers, Saturdays for ages 0-5, Sundays for ages 4 and up.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCSaturday market on the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza with a diverse vendor roster selling produce, baked goods, cheese, dairy, and authentic Mexican food.
9am to 12:30pm, every SaturdayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCYear-round Saturday market on 13th Street NE between H and I Streets with produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, coffee, flowers, and community seating.
11am to 1pm, one of 4 dates
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCA guided walking tour of the murals and public art across the Union Market District.
10am to 3pmFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCSixth annual free family day on Kingman and Heritage Islands celebrating the Anacostia River with boat tours, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and an all-ages clothing swap.
10am to 3pm, through Oct 18
About 18 mi away18 miVienna, VAFour-day estate sale at 2210 Loch Lomond Drive in Vienna, running Friday October 16 through Sunday October 18 this weekend, 10am to 3pm each day, with clothing, collectibles and household goods.
11:30am to 4pm, through Oct 17
About 19 mi away19 miVienna, VAEstate sale at 386 Maple Avenue East in Vienna on Friday October 16 and Saturday October 17, 11:30am to 4pm, with gold coins, antiques, jewelry and collectibles at an offsite warehouse.
All day, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minReston, VAWalk in for coffee, a breakfast bite, and fellowship Saturday mornings at RCC Hunters Woods; all are welcome.
11am to 3pm, through Oct 18
About 50 min drive50 minHerndon, VAFarm harvest festival and carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park.
10am to 5pmFree
About 50 min drive50 minReston Town Center, Reston, VAStreet chalk art, live music, and family activities at Reston Town Center on October 17. Attending is free; the art contest needs registration.
9:30am, one of 2 dates
About 50 min drive50 minReston, VACommunity dog walk meetup at Reston Town Center.
11 to 11:30am
About 50 min drive50 minReston, VAPop-up storytime in the children's department.
11am, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minBarnes & Noble Reston, Reston, VAWeekly in-store storytime for little ones at 11 AM on Saturdays.
8am to 12pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minReston, VAWeekly Saturday farmers market at Lake Anne Village Center with local produce, vendors, and occasional live music.
9am to 4pm
About 50 min drive50 minAshburn, VACard fest in Ashburn: 100+ vendors with sports cards, TCGs and collectibles to buy, sell and trade. Presented by Starlight Cards & Co. 9 AM to 4 PM.
10am to 1:30pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minGreat Falls, VAYear-round Saturday farmers market with local produce, meats, baked goods, and plants in the heart of Great Falls village.
11am to 4pm, through Oct 18Free
About 50 min drive50 minAmerican University Museum at the Katzen Arts CenterMajor exhibition of Korean contemporary artist Ahn Chang-Hong at the American University Museum in the Katzen Arts Center, Sep 5 through Dec 6. Museum open Tue-Sun 11 AM to 4 PM; free admission.
11am to 4pm, through Oct 18Free
About 50 min drive50 minAmerican University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Washington, DCSolo exhibition of Islamic calligraphy by Ayesha Kamal, part of the museum's fall 2026 season on life, beauty, faith, and sorrow. Runs alongside shows by Ahn Chang-Hong, Norman S. Carr, and Mary Garrard. Free admission.
2 to 3pmFree
About 50 min drive50 minAmerican University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Washington, DCOne-time gallery talk on Norman S. Carr's fall exhibition of urban street photographs, part of the AU Museum's fall 2026 season. Free; galleries open 11am-4pm.
10am to 5pm, through Oct 18Free
About 50 min drive50 minGreat Falls, VAAnnual self-guided driving tour of private artist studios across Great Falls. Visit painters, potters, photographers, jewelers, and sculptors in their own workspaces, from converted barns to home studios. Free and open to the public.
11am to 12pm
About 50 min drive50 minGreat Falls, VAFamily-friendly string quartet performance at Great Falls Library.
12:30 to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCFree Saturday carillon recital on the Cathedral grounds.
3:30 to 5pm
About 50 min drive50 minGreat Falls, VAQuiet teen study session with free supplies and snacks.
All dayFree
About 50 min drive50 minGreat Falls, VASpecial 250 Celebration in Great Falls village with Hello Cleveland and Radio Vinyl on the big stage behind the Post Office.
10 to 11am, through Oct 18$10
About 50 min drive50 minGlen Echo, MDSweet puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons, with the lights on and doors open.
11:30am to 1:45pm, through Oct 18
About 50 min drive50 minGlen Echo, MDThe Puppet Co. presents Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure, a Helen Hayes-nominated puppet show with cuddly puppets, audience interaction, and original music.
9:30am to 1:30pm, one of 37 datesFree
About 50 min drive50 minSmithsonian's National Zoo, Washington, DCFree drop-in nature play at the Bird House Classroom: sand, seeds, and water play with rotating nature themes for kids 0-8 and caregivers.
6 to 8:30pm, through Oct 18$35
About 50 min drive50 minSmithsonian's National Zoo, Washington, DCThe National Zoo's beloved family Halloween celebration opens the zoo after hours for three evenings of trick-or-treating at more than 25 treat stations. Costumed kids get a souvenir goodie bag, a kids dance party, a pumpkin patch photo op, and after-hours access to the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center. Usually sells out.
