Discover an abundance of autumn events in the District, including the DC Coffee Festival at Union Market, Mean Girls at the National Theatre 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 as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in 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 the weekend of October 5, with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash.
The Kennedy Center
Clue – Sept. 17 – Oct. 6
See the classic Hasbro board game come to life on stage at the Kennedy Center. Based on the 1985 feature film, this unrivaled and interactive whodunit is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour – Oct. 4-6
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
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212
DC Coffee Festival – Oct. 5-6
Savor the creations of dozens of the District’s top coffee roasters at the second annual DC Coffee Festival. This year, there will be 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.
Tickets
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
SOFI TUKKER – The BREAD Tour – Oct. 5
Grammy-nominated duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern bring their infectious, energetic dance music to The Anthem. Their newest album BREAD blends house, Brazilian funk, drum and bass, bossa nova, pop and Portuguese poetry to create an entirely unique kind of fun.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC, 20024
Aerosmith – Oct. 8
With a string of hits that stretches across decades – “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing,” “Crazy” and many, many more – Aerosmith has become the best-selling American hard rock band of all-time. The legendary group’s farewell tour thankfully touches down at DC’s Capital One Arena. The Black Crowes will serve as the opener.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Kennedy Center
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Oct. 11-20
In this Tony Award®–winning and interactive musical comedy by Rachel Sheinkin, six mid-pubescents compete to be top speller, sharing stories that are just as hilarious as they are poignant as they go.
Tickets
The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Snallygaster – Oct. 12
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 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Tickets
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Justin Timberlake: The Forget Tomorrow World Tour – Oct. 13
After an overwhelming response to the release of his first set of tour dates, ten-time Grammy-winning legend Justin Timberlake plans to perform worldwide hits like "Mirrors" and new releases like "Selfish" for even more fans – including those in the DMV. Titled the "Prince of Pop," Timberlake's staying power is often credited to his talented as not just a vocalist but as a stage performer, making this a can't-miss show.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Army Ten-Miler
Army Ten-Miler – Oct. 13
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
Mean Girls – Oct. 15-20
The "plastics" are back: Broadway hit Mean Girls makes an electric return the city where it first premiered. The creative team consists of award-winning all-stars like Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond ("The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (Book of Mormon).
More Info | Tickets
National Theatre DC, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
DC Wine Fest
DC Wine Fest – Oct. 19
Following up the popular DC Coffee Fest at Dock5 is the DC Wine Fest – Fall Edition. 30+ premium wine tastings are included with admission, plus for-purchase options like snacks and discounted vinos, so you can take your time milling about the vendors and enjoying live music.
Tickets
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
D.C. United
D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC – Oct. 19
Four-time MLS Cup winner D.C. United plays its last home game of the season on Saturday, October 19. Don't miss the chance to see an action-packed game at one of DC's newest stadiums.
6 p.m. | Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 2002
Fall Harvest Festival – Oct. 19-20
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.
Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212
Turkish Festival
Turkish Festival – Oct. 20
Honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic, the community-organized Turkish Festival will fill Pennsylvania Avenue with special art and photo exhibits, folk dancers and concerts ranging from Turkish rock to folk (including award-winning artist Demir Demirkan). 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
Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars – Oct. 20
Catch the Spirit's last home game of the season at Audi Field. The 2021 NWSL champion touts a talented roster, including 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury and Trinity Rodman.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 2002
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon – Oct. 26
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.
2-6 p.m. | Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
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.
Places to Stay
Hedy's Rooftop / Hotel Zena
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're 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.
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