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There's a lot to celebrate this weekend between Halloween, Dia de los Muertos and Diwali!
But first, all about the High Heel Race – perhaps D.C.’s most fabulous Halloween season tradition.
Dozens of kings, queens and anyone in between turned out in their best drag for a fun run down 17th Street on Tuesday night, but one cowpoke called Kenny galloped ahead of the rest.
“It feels amazing – I fell last year, so it’s good to be back!” Kenny said. “Redemption story.”
'Tis the season to see and be seen so don't forget to tag @nbcwashington and #4thescene in your costume pics!
4 things to know for the weekend
- Weekend Weather: After a potentially record-warm Halloween, the weekend will be sunny and a little chilly.
- Día de los Muertos is this weekend! Learn about the holiday and how to celebrate in the DC area.
- Get rid of your pumpkins in smashing style at the Great Country Farms Pumpkin Chunkin’ or Cox Farms' Pumpkin Madness.
- Election Day freebies! Here's where to find discounted rides to the polls, food specials and cheap drinks.
'The Voice' winner at Adams Morgan Porchfest
Free pick
Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
Sat., 2-6 p.m.
🔗 Details
Huntley, the 2023 winner of NBC's "The Voice," will headline the Aetna Stage in one of the biggest acts we've seen at this fun neighborhood festival.
Go between three main stages and neighborhood porches to enjoy more than 100 artists. Don't forget to get discounts at local businesses by picking up a wristband at one of the HQ locations near the main stages.
Visit D.C.'s liveliest cemetery
Welcome to a spot in Southeast D.C. where you can hang out with your friends, walk your dog, watch live theater... and where 70,000 people have their eternal resting place.
We're wondering: Could historic Congressional Cemetery be America's liveliest cemetery?
There are tons of ways to experience it this weekend and beyond!
- Congressional Cemetery is open daily from dawn until dusk. Take a self-guided tour anytime, or take a guided tour starting at $5.
- This Saturday at 11 a.m., the cemetery is observing Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The public is invited to bring a photo of a departed loved one to add to a community ofrenda (altar) and share special foods. Visitors can also decorate sugar skulls and make paper flowers. The event is free and open to anyone.
- For something spine-tingling, check out the immersive horror play “Lýkos Ánthrōpos.” The werewolf story first debuted in the dark Maryland woods. Now, local playwright Bob Bartlett is bringing it to Congressional Cemetery on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 24. Tickets are $35 on Eventbrite. (FYI: Dress warmly, and leave the kids at home.)
- Walk your dog there (day pass or membership required).
Día de los Muertos events in D.C.
Free pick
Día de los Muertos with the National Museum of the American Latino
Fri. and Sat., La Cosecha in Northeast D.C., free
🔗 Details
Although the Museum of the American Latino doesn't have a permanent home yet, that's not stopping it from celebrating at the Latin food hall La Cosecha with food, music and a parade on Friday and Saturday.
Free pick
El Día de los Muertos family festival and projection art
Sat., 5-8:30 p.m., National Portrait Gallery
Bring the whole family to enjoy live music, Mexican folk dance, face painting and crafts.
Then, head outside to see a live video mapping projection by artists MasPaz and Guache at G and 9th streets NW.
Free pick
Día de los Muertos at The Wharf
Sat., 4-7 p.m.
🔗 Details
The Wharf will host a vibrant celebration in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute. You’ll find family-friendly activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a community lantern procession beginning at sunset (about 6:30 p.m.).
Weekend highlights
Nightly Spirits: Alexandria Booze and Boos Tour
Thursdays through Sundays, departs from The Alexandrian Hotel, $29.95
🔗 Details
Alexandria is older than the United States itself, and that means it houses plenty of ghost stories along its cobbled streets. Take a 2 to 2.5 hour walking tour to explore the city's top haunts and visit pubs along the way.
