America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden will bloom with the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower. Explore the display throughout the Garden that will showcase the state and territory flowers with living plants, artistic displays, botanical illustrations, and herbarium specimens. From fragrant magnolia flowers and roses to native orchids, bluebonnets, and saguaro cactus flowers, enjoy the variety of floral beauty that symbolizes America.  April 10 - October 12

Oktoberfest at The Wharf

Don a dirndi or lederhosen and make your way to The Wharf for its free annual Oktoberfest celebration. The Wiener 500 Dachschund Dash kicks off the festivities, followed by a stein-hoisting championship and Polka on the Pier, which includes a free polka dance class, live music and a best-dressed contest. October 3

National Gallery Nights: Monster Mash

 Calling all monsters, ghouls, and thrill-seekers: let’s see how spooky art can feel after dark. Hear the soulful sounds of DC funk-pop band Oh He Dead, hunt for our eeriest artwork, and make your own creepy creation to take home. Come in costume or as the masterpiece you already are. October 8

Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is at its scenic best when fall rolls around, so it’s fitting that the historic estate hosts this special celebration of wine followed by a sunset tour of the property. Bring along a blanket, chill out on the east lawn and sample Virginia wines with views of the Potomac River. Fruit and cheese boxes to accompany your wine are available for purchase in advance. October 9-11

50th Annual Fall Festival

Celebrate fall in historic Old Town Fairfax City at the 50th Annual Fairfax City Fall Festival, where art, food and culture combine to create one of Northern Virginia’s most popular fall traditions. More than 400 arts and crafts, food and other vendors fill the streets lined with historic buildings and charm. Enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages, children’s activities and renowned beer gardens featuring the town's local breweries.. The hometown atmosphere and bustling streets make this free festival a favorite day trip from DC. October 10

Army Ten-Miler

Now in its 40th year, the Army’s annual Army Ten-Mile Race and Expo attracts over 35,000 runners and 900 teams from around the world to celebrate the spirit of sport. Military, civilians, wheel chair athletes and wounded warrior athletes are able to participate and all are encouraged to cheer them on.  October 11

Oyster Wars

Hosted by popular Navy Yard spot The Salt Line, Oyster Wars gathers local chefs, breweries and oyster farms up and down the Eastern Seaboard to pack an afternoon with eating, drinking and live music. The 21-and-over event is ticketed with admission that provides access to food from every chef and oyster farm. October 11

Turkish Festival

The community-organized Turkish Festival fills Pennsylvania Avenue with special art and photo exhibits, folk dancers and concerts ranging from Turkish rock to folk. There will also be Turkish coffee and tea demos and a bazaar touting food and artisanal goods. October 18

Adams Morgan Apple Festival

The annual Apple Festival brings neighbors and visitors together to celebrate the season with heirloom apple varieties from the Adams Morgan Farmers’ Market and a spirited apple pie-baking contest judged by local food personalities. Guests can sample apples, cheer on the bakers and purchase slices of freshly made pies. October 24

Air & Scare

The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center hosts this annual Halloween event that offers free and family-friendly fun in Chantilly, Va. Expect trick-or-treat stations with free candy and snacks, creepy crafts and spooky experiments, special story times and puppet shows for the youngest kids, photo opportunities and a new Air & Scare Runway costume fashion show. Note that free tickets are required for the outdoor portion of the event and parking costs $15. October 24