Fall is in the air, but in D.C. the potential for weekend adventures is heating up. On the agenda: An extremely local music festival, stargazing, celebrating one of South Korea’s biggest holidays, and someone willing to teach your kid — and you — to cast a line.
Please note: Despite the federal government shutdown, the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo will be open until at least Monday, Oct. 6.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
Postal pARTy Celebrate the art of mail at the National Postal Museum. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite work of art to explore the exhibits, try out creative activities, and learn about the fascinating history and design of stamps. (National Postal Museum; 6-8 p.m.; FREE)
PRIDEtoberfest — Supporting the Wanda Alston Foundation There are twelve months a year to ~hold space for~ LGBTQ+ joy. Wunder Garten’s annual October party is also raising money for a local foundation supporting queer homeless youth. Expect live music, local vendors, dancing, and a “fire and burlesque” show, alongside traditional German beers. (Wunder Garden; 6-11 p.m.; FREE with suggested donation)
Rhythm & Relief Featuring Lina Makoul Singer-songwriter Lina Makoul has carved out a global career on her own terms since becoming, in 2013, the first and only Palestinian to win The Voice in Israel. Her show at Culture — featuring music that blends the contemporary and traditional — benefits refugees in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. (Culture; 7-10 p.m.; $34)
Écriture with the Body: Contemporary Korean Women Artists A new exhibition at the Corcoran School spotlights contemporary Korean women artists creating at the intersection of performance, feminism, and identity. At this public opening reception, you could be among the first to engage with the work. (The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at GW; 3-5 p.m.; FREE)
Pop-up Stargazing/Moongazing at the Museum Join astronomers and educators to look up at the stars through telescopes on the Air and Space Museum’s plaza. All ages and levels of experience are welcome, but please note that the event is weather dependent. (National Air and Space Museum; 8:30-10 p.m.; FREE)
Family Fishing @ Kingman Island Cast a line and make memories at this all-ages fishing event with the Anacostia Riverkeeper. Gear and instruction are provided on-site, so anyone can join in. It’s a fun, free way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the community. (Kingman Island; 5:30-7:30 pm; FREE with registration + waiver)
The Air and Space Museum will host an evening under the stars. (Domenico Convertini/Flickr)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
Home Rule Music Festival Get ready to party to live jazz, go-go, and local artists from other genres — including West African rhythms and a hip-hop producer showcase. Vendors and food trucks will keep the vibe going at this combination concert and community celebration. (Alethia Tanner Park, 1-9 p.m.; FREE, with VIP tickets available)
Chuseok Family Festival Celebrate Korea’s harvest festival with delicious food from local Korean businesses, creative activities for the whole family, musical performances from folk music to K-pop, and even demonstrations of traditional wrestling called ssireum. (National Museum of Asian Art; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; FREE)
Joy of African Movement Local dance studio Joy of Motion leads a monthly class at the Smithsonian’s African art museum, celebrating the rhythm and culture of the diaspora. This Saturday morning, movers of all levels can learn hip-hop dance techniques in the Sylvia Williams Gallery. (National Museum of African Art; 10:30-11:45 a.m.; FREE)
Imani Grace-Cooper is part of the lineup for Home Rule Music Festival 2025. (Juha Uitto/Flickr)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
Gallaudet Garden Day The urban farmers at Cultivate the City are looking for volunteers to commit to an afternoon of gardening and community at Gallaudet University. The event welcomes participants of all experience levels and offers an opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. All ages are welcome! (Gallaudet University, Hanson Plaza; 12-2 p.m.; FREE with registration)
Meditation in the Gallery Close out the weekend with a calming 75-minute guided meditation session at Washington Printmakers Gallery. Amid their current exhibition’s sculptural monoprints and layered textile works, local mindfulness practitioner Diane Cummings will lead you through breathwork, body awareness, and seated meditation. Chairs are provided, and no prior meditation experience is necessary. (Washington Printmakers Gallery; 6-7:30 p.m.; FREE with registration
D.C. community gardens are a great place to touch some dirt and meet other garden enthusiasts (Maddie Poore)
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