10 Things to do in Washington, DC

1. DC Coffee Festival

October 3–4, 2026

Dock 5 at Union Market

1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Enjoy coffee tastings from local roasters, tea, snacks, and live music.

Tickets: Required

https://washington.org/things-to-do-this-october-in-washington-dc

2. Oktoberfest at The Wharf

October 3, 2026 | 2–7 PM

The Wharf

760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

Enjoy live music, polka dancing, a stein-hoisting competition, and the Dachshund Dash.

Admission: Free

https://washington.org/things-to-do-this-october-in-washington-dc

3. National Gallery Nights: Monster Mash

October 8, 2026 | 6–9 PM

National Gallery of Art

4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

A Halloween-themed evening featuring art, music, and spooky activities. Costumes are welcome.

Admission: Free; registration required.

https://www.nga.gov/calendar/national-gallery-nights

4. Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival

October 9–11, 2026 | 6–9 PM

George Washington's Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Enjoy Virginia wines, live music, Potomac River views, and an after-hours visit to the historic estate.

Tickets: Required

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/fall-wine-festival-sunset-tour

5. Snallygaster Craft Beer Festival

October 10, 2026 | 12–6 PM

Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Between 3rd & 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC

A large craft beer and cider festival with hundreds of beverages, live music, food, and a makers' market.

21+ event; tickets required.

https://washington.org/things-to-do-this-october-in-washington-dc

6. U.S. Women's National Team vs. Spain

October 10, 2026 | 2:30 PM

Audi Field

100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

Watch the U.S. Women's National Team take on Spain in an international soccer match.

Tickets: Required

https://eventsdc.com/

7. Banana Bowl Championship

October 10, 2026 | 7–9:30 PM

Nationals Park

1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Experience Banana Ball as the Savannah Bananas and other top teams compete in the first-ever Banana Bowl Championship.

Tickets: Required

https://eventsdc.com/events/2026-banana-bowl-championship

8. Turkish Festival

October 18, 2026

Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Between 3rd & 6th Streets NW, Washington, DC

Enjoy Turkish food, coffee, music, folk dancing, art, and cultural performances.

Admission: Free

https://washington.org/things-to-do-this-october-in-washington-dc

9. Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon

October 24–25, 2026

George Washington's Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Enjoy fall activities, historic demonstrations, farm animals, 18th-century games, and family-friendly activities.

Tickets: Required

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/fall-harvest-festival

10. Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon

October 31, 2026

George Washington's Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

A Halloween experience featuring trick-or-treating, a costume parade, historic demonstrations, and entertainment.

Tickets: Required

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/trick-or-treating-at-mount-vernon

Tip: October is also a great time to explore the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, Georgetown, The Wharf, and the beautiful fall scenery around DC.