3 to 4pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minPetworth Neighborhood Library, Washington, DCMusical play time with drums and rhythm instruments for babies and toddlers. Free; registration required on the DCPL calendar. Saturdays; the Nov 7 session runs 11am to noon.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCSaturday market in the family-centric Uptown neighborhood connecting local producers of fruits, vegetables, meats, and breads.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCSaturday market in Brookland's Arts Walk Plaza near the CUA metro stop with local farmers, specialty food producers, and nearby artist studios.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCSaturday farm stand outside Cesar Chavez High School in the Parkside neighborhood with fresh local produce.
9am to 1pm, every SaturdayFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCSaturday farm stand at Kenilworth Recreation Center with fresh local produce.
8am to 1pm
About 21 mi away21 miMcLean, VAKids yard sale at 6600 Mulroy Street in McLean on Saturday October 17, 8am to 1pm, with childrens clothing, books, toys and toy storage.
1 to 6pm, through Oct 18
About 55 min drive55 minWaverly Street Gallery, Bethesda, MDSolo paintings by Pat Silbert celebrating the Potomac River and the sacred value of the natural world. The work responds to Robert Macfarlane's book Is a River Alive with an emphatic yes. At the member-run Waverly Street Gallery in downtown Bethesda; reception Friday, October 2. Gallery open Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 6 pm.
10am to 2pm, through Oct 18$16
About 55 min drive55 minBethesda, MDChicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical is a joy-filled celebration of letters, words, and imagination with puppets, lively dancing, and audience interaction.
10:30am to 12:30pmFree
About 55 min drive55 minWashington, DCPlay, reading, and resources for families of kids with disabilities.
3 to 6pm
About 55 min drive55 minCreeMos Gallery, Takoma, MDOne-evening event at CreeMos Gallery in Takoma Park pairing The Next Chapter: Art from Vietnam, an exhibition of Vietnamese art and culture, with a meditative sound bath and a Vietnamese dinner. Saturday, October 17, 3 to 6 pm. Ages 18 and up.
10:30 to 11amFree
About 55 min drive55 minBladensburg, MDPreschool storytime with stories, songs, and fingerplays.
10am to 6pm, through Oct 18
About 55 min drive55 minPyramid Atlantic Art Center, Hyattsville, MDExhibition by the Outlaw Printmakers collective, opening during Print-O-Rama weekend (reception Friday, October 16, 7 to 9 pm). Print work on view in Pyramid Atlantic's Helen C. Frederick Gallery in Hyattsville. Gallery open Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 to 8, Fridays through Sundays 10 to 6.
12 to 5pm, through Oct 18
About 55 min drive55 minPyramid Atlantic Art Center, Hyattsville, MDFour-day printmaking festival at Pyramid Atlantic in Hyattsville: screenprinting and woodcut demos, the Outlaw Printmakers MMXXVI exhibition opening with live rock and roll, a free Saturday print fair with 15 printmakers, and hands-on printmaking demos. Thursday evening workshops are ticketed; the Friday reception and Saturday fair are free.
10:30 to 11:30am, every SaturdayFree
About 55 min drive55 minLandover, MDFree outdoor family Zumba class with easy-to-follow dance moves to upbeat music, open to ages 6 and up at Columbia Park Community Center.
10am to 3pm, through Oct 18
About 21 mi away21 miMcLean, VAEstate sale at 7218 Evans Mill Road in McLean, Friday October 16 through Sunday October 18, 10am to 3pm each day, with pottery, furniture, art and home goods.
10am to 4pm, through Oct 18Free
About 60 min drive60 minLoudoun County farms, Loudoun County, VASelf-guided visits to Loudoun County farms on October 17–18, about 10am–4pm. Free with no tickets; some stops charge for food or activities.
10:30 to 11am, every SaturdayFree
About 60 min drive60 minHyattsville, MDStories, songs, and fingerplays for preschoolers.
10:30am to 2pmFree
About 60 min drive60 minRiversdale Historic Site & Museum, Riverdale Park, MDA free community fall day at the Riversdale Historic Site and Museum with seed-saving lessons from the site gardener, story time, and a family scavenger hunt with small prizes. Registration requested through the county parks site.
6 to 8pmFree
About 60 min drive60 minCroydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville, MDRockville's nature center Halloween night with games, treats, crafts, a magician, balloon twisters, and a campfire. Kids 5-12 can add a ticketed 30-minute non-spooky guided forest hike to meet friendly woodland creatures and collect goodies. Free; hike tickets $10 residents, $12 nonresidents. Costumes encouraged.
11 to 11:30am, every SaturdayFree
About 60 min drive60 minNew Carrollton, MDStories, songs, and fingerplays for preschoolers.
9am to 4pm$5
About 60 min drive60 minGaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, Gaithersburg, MDCard show at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center: 100+ vendors with sports cards, TCGs and collectibles to buy, sell and trade. Presented by MINTD Card Show. $5 entry, 9 AM to 4 PM.
2pm$110
About 60 min drive60 minBarrel Oak Winery & Brewery, Delaplane, VAIntimate guided tasting at Barrel Oak Winery exploring the distinctive wines of Northern Italy. Led by the estate sommelier and a representative from wine importer Massanois, featuring small-production wines rarely found on retail shelves, with first access to purchase the featured bottles.
10am to 2pm, every SaturdayFree
About 60 min drive60 minUpper Marlboro, MDWeekly Saturday market at Watkins Regional Park's Urban Farm Incubator selling produce grown on-site by ten emerging farm businesses.
9:30am to 6pm, through Nov 8$15.95
About 65 min drive65 minLeesburg Animal Park, Leesburg, VAFall festival with wagon rides, giant hill slides, moon bounces, pedal carts, corn bin, animal encounters and weekend live entertainment; online tickets required on weekends.
