13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Is this weekend Halloweekend? Or is it the next one? Have we decided? You’d think we’d have figured out a system for this by now. Alas. We’ve got a variety of options for you, whether you’ll be in costume or not: a weekend-long Palestinian film and arts festival, a Black tattoo convention, free concerts, and, sure, a Halloween drag brunch. Have fun! 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24

DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival
The 11th annual event kicks off this weekend at the Festival Center in Adams Morgan. This inaugural event with Visualizing Palestine is sold out but there's no shortage of films, discussions, and workshops over the four days. On Friday, head to MLK Jr. Library for a screening of From Ground Zero, a project that compiles 22 shorts by filmmakers in Gaza. On Sunday, visit Potter’s House for an art build and workshop, led by local Palestinian advocacy groups. To see the entire program and buy tickets, click here. (Thursday, Oct. 24 - Sunday, Oct. 27; Various locations and prices.)

Evening for Educators at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
For our teachers out there: this event will challenge how art can be used in the classroom and how educators can empower their students. There will be discussions with NWMA educators, an interactive workshop in the galleries, and a chance to network with folks from D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice. Complimentary beer, wine, and light snacks will be provided. (1600 21st Street NW; 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; FREE – register here)

Key to the City at Solid State Books
Wonks, rise up: author Sara Bronin will be discussing her new book, Key to the City, a deep-dive into U.S. zoning codes that explores how they have become one of the most powerful forces shaping our urban experience – and how we can use them to reimagine a better future. (Solid State Books; 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; Registration is free, a book is $28) 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25

Black Tattoo Culture Con
A tattoo festival curated and hosted by Black women is coming to Van Ness. The three-day event, spearheaded by Black Tattoo Anthology, kicks off on Friday with a dedication to D.C.’s Chris Mensag, who founded Pinz-n-Needlez Tattoo. On Saturday (10 a.m. - 9 p.m.) get tatted (browse and book artists on the festival’s website), get your tarot read, and shop the art market. The weekend will end with a cookout and storytelling circle on Sunday night. (Oct. 25- Oct. 27; 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW; $25-$50, free for UDC students.) 

Don’t Tell Comedy at Big Bear Cafe
Halloween is nigh, and walking in blind to a comedy show might be enough to get you spooked. Don’t Tell Comedy is a series where no one knows who’s performing (well, besides the performers) until they take the stage. Locations are also, allegedly, kept secret until the morning of the show, but according to Big Bear Cafe’s website, it’s happening there this Friday. Enter at your own risk.
(Big Bear Cafe; 6:30 p.m; $25) 

Trick or Fruit at the Botanic Garden
For those with little ones, the Botanic Garden is offering a not-so-spooky Halloween-adjacent trick-or-treat. Grab your costumes and head to the garden for an educational walk through the conservatory’s edible fruit plants to learn what environments each plant grows in, what makes them special, and then put them to a taste test. The event is free but registration is required (and costumes encouraged!) (U.S. Botanic Garden; 6 p.m.-8 p.m; FREE)

SATURDAY OCTOBER, 26

Fright Fete at Lost City Books
If dancing around a bookstore in costume is your version of a perfect night, look no further. Adams Morgan’s indie-darling bookshop, Lost City Books, is hosting its fourth annual Halloween party this weekend. They’ll have music from D.J. Kristy la rAt, flash tattoos from Jinx Proof, some booze, and, of course, some books. Costumes are “gently demanded.” A $45 ticket gets you in the door and a free beer or wine upon entry. Outside witches-brew is prohibited. (Lost City Books; 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $45)

Sounds of Africa Concert Series 
As part of its 60th anniversary festivities, the National Museum of African Art is running a free concert series celebrating music from the African diaspora. On Saturday, hear from Crank Lukongo, who combines Go-Go, soul, jazz, and Afrobeat. Rapper, musician, poet, and playwright Dior Ashley Brown is also on deck – listen to her 2020 interview with Kojo Nnamdi here. (National Museum of African Art; 7-10 p.m.; FREE)

Eighties Mayhem at Black Cat
If dancing around a bookstore in costume is not your version of a perfect night, Black Cat is hosting an 80s, Beetlejuice-themed, Halloween dance party. (Costumes still encouraged.) DJ Steve EP and Missguided will make the soundtrack for the 5-hour-long evening of bangers and deep cuts. Tickets required
(1811 14th Street NW; 9:00 p.m.; $25.)

D.C. Home Rule Music Festival
Originally scheduled for July and postponed due to extreme heat, the Home Rule Music Festival is finally taking place under what looks to be clear, pleasant, 68-degree skies. The day will feature kids’ villages with games and activities, mural painting, record dealers, and food trucks. On stage will be Bella Donna, Joantz Showcase, Soul of Seed, and more. (Altheia Tanner Park; 1 p.m.; FREE.)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27

Exhibiting Failure at Rhizome
If capitalism’s got you down, this is your last weekend to catch this celebration of rejection at D.C.’s DIY arts venue. The exhibit showcases multimedia, sculpture, poetry, 2D visual art, and performance art that didn’t make the cut (whatever that means), asking the question “What can failure offer when success in our current extractive colonial-capitalist society is destructive and exploitative?” The exhibition officially wraps with a closing event on Monday (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) but you can make an appointment to view it over the weekend at info@rhizomedc.org. (Rhizome; FREE with a suggested donation.)

Perry’s Halloween Drag Brunch
One of the oldest Sunday drag brunches in the city is getting in the spooky spirits. Costumes aren’t required but there will be a costume contest for those daring enough to enter. The best-dressed guest will win tickets to another upcoming brunch, a t-shirt, and the most priceless prize of all: “bragging rights.” Per Perry’s promotional materials, the ghouls will leave you gagging. Sign up through Resy. (Perry’s Restaurant; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ; $39.95)

“Umpukan” A Fil-Am History Month Celebration at metrobar
Celebrate Filipino American History Month with a day of shopping and eating local at metrobar. Curated by the leaders of Kam & 46 (a Filipino and Hawaiian food truck and pop-up) and the arts group SAMASAMA (Tagalog for “all together”), this family-friendly event will have an art activation, live music, and local vendors. (640 Rhode Island Avenue NE; 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.; FREE)