10 Things to Do in Washington DC in October
October is the ideal month to visit the city of Washington DC, since the sweltering summer is behind us, and the temperatures are still very pleasant. In addition, the spectacle of reddish colors that give its parks is truly sublime.
Washington DC in October | ©Mike Maguire
Traveling to Washington DC in October will allow you to enjoy the city to the fullest without the crowds of the summer months. You will find an amazing array of activities to do, must-see sights to see and a much more relaxed overall climate.
In addition, one of the most anticipated festivities for the little ones is approaching: Halloween. If you are traveling with children, you can't miss out on experiencing the traditional house-to-house candy hunt. If you want to know what to see and do in Washington DC just keep reading, here you will find a complete guide to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1. Snallygaster, Oktoberfest comes to downtown Washington DC
That's right, you don't have to fly all the way to Germany to enjoy the most famous beer festival in the world. In downtown Washington DC, the Snallygaster takes place every year in October.
It's a massive, self-proclaimed family-friendly event, full of outdoor shows and booths where you can sample more than 200 different types of craft beer while eating a tasty burger and enjoying the fall colors.
Traditionally, the Snallygaster is a kind of monster, a mixture of dragon and winged snake, typical of the area of Maryland and the outskirts of Washington DC. It is from 2001 when this beastly beer festival began to be celebrated as a form of homage to the creature. Ideal to spend a day with the family.
Practical Info
- Location: Downtown DC
- Price: starting at 60 U$S
- When: around October 9th
- Hours: starting at 2pm
2. Run in the 10-mile Army Marathon
One of the most anticipated sporting events for everyone is the Army Ten-Miler Marathon (ATM), which takes place every year in Washington DC.
With the aim of supporting the U.S. military and at the same time promoting sports and healthy living, this traditional race brings together more than 39,000 participants, including civilians, military, people with disabilities, and basically anyone who wants to join in and run.
In addition to the marathon, there is the ATM expo, where you can get official sportswear and accessories for the race. This celebration is part of the spirit of the city.
The race starts next to the Pentagon, crosses the Potomac River in two sections and ends just meters from where it started, completing the 10 miles (just over 16 kilometers).
3. Take a ghost tour
No, I wasn't confused, with Halloween so close, Washington DC offers the option of taking many ghost tours. Experienced ghost guides will take you to some of the spots considered the scariest in the city.
Old haunted houses, cemeteries full of spooky stories, if you are one of those who enjoy these types of experiences that border on the supernatural, you should definitely sign up for this tour.
The subject of ghosts is very popular in DC and there are many specialized tours where you can learn all about the ghosts of Georgetown, the stories and ghosts of the White House, the stories of real crimes that occurred in this city, and much more.
Keep in mind that if you are traveling with children some of these tours are not suitable for all ages, so I recommend that you consult before making your reservation.
4. Don't miss the russet and ochre leaf show at Rock Creek park
October boasts some of the most delightful temperatures of the year in Washington DC. And with this splendid weather, what better way to enjoy the reds, yellows and ochers of Rock Creek Park.
Located in the middle of the city, this park has some truly enviable natural spaces, a golf course, a riding stables where horseback riding lessons are offered, and even a planetarium.
It is one of the oldest parks in the United States, and a favorite of many of its presidents. It is said that Ronald Reagan used to ride horses in this park.
Enjoy nature in its purest state, while strolling through some of its beautiful trails and delight yourself with the colors of autumn. Take some pictures on its beautiful stone bridges with the creek in the background. An ideal place to take a break and feel at peace, even in the middle of the city.
5. Visit the Smithsonian zoo and dress up at the Boo at the zoo
If you're traveling to Washington DC in October with children, you can't miss the city's traditional Smithsonian Zoo.
With Halloween just around the corner, this is a great opportunity for the little ones to enjoy the zoo, while indulging in costumes and scares to their heart's content.
For this purpose, the Smithsonian Zoo in Washington DC has created its proposal Boo at the Zoo, which in English would be something like "Scare at the Zoo".
Crowds of children in their spookiest costumes stroll through the zoo in search of candy and fun. It is a charming tradition in which there is no shortage of decorated pumpkins, skeleton decorations and other paraphernalia typical of this typically American holiday.