10:30 to 11:30amFree
About 65 min drive65 minRockville, MDSaturday family storytime followed by stay and play.
10am to 2pm, through Oct 18
About 26 mi away26 miWashington, DCChevy Chase estate sale with a large selection of top-tier designer clothing, plus furniture, cookware, stemware, jewelry, shoes and books throughout the home.
11am to 4pmFree
About 75 min drive75 minUpper Marlboro, MDFree annual festival celebrating Native American culture with live music, traditional dances, storytelling, archery, an artisan market, and native food vendors.
2 to 6pm
About 80 min drive80 minWhalen Commons, Poolesville, MDPoolesville's annual fall festival at Whalen Commons with live music, local breweries, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment on the town's central green. Community event hosted by the Town of Poolesville.
SundayOctober 18
7pm$45
About 25 min drive25 minMerchant Hall, Manassas, VAGrammy winner Kathy Mattea hosts a live on-the-road taping of NPR's Mountain Stage in Merchant Hall, with featured artists Mary Gauthier, Ruthie Foster, and Scythian spanning roots, folk, blues, and country. Tickets from about $45. 7 PM.
9am to 2pm, every SundayFree
About 35 min drive35 minFairfax, VAYear-round family-friendly Sunday farmers market in the Mosaic District with produce, baked goods, coffee, prepared foods, and dog treats.
9am to 4pm
About 40 min drive40 minFairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, Fairfax, VATCG show at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, presented by NoVA PokeShow (formerly NoVA PokeShow, rebranding to GOD PACK). Pokemon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh, Lorcana and more to buy, sell and trade. 9 AM to 4 PM.
12pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFall Family Fest 2026, a daytime family festival on the Southwest waterfront.
12 to 5pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCMaum Market is a curated pop-up market celebrating Asian-owned brands, bringing small businesses to The Wharf for an afternoon of shopping.
12 to 3pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCThe Southwest DC Community Center hosts Fall Family Fest 2026, a family community event in Waterfront Park at The Wharf.
10am to 12pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFall harvest family program at the National Museum of American History.
10:30 to 11am, one of 3 dates
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCSesame Street planetarium show for young children.
10:15 to 11am
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCSensory early-childhood program at the National Museum of Natural History.
10:30 to 10:55am, one of 25 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minNational Air and Space Museum, Washington, DCFree 25-minute planetarium show where Big Bird and Elmo explore the night sky. For families with young children; shown Thu and Sun at 10:30 am. Free timed-entry passes required.
11am to 7pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree family-friendly celebration of Turkish Heritage Month with live music, folk dancing, fortune telling, kids activities, and Turkish cuisine on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
8pm$63.50
About 40 min drive40 minWarner Theatre, Washington, DCWelch and Rawlings play an acoustic Grateful Dead program at the Warner Theatre. JamBase lists tickets from $63.50.
8:30am to 1:30pm, every SundayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCYear-round Sunday farmers market with 50+ local farmers plus prepared foods, flowers, and artisan goods in Dupont Circle.
8:30am to 1:30pm, every SundayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCDC's flagship year-round Sunday farmers market with 80-plus local farmers and producers selling produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and flowers along 20th Street NW.
10am to 3pm, every SundayFree
About 40 min drive40 minDupont Circle, Washington, DCFestive weekly marketplace for vintage and antique housewares, art, jewelry, clothing, LPs, and micro-local art. Every Sunday, 10am-3pm in Dupont Circle.
11am to 6:30pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCThe 24th annual Turkish Festival shuts down Pennsylvania Avenue for a free day of Turkish culture. Expect authentic kebabs, baklava and Turkish coffee, folk dance and live music, a bazaar of ceramics, jewelry and textiles, plus cultural exhibits and a kids tent with hands-on activities. Organized by the American Turkish Association of DC.
12 to 4pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCCelebrate six years of Planet Word with signature exhibit experiences.
11:30am, every Sunday
About 40 min drive40 minBreathing Space Studio, Washington, DCSunday baby yoga and play for newborns to pre-crawlers with a caregiver at the Breathing Space studio on Pennsylvania Avenue SE. October dates from the Breathing Space calendar; registration required.
10 to 10:45am, one of 8 dates
About 40 min drive40 minHill Center DC, Washington, DCSunday family yoga and creative movement for ages 21 months to 4 years with a caregiver, a Breathing Space series at Hill Center. Registration through Breathing Space; price shown at checkout.
4:30 to 6:30pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree Cajun concert in the American Roots series; family-friendly.
12pm$45
About 40 min drive40 minThe Roost, Washington, DCWine festival at The Roost food hall pouring wines from ancient wine regions, with food vendors on site. $45 per person, starts at noon.
15 more, 45 min or fartherBethesda, Glen Echo, Great Falls
11am to 6pm, one of 2 dates$10
About 45 min drive45 minFrying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VAThree-day fall celebration with carnival rides, Big Truck Night, farm animals and harvest activities; admission free, parking $10 per vehicle, ride wristbands extra.
11am to 5pm$20
About 45 min drive45 minClemyjontri Park, McLean, VACalm Halloween day at Clemyjontri Park with treat stations, carousel and train rides, and crafts; reduced noise and sensory supports. $20/person.
8am to 4pm, every SundayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCIconic weekly Sunday flea market in Georgetown (est. 1972): antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. Every Sunday, 8am-4pm, rain or shine. Free admission for shoppers.
