The 37 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Community Preview at Sandlot Howard

After creating outdoor experiences in Southwest Washington, Georgetown, Anacostia and Tysons, the next Sandlot is coming to the former CVS parking lot at the corner of Florida Avenue and Seventh Street NW — yes, the same place where you’d get photos taken in front of backdrops of champagne bottles or a Rolls-Royce. While founder Ian Callender had hoped the interior would be finished in time for homecoming, it isn’t, so he’s planned an open house with food trucks and outdoor bars, “almost like a mini-tailgate” open throughout the weekend. Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Free.

Drunk Spelling Bee at Prima

Can you spell “bordereaux”? Okay, but can you spell it while drunk? Tickets to Prima’s first Drunk Spelling Bee include one drink, but you should take advantage of the happy hour deals ($7 shots, $9 mixed drinks and $8 beers) before the competition starts. It’s capped at 25 contestants, and each player gets 20 seconds to spell their word. If they spell it wrong, they’re out. But if they spell it correctly, they’re awarded a “Honey, I’m Buzzed” cocktail special, which ensures each round gets drunker as well as more orthographically challenging. There are prizes for the top three contestants, and the top placer gets $35 off their tab — plus free entry to the next spelling bee. 6 p.m. $10.

Yardfest at Howard University

The non-football centerpiece of homecoming weekend, Yardfest deserves its storied musical reputation. The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, Ludacris, CeeLo Green, Drake and Lil Uzi Vert are among the artists who’ve taken the stage for the free outdoor concert on Howard’s quad. The tradition is to arrive early, stake out a space and stay there: Artists come out at varying times, and you’re never sure who will be next — especially if there’s a guest appearance, a la Drake in 2012. The lineup traditionally leaks onto social media on Friday morning. Noon. Free.

Boo at the Zoo at the National Zoo

The National Zoo’s beloved family-friendly Halloween event Boo at the Zoo invites dressed-up kids to fill souvenir tote bags with candy and goodies from 30 trick-or-treat stations placed around the grounds. But kids aren’t the only ones who look forward to treats on Halloween: Watch as zoo animals play with jack-o’-lanterns and other spooky holiday-themed enrichment activities during the festivities. Boo at the Zoo visitors will also get after-hours access to the Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House and Reptile Discovery Center, and there will be plenty of photo ops for cute costume pics. Just remember: Kids won’t get to see the pandas — they’re in quarantine after arriving from China on Tuesday — and Saturday night tickets are already sold out, so move quickly if you want to attend. Friday and Sunday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with early admission at 5 p.m. for zoo members. Saturday sold out. $25 members; $35 nonmembers. Parking passes sold out.

Food History Weekend at the National Museum of American History

Listening to food podcasts or watching viral recipe TikToks and reels can be fun. But who could pass up the chance to hear and learn from legendary chefs in person? The National Museum of American History’s annual Food History Weekend offers a chance to delve into cultural issues surrounding food, including a lesson from historian and cookbook author Toni Tipton-Martin on hibiscus tea, its roots in Jamaica and its role in Juneteenth celebrations and a talk from Grace Young, the food writer who will discuss her efforts to preserve Chinatowns across the county. The centerpiece event is a Friday discussion with trailblazer Alice Waters, the recipient of this year’s Julia Child Award, and “Sioux Chef” Sean Sherman about honoring food traditions and culture. And because this is taking place at the Smithsonian, expect a fair dose of history, including a Saturday talk about the secrets of Julia Child’s kitchen and a chance to see rare objects from the museum’s collection. All events are free, but reservations are required. Friday and Saturday. Free.

Open Doors Festival

The two-day Open Doors Festival showcases the work of local artists with disabilities, with events happening at both the Kennedy Center and downtown at Woolly Mammoth. The event, founded by Open Circle Theatre, begins with an evening of performances at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Friday. On Saturday afternoon, Woolly Mammoth will host a spate of activities that stretch into the night, including an arts market, a visual arts installation, panel discussions, workshops, performances and a community arts project. Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Free tickets are available separately from the Kennedy Center and Woolly Mammoth.

