October is a perfect time to visit Washington DC. You will likely have great weather and a variety of activities and events that you can enjoy around the city. Whether you’re looking for live music, family-friendly festivals or a totally unique experience, Washington DC in October has tons of events during this time so you will find something that best fits you!
Washington DC In October: Weather
Before we get into what to do in DC in October, let’s give you a quick run down of the weather. October is a great time to visit DC because the weather is fairly warm without the excessive heat that is typically found during the summer months.
While the beginning of the month of October can still be a little humid and warm like the prior month of September, the latter half of the month brings cooler temperatures. This weather is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Average Temperature
October in Washington DC brings pleasant weather with a good amount of sunny days. The average daily high temperature in October is 62 degrees Fahrenheit while the average daily low temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
Number Of Rainy Days
Washington DC usually experience less rainfall in October, making it a great time to the year for enjoying outdoor activities. It is important to check the weather forecast during your stay in order to be prepared yet for the most part, rain can be expected on 8 to 11 days of the month.
Hours Of Sunlight
In Washington D.C., during the month of October, the length of the day is slightly shorter than the previous months of August and September, beginning the shorter daylight hours of the fall and winter seasons. On average, Washington D.C provides around 11 to 12 hours of daylight each day during the month of October, getting less daylight hours as the month goes on.
The sunrise usually occurs around 7:00AM to 7:30AM and the sunset occurs around 6:00PM and 6:40PM.
Washington DC In October: Outdoor Events
Washington DC In October is a great time to be outside. Let’s take a look at some of the outdoor events in October in the DC region.
Live Music At Key Bridge Boathouse
Where: 3500 Water St. NW Washington, DC 20007
Website: https://boatingindc.com/
The Francis Scott Key Bridge connects Georgetown to Arlington, Virginia. The Key Bridge Boathouse is right next to the bridge. It has rentals for kayaking and other water activities that you can enjoy on the Potomac River.
Every Friday until September 6th, visitors are welcome to spend an evening at the Key Bridge Boathouse from 5PM to 7:30Pm. This free event in the D.C. area is the perfect family-friendly event that offers musical performances, lawn games for families to enjoy.
If you are interested in seeing DC from the water, check out their Kayak Monuments tour. The general admission ticket to this event is free and drinks, snacks and rentals can be purchased for an additional charge on site.
Oktoberfest At The Wharf
Where: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Website: https://www.wharfdc.com/oktoberfest/
When you think of Oktoberfest you are probably thinking about the major festival in Germany. But, you can enjoy a good time and good beer at The Oktoberfest festival at the District Wharf.
This is an annual event that offers free festivities during the fall season. Visitors can enjoy German food, enjoy the dachshund dash and take part in the polka dancer costume contest. The good cause of the Adoptable Dog Parade helps attendees find their forever furry friends and takes place between the dachshund dash races. Oktoberfest also invites visitors to grab a drink or a bite at the many restaurants on The Wharf.
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212
Website: https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/fall-wine-festival-sunset-tour
Mount Vernon is a great day trip from Washington DC. It is not too far and it is easy to get to. The fall months are much less crowded than the summer months when tourists are visiting Washington DC.
The Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour takes place from Friday October 4th to Sunday October 6th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The festival is located on the East Lawn of the George Washington estate.
You can enjoy wine tastings in the pleasant temperatures of October on the lawn of the estates and are encouraged to bring a blanket or small chair. Ticket costs for admission vary from $44 to $64 and Mount Vernon also offers VIP tables for a more exclusive experience.
DC Coffee Festival
Where: Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Website: https://www.dccoffeefestival.com/
There is a coffee festival in Washington DC?! Yes that is correct!
Calling all coffee lovers to the annual DC Coffee Festival which takes place at Union Market on October 5th and 6th and provides visitors with an immersive coffee experience. This event offers curated exhibitors including Washington DC’s best coffee roasters with a variety of coffees, teas, eats and more.
The event offers early admission, general admission and VIP tickets with varying prices, so be sure to check the website for full details. The event’s features roasters and coffee experts include Rare Bird coffee roasters, Ebenezer’s coffeehouse, La Coop coffee co. and more as well as live music entertainment from local artists.
Snallygaster
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Website: https://www.snallygasterdc.com/
If you didnt drink enough beer at Oktoberfest, don’t worry you can enjoy some hoppy beverages at Snallygaster. Snallygaster returns to DC on October 12th for the District’s biggest beer festival for its 12th year.
