Fall in Washington, DC
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Washington, DC area. Fall foliage is
gorgeous and the summer heat concedes to cooler temperatures, making
outdoor events more enjoyable. The average temperatures in Washington,
DC during the month of October range between 50 and 70 degrees. With
school back in session, tourists traffic slows to comfortable levels so
traveling around the city is less hectic and monument lines drastically
shorten.
Fall foliage in Washington, DC and surrounding areas peak in mid to
late October. One place to enjoy October weather and fall foliage near
Washington, DC is
Rock Creek Park.
The park stretches 12 miles from the Potomac River to the Maryland
state line. Within the park, visitors can enjoy pic-nics, hike trails,
and ride bikes. Visitors will also enjoy tennis, fishing, and horse-back
riding. Rock Creek Park hosts music concerts and offers educational
programs for children.
Another place to enjoy beautiful Washington, DC in October is the
C&O Canal National and Historic Park,
otherwise known as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The canal runs 184
miles beginning in Georgetown and ending in Cumberland, Maryland.
Visitors enjoy boat rides, hiking, fishing, biking, and horse-back
riding. Swimming is not allowed, but most visitors do not plan to swim
in the cool October temperatures.
In addition to visiting parks and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage
and weather in Washington, DC, visitors can also enjoy choosing from
several community events.
Oktoberfests
Washington, DC and nearby communities in Virginia and Maryland hosts
festivals known as Oktoberfests. At these festive events, visitors enjoy
shopping craft booths, eating funnel cakes, playing festival games,
going on pony rides, face-painting, and attending concert events of
various bands and musically talented artists.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
The Maryland Renaissance Festival attracts visitors interested in food, music, and dancing. The official
Renaissance Festival website
informs potential visitors of scheduled artists and performances. Those
interested in performing at the festival can click on the “Audition”
link to begin the process of securing a spot.
A specific story line is chosen for each year as well as themed
special events such as a children’s weekend, senior’s day, a pirate
weekend, and a Celtic celebration.
Taste of Georgetown
Visitors to the Taste of Georgetown are privileged with the
opportunity to sample foods from around 30 of Washington, DC’s best
restaurants. In addition to savoring the taste of Georgetown’s finest
foods, visitors will enjoy live Jazz music, artists, and children’s
activities.
The Taste of Georgetown is sometimes held at other times during the year. Interested guests should check the
Taste of Georgetown official website for specific information about tickets, dates, participating restaurants, and entertainment.
Taste of DC
The Taste of DC is much like the taste of Georgetown. The
Taste of DC Official Website
advertises more than 50 restaurant participants. Visitors enjoy food,
music, life performance, a family-friendly activity zone and an Annual
World Chili Eating Championship Contest.
The Taste of DC is a “Rain or Shine” event and takes place on
Pennsylvania Avenue. Tickets usually run an inexpensive $10.00 per
person and admission for children 12 and under is free.
The Washington International Horse Show
The Washington International Horse Show is the leading indoor
metropolitan horse show in the United States. Every year, at least 500
of the best national and international riders and horses compete in the
event which lasts 6 days. Since the first show in 1958, this event has
been graced with the presence of US Presidents, celebrities, and a whole
lot of people who love horses.
Washington International Horse Show features include:
The President’s Cup Grand Prix
The Puissance High Jump
The Equitation Finals
Kid’s Day
Barn Night
Last, but not least – Shopping
Those interested in attending the Washington International Horse Show should check the
official website for specific information about dates, events and ticketing.
The Wounded Warrior Experience
The Wounded Warrior Experience features veterans of various wars
spanning several generations. Visitors learn about the challenges
wounded warriors face and resources made available to help them. This
event is held at the United States Navy Memorial’s Arleigh Burke Theater
in mid to late October.
Space for this event is limited. Make reservations early by sending an email to wsmith@americanveteranscenter.org.
The Wounded Warrior Experience is free, but please go with the
intention of making a donation. Your donation helps United States
wounded veterans get the help they need to live their lives after
fighting to protect yours.
As with all Washington DC October events, check
The Wounded Warrior Experience website for specific details.