10am to 2pm, every SundayFree
About 45 min drive45 minWashington, DCSunday market adjacent to Union Market with produce, pastured meats, artisan baked goods, roasted coffee, prepared foods, and local flowers.
8am to 12pm
About 50 min drive50 minReston, VACharity walk benefiting the Alzheimer's Association.
8 to 11am, every SundayFree
About 50 min drive50 minMcLean, VAVolunteer-guided Sunday morning bird walk meeting in the main parking lot; all levels welcome, minors with an adult.
2:30 to 3:30pm
About 50 min drive50 minGlen Echo, MDMarsha and the Positrons bring playful, educational kindie rock songs mixing science facts with messages about kindness and friendship to The Puppet Co.
2pm
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DC54th annual BSF/LSF school fair at the University of the District of Columbia Student Center, connecting families with local schools.
11am to 12pmFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCFree story hour where drag storyteller Tiffany D. Carter reads books to kids; RSVP is requested and, for safety, adults must be accompanied by a child.
11am to 12pm, every SundayFree
About 50 min drive50 minWashington, DCFree monthly drag story hour with special guest readers at Loyalty's Petworth shop.
11am to 1:30pm$25
About 55 min drive55 minBethesda, MDFamily workshop building an Operation-style game (two sessions merged).
2:30 to 4pm, one of 2 dates$25
About 55 min drive55 minBethesda, MDOpen electronics studio session for 4th grade and up.
11 to 11:30amFree
About 55 min drive55 minSilver Spring, MDBilingual English/French storytime.
10:30 to 11amFree
About 55 min drive55 minRockville, MDNot-so-spooky Halloween stories; costume optional.
10 to 11:30am$12
About 60 min drive60 minGreat Falls, VALearn about prehistoric sharks, fish, and reptiles at Riverbend Park (page shows 10:00 am to 11:30 pm, likely a typo for am).
Next week
MondayOctober 19
10:30 to 11:15am, every MondayFree
About 30 min drive30 minKings Park Library, Burke, VAA baby storytime with rhymes, songs, and early literacy activities designed for new babies and their caregivers. No registration; space is limited and tickets are handed out at the information desk before the program.
10:30am to 12pm, every Monday
About 30 min drive30 minDel Pepper Community Center, Alexandria, VAFree weekly parent-child playgroup for ages 0 to 5 at Del Pepper Community Center; application required.
2 to 2:45pm, every Monday
About 35 min drive35 minShirlington Library, Arlington, VASongs, rhymes and manipulatives for babies 0 to 12 months at the Shirlington branch; first-come seating.
10:15 to 10:45am, every Monday
About 35 min drive35 minJames M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Alexandria, VAMorning baby session with rhymes and movement for ages 0 to 14 months; free tickets required.
11:15 to 11:45am, every Monday
About 35 min drive35 minJames M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Alexandria, VASecond morning baby session with rhymes and movement for ages 0 to 14 months; free tickets required.
10:30 to 11:30am
About 40 min drive40 minOakton, VASensory-friendly storytime at Oakton Library.
10:30 to 11am, one of 16 dates
About 40 min drive40 minMary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VASongs, stories and rhymes with early-literacy playtime until noon for ages 18 months to 4 years.
5 to 5:45pm
About 40 min drive40 minFalls Church, VARead-to-a-therapy-dog sessions with Molly (three slots merged).
9am to 12pm, through Oct 23
About 40 min drive40 minRose Park Recreation Center, Washington, DCDPR parent co-op play program for ages 18 to 29 months, weekday mornings 9am to 12pm through the school year. Registration required; caregiver participation is part of the co-op model.
11:30am to 12:30pm, every MondayFree
About 40 min drive40 minNational Portrait Gallery, Washington, DCDrop-in Mondays with educators in the Education Center: close looking at art, hands-on activities, music, and story times for children and families. Free.
2:30 to 3pm, every Monday
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCWeekly music program for ages 0-3 at the National Children's Museum; advanced tickets encouraged.
10am to 5pm, through Oct 22Free
About 40 min drive40 minMiddle East Institute, Washington, DCOne of the first US exhibitions devoted exclusively to modern and contemporary Egyptian art, with more than 40 works tracing nearly a century of Egyptian art. Pioneering modernists like Mahmoud Said and Inji Efflatoun appear alongside contemporary artists including Youssef Nabil, many shown in the US for the first time. Free at the Middle East Institute's Dupont Circle gallery.
4 to 4:30pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCStory time designed for children of all abilities, especially children on the autism spectrum.
11:30am to 12:30pm, every MondayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree weekly program where children and families explore colors, emotions, STEM, and history through close looking, art, music, and movement.
3 to 4:30pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCDrop in to build and create with Magna-Tiles.
TuesdayOctober 20
10:30 to 11:30am, every Tuesday
About 10 min drive10 minDumfries, VAWeekly Tuesday family story time for combined ages at Montclair Library.
10:30am to 12:45pm, one of 18 dates
About 15 min drive15 minLorton Community Center, Lorton, VAWeekday open gym play for families with toddlers; participants must be registered center members.
10:30 to 11am, every TuesdayFree
About 15 min drive15 minLorton Library, Lorton, VAAn interactive storytime with books, songs, and movement for toddlers ages 18 to 36 months with an adult. Registration is required for each child attending.
10:30 to 11am, every Tuesday
About 25 min drive25 minPohick Regional Library, Burke, VAStories, songs and rhymes for one-year-olds; limited to 15 children with free tickets at the info desk.