Paying tribute to the world of craft beer, Snallygaster is a great opportunity for adults to enjoy one of the best annual festivals in the area while enjoying a choice of over 450 draft beers. Ticket prices for the festival vary depending on if visitors choose the Basilisk pass, which comes with VIP amenities, or the Kraken pass, which provides access to general amenities. Both passes grant access to unlimited beer, wine and cocktail tastings for the entirety of the event.
Though this activity is centered around participants over the age of 21, the festival offers a family-friendly activities section where children can take part in fun activities. Snallygaster offers free admission for children under 12 and children over 12 a $10 entry.
Army Ten-Miler
Where: 850 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA & 955 15th Street South, Arlington, VA
Website: https://www.armytenmiler.com/
This event is technically in Arlington, but really there are parts of DC that are harder to get to than Arlington, VA. So, get over to Arlington to check out the 40th Annual Army ten-miler. This October event takes place on October 13th and attracts over 35,000 runners and various teams from around the world.
The race is open to the public and participants include military, civilians, wheel chair athletes and wounded warrior athletes. One of the biggest sporting events in the nation’s capital and the second largest ten-mile race in the United States. All proceeds from the event benefit Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs and apart from the main event, the annual race event also includes a youth run, a youth activity fair and more all in the heart of Washington DC.
Home Rule Music Festival
Where: Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
Website: https://www.homerulemusicfestival.com/
The Home Rule music festival takes place from June to October and hosts its Part III event on October 26th at Alethia Tanner Park. This multi-day celebration focuses on Washington DC’s rich musical legacy and culture and offers free tickets for admission, though VIP tickets are also available for sale. Celebrating its third year, the Home Rule music festival is an all-day outdoor and family-friendly music event that has activities for audience members of all ages. One of the best things to do in the dc area, the festival includes a Youth Village for activities and games for children, a Record Fair with local vendors and shops, delicious food from various food trucks and live performances of music and dance performances.
Trick-Or-Treating At Mount Vernon
Where: 3200 Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Website: https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/trick-or-treating-at-mount-vernon
Another fun event at Mount Vernon is their annual Halloween event. George Washington’s Mount Vernon hosts a Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon on October 26th from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at their historic grounds. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their best halloween costumes and collect candy while celebrating Halloween with entertainment and activities. The event also includes a costume parade, puppet show and magic show.
The event is free for members not collecting candy and $17 for adult members collecting candy and $10 for youth collecting candy. One of the best historic sites for family events, this trick-or-treating event offers the best times to enjoy some spooky fun.
Boo At The Zoo Smithsonian Zoo
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/boo-zoo
Boo at the Zoo at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is one of the top things to attend. It is a really fun family-friendly event.
Taking place on October 18th, 19th and 20th from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, this event allows visitors to dress in their best costumes and enjoy the fall season’s festivities with over 30 trick-or-treat stations and special after-hours access for certain centres.
Visitors will also view zoo animals interacting with Halloween-themed enrichment while walking through the decorated Zoo’s main walkway. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a veteran to this event, the annual Boo at the Zoo event is on the list of things you won’t want to miss. This event takes place throughout the zoo and admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
Washington DC In October: Indoor Events
There are plenty of indoor events and activities to enjoy in the early Fall season in DC also. Here are some popular things to do in October in DC.
The Kennedy Center Events
The Kennedy Center is one of the most iconic buildings and places in Washington DC. This performing arts venue is famous for performances in theater, ballet, opera, jazz, and classical music. It is also home to highly acclaimed musical groups like the National Symphony Orchestra.
The building, designed by Edward Durell Stone, has a modern look with white marble and tall columns. It was named after President John F. Kennedy and opened in 1971 as a memorial to his support for the arts. As you can imagine, there are always events going on at the Kennedy Center. Some highlights include Clue which runs from September to October and also the annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. For a full list of all their events, check out their website which is linked below.
Where: The Kennedy Center
Website: https://www.kennedy-center.org/
Event: Clue Sept 17-Oct 6
Event: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Oct 11-20
Dupont Circle Halloween Bar Crawl
Where: Participating bars in Dupont Circle, Check website for details
Website: https://dchalloweencrawl.com/
Dupont Circle is one of the most well known neighborhoods in Washington DC. It has great food, great nightlife and a ton of things to do.
