12 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, drink craft brews at Snallygaster, and indulge at the 2024 Oyster Wars.
There’s a bit of everything in the event rolodex this weekend: craft festivals, craft beer, cultural celebrations, comedy tours, a chess master in residence, and even a Q&A with the Metro GM. Start planning now!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Moda, Mercado + Música | A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in DC
Hispanic Heritage Month is almost over, and you should close it out at the Ven at Embassy Row. This event includes a pop-up marketplace with Latin American vendors, a fashion installation, live painting from Mexican interdisciplinary artist Alana Guzman, and a dance performance from Ferocity Dance Company. You’ll also get a goodie bag and a complimentary glass of sangria when you arrive. This is a ticketed event, so move fast! (The Ven at Embassy Row; 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; $20)
National Gallery Nights: Día de los Muertos Celebration
The lottery for tickets to get into the National Gallery East Building closed last week. But if you didn’t get one, don’t despair: You can still enjoy a performance by East L.A.’s Las Cafeteras on the 4th Street Plaza, which is open to the public. (National Gallery of Art; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; FREE)
It’s our hockey team’s 50th anniversary season, and the Capitals are planning to do it big. On Thursday at Capital One Arena, Third Eye Blind is headlining a concert to celebrate. There will also be a DJ, on-stage discussions with Capitals greats, and programming featuring the current team and “over 60 alumni from over five eras,” according to the event site. Additional activities on the concourse include kid-friendly stations with inflatables and a hockey cage. (Capital One Arena; 5 p.m.; $20)
The Darcy Hotel and chess master David Bennett have partnered up on a series of events for local chess enthusiasts. On Thursday, work on some chess puzzles while you sip chess-themed cocktails. There’s also a chess-themed menu of light bites. (The Darcy Hotel; 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Tickets at the door)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
Capital Art and Craft Festival
Shop and bop around at the booths of more than 200 artists and vendors at the Fall Art and Craft Festival, one of three seasonal festivals at the Dulles Expo Center. You’ll find clothes, pottery, photography, leather goods, textiles, wood, paintings, and more from local artisans. This event goes from Friday through Sunday, and parking is free. There’s food, too! (Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly Va.; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday); $11, children under 12 FREE)
Metro Brew: Meet and Greet with Randy Clarke, WMATA’s GM
Have some * thoughts * about Metro’s train frequency or bus service? Well, here’s your opportunity to air them out. WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke will be hosting a meet and greet at metrobar where he’ll answer questions and hear some feedback. You have to register to attend and there are limited spots available! (metrobar; 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; FREE)
Whitney Cummings’ Big Baby Tour
Cummings’ national tour comes to the Warner Theater on Saturday. She’s back to the stage after recently becoming a mom, and promises “a hilariously insightful perspective” on new motherhood. (Warner Theater; 8 p.m.; various prices)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Grab your glitter and your friendship bracelets and head to Summit at Conrad for a Taylor Swift-themed party to close down the summer. The event is open to the public (not just hotel guests) and will feature a 90-minute show of music, dancing, themed cocktails, and even a costume change or two. (950 New York Ave NW, rooftop, 6 p.m.; FREE)
D.C.’s fall beer festival has finally arrived. It’s Snallygaster’s 12th year bringing a craft brew celebration to the District, and this time, there will be more than 450 rare and small-batch beers and ciders from 175 top producers. There will also be food trucks and live music as a backdrop to the main event (beer, obviously). (7th and Pennsylvania, 3rd and Constitution;12 p.m.; $75+)
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Final Weekend)
It’s the final weekend of this play’s run at Arena Stage and tickets are going fast. The comedy “unravels the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream within the African immigrant community,” following a group of women in a hair braiding salon. This production was directed by Whitney White and premiered on Broadway. (Arena Stage; Various dates and times; $230)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebración
This free event in Prince George’s County has something for the whole family. It features “Icons, Idioms and Myth” (an exhibition from Puerto Rican artist Silvia Martínez), arts & crafts, live music and kid-friendly activities (including salsa and bachata dance lessons). Light refreshments will also be available. (Prince George’s Publick Playhouse; 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.; FREE)
The Oyster Wars are named in tribute to the century of vicious competition between watermen for the scarce oysters of the Chesapeake – but it’ll be a much more pleasant affair. Tickets include oyster tastings from buzzy local chefs and restaurants and a cash bar will be available for craft beer. Featured chefs include Scott Drewno of Chiko, Matt Hill of Ruthie’s All Day, Patrice Clearly of Purple Patch, and more. Eight regional oyster farms will also be in attendance with their wares, and there will also be live music and a DJ. (The Salt Line; 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.; $75)
