The weekend is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for something fun to do to get out of the house, check out these exciting weekend events happening September 15–17. With these fall festivals, musical performances, and theatrical productions, the weekend will be anything but dull.
The 39 Steps
September 8–October 8, times vary
NextStop Theatre Company celebrates its 10th anniversary by bringing back the first show it ever presented. It’s a comedy based on the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, in which an unassuming man gets involved in espionage. The cast will flip a coin before each show to determine which cast member will play which character, so every night is a new experience. NextStop Theatre: 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, $45
King of the Yees
September 12–October 22, times vary
In this semi-autobiographical theatrical comedy, a playwright’s father goes missing, leaving her to journey through San Fransisco’s Chinatown to find him. This is the first time the play will be presented in the DC area. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, ticket prices vary
Oktoberfest at the Wharf
September 15–17, times vary
Celebrate Oktoberfest with this weekend-long celebration at The Wharf. Try your hand at traditional polka dancing on Friday, cheer for your favorite pup at the Weiner 500 Daschund Dash on Saturday, then finish it out with a stein hoisting competition on Sunday. The Wharf: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free for spectators, $30 to participate in Daschund Dash
Crossroads Music Festival
September 15, 7 p.m. and September 16, 5–10 p.m.
Enjoy the talents of area musicians throughout Leesburg with this music festival. The party starts Friday evening with performances from Shaed and Ryan Wright at the Loudoun County courthouse, then performances from over 30 artists will happen throughout the town on Saturday at 11 other venues that include SideBar, King’s Tavern, and Dynasty Brewing. Downtown Leesburg, $20
Family Flashlight Corn Maze Night
September 15–16, 6–8:30 p.m.
Do your kids crave a little extra challenge from their corn maze? At Great Country Farms, your family can take on the quintessential fall task in the dark. Finish off the night with cider and s’mores by the fire. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $14–$16
Bobby Bones Comedy Show
September 16, 8 p.m.
Radio host and television personality Bobby Bones is known for his iHeart Radio show The Bobby Bones Show and his former role as a mentor on American Idol. On his Comedically Inspirational on Tour show at Warner Theatre, he’ll share funny and uplifting personal stories with the audience. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $46
Virginia Cider Festival
September 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sample hard cider from over 25 brands at Fredericksburg’s Virginia Cider Festival. Live music will accompany the sips, and food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. General admission comes with a complimentary tasting glass. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, cheersfestivals.com, $15–$30
Virginia Chili Blues & Brews
September 16, noon–9 p.m.
Warm up with a bowl (or two, or three) of Virginia’s finest chilis. Taste a variety along with your beer at Lumos Plaza. Listen to blues music by Honest Labor, Don’t Look Up, Ken Farmer and the Authenticators, Eli Cook, and Sol Roots. Waynesboro
Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival
September 16–17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
With an apple pie eating contest, apple pie baking competition, and apple-themed concessions, there’s no secret as to what this festival celebrates. Craft vendors, a car show, inflatables, a petting zoo, and axe throwing add to the fun at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. 250 Fairground Rd., Clear Brook
Fall Festival at Cox Farms
September 16–17, Thursdays through Mondays September 26–November 6, and November 7; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. until November 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. November 2–7
Cox Farms’ popular annual fall festival opens its doors with a preview weekend before it fully opens for the season. Take a hayride, explore a corn field, and indulge in yummy seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and caramel apples. Plus, there will be live music to keep the fun going all fall long. Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, $10–$25
Del Ray Vintage Flea Market Pop-Up at Lost Boy Cider
September 16, 1–6 p.m.
Looking for some new-to-you vintage finds to freshen up your wardrobe? Head to Lost Boy Cider for a pop-up of the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market, where you’ll find vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Head inside the taproom to sip on refreshing hard ciders and wine. Lost Boy Cider: 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria
National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center
September 16, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
It’s National Dance Day. To celebrate, head to the Kennedy Center for a day-long hip-hop event. There will be free dance performances and classes hosted by DMV-area dancers, art activities, and dance parties with DJs from the True School. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, free
Patti Smith and Her Band
September 16, 8 p.m.
Don’t miss this performance from the renowned performer, author, and artist. Smith was a well-known musician in the 1970s punk rock movement and has acquired numerous awards throughout her career for her music, art, and writing, including her memoir Just Kids. Note that this show has seated tickets rather than the Anthem’s typical general admission standing-room setup. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $55–$75
Celebrate Virginia
September 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
All things Virginia will be on display at this festival. Sample craft beer from five Virginia breweries, shop at a maker’s market with goods from local artisans, and dance and sing your heart out to local musicians. Artist Kevin Bednarz will lead the painting of a community mural. VIP guests can access a wine tasting booth with 16 wineries. The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, free for the maker’s market, $40 for the wine tastings
Pet Festival
September 16, noon–4 p.m.
Give your furry friend a day out with the Village at Leesburg’s annual pet festival. Enjoy pet exhibitors, a ball pit for pups, a balloon artist, and a caricaturist. You can even go home with a new member of the family, as there will be rescue adoptions on site. Plus, stay entertained with the Leesburg’s Got Talent pet show. The Village at Leesburg: 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, free
Ray LaMontagne
September 17, 8 p.m.
Head to Wolf Trap this weekend to enjoy the fall weather with an outdoor folk concert. Ray LaMontagne is a singer-songwriter known for songs like “You Are the Best Thing” and “Let it Be Me.” Tomberlin, another folk singer-songwriter, will open the show. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $39
David Amoroso: Belleza Brutal
Through November 4
Floral motifs meet fierce masculinity in David Amoroso’s latest exhibition. Amoroso’s pop art challenges the stereotypes and binaries associated with masculinity, aiming to alter the viewer’s perception of the subjects of his art. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, free
Feature image of Fall Festival at Cox Farms courtesy Cox Farms
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