Early fall weekends like this weekend will have you venturing outdoors. The weekend of September 20–22 offers the chance to drink beer at Oktoberfest, see Ludacris on stage, celebrate Amazon’s first year at Metropolitan Park in Arlington, and much more.
6th Annual DRP Wing Fest & 1st Annual Hatch Green Chile Roast
September 21, 3–7 p.m.
This will be a day full of wings, green chilies, and live music. Del Ray Pizzeria teams up with Bradshaw Sauce Co. Enjoy half-price wings, and make sure you take part in the Take on the Wings of Doom or Wimpy Wing contests! Del Ray Pizzeria & Draft House: 2218 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
Wunderfest Celebration
September 21, noon–6 p.m.
Celebrate German beer and fun! Enjoy live music, food trucks, and exciting contests like the Stein Hoist and Oktoberfest costume contest. Buy a limited-edition stein and your first beer for $1. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, free
HalloWEIRD Art Market
September 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Browse Halloween-inspired art, from spooky to fun, and enjoy local crafts and Lost Boy Cider. This free, outdoor event in Colasanto Park (next to the Del Ray Artisans gallery) is family-friendly and happens rain or shine. Del Ray Artisans: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
A Vintage Affair
September 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Head to this event if you love vintage items. Over 30 vintage vendors will be there, and live jazz music with DC Ambiance is on tap. Enjoy food from The Italian Place, Toimoi Bakery, Sugarcoated Bakery, and Welle Made Co. Lost Boy Cider will have a mobile cider bar, and you’ll have a chance to win a two-night stay at Hotel AKA Alexandria. Canal Center: 44 Canal Center Plz., Alexandria, free
54th Annual Bluemont Fair
September 21–22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bring the family to the fair! Explore the historic village, enjoy artisan crafts, Virginia wines, beer, and music. Kids can play free games, visit the petting zoo, or join an archaeology demo. It’s a day of fun, learning, and holiday shopping for less than a movie ticket — kids 9 and under get in free. 33846 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $10
Middleburg Oktoberfest
September 21, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
The streets will come alive with two biergartens, delicious German food, vibrant live music, and thrilling Corgi races. Dive into festival games, explore art and crafts from area artists, and sip regional beer, wine, and cider. Don’t miss this lively celebration! South Madison and Federal streets, Middleburg, free
Perchfest Fall: A Shrektastic Music & Mini-Golf Festival
September 20–21
Dive into Shrek-themed activities, enjoy craft beers from Starr Hill Biergarten, and catch live music. Don’t miss the Perch Putt with Shrek-inspired food and drinks, and Broadway’s Shrek the Musical. Join the “Turn the Campus Green” celebration and explore festive Shrek suites at The Watermark Hotel. With free massages, food trucks, and special retail offers, this is an event you won’t want to miss. The Perch at Capital One Center: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, free, donation to Miriam’s Kitchen suggested
Oktoberfest
September 20–22
This three-day event will have live music, vendors, and Eugene’s Sausage & Fries. Savor bratwursts with Eavesdrop Brewery’s best brews. Meet friendly alpacas and baby goats. Friday features Honey & Hops tastings and the Goodtime Alibi Band. On Saturday, it’s music, pop-up vendors, and Nordic Knot Pretzels. Sunday brings alpacas and baby goats, along with live music by The Cold North. Cheers to a weekend of festive fun. Eavesdrop Brewery: 7223 Centreville Rd., Manassas, free
Ludacris LIVE at Ion Arena!
September 20, 8 p.m.
Hear hits like “Money Maker,” “Southern Hospitality,” and “My Chick Bad” live. Don’t miss this performance from one of music’s biggest stars. Grab your friends and get ready to party. Ion Arena: 19201 Compass Creek Pkwy. SE, Leesburg, starting at $75
Amazon Community Day at Met Park
September 21, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Amazon HQ2. Enjoy a fun-filled day with over 50 farmers market vendors, live screen printing, lawn games, interactive art, and more. Little ones can have fun with face painting, a Lego wall, and bubble artists. Don’t miss the culinary scavenger hunt and boozy brunch garden. Metropolitan Park: South Fern Street, Arlington, free
Feature image of Perchfest courtesy Capital One Center
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