One of D.C.’s biggest street parties, the 18th annual H Street Festival extends from Third to 15th streets NE — a full mile of entertainment, including multiple stages for live music, DJs, dance and drag performances; fashion shows; family activities; art displays; eating contests; and vendors selling food, clothing, crafts and much more. The best way to enjoy the festival, though, might be to grab a table at one of the beer gardens or sidewalk cafes and just watch what seems like the population of the whole D.C. area go by. Noon to 7 p.m. Free.
National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center’s annual celebration of dance takes a dope turn this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop. Take free classes to learn the basics of break dancing from local experts, or participate in group hip-hop classes. Watch dance crews from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and the DMV battle in the “Freshest of All Time” competition, or check out showcases featuring local dancers of all ages. Drop into the Reach to see 10 graffiti artists crafting new works, or create your own. Music comes from an all-star lineup of DJs, including the trailblazing Spinderella. 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free.
On Saturday, with a cry of “O’zapft is” (“It is tapped”), Oktoberfest begins in Munich. On cue, bars and breweries around Washington begin their own celebrations, some of which stretch weeks longer than the festivities in Bavaria.
The Wiener 500 at the Wharf has become one of the season’s signature events, thanks to more than 100 dachshunds racing in heats on a skinny, 70-foot-long track on the District Pier while a capacity crowd cheers and follows the “action” on a pair of giant screens. Saturday afternoon’s races are the centerpiece of a weekend with polka lessons, a beer garden and contests. (Friday through Sunday. Free.)
Bluejacket marks 10 years in Navy Yard at the end of October, and the brewery’s celebrations get underway Saturday with an Oktoberfest party on the patio. Look for 10 housemade German-style beers, served unfiltered from rubber-clad kegs, as well as traditional German tunes and a special Bavarian menu. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.)
In previous years, Wheatland Spring required visitors to its Oktoberfest to purchase tickets in advance. This weekend, anyone can just show up to the scenic Loudoun County farm brewery, which makes some of the best German-inspired beers in the area. There are multiple beer tents, including traditional Oktoberfest and kölsch beer service, as well as a variety of games, ranging from Oktoberfest trivia to “So You Think You Can Speak German.” Look for food vendors both days and traditional German music Sunday. (Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.)
Nothing says autumn like a hayride, and Centerville’s Cox Farms takes hayrides to a new level during its fall festival: An antique tractor pulls a wagon through scenes including an enchanted barn and an Old West town. That is just one attraction kids will go wild for at Cox Farms, which is stocked with a “Cornundrum” corn maze, a goat village petting zoo, a tractor museum, tunnels made of straw and a plethora of slides. Caramel apples, kettle corn and apple cider doughnuts are among the fall treats you will find at this seven-week festival. Saturday and Sunday. After the opening weekend, the Fall Festival runs from Sept. 23 to Nov. 7. $10-$25. Free for under 24 months old. Tickets must be purchased online.
53rd annual Bluemont Fair
If you want your city-slicker kid to get the chance to ride a pony and compete in a sack race while getting a dose of fresh mountain air, make the drive out to the Bluemont Fair. This Loudoun County village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains throws a fall festival with all sorts of wholesome activities and demonstrations, including model train collections, quilt shows, multiple stages of bluegrass and folk music, pickle and pie competitions, bake sales, antique markets, and blacksmith demos. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10; free for children 9 and younger.
Whether you were born in Washington or moved here recently, the annual WalkingTown D.C. festival can show anyone a new side of the city. Over nine days, 40 different guided tours delve into an array of topics, including Capitol Hill scandals; the Frederick Douglass house; LGBTQ history; NoMa’s murals; the sculptures in Rock Creek Cemetery; trailblazing women in D.C.’s theater scene; and the culture of individual neighborhoods, including Anacostia, Logan Circle, Shaw and Tenleytown. Most are casual walks, though a few require bikes. Registration is required, and some tours are already full. Times and locations vary.
In Claud’s song “Wish You Were Gay,” they sing: “I wish you were gay / So you could just hold me / Call me your babe / Instead of your homie.” The name of the song evokes humor. The content? Crushing loneliness and vulnerability. That breadth encapsulates Claud: smart, witty and always willing to go deep. The 24-year-old nonbinary artist is committed to telling queer stories and sharing those stories in unique and inventive ways that frequently feel handwritten for the audience. “Oftentimes when I think a song is too specific and nobody’s going to be able to relate to it, people relate to it the most,” said Claud. “It’s a really nice reminder that nothing can be too specific or too personal because people will understand it and apply it to themselves.” 6:30 p.m. $20-$40.
Truth and Service Tailgate at Sandlot Southwest
Howard and Hampton universities face off at Audi Field during the third annual Truth and Service Classic on Saturday. Hampton has won its last two meetings with the Bison, including 2021’s inaugural Truth and Service game, making this a must-win for Howard. Before kickoff, though, head to Sandlot Southwest, outside Gate A, for a tailgate party with lawn games, a Battle of the BBQs, Black-owned food trucks, DJs and fun. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Free.
Beer in the Garden at the Farm at Halley Rise
The Farm at Halley Rise uses green space at a Reston mixed-use development to grow produce to help neighbors in need. Visit the gardens for a fall fundraiser that includes bouquet making with farmers from Up Top Acres, lawn games, pop covers from local band Hand Painted Swinger and beers from Ashburn’s Lost Rhino Brewing Company. (Root beer is included in the ticket price; adult beverages are not.) A portion of proceeds is donated to the nonprofit Cornerstones organization. Noon to 3 p.m. $10; free for those younger than 21.
Lager Fest at Solace Outpost (Falls Church)
If you go to Oktoberfest, you’re going to be drinking lager. And if you go to Solace Outpost in Falls Church this weekend, you’re going to be drinking, well, a wider variety of lagers. Brewer Russell Carpenter has invited 16 Virginia breweries to bring a favorite style of lager, including Black Narrows, Ocelot, Dynasty and Cedar Run. Tickets cover unlimited samples and a commemorative mug, plus live German music from Lost Lederhosen. Oktoberfest-themed food is available for purchase. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $40-$50.