FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
OKTOBERFEST NEVER STOPS: Oktoberfest is still happening all over the D.C. area, so keep the festivities going. The Boro at Tysons is hosting a socially-distant Oktoberfest at URBNmarket. This festival will include seasonal beverages, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Grab a mask and stop by. (8350 Broad Street, Tysons, Va., 3:30 p.m., prices vary)
I LEARN AMERICA: October is Hispanic Heritage Month. Join the D.C. Public Library and the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs for a watch party of the 2013 documentary I Learn America, about five immigrants and teenagers who form a bond as they get to know their new home. Use your library card to rent the doc and watch it virtually with friends and family. Then join @dcpl and @oladcgov on Twitter for an interactive discussion. (7 p.m., FREE)
SPOOKY SESH: Alexandria Colonial Tours is offering spooky ghost tours again this year, both in-person and via Zoom. Reserve a time and bring the whole family to follow an 18th-century guide by lantern light as they lead you through Alexandria’s historic Old Town. On the tour, you’ll hear ghost stories, legends, unsolved mysteries, and more. (Old Town Alexandria, 8:30, $10-$15)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
NIGHTMARE ALLEY: Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is making haunted houses happen this year—safely! Come for a scary, contactless drive through Nightmare Alley and come face-to-face with zombies, swamp creatures, creepy clowns, and scary dolls. Prepare to get spooked. (Workhouse Arts Center, 7 p.m., $60)
TINY DESK: Are you a big NPR Music Tiny Desk fan? Have a favorite show? Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe definitely has some favorites. The cafe will be screening its favorite Tiny Desk concerts to bring back a little sense of normalcy. RSVP is not required, but arrive early to get a table. (Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe, 8 a.m., $25 minimum per table)
THE FUTURE OF OUR WORLD: In his newest video work, artist John Akomfrah asks who we can trust with our collective future and how we can raise awareness of environmental issues. Akomfrah will join artist Olafur Eliasson and National Geographic Magazine editor in chief Susan Goldberg for a discussion with the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on their work as artists and advocates for climate reform. Tune in to hear how artists use their art to engage in important issues. (2 p.m., FREE)
FALL COUTURE: Nalls Produce will be setting up shop at Union Market every weekend through the end of the month. Get to the market to pick up all of your seasonal favorites, from pumpkins to apple cider to houseplants. We may be stuck at home this fall, but you can at least spruce things up and bring autumn to you. (Union Market, 9 a.m. prices vary)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
FOREST BATH: Turn off the push alerts and disconnect from the outside world. The Friends of the National Arboretum is leading a two-hour guided forest therapy program. This forest bathing session will include a walk through the National Arboretum and will conclude in a modified tea ceremony where participants will be asked to bring their own tea. This session is appropriate for ages 16 and up — and while tickets are sold out, you can still join the waitlist. (National Arboretum, 9 a.m., $35)
COME OUT: Be proud to be you and celebrate National Coming Out Day with The Washington Blade and ABSOLUT at the Wharf on Saturday. The Wharf will have specials, pride-themed fitness classes, and more, all in a safe and socially distant way. Check out the Washington Blade’s website for specials. (The Wharf, 8 a.m., prices vary)
GET LIT: Get cozy for fall with your very own candle and a bottle of wine. At this socially distant workshop hosted by 50 West Vineyards, you’ll make your own fall candle and also get to sip from wine. The workshop includes your choice of vessel, scene and color as well as your choice of wine. (50 West Vineyards, Middleburg, Va., 1 p.m., $23)
