Happy Monday, DC!
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld arrives in DC to do standup at the Anthem. Also, Air & Scare is back this weekend for some pre-Halloween fun and treats.
Best Things to Do This Week and Weekend
October 19–October 25
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- Air & Scare. This popular event shows space enthusiasts the spooky side of the Air and Space Museum. The indoor and outdoor extravaganza boasts attractions for all ages such as candy stations with free treats, puppet shows, photos with Star Wars characters, science experiments, and lots more (Sat, free, registration required for outdoor events, Chantilly).
- Jerry Seinfeld standup. Tickets are going fast to laugh out loud with mega comic and TV producer Jerry Seinfeld at the Wharf’s waterfront venue. The first two shows have sold out, but there’s still time for fans of the longtime entertainer to snag a spot at the third show (Fri, $93+, Wharf).
- “Beverly Pepper” exhibit at National Museum of Women in the Arts. This exhibit features several gallery-size pieces and a film about the American sculptor, known for creating monumental works from iron, steel, and earth. It’s complemented by an outdoor exhibition on New York Avenue (opens Sun, $16 for adults, free for ages 21 and under, Downtown).
- Rush at Capital One Arena. The hard rock greats retired from the road in 2018, and after drummer Neil Peart died in 2020, it seemed unlikely that decision would ever change. But the band is now back on tour, featuring German musician Anika Nilles behind the drum kit, and the intense shows have been wowing fans and critics (Sun, October 27, $133+, Capital One Arena).
- Del Ray Halloween Parade. At Alexandria’s festive Halloween parade along Mount Vernon Avenue—with a starting point at E. Bellefonte Avenue—spectators and paraders alike can show off their costumes, pet outfits, and decorated children’s strollers. For extra-spirited fun, neighbors can complete a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt at area businesses decked out in creepy decor (Sun, free, Alexandria).
Want More Things to Do?
Arts and culture:
- Maryland author Paula Chase chats about Balancing Act, her latest novel for young adults, at Politics and Prose (Tues, free, Northwest DC).
- It’s the final week of Washington West Film Festival (closes Wed, $22 for single passes, $100+ for festival pass, Reston).
- Photographer Esther Bubley’s work captures DC during World War II. See the new exhibit at Capital Jewish Museum (opens Thurs, $12 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger, Downtown).
- Sip unlimited drinks, get a flash tattoo, and meet zoo animals after hours at Night of the Living Zoo (Fri, $75, National Zoo).
- Embark on an enchanting evening of waltz dancing and mingling at Jane Austen Ball (Fri, $89+, Georgetown).
- Contemporary artist Nick Cave brings his “Mammoth” exhibition to life with more than 50 performers at the Smithsonian (Sat, free, Smithsonian American Art Museum).
Community and heritage:
- Watch a screening of Hocus Pocus on the plaza and cheer on local chefs in a pumpkin-carving contest at Harbor Halloween (Sun, free, National Harbor).
Theater and shows:
- Parks and Recreation star Aziz Ansari arrives in DC on his Hypothetical Tour featuring a standup show with all new material (Thurs, $59+, Warner Theatre).
- Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka unpacks laughable family dynamics, immigrant experiences, and adulting (Fri-Sat, $53+, Warner Theatre).
Music and concerts:
- Singer-songwriter Lexi Jayde performs a live concert at Atlantis (Wed, $35, Shaw).
- There’s a Murder on the Dance Floor at Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ DC Halloween party (Thurs, $37.50+, Downtown).
- Girl group phenomenon Katseye performs pop anthems in Capital One Arena (Thurs, $157+, Capital One Arena).
- Sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumar plays a tribute concert to Zakir Hussain at Sixth & I (Sat, $50, Downtown).
Get involved:
- Volunteer to plant, weed, and help grow the garden at THEARC Farm (Tues, free, Anacostia).
Things to do with kids:
- Dress in costume for a family disco party at Dance Place (Sat, $15, Northeast DC).
- Goblins, superheroes, and pets are welcome to join The Boro’s spook-tastic activity day (Sat, free, Tysons).
- This Halloween edition of the Hill Family bike ride begins at Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill, and families can wear their most creative costumes or decorate their bikes (Sat, free, Capitol Hill).
- Children can hop around in a bounce house and snack on fall candies at Halloween Carnival (Sat, free, recommended for ages 11 and younger accompanied by an adult, Falls Church).
- Pumpkins in the Park teams up with Van Ness Elementary School for pumpkin decorating, carnival attractions, baked goods, and more (Sun, free, Navy Yard).
If you enjoyed these events, please don’t forget to share this post with a friend on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for more things to do.
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
