Fall is officially here and it’s one of our favorite festival seasons! Cooler weather and comfort food are the perfect reasons to gather with friends and family. The creative arts are also coming back with indoor and outdoor performances and art shows. Check out our top selections for October events around the DMV including a list of Oktoberfest celebrations.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Rock the Park DC – Saturdays in October, 4-10p.m.
The new and improved Franklin Park will host its inaugural concert series every Saturday in October. The free, family-friendly outdoor music series features a diverse line-up of live music and DJ sets from local favorites to international headliners.
Free Admission
Rock the Core Cider Fest – October 15, 7-9p.m. & October 16, 2-4p.m. or 7-9p.m.
A celebration of cider, beer, and great tunes, Rock the Core transports the orchard to your mug with more than 50+ ciders and craft beers offered on site. Sip on a Granny Smith, swig a sweet Golden Russet and discover untapped apple flavors while savoring local eats and live entertainment.
Tickets | $25-76
DC Halloween Crawl – October 30, 2-10p.m.
Bust out your best costume and get ready for a Spooktacular party like no other this season. The official DC Halloween Crawl celebrates the scariest time of the year!
Tickets | $15
MARYLAND
Bethesda Row Arts Festival – October 9, 11a.m.-6p.m. & October 10, 10a.m.-5p.m.
Intersection of Elm St & Woodmont Ave, Bethesda
This premier outdoor festival features 129 artists from around the country showcasing works of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fiber, glass, ceramics, and more.
Butler’s Orchard – All of October
22222 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is full of fun for the whole family! Butler’s Orchard is a 300 acre orchard that includes hay and pumpkin coach rides, corn mazes, giant slides, bonfire sites, corn hole, and more – all included with admission. Fall goodies such as apple cider donuts, kettle corn, and pit beef are available for purchase. This family farm produces over 25 varieties of plants and produce, so don’t forget to stop by the Farm Market!
Hours and Admission Prices Vary, click here for more info
Fall Harvest Festival at Summers Farm – All of October
5620 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, MD 21703
For more than 25 years, Summers Farm has become the destination for fall fun in Frederick County, Maryland.
All Things Go, Fall Music Festival – October 16
Enjoy great music for one day at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Featured performers include HAIM, St. Vincent, Charlie XCX, and many more.
Tickets | $89-$225
VIRGINIA
Art on the Avenue Del Ray – October 2, 10a.m.-6p.m.
Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
Jen Walker Team of McEnearney Associates is a proud sponsor of the 26th Art on the Avenue. This multicultural event includes juried artists, live music, food vendors, interactive art activities, and kids’ activities.
Free Admission
45th Annual Virginia Wine Festival – October 2 & 3, 12-6p.m.
One Loudoun, 44600 Freetown Blvd, Ashburn
Back this year, this popular festival also celebrates fresh oysters from Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more!
Tickets | $39-$69
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour – October 8-10, 6-9p.m.
Mount Vernon Estate, Alexandria
Bring a blanket and sample wines from 18 different Virginia wineries on the East Lawn of George Washington’s beautiful estate overlooking the Potomac River. Food will be available for purchase.
Tickets | $53-$63 General Public
The Madness of Poe – October 11-31
Synetic Theater at Crystal City
Spooky tales are perfect this time of year, and Synetic Theater has put together an evening of re-imagined classic Edgar Allan Poe stories full of suspense. Visit their website for content information.
Tickets | $20-$60
OKTOBERFEST
PROST! This traditional German celebration has become very popular throughout the DMV and local breweries take it as an opportunity to show off their craft. In addition to the beer, German food, and polka music, some festivals benefit local charities while others have added crafts, vendors, and kid-friendly activities.
- Oktoberfest at The Wharf – October 2, 2-5p.m.
760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC - Wunder Garten’s 7th Annual Oktoberfest – through October 10
1101 First St NE, Washington, DC - Oktoberfest at Hook Hall – through October 31
3400 Georgia Ave, NW, Washington, DC - Frederick’s Oktoberfest – October 1 & 2
Frederick Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD - Oktoberfest at The Boro – October 2, 1-5p.m. (rain date October 16)
8350 Broad Street, McLean, VA - Vienna Oktoberfest – October 2, 11a.m.-7p.m.
131 Church St NE, Vienna, VA - National Landing Oktoberfest – October 2, 12-4p.m.
Crystal Drive and 33rd St S, Arlington, VA - Old Ox Oktoberfest – October 2, 12-9p.m.
14 S Madison, Middleburg, VA - Makers, Farmers, & Brewers 2nd Annual Oktoberfest – October 3, 12-4p.m.
Rocket Frog Brewing Company, 22560 Glenn Drive, Sterling, VA
In addition to the variety of festivals listed above, McEnearney Associates is a proud sponsor of Senior Services of Alexandria’s Virtual Oktoberfest 2021 Fundraiser on October 6, 7-8:30p.m. Help us support SSA programs and Alexandria’s most vulnerable seniors.
Tickets | $50+
Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!