11 to 11:30am, every Tuesday
About 25 min drive25 minKingstowne Regional Library, Kingstowne, VALapsit program with songs, bouncing rhymes and a story for babies up to 18 months. Free at the Kingstowne branch.
10:30 to 11:15am, every TuesdayFree
About 30 min drive30 minKings Park Library, Burke, VAA lap-sit style storytime for toddlers ages 18 to 36 months, with stories, songs, and fingerplays that build early literacy skills. Tickets are available at the information desk before the session and space is limited.
10:30 to 11am, every Tuesday
About 30 min drive30 minSherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, VAStories, music and movement for toddlers 18 to 35 months in Alexandria; registration required.
10:30am to 12pm, every Tuesday
About 30 min drive30 minPatrick Henry Rec Center, Alexandria, VAFree weekly parent-child playgroup for ages 0 to 5 at Patrick Henry Rec Center; application required.
10:15 to 11:15am, every Tuesday
About 30 min drive30 minAlexandria, VAWeekly Tuesday Spanish family storytime (children's Tuesday) at Burke Branch.
10:15 to 11:15am, every Tuesday
About 30 min drive30 minEllen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, Alexandria, VAStories, music and movement for ages 0 to 5 at the Burke branch of Alexandria Library.
3 to 4pm, every Tuesday
About 30 min drive30 minEllen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, Alexandria, VACaregiver-child playtime with uninterrupted play and time for caregivers to mingle, ages 0 to 5.
10:30 to 11am, every Tuesday
About 35 min drive35 minGeorge Mason Regional Library, Annandale, VAEarly literacy storytime with stories, songs and rhymes for toddlers 18 months to 3 years in Annandale.
10:30 to 11am, every TuesdayFree
About 35 min drive35 minThomas Jefferson Library, Falls Church, VAA high-energy toddler storytime with singing, dancing, rhyming, and stories, followed by open play time. For children ages 1.5 to 3 years with a caregiver; pick up tickets at the information desk.
10:30 to 10:45am, every Tuesday
About 35 min drive35 minAlexandria, VAWeekly Tuesday bilingual storytime at Barrett Branch Library.
11 to 11:40am, every Tuesday
About 35 min drive35 minAlexandria, VAWeekly Tuesday bilingual baby and toddler time (ages 0-23 months) at Barrett Branch.
11 to 11:40am, every Tuesday
About 35 min drive35 minKate Waller Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria, VAWeekly storytime with songs, movement games and bubbles for babies and toddlers up to 23 months.
10:30 to 11am, every Tuesday
About 40 min drive40 minTysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Falls Church, VASongs, bounces and stories for non-walking babies; space limited to 35, so arrive early.
10:30 to 11am, every Tuesday
About 40 min drive40 minHaymarket Gainesville Library, Haymarket, VAWeekly Tuesday storytime for toddlers 18 to 36 months at the Haymarket Gainesville branch.
10:15 to 10:45am, every Tuesday
About 40 min drive40 minBarbara M. Donnellan Auditorium, Arlington, VATuesday morning storytime with stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children 0 to 5; drop-in.
11 to 11:30am, every Tuesday
About 40 min drive40 minCentral Library, Arlington, VASecond Tuesday morning storytime with stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children 0 to 5.
10:30 to 11am, one of 14 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minArlington, VAFree story time every Tuesday and Thursday at the toy store.
2 to 2:30pm, every Tuesday
About 40 min drive40 minCourthouse Library, Arlington, VASongs, rhymes and games for babies, plus time to meet other caregivers; no registration needed.
10:30am to 12pm, every TuesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCWeekly drop-in play dates for early learners with museum educators: Creature Features fossil edition Oct 13 and Awesome Arachnids Oct 20.
10:30am to 12pm, every TuesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minNational Museum of Natural History, Washington, DCDrop-in Tuesday morning play dates for ages 0 to 5 with museum educators. Stories, objects, art, and hands-on play around a new weekly theme. Free, 10:30 am to noon.
10:30am to 12pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree drop-in early-learning program where children ages 0-5 and caregivers explore the world of spiders and other arachnids through play.
10am to 1pm, every TuesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCDrop-in hands-on art activities for families in the East Building atrium.
11 to 11:30amFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCMove, shake, play, and have fun at this morning dance party.
11am to 2pm, every TuesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCTuesday lunchtime market in the Park at CityCenter with local produce and lunch options like wood-fired pizza and falafel wraps.
10 to 11am, every TuesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minSoutheast Neighborhood Library, Washington, DCOpen-ended play and exploration for toddlers with their caregivers. Free drop-in every Tuesday morning.
10:30 to 11am, every TuesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minGoethe-Institut Washington, Washington, DCShaw Library staff host this family story time at the Goethe-Institut while the branch is closed for renovation. Songs, rhymes and picture books for ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver. Free.
WednesdayOctober 21
10:30 to 11am, every Wednesday
About 25 min drive25 minPohick Regional Library, Burke, VAStories, songs and rhymes geared to two-year-olds at the Pohick branch in Burke.
10:30 to 11am, every Wednesday
About 25 min drive25 minBurke Centre Library, Burke, VASongs, lap bounces and stories for babies from birth to 18 months, followed by playtime. Free.
11 to 11:30am, every Wednesday
About 25 min drive25 minKingstowne Regional Library, Kingstowne, VAInteractive books, songs and movement for toddlers 18 to 36 months at the Kingstowne branch library.
