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- Weekend weather: Friday will be milder and breezy, with scattered showers and a possible thunderstorm. Much cooler air will rush in that night, leading to a crisp, sunny Saturday and Sunday with highs only in the 50s.
D.C.
Boo at the Zoo is back! Kids can go trick-or-tricking at stations across the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave. NW) amid Halloween displays that won’t be too scary for littles. The event includes after-hours access to the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center, as well as a magician, a pumpkin patch and a dance party. Costumes encouraged for all ages; full-face masks prohibited. Fri.-Sun. 6-8:30 p.m.; admission $35; carousel rides and zoo train rides $6 extra.
Sip samples from dozens of wineries from across the DMV and beyond during D.C. Wine Fest. It’s at Dock 5 at Union Market (1309 5th St. SE). All wine tastings included with admission; food available for purchase. Fri. 6-9 p.m.; Sat. – multiple sessions; tickets start at $44.
These artists are an open book — literally. “American Stories: Artists’ Books from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives,” a new exhibit at the National Museum of American History, takes a look at how a series of American artists tell their stories in book form. Take a walk through the gallery and ponder the meaning of art, books and being an American. Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; free.
DC Bike Party does a monthly ride around Washington, D.C., and this month’s theme is — you guessed it — Halloween. Specifically, they ask that you “channel your inner superhero” for the Halloween Heroic Ride when you meet up at Dupont Circle Fountain. They also promise a surprise appearance from “a world-famous team.” Color us curious! Sat. 7:30 p.m.; free.
Maryland
The neighborhood art movement known as the Chevy Chase Art Walk lets you explore the work of 80+ artists across 35 home studios and yards in Chevy Chase. You can see their art up close and personal, and shop items such as sculptures, jewelry, paintings and pottery. Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m.; details and map.
This Friday is the last in the drive-in movie series at Prince George’s Stadium. “Coco” is on the big screen, and Halloween costumes are encouraged. There will be free snacks, trivia games and food trucks, so park your car and enjoy! Fri., gates open 7 p.m.; free.
Picture a circus, then strip down that mental image to just the acrobatics. That gets you close to the offerings of “Ten Thousand Hours” from contemporary circus company Gravity & Other Myths. The Australian group’s show at the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda) “highlights the strength, timing, and collective effort” that makes extraordinarily precise acrobatic movements possible. Thurs. 7:30 p.m.; $28-$78.
If you’re still thrilled it’s the time of year for pumpkins and hay bales, head to Montpelier Farms (1720 N. Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro) for their fall festival. There’s animals, MULTIPLE corn mazes, pumpkin bowling and plenty of photo opportunities. Various dates through Nov. 8; $19.95-$68.95.
Virginia
Falls Church is saying goodbye to open container laws for one afternoon only during Little City Sips. The downtown sip-and-stroll event encourages those of legal age to buy a drink in an official cup, then walk around the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area enjoying live music, local shops and outdoor art. Find a map here. Sat. 5-10 p.m.; free admission; drinks for purchase.
Are you looking for that perfect quirky tchotchke or vintage piece of furniture? Head to the Lucketts Fall Market, where 200+ “vintage hip” vendors from all over the East Coast will gather at the Clarke County Fairgrounds (890 W Main St., Berryville) to showcase their wares. The offerings — and the food trucks, workshops, beer gardens and live music — are probably why it’s been going for 25 years. Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; early bird hours start at 8:30 a.m. on Fri. only; free admission.
If you love all things handicraft (think quilting, embroidery, sewing and the like), appreciate a good vegetable, or love watching puppies, bunnies and goats frolic, look no further than the Stafford County Agricultural & Homemaking Fair (504 Poplar Road, Fredericksburg). There are also a whole slew of contests you could enter, including for flower arranging, LEGO creations, a “Beard, Mustache & Mullet” contest, and the Pet Rock Olympics. Thurs.-Sun.; free admission, but contests may have an entry fee.
If you’re a former horse girl (or have one in your life), the Equine Rescue League’s Fall Open House (12681 Taylorstown Road, Lovettsville) is the event for you. The organization is celebrating 36 years of helping neglected horses with its annual event. There will be raffles, a bake sale and the chance to pet plenty of ponies. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission.
Potomac Music’s 5th Annual Fall Fest offers plenty of autumnal fun at Workhouse Arts Center (9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton), including pumpkin painting, a costume parade, games, live music and 50+ local craft vendors. Food will be available from Atlantic BBQ, plus craft cocktails by Workhouse Arts Center and beer from Bunnyman Brewing. Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; free admission.
Music Snob’s concert picks
NBC Washington editor Matthew Stabley’s concert guide
Weedeater, Thurs. 7 p.m., Black Cat, $42.40
Sludgecore giants chug out the kind of deliberate, relentless stoner metal that puts your whole head in a fog, but in a good way. Whoa. Details.
Pretty Bitter, Fri. 7 p.m., Black Cat, $25.40
Shoegaze/emo band right at the core of D.C.’s vibrant alt/indie rock scene. Catchy, heartfelt songs lean toward dreamy ‘90s indie. Details.
The Tallest Man on Earth, Sat. 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, $45.65
Obvious point of reference for this Swedish folk singer and guitarist is the GOAT (Dylan) but also others from the ‘60s-‘70s era of folk revival like Paul Simon and even Jim Croce. Has a reputation for a pleasantly engaging stage presence. Details.
The Residents, Sat. 10 p.m., 9:30 Club, $45.65
More than just a music group, The Residents (pictured above) has been a cutting-edge, experimental art ensemble for 50 or 60 years. It’s touring the singular 1979 album “Eskimo” – playing it in full for the first time. The concept album is based on the concept that music should be a collection of interesting sounds. The Residents found their interest in Inuit life. Details.
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