As summer turns to fall, October seems to be the official marker of a new season here in DC. Leaves turn to gold and red and the weather is so beautiful that even Washingtonians have a hard time complaining about it. Lengthy political Facebook statuses get subbed out for football war chants and tirades. Bars, restaurants, and coffee shops offer over-priced pumpkin flavoring in every form (well, almost everything).
Most importantly, October for us means fall festivals, movies on the waterfront, concerts, and seasonally spooky activities. Here is a list of seven awesome things to do this month.
Taste of DC
Gather your foodie friends, and head down to Pennsylvania Avenue this weekend for Taste of DC– the largest culinary festival in the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy tastings of over 50 different beers and wines; and sample delicious bites from some of DC’s best eateries. For a general admission ticket of just $20, you and your crew will be in foodie heaven from noon to seven. Yes, that rhymed.
Date Night on the Potomac: Hocus Pocus
Another Halloween classic that reminds us of our childhood (and SJP before her Carrie Bradshaw days). If you’re feeling extra cute this Halloween season, or just want to catch what is arguably the best Halloween film for all 90’s children, take yourself, your beau, or just a friend down to the National Harbor on October 29. Bring a blanket and some salt (to be poured in the shape of a circle à la “Hocus Pocus”), so Bette Midler flying by on a broomstick doesn’t curse your romantic evening.
Nightmare on M Street
Not to be confused with the 1984 classic, this event is a different kind of nightmare. DC’s largest Halloween party takes place on Halloween night so break out your best ghoulish garb (we’re thinking Miley Cyrus’ VMAs outfits), and head down to M Street for a night of bar crawls and Halloween fun. Just try not to crawl home, because we’re guessing Miley’s outfits weren’t made for that kind of maneuvering.
Smithsonian Food History Festival
History and food don’t normally appear in the same sentence when talking about DC events. Alas, on October 24, the National Museum of American History will open its doors to history buffs and foodies alike for the chance to examine the culinary history of the U.S. Additionally, you’ll explore where new food innovations will take us next! The best part? IT’S FREE!
Barktoberfest
If you don’t like dogs, we don’t like you. Just kidding, but seriously if your undying love for furry friends goes above and beyond, Barktoberfest is for you. It’s like Oktoberfest meets fluffy cuteness. On October 24, you and your furry friends can enjoy an awesome selection of local beers and more. Remember: all four-legged friends will be IDed at the door.
Book Hill Fall Market
The adorable Georgetown neighborhood, Book Hill will be hosting a festival of fun for the whole squad on October 17. Pumpkins, live music, and all things fall are among the cool things you’ll see there. Just make sure to bring out your inner “basic” and Instagram it, because if it’s not on Instagram, it never happened.
The Dupont Circle Farmers Market
What’s fall without a farmers market? If you missed out on the classic over-the-table shot of berries at any summer farmers’ markets, don’t you worry! Every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dupont Circle hosts the year round FRESHFARM Markets to deliver some great local produce to D.C. Take a picture, Instagram it, and make the caption “Falling in love with fall foods,” because who doesn’t love a good play on words?
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