Free pick
Asia After Dark | Diwali Festival
Fri., 5-9:30 p.m., National Museum of Asian Art, free
🔗 Details
The Freer Gallery of Art will be lit up to celebrate this Hindu holiday, and there will be fun activities inside and out.
Go early to get inside the museum for crafts, tours and talks.
Outside, you'll find performances and a dazzling light display.
In the gallery's West Building Plaza, you'll find local Indian food vendors.
If you have kids, check out the family festival on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
DC Beer Fest
Sun., Nov. 2, Nationals Park, $55
🔗 Details
The next best thing to a World Series in Nationals Park is a beer fest, right?
Sample brews from dozens of craft breweries in one of two sessions (noon to 3 p.m. or 5-8 p.m.).
Concerts this weekend
Touche Amore, 8 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $25 (advance)/$30 (day of)
L.A. post-hardcore group tours off its catchiest LP yet, “Spiral in a Straight Line.” Don’t miss opening act Soul Glo – maybe the most exciting punk band of the past few years with influences ranging from hardcore to rap. Details.
The Go! Team, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $27 (advance)/$30 (day of)
This British collective is just a party, blending funk, soul, hip hop, indie rock and more. They’re playing their debut LP “Thunder, Lightning, Strike” for its 20th anniversary. Details.
Things to do in D.C.
Halloween Evening at the New Embassy of Cameroon: Fri., 7:30-10:30 p.m., 2349 Massachusetts Ave NW, $68
Día de los Muertos with the National Museum of the American Latino: Fri. and Sat., La Cosecha in Northeast D.C., free
Asia After Dark | Diwali Festival: Fri., 5-9:30 p.m., National Museum of Asian Art, free
Bobby Flay: Chapter One: Fri., 6:45 p.m., National Museum of Natural History Baird Auditorium, $25
Mvskoke Etvlwv: The Muscogee People Festival: Fri. and Sat., National Museum of the American Indian, free
WABA’s The Cider Ride: Sat., begins and ends at metrobar in Northeast, $65-$90 (adult)
Diwali Family Fun: Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Smithsonian’s Asian Art Museum, free
Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest: Sat., 2-6 p.m., free
Día De Los Muertos Unidos Benefit Festival: Sat., 4 p.m., Washington Monument grounds, free
Día de los Muertos at The Wharf: Sat., 4-7 p.m., free
El Día de los Muertos festival: Sat., 5-8:30 p.m., National Portrait Gallery, free
DC Beer Fest: Sun., Nov. 2, Nationals Park, $55
Things to do in Maryland
Montgomery County Recreation's fun, safe Halloween activities: Through Oct. 31, various locations, free
Maryland Corn Maze: Bring Your Dog weekend: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Gambrills, $16.95-$17.95
Erykah Badu: Fri. and Sat., The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Acoustics and Ales: Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Black Hill Regional Park, free admission
Day of the Dead: Crafting Remembrance: Sat., VisArts Center in Rockville, $5
Things to do in Virginia
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience: Opens Oct. 26, Leesburg, Virginia, $45+
Nightly Spirits: Alexandria Booze and Boos Tour: Thursdays through Sundays, departs from The Alexandrian Hotel, $29.95
Italian Car Rally: 1000 Miglia Warm-Up USA: Thurs. to Sat., Middleburg, free to watch
Haunted Carnival Weekend @ Clarendon Ballroom: Thurs. to Sat., 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free to $15
Purcellville Artisan Tour: Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Great Country Farms Pumpkin Chunkin’: Sat. and Sun., Bluemont, Virginia, $12 (child)/$14 (adult)
FYI: It’s also Dino Fest. Entry costs extra.
NOVA's Largest Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival: Sat. and Sun., Chantilly, $5 entrance on Saturday,
Nightmare on Wilson Clarendon Halloween Bar Crawl: Sat., 2-9 p.m., $7-$10
Alexandria Fall Fest: Sun., Nov. 3, River Farm, $25
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