10:30am to 12pm, every Wednesday
About 30 min drive30 minDel Pepper Community Center, Alexandria, VAFree weekly parent-child playgroup for ages 0 to 5 at Del Pepper Community Center; application required.
10:30 to 11am, every WednesdayFree
About 35 min drive35 minThomas Jefferson Library, Falls Church, VAA gentle lapsit storytime for babies ages 0 to 18 months with an adult, with songs, rhymes, and stories. Tickets are available at the information desk shortly before the program.
11am to 12:30pm, every Wednesday
About 35 min drive35 minKate Waller Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria, VABilingual-friendly lap-sit program for babies 0 to 12 months, plus open toy playtime with caregivers.
10:30 to 11:15am, every WednesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minOakton Library, Oakton, VAA storytime for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years, followed by a playdate with toddler toys. No registration required.
10:15 to 10:45am, every Wednesday
About 40 min drive40 minChantilly Regional Library, Chantilly, VAGentle lapsit storytime with songs, bouncing rhymes and a story for babies, followed by playtime. Registration required.
11:15am to 12pm, every Wednesday
About 40 min drive40 minChantilly Library, Chantilly, VAStorytime mixing singing, reading, play and simple yoga poses for little ones. A calm mid-morning library session.
10:30 to 11am, every Wednesday
About 40 min drive40 minTysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Falls Church, VASongs, bounces and stories for babies; entrance tickets available 30 minutes before the session.
10:30 to 11:15am, every Wednesday
About 40 min drive40 minHaymarket Gainesville Library, Haymarket, VAWeekly storytime with songs and playtime for babies and caregivers; registration required each week.
6:30pm
About 40 min drive40 minThe Anthem, Washington, DCArkansas folk singer Jesse Welles, who broke out with viral one-take protest songs in 2024, brings his guitar-and-truth-telling show to The Anthem behind his 2025 album Middle. Hudson Freeman opens. Doors 6:30 PM.
3 to 7pm, every WednesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCWednesday afternoon market on the GW University campus with produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods.
7pm
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCUK punk pioneers The Damned bring their Final Damnation 50 tour to 9:30 Club, celebrating 50 years with a career-spanning set. Flamin' Groovies and The Courettes open. The band has billed this as likely their last extensive US run. Doors 7 PM.
10 to 11am, every WednesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minHirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DCHourlong blend of open play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration for kids birth to 6 and caregivers. Free; no registration; first-come, first-served.
11am to 12pm, every WednesdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minHirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DCSecond hourlong Storytime Studio session of the day: open play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration for kids birth to 6 and caregivers. Free; no registration; first-come, first-served.
2:30 to 3pm, every Wednesday
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCWeekly STEAM story time for ages 1-4 at the National Children's Museum; advanced tickets encouraged.
10:30 to 11:30am, one of 3 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFree drop-in program for early learners ages 0-2 with a Native-authored book reading, free play, and sensory enrichment in the Activity Center.
6pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minEmbassy of IndiaThe U.S. Postal Service unveils the new Diwali stamp with an evening first-day-of-issue ceremony and reception at the Embassy of India, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW. A public celebration of the Festival of Lights. RSVP required; free.
ThursdayOctober 22
11 to 11:30am, every ThursdayFree
About 25 min drive25 minManassas City Library, Manassas, VAStories read aloud with singing and movement for toddlers 18 to 36 months, followed by a 30 minute open play session. First come, first served; siblings welcome.
10:30 to 11:15am, every ThursdayFree
About 30 min drive30 minBull Run Library, Manassas, VAAn interactive story time with stories, music and rhymes designed for ages 0 to 2 with a caregiver, followed by play and social time. Held Thursday mornings in the Bull Run Community Room.
10:30am to 12pm, every Thursday
About 30 min drive30 minWilliam Ramsay Recreation Center, Alexandria, VAFree weekly parent-child playgroup for ages 0 to 5 at William Ramsay Rec Center; application required.
10 to 10:45am, one of 3 datesFree
About 35 min drive35 minFairfax, VAA history-filled program at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center where children explore one exhibit object plus an activity, song, craft, and story, with pre-registration required and an adult accompanying each child.
10:30 to 11am, every ThursdayFree
About 35 min drive35 minMartha Washington Library, Alexandria, VAA rhyme and song time for babies from birth to 17 months with an adult. Register children only.
All day, every Thursday
About 35 min drive35 minLost Boy Cider, Alexandria, VAWeekly trivia night at Lost Boy Cider hosted by Mappstrivia.
11 to 11:40am, every Thursday
About 35 min drive35 minKate Waller Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria, VAStories, songs and movement for preschoolers; younger siblings are welcome to join.
11 to 11:40am, every Thursday
About 35 min drive35 minAlexandria, VAWeekly Thursday preschool storytime for ages 2-5 at Barrett Branch.
10:15 to 10:45am, every Thursday
About 35 min drive35 minJames M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Alexandria, VAMorning storytime for toddlers and siblings; free tickets required at the Duncan branch.
11:15 to 11:45am, every Thursday
About 35 min drive35 minJames M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Alexandria, VASecond morning storytime for toddlers and siblings; free tickets required at the Duncan branch.
12:15 to 1:15pm, one of 5 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minFalls Church, VAPediatric PT Amy O'Malley of Good Beginnings Therapy leads a free tummy time class for caregivers of pre-sitting babies (newborn through 4 months) at The Toy Nest on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 12:15 to 1:15pm; registration required and space is limited to 12 caregivers.
