10 Things to Do in Washington DC in October
October is the ideal month to visit Washington DC, as the sweltering summer is behind us and temperatures are still very pleasant. And the reddish-coloured spectacle of the parks is truly sublime.
Washington DC in October | ©Mike Maguire
Travelling to Washington DC in October will allow you to enjoy the city to the fullest without the crowds of the summer months. You'll find a surprisingly wide range of activities to do, must-see sights to see and a much more relaxed overall climate.
In addition, one of the most eagerly awaited festivities for the little ones is coming up: Halloween. If you are travelling 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 world's most famous beer festival. In downtown Washington DC, the Snallygaster takes place every October.
It's a massive, self-proclaimed family-friendly event, packed with outdoor entertainment, stalls where you can sample over 200 different types of craft beer, while eating a tasty burger and enjoying the autumn colours.
Traditionally, the Snallygaster is a kind of monster, a mixture of dragon and winged snake, native to the Maryland area and the outskirts of Washington DC. It is from 2001 that this beastly beer festival began to be celebrated as a form of homage to the creature. Ideal for a family day out.
Practical info
- Location: Downtown DC
- Price: starting at 60 U$S
- When: around October 9th
- Time: from 2pm
2. Run in the 10-mile Army Marathon
One of the most anticipated sporting events is the Army Ten-Miler Marathon (ATM), which takes place every year in Washington DC.
With the aim of supporting the US military and at the same time promoting sport 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 sportswear and official event 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 finishes just yards from where it started, completing 10 miles (just over 16 kilometres).
3. Take a ghost tour
No, I'm not confused, with Halloween so close, Washington DC offers the option of many ghost tours. Experienced ghost tour guides will take you to some of the most spooky spots in the city.
Old haunted houses, cemeteries full of spooky stories, if you're someone who enjoys this kind of supernatural experience, you should definitely sign up for this tour.
The topic of ghosts is very popular in DC and there are many specialised 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 happened in this city, and much more.
Please note that if you are travelling with children some of these tours are not suitable for all ages, so please check before booking.
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 such splendid weather, what better way to enjoy the reds, yellows and ochres of Rock Creek Park.
Located in the middle of the city, this park has some truly enviable natural spaces, a golf course, a horse stables where riding lessons are offered, and even a planetarium.
It is one of the oldest parks in the United States, and a favourite of many of its presidents. It is said that Ronald Reagan used to ride horses in this park.
Enjoy nature in its purest form as you stroll along one of its beautiful trails and take in the autumn colours. Take some pictures on the 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 in costume at the Boo at the Zoo
If you're travelling to Washington DC in October with children, a visit to the city's traditional Smithsonian Zoo is a must.
With Halloween just around the corner, this is a great opportunity for the little ones to enjoy the zoo, as well as indulge in some spooky costumes.
To that end, the Smithsonian Zoo in Washington DC has created its Boo at the Zoo proposal, 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's a charming tradition with 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 20-22 October
- Hours: all day
6. Attend the Mount Vernon Wine Festival
Another October event is the Mount Vernon Wine Festival. With the ochre and russet tones of autumn covering everything, you can tour the famous estate once owned by George and Martha Washington, and take part in a sunset wine tasting.
Visitors traditionally 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.
A very special event in one of the most historic places in Washington DC.
7. Enjoy the start of the NBA and NHL seasons
If you're a sports fan, October is a very special month to visit Washington DC, as it's the start of the NBA and NHL season.
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 between 2001 and 2003.
The Washington Capitals is Washington's ice hockey team. If you've never been to an ice hockey game before, be prepared 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. As it's early in the season it's easy to sell out. You will be able to witness these American sport classics and feel part of the feeling shared by so many fans.
8. Enjoy the Taste of DC
Every year in October, Washington hosts a new edition of Taste of DC, the region's largest and most important food festival. With food trucks, restaurants, beer stands, wine tastings and tables to sit and enjoy it all.
With the city's pleasant weather in October inviting you to enjoy the outdoors, this massive festival has become one of Washington DC's new classics.
You'll also be able to listen to live music and other entertainment. Come along for an experience to enjoy with all five senses.
Practical Info
- Location: various parts of the city
- Price: only what you eat and drink
- When: end of October
9. Go for a drink at the Dupont Circle Halloween Bar Crawl
As mentioned above, October is the month of Halloween, and the city gets more and more decorated as the night of the 31st approaches.
But Halloween isn't just for the little ones... For you, who still have your inner child, head to the Dupont Circle Bar Crawl, a roving, bar-hopping party where everyone is dressed in costume.
Perhaps one of the most original things to happen in DC in October. There are great prizes and games of all kinds. The general atmosphere I can assure you is amazing.
If you're a party person, you can't miss it.
10. In October many of the attractions are free
That's right, October is a magical month in DC, where you can visit a number of attractions completely free of charge. Some of these places are:
- The Holocaust Museum: An awe-inspiring experience, so you won't forget one of the most important and grim 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 of the history of the world's most famous house, 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 for visiting with children.
In addition to those mentioned here, there are many others. Check out 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, as it is not considered high season. However, many business conferences are held during this month and therefore 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 you don't need to pack a very thick jacket.
Average temperatures are between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius, so a jumper or light jacket should be fine.
Are there a lot of tourists in Washington DC during October?
Absolutely not. That's one of the advantages of visiting this amazing city at this time of year, the weather is amazing, pleasant and not at all humid, plus you'll have less queuing for attractions and restaurants.
Is it a good idea to visit Washington DC with children?
Definitely! Washington DC is an absolutely family-friendly city, in addition to the attractions and activities mentioned here (Boo at the Zoo, Air and Space Museum, etc.), you can enjoy its green spaces and the exciting Natural History Museum.