The DC Halloween Crawl takes place on October 26th and is the perfect event to enjoy the spooky season for participants 21 years and older. The event invites attendees to hop from one spooky venue to the next to experience a different variety of decorations and costumes at each venue. An admission ticket to this event includes free entry to various bar venues, 2-3 drinks, a halloween costume contest and a chance to be featured on their official social media page. Ticket prices vary, so be sure to check their website for more details about the event.
National Gallery Nights
Where: National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th St and Constitution Ave NW
Website: https://www.nga.gov/press/nationalgallery-nights.html
Going to a gallery party is a must do whether you are a visitor to Washington DC or a local. Located on the National Mall, The National Gallery of Art hosts its National Gallery Nights of the 2024 fall season and brings back its after-hours program to the East building.
Programs include A Night in Paris, where participants are invited to an after-hours visit to the Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment exhibition. The event features French music, film, art and good as well as cabaret performances.
The Día de los Muertos celebration takes place on October 10th and allows visitors to experience the Mexican and Indigenous traditions in the celebration of the Day of the Dead. This event brings live performances of Afro-Mexican music and a dance area with DJ Pedro Night, as well as after-hours access to Latinx galleries. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their costumes and festive dresses to celebrate this spirit of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.
You will need to enter the lottery system in order to get a ticket to this party. Be sure to register for a ticket on their website. Set a reminder on your phone because this lottery is a popular one!
Brick Or Treat: Monster Party
Where: LEGO Discovery Center 6563 Springfield Town Center Suite 12004 Springfield, VA 22150
Website: https://www.legodiscoverycenter.com/washington-dc/whats-inside/events/brick-or-treat/
The LEGO Discovery Center in Washington DC hosts their Brick Or Treat Monster Party on select days from October 6th through October 31st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This event is great for people of all ages and features Halloween party fun with decoration, LEGO activities and a screening of the exclusive LEGO 4D Halloween movie titled Monster Party.
Admission ticket prices vary and start at $19.99 for general admission, $25.99 for admission and a LEGO collectible and $27.99 for admission, a LEGO collectible and digital photos. This is a great family-friendly activity you won’t want to miss and is perfect for making sure children of all ages are able to participate in the festive Halloween fun.
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders Of The Ocean
Where: ARTECHOUSE 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Website: https://www.artechouse.com/program/twilight-zone-hidden-wonders-of-the-ocean/
Artechouse has a few locations in the world, one of them being in Washington DC. This modern art museum is well known for its digital displays of immersive art.
In October, Artechouse in Washington DC premieres its Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonder of the Ocean exhibit in September, and is open to the public through October. This exhibition shows scientific discovery through artistic expression and takes viewers into the ocean twilight zone to discover the world of bioluminescence and marine life.
ARTECHOUSE uses sound, texture, shape and other imaginative elements to bring the beauty of the ocean to viewers and highlights the importance of sustainable interaction with the environment.
Washington DC In October: Summary
October is the perfect month to explore Washington DC, offering a mix of pleasant weather and a big variety of activities. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer months, it’s an ideal time for both outdoor and indoor events (including many free events!).
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the city has plenty to offer. You can start your October experience with live music at the Key Bridge Boathouse, where you can enjoy performances while taking in the scenic views of the Potomac River. Oktoberfest at The Wharf is another highlight, providing a taste of German culture with festive activities, delicious food, and craft beer. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour offers a beautiful setting to enjoy wine tastings on the historic estate’s lawn. And for those who love a good run, the Army Ten-Miler in Arlington brings together participants from around the world for a race that’s as much about community as it is about competition.
When it comes to indoor events, October in DC doesn’t disappoint. The Kennedy Center is a must-visit for live entertainment. For art lovers, National Gallery Nights at the National Gallery of Art offer a unique after-hours experience with themed events like *A Night in Paris* and *Día de los Muertos*. Families can enjoy the LEGO Discovery Center’s *Brick or Treat Monster Party*, a fun-filled event perfect for kids of all ages. Additionally, the ARTECHOUSE’s *Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean* exhibit provides a mesmerizing blend of science and art, showcasing the beauty of the ocean’s twilight zone through immersive digital displays.
With such a wide range of outdoor festivals, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities, Washington DC in October truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, you’ll find that the city comes alive with excitement during this vibrant month.