Practical information
- Location: Smithsonian DC Zoo
- Price: free
- When: usually from October 20th to 22nd
- Hours: all day
6. Attend the Mount Vernon Wine Festival
Another October event is the Mount Vernon Wine Festival. With the ochre and reddish tones of autumn covering everything, you can tour the famous estate that belonged to George and Martha Washington, and participate in a wine tasting at sunset.
It has become a tradition for visitors to bring a blanket to lie on the lawn by the Potomac River. The festival features tastings from several Virginia vineyards and Mount Vernon Winery. If you wish, you can also buy some bottles, fruit and charcuterie to further enrich the experience.
Undoubtedly a very special event in one of the most historic places in Washington DC.
7. Enjoy the beginning of the NBA and NHL season
If you are a sports lover, October is a very special month to visit Washington DC, as it is when the NBA and NHL season begins.
Whether you are a fan of these sports or not, attending a basketball or ice hockey game in the United States is a unique experience. The Washington Wizards is DC's basketball team, home of none other than the great Michael Jordan from 2001 to 2003.
The Washington Capitals is Washington's ice hockey team. If you've never witnessed a game of the sport, get ready to see something truly intense. The only thing cold here is the ice.
If you want to attend a game I recommend that you buy your tickets in advance, even before you travel, so you can secure a seat. Since it's the beginning of the season, it's easy to sell out. You will be able to witness these American sports classics and feel part of the feeling shared by so many fans.
8. Enjoy the Taste of DC
Every year, during the month of October, Washington celebrates a new edition of Taste of DC, the largest and most important food festival in the region. With food trucks, restaurants, stands of different beers, wine tasting and tables to sit and enjoy it all.
With the city's pleasant weather in October, which invites you to enjoy the outdoors, this massive festival has become one of the new classics of Washington DC.
You can also listen to live music and other entertainment. Come and live an experience to enjoy with all five senses.
Practical Info
- Location: various points of the city
- Price: only what you eat and drink.
- When: at the end of October
9. Go for a drink at the Dupont Circle Halloween Bar Crawl
As mentioned above, October is Halloween month, and the city is filling up with decorations as the night of the 31st approaches.
However, Halloween is not only enjoyed by the little ones... For you, who still have your inner child, go for a drink at the Dupont Circle Bar Crawl, an itinerant celebration to go drinking from bar to bar, where everyone is dressed in costume.
Perhaps one of DC's most original occurrences in October. There are great prizes and games of all kinds. The overall atmosphere I can assure you is amazing.
If you are one of those who like to party, you can't miss it.
10. In October many of the attractions are free
That's right, October is a magical month in DC, here you can visit a number of attractions completely free of charge. Some of these places are:
- The Holocaust Museum: an overwhelming experience, not to forget one of the most important and nefarious moments in history.
- The African American History and Culture Museum: A must-see place to learn more about African American history and culture.
- The National Gallery of Art: Another must-see, with famous works by painters such as Manet, Monet, Degas, Vermeer, El Greco, among others.
- The White House Visitor Center: A tour through the history of the most famous house in the world, home of the President of the United States. With pieces of furniture and a huge exhibition. Well worth a visit.
- The Air and Space Museum: A space dedicated to space exploration, with pieces used in space missions. Ideal to visit with children.
In addition to those mentioned here, there are many others. Know the best museums in Washington DC, it is always a good time to visit them.
Is October an expensive month to visit Washington DC?
October has many free options, since it is not considered high season. However, during this month many congresses are held and for this reason hotel prices may be a little more expensive than at other times of the year.
What should I consider when packing my suitcase?
October is a month with pleasant temperatures, summer is behind us and the cold has not yet arrived, so it is not necessary to include a very thick jacket.
Average temperatures are between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius, so with a sweater or a light jacket you will be fine.
Are there a lot of tourists during October in Washington DC?
Absolutely not. That's one of the advantages of visiting this amazing city at this time of the year, the weather is amazing, nice and not humid at all, plus you'll have less lines for attractions or restaurants.
Is it a good idea to visit Washington DC with children?
Definitely! Washington DC is an absolutely family-friendly city, besides the attractions and activities I have mentioned here (Boo at the Zoo, Air and Space Museum, etc.), you can enjoy its green spaces and the exciting Natural History Museum.