I was in Charlottesville this weekend for a wedding, and let me tell you, this is a beautiful time of year to be enjoying the hills full of color.

This is also the last weekend that a lot of pick-your-own apple farms are letting you pick, so get out there if you want to do it this year!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

The election is next week, and I have no advice on where to find the best watch party (though Kamala will be at Howard), but I do have some advice on how to disconnect from all the focus that will be on DC and politics over the coming weeks.

• Change your parental controls on your phone to block out your sources of doom scrolling. Specific apps, you can add time limits on, while websites, you can limit access to websites by listing them as adult websites. You can also download apps. Here's a detailed guide if you really want to get into it.
• Stay active. Go for walks, lift heavy weights, go to workout classes, practice yoga and mindfulness.
• Explore the outdoors: Head to Rock Creek Park or the National Arboretum. Take a walk or bike ride among the trees and trails, and enjoy the peace away from the screens and noise.
• Get lost in a book. Pick up a novel, a memoir, or a poetry collection that has nothing to do with current events and let yourself get absorbed in another world. DC Public Library has audiobooks and ebooks for all card holders, too.
• Eat your feelings. Spend time in a neighborhood you rarely visit, trying out a new cuisine or cozying up with a seasonal coffee at a quieter spot.
• Plan a getaway: If you really want to unplug, consider planning a short trip out of town on and after the big days. Check out Virginia wineries, hike in Shenandoah National Park, or head to the Maryland coast. Even a day trip can make all the difference in helping you come back feeling refreshed.

ICYMI

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• Tree lovers can enjoy the autumn season and take a stroll along historical tree species that Casey Trees has planted over the past two decades at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. Wednesday 10/30. 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.
• Ocean Hall is preparing a fun but a bit frightening experience where costumed scientists share spooky specimens and creatures for Halloween. Thursday 10/31. Free.
• Watch the screening for the 1922 horror classic Nosferatu with a live improvised soundtrack by Novparolo. Thursday 10/31. Free.
• Take trick or treating to an international level with a stroll around Dupont Circle and Embassy Row and collect candies from across the globe. Thursday 10/31. $44.
• Catch Tinashe sing her earworm "Nasty" live in concert at her Match My Freak World Tour. Friday 11/1. $40+
• 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+
• Snag an original artwork from Del Ray Artisans in their $100 and Under art exhibit where all pieces are sold at $100 or less and on a to-go basis. Opening reception starts this Friday 11/1. Free.
• Enjoy an evening of strings and visual arts combining viola and cello with En Route's dynamic string ensemble and live calligraphy of Abdulrahman Naanseh. Friday 11/1. $10+​
• Have your dogs say goodbye to pool season with a doggie dip fundraiser for Humane Rescue Alliance. Dogs can enjoy a heated, saline-treated pool and treats + apple cider for the family. Next Saturday 11/2. $20 suggested donation.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth as the 2024 Dessert Festival comes to DC this Saturday 11/2. Free.
• Get a rewind of Georgetown's haunted past with this thrilling Halloween tour. Uncover scandals, murder, and politics from the Civil War to the Cold War. Saturday 11/2. $24.
• Watch this highly anticipated documentary screening of the Common Ground that exposes the money and politics behind the broken food system. Tickets are almost sold out for this one. Saturday 11/2. $10.
• Need a new signature scent? Swap your old perfumes for new favorites and learn about gourmand fragrances for this colder season. Saturday 11/2. $15.
• ​Relive the Civil War history in DC and walk through memorials and wartime stories that remain as a legacy or forgotten memory today. Saturday 11/2. $55 for nonmembers, but members enter free.
• Have a festive Halloween with paper mache piñata , calaveritas, and catrina contest at La Cosecha this Sunday 11/3. $5+
• Kickstart November with an autumn rooftop party and winemaking activities at the District Winery. Sunday 11/3. $99.

Next Week

• Paint and bring home your own mug at this Pottery Party for singles in Cleveland Park. Mo"Truth is Marching In"​ anthem nday 11/4. It's $40.
• Five bands from different cities will play the "Truth is Marching In" anthem for a live jazz performance. Monday 11/4. Free.
• Want to test your knowledge of historical collections preserved at the Library of Congress? They're adding a twist to the trivia night by giving guests a special showcase of the library's collection items. Thursday 11/7. Free.
• Experience a Regency-inspired evening party and come dressed in your favorite Bridgerton outfits. Friday 11/8. $20.
• Join a relaxing yoga session with friendly goats from Walnut Creek who will roam and interact during the practice. Perfect for goat cuddles, selfies, and family fun! Saturday 11/9. $40.
• Snag the best vintage finds from 50+ expert vintage vendors at the 2-day Vintage Market. See reworked clothing, bridal pieces, and unique home goods. 11/9-10. $5.

Further Out

• 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.
• Preparing early for the holiday? There's an upcoming masterclass from expert hosts on how to host a dinner party. Tuesday 11/12. $125.
• Go back to the '70s with this Valley of the Dolls parody and sip cocktails while you're at it. 11/12-14. $20.
• Come hike and see the beautiful monuments at night around the Mount Vernon Trail and under the moonlight this coming Friday 11/15. Free.
• Don't miss this Tinder Live comedy show with Lane Moore where she swipes through dating profiles live on stage. Friday 11/15. $35.
• See the works of 100 artists around the DMV in one place at the 2024 Umbrella Art Fair. 11/15-17. Free.
• Join the Hip Hop culture experience in keeping the arts alive as Riddim and Poetry come to DC with interactive exhibits, panels, workshops, live music, poetry slams, and DJ battles. Saturday 11/16. $20.
• Learn more about history with a tour of the last fort left to defend DC during the Civil War. This Fort Stevens Tour is a must-try! Saturday 11/16. $55 for nonmembers, but members get a free pass.
• Listen to experts from Ford Theatre as they show 19th-century maps and photographs this coming Wednesday 11/20 for a Civil War Washington webinar. Free.
• Catch the holiday-themed happy hours at the rooftop bar from 7 to 9 PM and have fun with ICE! night from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" while you're there to relax. Thursday 11/21. Price varies.
• Support the next generation of female rock stars at the Camper Cover Show featuring Outerloop, Lud Roes, Ari Voxx, and Chyna. Saturday 11/30. $12.
• Don't miss this chance to see the queen of Christmas Mariah Carey live at her annual Christmas tour. Tickets might sell out soon! Sunday 12/1. $60+
• If you're a fan of theatre, there's an upcoming Broadway Show: A Beautiful Noise at the National Theatre featuring stories behind the songs that defined Neil Diamond's career. Runs from 12/3 to 12/8. $100+