Your D.C. Festival Weekend: All Things Go, Fiesta DC, Night Markets
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Head to Union Market for a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration Asian cultures and food. Photo: Courtesy Julep PR
It's a big festival weekend! Music, movies, art, theater and cultural celebrations are taking over the DMV.
Why it matters: The first official weekend of fall is justly jam-packed.
🥮 Tonight: Kick things off at Hi Lawn's Mid-Autumn Night Market, which takes over two levels at Union Market with street food and sweets from 17+ local Asian restaurants and chefs, artisan vendors, lion dancing and late-night drinks. Thurs, 5pm, tickets $9+
🎭 It's Theatre Week: Score discounted seats at stages across the region, with dozens of productions to choose from — including Ford's Theatre's "Come From Away," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at Round House and more. Thurs through Oct. 11, tickets $25+
Into the weekend!
💍 Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show: Shop one-of-a-kind wearable art, from jewelry and handbags to clothing and scarves, by artists from around the country — all inside the National Mall's historic Arts and Industries building. Fri-Sun, tickets $20+
🎉 NMAAHC's 10th Anniversary: The National Museum of African American History and Culture is marking a decade with "The Reunion," a four-day celebration that includes family-friendly festivities at the Wharf on Sunday. Thurs-Sun, free
🎶 All Things Go Music Festival: Head to Merriweather Post Pavilion for three days of music from Mitski, Ethel Cain, Zara Larsson and more. Fri-Sun, tickets $169+
🎬 American Black Film Festival: Celebrate the festival's 30th anniversary with a three-day pop-up at Union Market's Angelika Theater, featuring films centered on Black culture and storytelling, plus panels and a screenwriting master class. Fri-Sun, $15+ single tickets
💃 Fiesta DC: The longtime celebration of Latino culture takes over downtown with live music, dancing, food and drink, and a massive Constitution Avenue parade. This year's festival spotlights Brazil. Sat-Sun, free
🏮 Mid-Autumn Festival and Night Market: Head to Chinatown Park for a night market with cultural performances, AANHPI vendors, mooncake tastings, art, and family-friendly activities. Friday, 6pm, free
🍺 Yachtoberfest: Aslin Beer Company's nautically-themed Oktoberfest party with beer specials, food, yacht rock, and fun contests on 14th Street. Saturday, 2pm, free
And there's more: Fall fairs and art festivals are popping up across the region.
🎡 State Fair of Virginia: Make a day trip to Doswell (about 1.5 hrs from D.C.) for classic state fair fun — think farm animals, midway rides, fair food and live entertainment. Fri through Oct. 4, tickets $12+ kids and $14.50+ adults, free under 4
🍂 Mosaic Fall Festival: Shop fall produce and treats from Freshfarm vendors, plus handmade and vintage finds from URBNmarket at the Mosaic District's autumn bash in Fairfax. Sat-Sun, free
🎨 Alexandria Old Town Art Festival: Browse juried works spanning paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more. Sat-Sun, free
🖼️ Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival: Catch a colorful art parade, then browse local artists and vendors at Wheaton's daylong celebration. Sun, free
🎻 Takoma Park Folk Festival: Hear live folk, roots and world music across multiple stages, shop craft vendors and sample global street food at this long-running community festival. Sun, free