As the weather (supposedly) cools down across the region, there is no shortage of festivals inviting you outside. Expect celebrations of your favorite local artists and bands, an enormous taco offering (with a guacamole pavilion), and so many Oktoberfests.

ART FESTS

ART ALL NIGHT: On September 23 and 24, the annual DC Art All Night event will span twenty-two neighborhoods in all eight of the District’s wards. The celebration, featuring the region’s rich diversity of local bands and artists, will go from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Expect over 100 artists representing everything from the performing arts, to sculpture, to fashion. (Locations vary; Sept. 23-24; FREE)

DC WALLS: D.C. Walls kicks off its annual international mural festival at Alethia Tanner Park Sept. 9. Join the opening event to watch muralists create their works along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, shop from local arts and food vendors, and listen to live DJ sets. 2022 Muralists will include Nicole Bourgea, Nate Gski, and Rikasso. And keep your eyes peeled for a mural wrapped around that infamous Wendy’s. (Alethia Tanner Park; Sept. 9; FREE)

FIESTA DC: The 50th Annual Fiesta DC comes back to the region on September 24 and September 25 to celebrate Latinx history and culture in the District. The festivities will include a wealth of Mexican and South/Central American cuisine, a parade of nations, a beauty pageant, science fair, and craft stations for the whole family. (Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th streets NW; Sept. 24-25)

JAZZ FESTS: If you missed the DC Jazz Fest over Labor Day Weekend, you have two more chances to get your fill. The weekend after Labor Day, Rosslyn hosts its 30th annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest featuring Cimafunk, Mwenso & The Shakes, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, and Groove Orchestra. On the Maryland side, Silver Spring’s jazz festival has trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at the top of the bill. (Gateway Park in Rosslyn; September 10; FREE, Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring; Sept. 10; FREE)

KORUS FESTIVAL: This annual celebration of Korean culture will include more than 30 performers, live music, demonstrations, and plenty of Korean cuisine. (Tysons Corner Center Bloomingdale’s parking lot; Sept. 10-11; FREE entry)

ART ON THE AVENUE: Mark your calendars in early October for Alexandria’s annual “Art on the Avenue”. Now in its 27th year, the festival will feature artists, musicians, food, and other vendors from across the region. Three live stages will host bands including Cast Iron Skillet, the Rockits Band, and Dire Wolves Duo. (Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray; *Rescheduled for Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). 

BETHESDA ROW ARTS FESTIVAL: In early October, over 165 artisans will showcase their work at the 24th annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival. The outdoor celebration will cover four city blocks and will feature works including everything from fabric and glass to photography and painting. (Bethesda Row; Oct. 8-9)

SO MANY OKTOBERFESTS

THE GREAT OKTOBERFEST: In late September, the Great Oktoberfest will set up their celebrations at The Stacks Lot at Buzzard Point (next to Audi Field). Expect plenty of lederhosen, giant pretzels, and live music… plus unlimited beer and seltzer tastings. (The Stacks Lot at Buzzard Point; September 24; $45-$60)

WUNDER GARTEN OKTOBERFEST: On September 16, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and Maura Brophy, President and CEO of the NoMa Business Improvement District, kick off the NoMa beer garden’s Oktoberfest the traditional “Tapping of the Keg.” The festivities will last four weekends and include the Bavarian Olympics, German food, live music, and plenty of beer to go around. (Wunder Garten; September 16-October 9; prices vary).

WHARF OKTOBERFEST: It’s time to break out your lederhosen and dirndl. The Wharf DC’s annual festival includes German food and brews, as well as the stein hoisting competition, at Wharf restaurants. (Wharf DC; October 2; FREE entry)

WEINERFEST: Dozens of dachshunds will compete in the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash. The canine convocation will race  70 yards on District Pier in heats of six until the championship race is held and the preeminent pup is pronounced. Please note that other types of dogs are welcome to spectate, but only dachshunds may compete. (The Wharf; *Rescheduled for Oct. 16; $30 per dachshund)

FREDTOBERFEST: Kick off October with 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing (6B&G) Company at the Fredericksburg Nationals Baseball Stadium. Starting at noon, NoVa’s Fredtoberfest welcomes beer lovers across the region for craft beer, food, live music, and games for kids of all ages. Lederhosen and dirndls are strongly encouraged but not required. (Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium; Oct. 1; $5-$50)

PIKETOBERFEST: The Pike & Rose development near Rockville hosts its annual fall festival Oct. 2, featuring a beer festival from Owen’s Ordinary craft beer bar, crafts and other wares from vendors in an outdoor fair, games, kids’ activities, and live music and a DJ playing throughout the day. (Pike & Rose; Oct. 2, noon-4 p.m.)

