THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
WHISKY The JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue is hosting The Whisky Extravaganza, an evening featuring masterclasses curated by industry experts and a tastings of unique whiskies from around the world. The tastings also include culinary pairings. $150, 6 PM.
PODCAST The District Sentinel is a daily left-wing political podcast recorded in DC. The podcast will have a live show at the Safari Lounge in Petworth, which will feature guests, audience giveaways, plus the podcast’s regular segment called “The Garbage Can.” $5, 9 PM.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
FILM In the spirit of Halloween, the Library of Congress is hosting a discussion of horror film classic, The Blair Witch Project. During “Creating Modern Ghost Stories: The Blair Witch Project,” three of the film’s creators—Emmy-winning co-director Eduardo Sánchez, history fabricator Julia Myrick, and co-producer Michael Monello—will discuss the process of creating the film. A screening of the film will follow the discussion. Free to attend (advanced registration recommended), 7 PM.
COMEDY As part of the 2017 Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival, several female comics will participate in the “What She Said: Women Talk the Business of Comedy” panel discussion at the W Washington DC. Moderated by Elahe Izadi, pop culture writer for the Washington Post, the panel will feature Tig Notaro (One Mississippi), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bad Moms Christmas), and Stephanie Allynne (Wild Horses, One Mississippi). $30, 5:30 PM.
FESTIVAL The first-ever Rosslyn Harvest Festival will take place at the Central Place Plaza on Lynn Street this weekend. While there is a Halloween component with games, face painting, and Trick Or Treating for kids on Saturday, the festival is also a celebration of autumn with an arts and crafts market, beer gardens, and live music. Through Saturday. Free, 4 to 10 PM on Friday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
FOOD The third Smithsonian Food History Weekend will cover the history of food in the U.S. and how it affects culture and community. Although many of the events are sold out, Saturday’s Festival at the National Museum of American History will feature chefs and local organizations giving talks and leading demonstrations. But don’t come hungry: there won’t be any food tastings to go with the education. Free, 10 AM – 5:30 PM.
FESTIVAL The fourth annual Side Yards festival runs on Saturday afternoon at Yards Park. The event pays tribute to circus sideshows, with contortionists, fire artists, fortune tellers, and caricature artists. Free, 5 to 9 PM.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS There are a series of events celebrating Dia de los Muertos across Petworth, starting with an altar-making workshop at the Petworth Community Market and a family-friendly movie screening of The Book of Life at CrossFit Petworth. Through November 3.
EXERCISE In addition to its locations downtown and in Dupont, boutique gym Mint is opening a third location at Manhattan Laundry in November. Since this new location will be a dedicated studio for classes, the gym is hosting a series of free outdoor “power playground” bootcamps at Meridian Hill Park. Free (registration required), 9 AM and 10:30 AM. Also on November 11.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
PARADE The 21st annual Del Ray Halloween Parade begins at Mount Vernon Avenue south of E. Bellefonte and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Children and pets in costume are welcome to march (with their adults!) and show off their Halloween garb. There are prizes for various categories including Best Decorated Stroller and Best Pet Costume. Free, 2 to 4 PM. Judging and registration begins at 1:30 PM.
PUMPKINS Brookland’s Finest is hosting a Halloween pumpkin painting contest. Pumpkins and painting supplies will be provided; judges will select a winning pumpkin for kid-friendly prizes. In addition, the restaurant will serve hot spiced rum cider (for adults) and a DIY caramel apple bar. Free to attend, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