HU Family Reunion at Metrobar

Bring the whole family to Metrobar for an outdoor Howard homecoming party with games; music from the Legendary Chris Washington, DJ C. DeVone and DJ P Knock; a dedicated family area; food trucks; and multiple bars, including one inside a converted Metro railcar. Children are allowed until 8 p.m. 3:30 p.m. to midnight. Free.

Chonkfest at Bark Social

The pitch from Pike and Rose dog-park-meets-beer-garden Bark Social: “Lose yourself in a delightful haunt surrounded by an ocean of adorable dogs, each one dressed to impress in their spookiest or silliest Halloween attire.” Sold, right? The first Chonkfest was so popular that Bark Social is selling tickets for three-hour blocks throughout the weekend. (Look closely, as some are already sold out.) You don’t need a dog to attend, and you’ll find attractions like photo booths, dog caricature artists, DJs, and food and drinks for both humans and canines. Dog tickets include a bandanna and a pumpkin. Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. $45-$65; free for ages 12 and younger.

‘Practical Magic’ screening at the Boro

What’s a “Practical Magic” screening without midnight margaritas? Tysons’s luxury apartment and business community is hosting a movie night featuring palm reading and crafter pop-ups with soaps and lotions (unfortunately, not potions). Bundle up, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and sip on a complimentary Owens-sisters-inspired cocktail. Registration is encouraged. 7 to 9 p.m. Free.

Witches Halloween Party at Dew Drop Inn

This Brookland bar hosts witchy events year round, so naturally, Halloween here is a big deal. Come in your finest witch attire for an evening featuring a Halloween ritual, spell casting, astrology and tarot readings, spooky crafts, and dancing. 7 p.m. Free.

Halloween Cover Show at Slash Run

Rock bands dressing up and performing as/skewering their favorite bands is a long-running tradition in D.C. — miss you, Run for Cover — and there’s no better time for these tribute acts than Halloween. Head to Slash Run for a quadruple bill that includes Electric Funeral honoring Black Sabbath, and the intriguing-sounding Operation Ivy League. 7:30 p.m. $15 (cash only).

Howard Homecoming Parade

Marching bands, dance troupes, show cars, floats, celebrity guests and homecoming royalty all feature in the annual pregame parade through Shaw, which starts on Sixth Street NW between Howard Place and Fairmont Street and proceeds on Georgia Avenue and Florida Avenue before ending back at Fourth Street and Howard Place. 10 a.m. to noon. Free.

Loudoun Fall Farm Tour

You can have a quintessential day on the farm picking pumpkins or eating ice cream from a working dairy farm during the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour, when nearly 40 properties across this Virginia agricultural destination open to the public for the weekend. The free annual event also shows off nontraditional farming operations happening in Loudoun: You can meet mushroom, lavender, hemp and garlic growers. There are also opportunities to interact with animals, like riding a donkey ($10-$11) at Donkey Meadows Safe Haven or petting an alpaca at Double 8 Alpaca & Llama Ranch. New stops this year include Blackwood Manor Farms (a horse farm where you can pick your own flowers); roadside produce stand Farmer John’s Market; and the newly opened Farm de Vine winery, which features peaceful mountain views. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free; some activities or tastings may have a fee.

Kids Euro Fest at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The countries of the European Union converge in downtown D.C. for a whirlwind family “vacation” during Kids Euro Fest, a long-running festival packed with performances, crafts, workshops and celebrations of European culture. This year, all the action is centered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on a single Saturday afternoon, instead of events being held at embassies all over town. Registration is required to join in the fun, scheduled for little ones ages 4 to 10. The event’s theme is sustainability, which translates to activities like kids creating giant wings out of recycled materials with a Portuguese artist or making acorn crafts at the Estonian display. Entertainment includes music from Austrian children’s songwriter Bernhard Fibich and a show by Dutch Algerian mime artist Hakim. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free; online registration required.

