This weekend is going to feel like pure autumn: changing leaves and crisp air with a slight breeze, making it the perfect time to indulge in some fall festivities. To help you make the most of your weekend, Secret D.C. has rounded up all of the best happenings you don’t want to miss!
1. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- 9:30 Club: Echosmith (Oct. 16)
2. Taste the your way through the International City Food Festival
International City Food Festival celebrates D.C.’s cultural diversity with a series of events (Oct. 13-15), including the Embassy Chef Challenge, the Taste of Oktoberfest, and the Día de los Muertos food and film exhibit!
3. Celebrate cider at Rock The Core
Few things scream autumn like hard cider, and Hook Hall is celebrating just that at its annual Rock The Core event on Oct. 15. More than 30 ciders from cideries and breweries nationwide will be available for tasting. Add in live music and food, and what more could you ask for? tastings of over 30 ciders and beers.
4. Learn the cultural history behind Día de los Muertos
Put on by the Embassy of Mexico on Oct. 15 at Franklin Park, this free, family-friendly Día de los Muertos foods and film festival (which includes a screening of Disney’s “CoCo”), aims to educate people on the holiday while having fun!
5. Have the paw-fect day at the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash
Watching dachshunds race for charity? Woot woot (or should we say, woof woof)! The Wharf is putting on its 10th annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash Oct. 16. Free to watch, the cost for entering your dachshund is donated to Rural Dog Rescue. Food and drinks are available for revelers to purchase.
6. Enjoy a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt
Hidden D.C. gem, the O Street Museum, is celebrating Halloween all month long! A mansion and hotel teeming with kitschy objects and collectibles for sale, themed hidden rooms, and more than 80 secret doors—the O Street Museum is giving itself a spooky spin by making its scavenger hunt Halloween-themed! But be careful—who knows what’s behind each door!
7. Take a hike—literally
Itching to take in some fall foliage and explore the great outdoors? D.C. might be a city, but it’s also within driving distance from some great hiking trails with equally gorgeous views! We’ve rounded up a few that will give you the best views!