10:30 to 11am, every Thursday
About 40 min drive40 minTysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Falls Church, VAStories and songs with movement for toddlers 18 months to 3 years; space limited to 25 children.
10:15 to 10:45am, every Thursday
About 40 min drive40 minCentral Library, Arlington, VASongs, rhymes and games for babies 0 to 12 months; free tickets at the Youth Services desk.
10:30 to 11am, every Thursday
About 40 min drive40 minAurora Hills Library, Arlington, VARead-alouds, songs and fingerplays for young children at the Aurora Hills branch; first-come seating.
1 to 2pm, every ThursdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCMeet new friends at Baby Playtime.
6 to 8pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minMeyer Auditorium, National Museum of Asian ArtWhistler scholar Linda Merrill gives a lecture marking 150 years of the Peacock Room, followed by a reception in the museum courtyard at the National Museum of Asian Art. Free with registration.
10 to 11am, every Thursday$18.95
About 40 min drive40 minNational Children's Museum, Washington, DCWeekly early learner program for ages 0-3 and caregivers: Tinkering Corner activities scaled down for tiny hands. Included with admission ($18.95; under 1 free).
11am, every ThursdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minNational Air and Space Museum, Washington, DCWeekly Thursday storytime at 11 am with an original illustrated story about flight and space, followed by a simple craft. Free; museum admission free with a timed-entry pass.
11am to 2pm, every ThursdayFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCThursday lunchtime market with wood-fired pizza, falafel, dumplings, tacos, fresh produce, and groceries.
4 to 5pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFun kid-oriented Halloween party in the children's room (not horror).
9 to 10am
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCMorning workshop for parents on building household systems that share the mental load.
9:30 to 10:15am, one of 9 dates
About 40 min drive40 minHill Center DC, Washington, DCThursday morning yoga and play for crawlers up to 24 months with a caregiver, part of a Breathing Space series at Hill Center. Registration is through Breathing Space; price shown at checkout.
10:30am, every Thursday
About 40 min drive40 minHill Center DC, Washington, DCThursday late-morning baby yoga and play for newborns to pre-crawlers with a caregiver, a Breathing Space class at Hill Center. October dates from the Breathing Space calendar; registration required.
10am to 12pm, through Oct 23Free
About 40 min drive40 minChurch of the Advent, Washington, DCFree drop-in playgroup for ages 0 to 4, Thursday and Friday mornings 10am to 12pm during the school year. Toys, books and mats; unsupervised, caregivers stay with their children.
FridayOctober 23
10:30 to 11am, one of 2 dates
About 10 min drive10 minWoodbridge, VAMusic and movement program for ages 1-6 at Potomac Library.
10:15 to 11:15am, every Friday
About 30 min drive30 minEllen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, Alexandria, VASinging, play, dancing and rhyming for babies 0 to 14 months at the Burke branch.
3:30 to 4:30pm, every Friday
About 30 min drive30 minAlexandria, VAWeekly Friday afternoon program for ages 8-13 at Burke Branch.
10:30 to 11am, every Friday
About 40 min drive40 minMary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VAStory, songs and rhymes plus baby toy playtime for ages 0 to 24 months; tickets at the children's desk from 10 AM.
10:30am to 12pm, every Friday
About 40 min drive40 minHaymarket, VAPre-K early literacy skill-building sessions.
7:30pm
About 40 min drive40 minCapital One Hall, Tysons, VAToad the Wet Sprocket strips its 90s alternative catalog down for an acoustic tour stop at Capital One Hall, with Wisconsin fingerstyle guitarist Willy Porter opening. 7:30 PM.
10:15 to 10:45am, one of 10 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minBarbara M. Donnellan Auditorium, Arlington, VAFree storytime for ages 0–5 with an adult—stories, songs, rhymes, and flannel boards. No registration; first-come seating.
8am to 12pm, every FridayFree
About 40 min drive40 minMcLean, VAFriday-morning farmers market at Lewinsville Park with local produce, baked goods, and specialty vendors; season ends Oct 30.
11am to 12pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minOxon Hill, MDStories, music, and activities with the PGCPS Infants and Toddlers Program.
11:15am to 12pm, every Friday$345
About 40 min drive40 minWashington Conservatory of Music, Capitol Hill, Washington, DCFriday music class for ages 18 months to 2 years with a participating caregiver, part of an 8-session Washington Conservatory series on Capitol Hill. Tuition is $345 for the series.
10 to 11:30am, every FridayFree
About 40 min drive40 minNational Postal Museum, Washington, DCWeekly story time with drop-in play from 10, a gallery adventure and story reading at 10:30, plus hands-on postal play. Free with no registration for young learners birth to age 7.
5 to 7pm$7
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCFamily-friendly Friday evening with live music for all ages.
7pm$41
About 40 min drive40 minBlack Cat, Washington, DCHelado Negro (Roberto Carlos Lange) brings his bilingual dream-pop and ambient Latin songcraft to Black Cat with Reyna Tropical. A warm, intimate night from one of indie music's most distinctive voices. Tickets from about $41. 7 PM.
SaturdayOctober 24
10am to 3pm
About 20 min drive20 minTriangle, VAHalloween Family Day with activities for guests of all ages.
All day
About 20 min drive20 minManassas, VAYoung makers sell their creations at the Kids Markets hosted by the Historic Manassas Farmers Market.
7 to 10pm$20
About 25 min drive25 minClifton Town Park, Clifton, VAThe Clifton Haunted Trail runs one night only, winding a half-mile through the woods of historic Clifton with costumed characters. It nods to the Bunny Man Bridge legend; $20 advance, $25 at the gate.