The Big Build at National Building Museum

The National Building Museum’s annual celebration of design and construction is billed as being for “kids of all ages,” because, let’s face it: You’re never too old to want (or need) to learn about wiring lights, hammering nails or pouring concrete. Kids can build houses and try woodworking; adults can ask questions of roofers, plumbers and other experts. Everyone can use real tools during hands-on activities, and get up close to cranes and other equipment parked in front of the museum in Judiciary Square. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

Oxon Hill Farm Fall Festival

Decorate a pumpkin, take a watercolor painting class, watch a sheepdog herding class and explore the National Park Service’s Oxon Hill Farm during this free family event. Kids can learn about go-go rhythms during a performance by the Uncle Devin Show, or boogie during a hands-on drum circle experience. Mariachi Los Amigos provides traditional Mexican tunes, and Larry Dennis and the Wild Rice Band play soul and blues. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

Georgetown Fall Market

Fans of Georgetown’s springtime French Market will recognize some of the deals and activities the neighborhood is offering during its other seasonal festival. In the Chase Bank lot, you’ll find stands by the Preppy Pretzel, Carpe Librum (selling books for $6 and under) and more, while other retailers line upper and lower Wisconsin Avenue NW and shops around town offer discounts on food, crafts and home goods. Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

Kennedy Center Harvest Day

The Kennedy Center is home base for arts lovers, but foodies, gardeners and cooks are the target audience for Harvest Day on the campus’s Reach plaza. This outdoor festival, in partnership with local nonprofit Freshfarm, includes a market stocked with cookbooks from Mount Pleasant bookstore Bold Fork Books, flowers from Maryland florist Flowers by Flores and honey from DMV company BannerBee. You’ll find food trucks and live music from bands the Sweater Set and Chuck Darwin & the Knuckle Draggers on the plaza, as well as family-friendly activities related to the local food system. Try regional apple varieties, see red wrigger worms in action in a vermicomposting system, make your own herbal tea, grind wheat berries into flour and learn when Washington-area produce is in season. 10 a.m. Free.

Spooky Pooch Howl-o-Ween at Hillwood Museum and Gardens

Hillwood Estate owner Marjorie Merriweather Post loved dogs throughout her life and created a dog cemetery on Hillwood’s grounds to remember her four-legged companions. The annual Spooky Pooch Howl-o-Ween is a tribute to Post and her pets, allowing dogs to explore the 25 acres of gardens and participate in a costume contest, which features prizes in categories like “most glamorous” and “best owner and dog combination costume.” There are signature cocktails for adults, and dog treats for canines. 4 to 6 p.m. $8-$13 adults; $5 ages 6 to 18; free for ages 5 and younger.

Spooky Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! at Juneberry Garage

“Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!” was founded as a children’s dance party for parents who want to “introduce your kid to good music and hang out at a bar you frequented before you had a kid.” This means blasting the Ramones or Olivia Rodrigo for kids to jump up and down to instead of Raffi or the Wiggles. The target audience is between 2 and 8 years old, and costumes are strongly encouraged. Attendees receive free candy and treats like spider rings. After hosting previous editions at DC9, the founders are moving this party out to the Juneberry Garage, the new beer garden at the Parks at Walter Reed from the owners of Ivy and Coney and Midlands Beer Garden. RSVPs are essential, as this free event does sell out. 4 to 6 p.m. Free.

DC Wine Fest at Dock 5

Try pours from about three dozen local and national wineries at the warehouse directly above Union Market. Entry is timed at two hours (or, for an extra $20, three hours) when you can listen to live music; try crab cakes, pickles and cheeses from local vendors; and learn about wine making from the brands themselves. General admission sessions at 1, 4:30 and 8 p.m. $35-$59.

Harvest Party at Primrose

Mid-Atlantic wine and cider producers take center stage at Primrose’s Harvest Party, including Old Westminster, Troddenvale and Lightwell Survey — the small-batch Virginia winery that counts Primrose co-founder Sebastian Zutant as one of its founders. Hear from wine and cider makers about their techniques, and sample their products paired with local meats and vegetables. 6 p.m. $136.36.

