Washington D.C. October 2023

Washington D.C. October 2023 Events

Washington D.C. October 2023 Events

Fall in Washington D.C. is a Beautiful Season to See the Nation's Capital

Average temperature low and high: 46°- 69°
The brisk autumn air makes trips to Washington D.C. in October particularly pleasant. As the leaves fall, don't miss the chance to take in the United States' capital. From outdoor activities to museums, the possibilities are limitless.

October Event Calendar

Oktoberfest at The Wharf

Oktoberfest at The Wharf

The Wharf is excited to announce its annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring a weekend full of activities perfect for all ages. This year’s festivities feature the 10th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, a polka dance party on Transit Pier, and stein hoisting contests. Throughout the weekend, restaurants across The Wharf will have German fare, Bavarian decor, and Sam Adams Octoberfest bier.

Learn more.

Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf

Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf

Put on your lederhosen and hit the Waterfront at Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf.  Cheer on your favorite pup in the Dachschund Dash, listen to live music, eat authentic German cuisine, and, of course, drink lots of beer.  Don't forget to enter the stein-hoisting competition - it's harder than you think.

Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival

Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival

Enjoy an elegant and toasty evening at the Whiskey, Wine, and Fire Festival. Attendees will be able to enjoy unlimited tastings of both whiskey and wine while listening to live music, sitting beside one of the many intimate fire pits, attending a seminar, or visiting vendors' tables. Foodies will enjoy this festival, as it will feature food trucks and stations from top local restaurants along with specialty barbecued meats. General admission tickets are $59, VIP tickets are $89; visit the festival website to purchase. 

Wharf It Up: Five-Year Anniversary Celebration

Wharf It Up: Five-Year Anniversary Celebration

You’re invited to celebrate the five-year anniversary of The Wharf’s grand opening, and the completion of the waterfront neighborhood. On October 12 from 5pm-8pm, enjoy live music and pop-up entertainment along Wharf Street, specials at Wharf restaurants and retailers, and a spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.

Learn more.

Halloween Bar Crawl

Halloween Bar Crawl

Enjoy an all-day (and all-night) Halloween bar crawl with food and drink specials, live entertainment, giveaways, and more. This costume bash takes place in the most popular bars of Dupont Circle. Your costumed entry also gets you a free mug, so you'll always be ready to raise a glass.

Halloween Rooftop Costume Party

Halloween Rooftop Costume Party

Said to be the "friendliest" Halloween party in town, invite your friends to join you on this haunted rooftop. Your ticket price includes a free drink, and if you win the costume contest, a free hotel stay too. The winner will be announced at 8 PM, so come as creepy and wicked as you can. This event is known to sell out, so get your ticket soon.

Snallygaster

Snallygaster

Welcome to DC's biggest beer festival, described as a "rollicking" salute to craft beer. No fewer than 200 American and International beer producers will be there. Grab your tickets, listen to live music, and visit the food trucks as you taste. You only have one day to get to know different beers and ciders, and there will be a family-friendly section for those not old enough to drink. You can get your passes here.

Vienna Oktoberfest

Vienna Oktoberfest

With so much to do and see, you'll wish this would last longer than 8 hours. There will be 3 stages of live entertainment, an auto show featuring classic cars, and (of course) a German beer and food garden. Kids are welcome, there will be plenty of games and crafts for them too. Admission is free, and you can check out the festival map before you go.

Washington D.C. Events in October

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Washington D.C.

Things to Do in Washington D.C. in October

Walk Through American Art and History at Any of D.C.'s Museums

Walk Through American Art and History at Any of D.C.'s Museums
Washington D.C. is awash with museums, and frankly, listing them all would be extremely difficult. However, the museums that border the National Mall – all overseen by the Smithsonian Institution – are all very worthy of your time. If you have a particular interest – from general American History to aerospace to African American culture – there is a museum waiting for you to wander through.

Check Out the Haunts of D.C.'s Ghosts

Check Out the Haunts of D.C.'s Ghosts
Ghost stories are all in the spooky fun, but why not experience the stories where they take place? Ghost tours, like ghost stories, are abundant in Washington, D.C. A guide will take you from place to place as they tell you about paranormal experiences, ranging from Lincoln's ghost in the White House to the spirits of DuPont Circle.