As we inch closer to Halloween, spooky season starts to really kick into gear with a number of seasonal events that’ll make you scream. But if that’s not your thing, there’s still plenty to get excited about. Check out some of the best events of the week including a horror podcast taping, a talk all about The Exorcist, some high-profile concerts, and much, much more.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
BOSTON: More than a one-hit-wonder, Augustana will visit 9:30 Club as part of their new tour. Their sing-a-long vibes and bold, expansive anthems will be a great fit for a venue as energetic and vibrant as 9:30 Club. (9:30 Club, 7 p.m., $20)
UNWRITTEN: In another of Monday’s high profile concerts, London’s very own Natasha Bedingfield will headline the Lincoln Theater. The Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter is touring in support of her newly released album Roll With Me. (The Lincoln Theater, 6:30 p.m., $35-$50)
RUNAWAYS: Now that fall has finally arrived, it’s the perfect temperatures to be out and about. And if you’re looking to really push your outdoor workout, the DC Run Crew’s HIIT and Run session for this week will take off from Potomac River Running for a group exercise class that’s open to all skill levels. (Potomac River Running, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE:Maisie Peters ‡ Jack Gray (DC9, 8 p.m., $10-$15), Trivia Night by District Trivia (Wunder Garten, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE with registration)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
EXORCIST: One of the scariest movies of all time, the fear and terror of The Exorcist still persist to this day. Given the fact that the movie was inspired by actual events that happened in D.C. area (and is partially set on a newly-dedicated historical landmark), there’s deep history to explore—and that’s exactly what George Washington University professor David Wilt plans to do in this Profs and Pints event. The film studies teacher will go deep on the case that inspired the book and movie, the movie itself, genre imitations that followed, and much more. (Church Hall, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., $12)
TIKI: Left Door starts a new series this week highlighting women who have made an impact in the world of tiki drinks with a series of guest bartenders. First up is Tampa, Fla.’s very own Carolines Leases from the Tiki Witch, who has crafted some especially spooky and creepy tiki drinks that are seasonally appropriate. (Left Door, 9 p.m., free entry)
TEQUILA: If beer isn’t your speed, the Mexican Cultural Institute will bring back its Mexico in a Bottle event for the third year. The event features more mezcals than you can shake a saltshaker at, along with cocktails inspired by Mexico’s craft liquor scene. Local restaurants are also on hand with snacks. (Mexican Cultural Institute, 6 p.m -9 p.m., $45-$75)
STRETCH: If you’ve ever wanted to do a yoga class in a truly picturesque location, you’ll have the chance to do just that on Tuesday with the Smithsonian’s Yoga in Luce event. Yogis of all skill sets are welcome to gather at the Renwick Museum for a guided one-hour yoga session— just be sure to bring your mat. (Renwick Museum, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., $10)
MORE:Artist Talk: Alicja Kwade (Hirshhorn, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., FREE with registration), An Evening With: The California Honeydrops (The Hamilton, 7:30 p.m., $20 – $25)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
ROCK OUT: Rockers The Black Keys will play their second D.C. show this week at The Anthem on Wednesday night. They’re one of the most notable modern rock bands in the last two decades, known for infectious guitar riffs and heavy drums. Modest Mouse is one of the opening acts, making it a full evening of indie goodness. (The Anthem, 7 p.m., $125)
SKATER BOI: Bronze medalist Adam Rippon will skate into Sixth & I to talk about his new biography Beautiful on the Outside. The book chronicles the athlete’s journey from a homeschooled kid to medalist, charting all the “disasters and self-delusions” along the way. (Sixth & I, 7 p.m., $20 – $45)
FAMILY: Based on an acclaimed short-film by Toshiyuki Teruya, the Japanese film Born Bone Born details a family at a crossroads, as a son returns home after his mother’s death to complete the traditional bone-washing custom. But when he gets there, he’s faced with more than he bargained for. The film will screen at the Japanese Embassy as a part of its J-Film series. (Embassy of Japan, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
LET’S DO THAT HOCKEY: It’s been a big few weeks for D.C.-area sports teams, as the Mystics are now the WNBA champions and the Nationals continue their chase for the World Series. So why not pay a visit to the team that started off D.C.’s sports run and check out a Capitals game? They’ll be hosting Toronto’s very own Maple Leafs as the NHL continues through its early-season games. (Capital One Arena, 7 p.m., $52-$307)
MORE:Dammed to Extinction: Film Screening and Panel (Landmark E Street, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration), Noah Gundersen (Black Cat, 7:30 p.m., $20), Elizabeth Strout | OLIVE, AGAIN (Sidwell Friends Meeting House, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $15-$45)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
HOW ABOUT DEM APPLES: Cider fanatics won’t want to miss out on the Rosslyn Cider Fest. The festival boasts ciders from eight different cideries, as well as live music and plenty of food trucks if you’re looking to indulge in some real fall vibes. (Gateway Park, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., $15 for tasting tickets, FREE entry otherwise)
SPOOKY, SCARY: For a podcast that already specializes in telling scary stories, the Halloween season is a perfect fit for the NoSleep podcast, which stops in D.C. this week on its live tour. Join hosts David Cummings, Jessica McEvoy, David Ault, and Nichole Goodnight as they tell haunted Halloween tales that have never been heard on the show before, offering plenty of tricks and treats for all. (The Miracle Theater, 8 p.m., $20)
GRILL OUT: Those looking to indulge in some high-quality Arabic food will want to check out the Watergate Hotel’s Mechoui Mediterranean Grill Night. The dinner features the mechoi—or, meat cooked on a spit over a flame—method of cooking; dishes star marinated lamb prepared five ways. (The Watergate Hotel, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $79)
MORE: Freedom to Ride: Skateboarding Talk and Documentary (Embassy of the Czech Republic, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration), Works of Art (W Washington, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE with registration), NSO Pops: Nat King Cole at 100 (Kennedy Center, 7 p.m., $29 – $99)