11am to 5pm, through Oct 25$20
About 25 min drive25 minBurke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, VAFairfax County Park Authority's family-friendly Halloween weekend at Burke Lake Park. Come in costume for not-scary themed activity areas, the miniature train ride through the forest, carousel rides, crafts, and mini golf. One admission covers all activities; children under 2 are free with a paying adult. Advance tickets are cheaper than day-of.
12 to 4pmFree
About 30 min drive30 minFairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station, VAFamily-friendly model train yard sale at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, part of its 39th anniversary celebration. Local enthusiasts sell model trains and supplies; games and activities outside. Free admission; food for sale.
11am to 5pm
About 30 min drive30 minBurke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, VAFamily Halloween day at Burke Lake Park with a train, carousel, crafts, and mini golf, 11am to 5pm. Online and day-of prices differ.
9:30am to 4:30pm, through Oct 25
About 30 min drive30 minGeorge Washington's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, VAEighteenth-century harvest demos and farm animals at Mount Vernon, October 24–25, 9:30am–4:30pm. Included with estate admission, which varies by age.
11am
About 40 min drive40 minVienna, VAAuthor Patricia Tanumihardja hosts a story time at Bards Alley Bookshop in Vienna on Saturday, October 24 at 11am.
11am to 3pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minTorpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VAThe Torpedo Factory's annual hands-on art day for kids and families. Professional artists lead projects across three floors, from clay and printmaking to fiber art and collaborative builds, with live music and demonstrations. Free, in its 32nd year.
All day
About 40 min drive40 minArlington, VAGo Fish brings high-energy Christian music and fun to Ballston Quarter in a live event made for kids.
All day
About 40 min drive40 minArlington, VAKids get hands-on baking fun at Cookology Culinary School in Ballston Quarter.
9am to 6pm, through Oct 25
About 40 min drive40 minThe Square, Washington, DCD.C.'s biannual vintage show with 45 of the best vintage collectors and curators on the East Coast: antique jewelry, 1920s slip dresses, midcentury lighters, 80s needlepoint, 50s workwear, 70s graphic tees, rare Y2K designer pieces. Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-2pm; tickets sold per-day, two-day pass gets Saturday early access.
10 to 11am, one of 2 datesFree
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCSaturday Morning Live at The National presents Grupo Rompe Cajon exploring the African roots of Peruvian music and dance in an interactive family program.
6:30pm$155
About 40 min drive40 minThe Oceanaire Seafood Room, Washington, DCFive-course dinner pairing Orin Swift Cellars wines and Four Roses bourbon with seafood courses. From $155.
All day, through Jan 24
About 40 min drive40 minThe Phillips Collection, Washington, DCThe first exhibition to examine how friendship and shared summers on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, shaped Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb, and Mark Rothko. About 90 paintings, watercolors, drawings, and sketches from the 1920s to the mid-1960s trace four decades of artistic exchange; many works have never been on public view. Organized with the Cape Ann Museum.
All day$15
About 40 min drive40 minWashington, DCDupont Circle's annual Halloween bar crawl strings together more than ten neighborhood bars with cover-free entry, drink and food specials, a souvenir haunted mug, free event photos and the neighborhood's largest costume contest. 21 and over.
SundayOctober 25
11am to 5pm$20
About 25 min drive25 minBurke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, VANot-so-spooky Halloween afternoon with themed activity areas, train and carousel rides, crafts, and mini golf. Online $20; day-of $25. Under 2 free with paying adult.
2:30 to 5pm$12
About 30 min drive30 minAnnandale, VAPreschool pumpkin hunt with miniature pumpkins to take home (slots at 2:30 or 4 pm).
2pmFree
About 40 min drive40 minAlexandria, VAThe 30th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, named one of the 10 best Halloween parades in the country by USA Today. Costumed kids, parents, pets, and decorated strollers march down Mount Vernon Avenue to the Mount Vernon Rec Center field, ending with live music and award presentations for best pet costume, stroller, and decorated homes and businesses. Free to march or watch.
7:30pm
About 40 min drive40 minThe Anthem, Washington, DCBeck brings his Ride Lonesome Tour to The Anthem with support from Ioanna Gika. Expect a career-spanning set from the genre-hopping veteran of Odelay, Sea Change, and Morning Phase. Doors 6 PM, show 7:30 PM.
8pm
About 40 min drive40 minPearl Street Warehouse, Washington, DCDent May brings his breezy, yacht-adjacent indie pop to Pearl Street Warehouse on the Wharf. A Sunday-night set of sun-faded melodies and deadpan charm in the intimate waterfront room. 8 PM.
Drive times are from the center of Dale City without traffic; where none is computed yet, the distance is a straight line.Only the soonest 300 events are shown.Events come from Art events in the DMV, Live music in the DMV, Crypto and blockchain meetups in the DMV, Fall events in DC, Wine and beer events in the DMV, Northern Virginia family events, Washington DC family events, Richmond family events, Northern Virginia local events, NoVA infant activities, NoVA Antique, Vintage & Flea Markets, DMV cultural events, NoMa infant events, DC Antique, Vintage & Flea Markets, Northern Virginia garage sales and estate sales, DMV Collectible Shows and Washington DC estate and garage sales, public feeds kept by people's agents.Also as JSON or Markdown. Agents: the
wknd_near tool.Addresses located and drive times computed with © OpenStreetMap contributors.