This past week, we've had the northern lights and a once-in-80,000 years comet. The comet has been elusive for me, though I've been looking each night. If you want to give it a try, here are some details on seeing it and where to look.

I have read that you may need binoculars or a camera to see it, and maybe it's not visible by the naked eye?

Give it a try though--you have some more days to try to catch it. Good luck!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

The leaves are starting to change colors, with a beautiful mix of green, yellow, and red, but for me, red reigns supreme.

If you are looking for the reddest leaves on the streets of DC, you're in luck, because DC has over 12,000 red maples and 4,000 sugar maples.

The red maples are just starting to turn red! I did a deep dive with interactive maps so you can find the best spots near you to go leaf peeping.

ICYMI

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Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• It's the 100th year of Howard Homecoming! Check out the game, official activities, and parties for a weeklong celebration from 10/13-10/20. Homecoming game is Saturday 10/19.
• Cookbook author Priya Krishna will have an Indian-ish happy hour and cooking demo with bite from Daru, plus you get a copy of her cookbook. Open bar. Thursday 10/17. $95.
• Create the perfect home for your Venus Fly Trap and more with Carnivorous Plant Basics and DIY Bog Gardens. Saturday 10/19. $20+.
• Take a yoga class and decorate pumpkins in the style of Yayoi Kusama. Saturday 10/19. $68.
• ​Boo at the Zoo has 30 trick-or-treat stations, spooky animal exhibits, and special after-hours access to animal centers. Prepare $30 for parking. Friday 10/18 - Sunday 10/20. $35.
• Spend a sunny day hike along Rock Creek Park and see historic sites along the way. Saturday 10/19. Free.
• Ready your bicycles for bike demos, bike decorating, free maintenance instruction + tune-ups, and everything bike-related at the Biketoberfest. Saturday 10/19. Free.
• ​Catch your last ride for the 2000-series train before it never comes back. More details at wmata.com/live under “special edition.” Saturday 10/19.
• Getting ready for the holidays? There's a free fall workshop for wreathes, leaf art, and holiday crafts this Saturday 10/19.
• Planet Word is having its signature exhibits for its 4th Anniversary with live experiments from language scientists. Saturday 10/19. Free with a suggested donation.
• Rejuvenate with a 2.8 mile hike through the trails of National Arboretum and conclude with a chill yoga session. Perfect for fitness and yoga beginners. Sunday 10/20. Free.
• Trade your houseplants for a one-on-one plant swap or give them away to new homes at MLK Library. You can also pick up some cuttings or new greenery for your home or office if you don't have anything to trade. Sunday 10/20. Free.
• Come see the pop-up record fair and shows for DC Punk Archives' 10th Anniversary at Lamont Plaza. Sunday 10/20. Free.
• Have fun this fall with 20+ activities at the 2024 Maryland Fall Festival. Go on hayrides, jumping pillows, slides, mini ziplines, pedal karts, and interact with farm animals at Maryland's large corn maze. Save $5 when you buy ahead online. Event runs now until Sunday 10/27. $20.

Next Week

• Start your week with a stress-relieving yoga class at Union Market. Monday 10/21. Free.
• ​Learn how to care for orchids and the secrets to keep them blooming. Tuesday 10/22. $60.
• It's Mount Pleasant Cocktail Week! Take part in classes, vote in the Bloody Mary competition, or sip favorites. 10/23-27. Varies.
• Catch the movie screening for Little Shop of Horrors and get cozy with your own picnic blankets or chairs. Thursday 10/24. $12.
• ​Grab your free pumpkin at a pick-your-own pumpkin patch at Alethia Tanner Park. Baby alpacas will also be on-site for selfies, as well as face painting and henna. Thursday 10/24. Free.
• The Haunted Jamboree wraps up with a glow-in-the-dark party where you get to play pickleball, ping pong, rollerskate in the dark with just glowsticks and black lights. Friday 10/25. Free?
• Sign up your dogs for a costume contest or bring home a new furry friend at the Paws for a Cause fundraiser. Saturday 10/26. $20.
• Have a fun fall craft and planting party with edible bulbs, garlic planting, and vegetable harvesting activities at the National Arboretum. Saturday 10/26. Free.
• Want trick or treat for adults? Ready your spooky costumes and enjoy breweries while exploring the Metropolitan Beer Trail. Win a gift certificate to one of the featured spots by completing at least three of your favorite venue haunts. Saturday 10/26. Free.
• Volunteers can head on to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for productive park stewardship activities and pond maintenance. Saturday 10/26. Free.
• Zine makers and self-published artists can showcase their work at the Zinefest where Punk Archive will have an open house. Saturday 10/26. Free.
• Spend a cozy evening learning how to draw with wool with Nastassja to guide you in a beginner-friendly class. Ticket includes a toolbox and a felted drawing to hang. Saturday 10/26. $85.
• Dress as a witch, vampire, ghoul or any supernatural at the Witching Hour party for lesbians. Tag your friends along! Saturday 10/26. $5.
• Register your dog for a Halloween costume contest and win some prizes for yourself too if you come spooky-prepared at the Cafe du Paws' Dog Happy Hours. Sunday 10/27. Free.
• Have an unlimited taste of over a dozen limited-edition craft ales from your favorite local breweries at the Local Ale Festival. Sunday 10/27. $40.

Further Out

• The annual Dupont High Heel Race is back! This fun community event is one everyone should go to eat least once. Tuesday 10/29. Free.
• Spend a cozy night of ghost stories from professional storytellers at the Haunted Library. Tuesday 10/29. Free.​
• Wrap up Halloween with a suspense-filled night and solve an interactive murder mystery crime while feasting on a family-style dinner. Thursday 10/31. $90.
• Savannah Bananas is returning to DC in June 2025 for the Banana Ball show featuring trick plays and fun sports play. Tickets for the show are not up yet, but you can join the ticket lottery list and get the chance to secure an early spot if you're drawn. Lottery closes on Friday 11/1.
• Bryant Street Market is hosting their second annual Dia de Los Muertos block party. Friday 11/1. Free.
• Dumbarton House has an upcoming Jane Austen Ball with waltz dance lessons at the start of the event. Tour the mansion, enjoy desserts and wine, and have a fun evening of waltzing. Friday 11/1. $59+
• Kickstart November with an autumn rooftop party and winemaking activities at the District Winery. Sunday 11/3. $99.
• Experience a Regency-inspired evening party and come dressed in your favorite Bridgerton outfits. Friday 11/8. $20.
• Want to be part of the fall team sports league? Various sports available for groups, teams, or individuals with no skill level required. Catch up on the last day of registration on Tuesday 11/12.
• Catch the last date for the Lonnie Bee stage play "Around My Way" at the Blackbox Theatre. Tickets are selling fast so secure your spot right away. Friday 12/27. $45.