MORE: DC Wine Fest! Fall Edition (Dock 5 at Union Market; October 8; $25-$60 Black Hoof Oktoberfest (Black Hoof Brewing Company, Leesburg; September 10); RhinO’fest (Lost Rhino Brewing Company, Virginia; September 10); Silver Branch Oktoberfest (Silver Branch Brewing, Silver Spring; September 15 – September 18); Nautifest (Fair Winds Brewing Company, Lorton; September 16).

FOOD & DRINK FESTS

SNALLYGASTER: On October 8, Snallygaster, the self-described “rollicking salute to the wonderful world of craft beer,” is returning to the District with over 175 breweries. Festivalgoers can expect unlimited tastings (for real), over 350 types of beers (in addition to wine, cider, and cocktail selections), food trucks, and live music. (Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd & 6th; Oct. 8; $65+)

MOUNT VERNON WINE: During the second weekend of October, head to Mount Vernon’s East Lawn for the annual Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. For one flat fee, attendees can sample unlimited tasting from twenty local wineries — including Effingham Manor Winery, Williamsburg Winery, and Breaux Vineyards. (Mount Vernon; Oct. 7-9; $43 – $59)

TASTE OF DC: On October 26, this “premier culinary cultural festival” is coming back to town. Since 1989, this beloved event has brought a celebration of mid-Atlantic food, drink, and entertainment to the District annually. (Franklin Park; Oct. 26; prices vary)

TACOS: In October, head to National Harbor for the annual celebration of tacos, beer, and tequila. Partygoers can expect a “churros and chocolate pavilion,” a “guacamole pavilion,” and offerings from taquerias and taco trucks from across the region. (National Harbor; October 22-23; $45 – $85)

ARMENIAN FOOD: Towards the end of September, the Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda is hosting the 2022 Armenian Food Festival. Attendees are welcome to dine in or carry out, all while experiencing an Armenian spread that includes home baked deserts and speciality gourmet finds. (Soorp Khatch Church; Sept. 22-25; prices vary)

MORE: Middle Eastern Food (10620 River Rd. Potomac, Maryland; Sept. 23-25; prices vary)

REGIONAL PRIDE

DC STATE FAIR: The District might not be a state (yet), but we can still celebrate like one. Inspired by other state fair traditions, the DC State Fair honors and highlights the traditions and talents that make the District unique. Expect over twenty contests this year, testing everything from resident’s mambo sauce recipes, to their photography, honey, and home brew.  (Gateway DC at Saint Elizabeth’s East; Sept. 11)

ADAMS MORGAN DAY:  This Sunday is Adams Morgan Day. The volunteer-run neighborhood festival will include music at Kalorama Park, an in-person Dance Plaza, a sports clinic by “Volo City Kids,” and local food and arts vendors.  (Adams Morgan; Sept. 11)

H STREET FESTIVAL: Beginning at noon on September 17, twelve blocks of H Street NE transform into the annual H Street Festival. Over 200 businesses and organizations are already signed up for this year’s iteration. Expect multiple live music stages, community organization booths, vendors, contents, and plenty of food and drink. (H Street NE; Sept. 17; FREE)

CELEBRATE PETWORTH: In mid-September, the Petworth neighborhood will hosting their annual “Celebrate Petworth” community day. Over fifty artisans and vendors will line the 800 block of Upshur Street NW with events that include a Petworth Dog Show, live music, oral history storytelling, a kids’ zone, and more. (Petworth; Sept. 18; FREE)

This post has been updated to reflect the correct dates for Art All Night and the cancellation or postponement of certain events scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 1.