Fall 2016 in DC & Baltimore

As we approach fall once more, we prepare for all the fantastic events in the Baltimore/DC area. With such a large metropolitan area and so many different people and interests, residents of Maryland, Virginia and DC have a lot to choose from!

Here at Funtober, we’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest and best events and activities taking place in the region, with links to more! Happy Fall!

Gold Hollow Falls - HDR

Photo Credit: N. Raymond, “Gold Hollow Falls – HDR”, Shenandoah National Park, VA

National Park Service Birthday – ongoing through 2016

Fall dates: August 25 – August 28 (National Park Service Birthday); Sept 24 (National Public Lands Day); Nov 11 (Veterans Day)

 “The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and we want everyone to join the party! On 16 days in ’16, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.”

There are so many National Parks and other national sites throughout the Capital region, including Shenandoah National Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, Antietam National Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. 

 

DC Blues Festival – September 3, 2016

The annual DC Blues Festival returns again for its 29th year, featuring a “who’s who” of the Jazz world. Bring the whole family, as there are workshops and an instrument “petting zoo” that kids will adore, and parents will appreciate. Join us at the Carter Barron Amphitheater for an afternoon of musical fun!

Swing by other festivals in the DC and Baltimore region this fall!

red reflection

Photo Credit: NCinDC: “Red Reflection,” Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Washington D.C.

Das Best Oktoberfest – October 8, 2016

No Oktoberfest season would be complete without a stop to Das Best Oktoberfest in Baltimore! Held once more in the parking lot at M&T Stadium, this all-you-care-to-taste event kicks off at noon (for VIP tickets) and 2pm (general admission). There are over 150 international, domestic, and local Maryland beers, domestic wines, and schnapps available, with a souvenir tasting glass included with your ticket. As with any great Oktoberfest, Oompah bands and live music ensure you’re in for a lyrical treat, complete with the Chicken Dance. Concessionaires will be offering brats and other German food a la carte. Contests include the Stein Holding Contest, the Biggest Beer Belly Competition, the Homebrew Contest, and the Miss Oktoberfest Competition. All day games are also available like cornhole and tricycle races! Tickets are available now – get them before they’re gone (over 60,000 people are expected at this event!) There will be another Das Best Oktoberfest at National Harbor in September.

Party on with other Oktoberfests in DC, Virginia, and Baltimore!

 

Baugher’s Orchard – Westminster, MD

Family-owned and operated for over 100 years, Baugher’s is the apple of Carroll County’s eye. Baugher’s offers over 600 acres of activities and pick-your-own fruits, including berries and stone-fruits throughout the summer, 9 different varieties of apples between August and October, and pumpkins in October. Get a ride on the wagon and hayrides around the fields. October is fall festival time, with additional attractions like a petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin bounce, and food vendors serving pit beef and other delicious food, and sweets like kettle corn, baked goods, homemade ice cream, and homemade fudge (vendors are cash only; ATM machines on site). Baugher’s Farm Market also offers fall favorites like cider (made fresh at the on-site cider mill), fresh bakery favorites like pie and pastries, and homemade apple butter, apple sauce, local honey, and other canned goods!

Explore the great outdoors with more farm fun! Find apple orchards near DC and Baltimore, corn mazes in Virginia and in Maryland, and pumpkin patches in Northern Virginia and in Maryland.

 

National Building Museum Ghost Tour

During the rest of the year, the National Building Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of architecture, engineering, and building design. During Saturday nights in October, however, it’s open at night to explore by lantern while you hear stories about its mysteries and ghosts, and the deeds of the people portrayed in busts and other statures throughout the museum. Tickets are limited and it only ran for two run-throughs each Saturday night last year, so get your tickets early! 

Glide by (hehe, ghost humor) other ghost tours in DC, Virginia, and Maryland, haunted houses in Virginia and in Maryland, and other Halloween fun in DC and Baltimore!

 

Turkey Chase – November 24, 2016

The 33rd Annual Turkey Chase kicks off Thanksgiving Day to raise nds for the YMCA of Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club Foundation, while giving you a chance to get your run in before your turkey dinner! Over $4.5 million dollars have been raised for these two great organizations, improving the lives of at-risk children and families in the Montgomery County community. The Turkey Chase is one of the largest events of its kind in Montgomery County, and features a number of events for you to choose from: a 2-mile fun run/walk, a USATF-certified 10k race, and a 50-meter Tot Trot for kids 9 and under to chase the mascot. Join the thousands who run for a difference at this years race, at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase (9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda).

Find more Thanksgiving fun in DC!

 

National Harbor Tree Lighting and Fireworks

Join us at the National Harbor to kick off the holiday season with the Tree Lighting Ceremony! Last year, thousands spent an afternoon enjoying themselves on the Harbor: riding the Capital Wheel, shopping at the Holiday Market, making cards for the troops, watching street performers, and taking dog pictures with Santa, the Black Dog. A holiday themed, family-friendly movie was shown in the National Plaza. After the Tree Lighting Ceremony, fireworks and a band performance closed out the evening. We’ll keep an eye out for this year’s date and any other details! See you there!

Find more Thanksgiving fun in Baltimore!