Balkan Chestnut Festival at Wyoming Farm

In between dancing to Balkan music and enjoying authentic Balkan snacks and drinks, spend the afternoon wandering Clinton’s Wyoming Farm in search of fallen chestnuts under the autumn leaves. Admission to the farm’s annual Balkan Chestnut Festival includes a chance to pick your own chestnuts to take home from the orchards. The ticket price for this celebration of Balkan culture includes guided tours, wine samples and live music from four bands, including headliner Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band. Food will be available for purchase, prepared by St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church in D.C. and sourced from Rockville’s MezeHub. 1 to 5 p.m. $35-$45; free for children under 12.

Adams Morgan Apple Festival

Fan of apple pie? Sample varieties of heirloom apples from Licking Creek Bend Farm in front of the Line hotel in Adams Morgan, or pick up pies to go. Sixteen local bakers are bringing pies for a competition judged by local celebrities and foodies. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.

Anita Velveeta at Quarry House Tavern

Anita Velveeta is a shining, if extreme, example of the post-genre mode in which most young artists operate. After a 2020 debut, “What Do Dogs See When They Have a Flashback?,” that sounded like a video game playing in her own head, the Minneapolis-based pop weirdo dabbled in country, pop, electronica and beyond, often in the same song. Last year’s “I Saw the Devil in Portland Oregon” ironed out some of that eccentricity but left a more laser-focused, guitar-driven punk attack in its place. Standout single “Terfs Will Not Get Into Heaven” takes aim at an anti-trans “coven of only fake tear hags,” screaming, “This is such a nightmare/ I am so afraid/ I just want a future/ Don’t let this be our grave.” 9:30 p.m. $15.

D.C. Blues Festival at Wunder Garten

Since 1987, the D.C. Blues Society has kept the flame of the blues alive in Washington. Beyond monthly jam sessions and happy hours, the highlight is the annual D.C. Blues Festival, now in its 34th year. The lineup at the Wunder Garten beer garden in NoMa is a mix of local talent, such as the rootsy roadhouse blues of Johnny and the Headhunters, and the blistering guitar of Harlem-born headliner Solomon Hicks. This year is a special one, with a tribute to local harmonica legend Phil Wiggins, who died in May, featuring fellow harmonica ace Geoff Seals. 1 to 7 p.m. Free.

Howard Homecoming: Kegs and Eggs VII at Metrobar

This is a true block party at Metrobar: The street that runs between the Metro-themed beer garden and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is being closed to make more room to party. Local Black-owned beer brand Soul Mega is the sponsor. While the venue’s website says tickets are “sold out,” entry is based on capacity, not RSVPs. Early arrival is strongly suggested. 1 p.m. to midnight. Free.

Rumpus Room Family Dance Party at Hi-Lawn

You may have heard DJs Marc Meistro and Steven Faith spinning at Eighteenth Street Lounge, the Black Cat or Wonderland Ballroom, but at this semiregular party, they’re targeting an audience that’s not quite old enough to get into those hot spots. The family-friendly Rumpus Room launched back in 2017, and its annual Halloween parties at Hi-Lawn at Union Market have proved popular, with costumed kids bopping to ’80s hits, bouncy pop songs and classic rock. The DJs say this party is most appropriate for children age 10 and under; no adults without children will be admitted. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10; free for non-walking babies.

NiHao AAPI Food, Art and Culture Happy Hour with Erik Bruner-Yang

NiHao Arlington, one of prolific restaurateur Peter Chang’s newest restaurants, hosts a happy hour each month with a notable guest from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. In October, fellow D.C. chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto (and new bar Providencia) is the guest of honor at this National Landing outpost. He’ll join forces with Chang to whip up a menu of complimentary canapés, and happy hour revelers also receive deals on drinks, including NiHao’s new spicy cocktail list. The event is free to attend but requires an RSVP online. 4 to 6 p.m. Free.

