The Washington, DC area and its surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia host lots of annual festivals and special events. All dates, prices, and activities mentioned are subject to change, so please check the official web site or call to confirm information.
Fall for Fairfax Festival
October 3, 2009, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Northern Virginia’s largest fall festival includes more than 100 interactive activities and exhibits for the whole family.
Turkish Festival
October 4, 2009. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC. Celebrate Turkish art and culture with a variety of family-friendly activities, food, crafts and more.
Charity Walks in the Washington, DC Area Throughout the month, there are great charities to support while improving your own health. Find walks in the DC metropolitan area.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15. Throughout this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of Spanish speaking residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
National Fire Prevention Week
October 4-10, 2009. Attention is focused this week on promoting fire safety and prevention.
Army Ten-Miler
October 4, 2009. America’s biggest 10-mile race attracts 20,000 runners each year. Race begins at the Pentagon at 8 am.
Annapolis Boat Shows
Annapolis hosts two events in October, the Sailboat and Powerboat Shows.
Old Town Food and Wine Festival
October 9 -11, 2009. Stroll along King Street and enjoy wine and food tastings and/or enjoy Vintner Dinners in Alexandria’s premier restaurants.
Sugarloaf Craft Festival
October 9-11, 2009 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. Enjoy craft demonstrations, great food and live entertainment.
Bethesda Art Walk
October 9, 2009. Take a free guided tour including 11 art galleries and studios that feature painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry and mixed media.
Taste of Georgetown
October 10, 2009, 11 am-4 pm. Sample dishes from 25 Georgetown restaurants, while enjoying live music and children’s activities.
Kids Euro Festival
October 15-November 10, 2009. The new event staged through the cooperation of the 27 Washington-based European Union embassies and more than a dozen major local cultural institutions will include more than 150 free performances around the city. Geared to children ages six through twelve.
Navy Day in DC
2009 Date to be Announced, 10 a.m. Attend a celebration of the Anniversary of the U.S. Navy with Navy Band Performances, Military Drill Teams, a HUMVEE, a Coastal Warfare Boat, Ceremonial Guard, military hardware displays and special VIP guests.
Columbus Day
October 12, 2009. Attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Columbus Memorial Statue at 11 am.
Reel Affirmations
October 15-24, 2009. Washington, DC’s gay and lesbian film festival.
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
October 17-18, 2009. More than 180 artists display a wide variety of artwork and crafts.
Rockville Antique & Classic Car Show
October 17, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rockville Civic Center grounds. Rockville, Maryland. See a display of more than 400 antique and classic automobiles, pumpkin painting, moon bounce, and swing music, by the Rockin’Ville Swing Band.
Washington International Horse Show
October 20-25, 2009. Verizon Center, Washington, DC. Horse show with jumping competitions with Olympic horses and riders, special exhibitions of musical freestyle dressage, bull riding, terrier races and more.
Patuxent Wildlife Festival
October 24, 2009, 10 am–3 pm. Live animals and research displays at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland.
Marine Corps Marathon
October 25, 2009. The annual race includes a full weekend of events including the Health and Fitness Expo, Healthy Kids Fun Run, Crystal Run (a festival in Crystal City), and Marine Corps Marathon Finish Festival.
DC Drag Queen Race
October 27, 2009. thousands of spectators flock to Dupont Circle to watch costumed drag queens show off their elaborate Halloween costumes and race down 17th Street.
Fall Frolic at Glen Echo Park
October 31, 2009, 1-4 p.m. The Halloween event celebrates the arts through hands-on crafts, live performances, and activities for all ages.
Day of the Dead Festival
October 31-November 1, 2009. National Museum of the American Indian. The family-friendly event honors the Mexican custom and includes live entertainment and hands-on craft activities.