Pumpkin’ That at City-State Brewing

Because nothing goes together like beer and sharp objects, there are two options for getting festive during this sapphic pumpkin decorating party at City-State Brewing’s taproom: You can carve a gourd, or you can opt to paint it and avoid carving tools altogether. Whatever feels right. 2 to 5 p.m. $7.99 if you bring your own pumpkin; $14.99 for materials and pumpkin.

Books & Booze at Red Derby

Lost City Books and Loyalty Bookstores return to the Petworth dive to create the elementary school book fair of your childhood — but this time, with booze. Each ticket includes a drink from local distiller Chacho, plus access to favorite picks from the booksellers. Proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the American Library Association to fight book bans. 6 to 9 p.m. $10.

Laurie Berkner Band at George Mason Center for the Arts

If the lyric “We are the dinosaurs, marching, marching” is on a constant loop in your head, you probably are the parent of a little Laurie Berkner Band fan. Bona fide “kindie” rock star Laurie Berkner is huge among the preschool set, and she’ll make a stop in the area with a show at George Mason’s Center for the Arts. In addition to silly favorites like “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” the timing is perfect for music from the band’s new album, “A Laurie Berkner Halloween.” 3 p.m. $35-$45.

Washington Master Chorale at St. Ann’s Catholic Church

The local chorus returns for its 15th season with a performance called “I, Too, Sing America,” which features music from across the country that celebrates composers of color. Hear a new commissioned work by Juilliard School graduate Shavon Lloyd inspired by a Harlem Renaissance poet, plus works by living composers Reena Esmail, Zanaida Robles, Adolphus Hailstork and Marques L.A. Garrett. Sunday’s performance is followed by a discussion. Sunday at 3 p.m.; Monday at 6 p.m. $10-$60.

Best Baguette in D.C. Competition at the Embassy of France

For more than three decades, Parisian bakeries have competed for the top honor of the Grand Prix de la baguette: being named the best baguette in the City of Light. (More than 170 entered this year, per Food and Wine.) Now the competition has come to Washington, with a field of bakeries including Bread Alley, Seylou and Fresh Baguette vying for the honor of top baguette in D.C. The finals, naturally, are being held at the French Embassy, where the public can taste each offering alongside a panel of judges, and vote for their favorites. Tickets include a buffet of charcuterie and cheese and one glass of wine in addition to bread and pastries. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $30.

Aoife O’Donovan at the Kennedy Center

The indie-folk singer is joined by a choir of more than 100 girls from Young Artists of America, Children’s Chorus of Washington and Fairfax High School Bel Canto on this performance of her latest album, which explores a century of women’s rights movements. Also on the bill is Bonny Light Horseman, performing orchestral arrangements by Bryce Dessner — including two world premieres. 8 p.m. $33-$91.

Scary Movie Trivia at Lulu’s Winegarden

How well do you know your horror movie tropes? Can you name the first person to be killed in famous slasher films? Do you know your Leatherface from your Michael Myers? Then you’ll want to be at Lulu’s, where “Scary Movies” is the theme of the weekly trivia night. (Sorry, you’ll have to wait until next week for “Bravo-ween.”) Sparking wine, Aperol spritzes and beer are 10 percent off during the game. 7 to 9 p.m. Free; RSVPs encouraged.

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Carving Contest’ at Snappy’s Small Bar

Will a “Peanuts”-themed design win the first pumpkin carving contest at Snappy’s, the Petworth bar home to a Snoopy-themed bathroom? Maybe! A $20 entry fee — RSVPs available through the bar’s Instagram page — includes a pumpkin, decorating tools, and a beer-and-a-shot combo. Pick up your pumpkin at 6 p.m.; the contest ends with judging at 10 p.m. Don’t want to carve your own? Get a ticket good for one vote every time you buy a drink. Winners receive bar credits and merch. 6 to 10 p.m. $20 to participate; free to watch.