Fall Events to Fill Your Weekend
Fall is in the air this weekend with the forecast calling for a little rain and temperatures in the 60s. But there are things happening all around the area in addition to haunted houses and Oktoberfests that we’ve already told you about — inside and out if you’ve got a jacket and keep your umbrella nearby. So even though the federal government may still be shutdown, there are other activities waiting to keep your busy.
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Get a jump on your holiday shopping as the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival returns to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds with more than 250 artisans showing and selling their handcrafted work. Now in its 39th year, the festival invites art enthusiasts to meet the jury-selected artists and purchase unique items in functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, leather, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography and fine art. Visitors can also sample and purchase gourmet foods, watch demonstrations from master craftspeople, enjoy live music and participate in interactive children’s entertainment.
Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg. Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on sunday. Admission, good for all three days, is $10 at the door or $8 online here. Children under 12 are free and so is parking.
Fall Super Sale Weekend
Shoppers will fall in love with great deals at Potomac Mills during its Fall Super Sale Weekend with even deeper discounts on top of everyday savings of up to 70 percent off, as well as the opportunity to win a $10 American Express Simon Giftcard. Bargain hunters will enjoy great savings on a wide range of products from apparel and accessories to home goods and electronics. Several retailers will offer discounts on the hottest fall fashion trends and the latest merchandise, such as Bloomingdale’s – The Outlet Store, Columbia Sportswear, Vera Bradley Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Disney Store Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Gap Outlet, J.Crew | crewcuts and others.
Friday, Oct. 11 through Monday, Oct. 14 at Potomac Mills off Interstate 95 in Woodbridge, Va. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.
DC Wine Week
This week-long celebration is dedicated to enjoying wine, wine education and an opportunity to help support the area’s growing local wineries, wine shops, wine bars, restaurants and merchants. Expect hosted themed events throughout DC Wine Week, paired menus and special offers from participating bars and restaurants. You’ll also have a chance to network with local wine experts, attend tastings and learn more about what our area has to offer when it comes to wine. A fun and exciting way to explore local neighborhoods while enjoying what Ernest Hemingway calls “the most sophisticated thing in the world.”
Saturday, Oct. 12-Saturday, Oct. 19 around the city nightly. Highlighted events include Yoga & Wine — get fit and try Va Wine– on Sunday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Vida Fitness on U Street for $20, The Coupe on Columbus Day from 6-8 p.m. in Columbia Heights will showcase tapped wine for $20 and Italian Night at i Ricchi in Dupont on Wednesday for $30 and includes 19 wines, grilled meats and all outdoors. For the full schedule and tickets to individual events, click here.
Tysons Galleria 25th Anniversary
Tysons Galleria is 25 years old, but you get the gifts. The mall in Tysons Corner is celebrating all month long, but on Saturday Aliza Licht, a luxury fashion publicist and University of Maryalnd grad, will participate in a Q&A session moderated by DC Modern Luxury Editor In Chief Michael McCarthy, followed by a VIP reception. Next Saturday, blogger Bryanboy will talk about trends and participate in a Q&A with Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic Robin Givhan.
Saturday, Oct. 12 from 2-5 p.m. in Center Court at Tysons Galleria. The event free and open to the public. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. VIP packages are available for $50 and includes reserved seating at the Q&A from 3-4 p.m., a meet-and-greet with Licht from 4-5 p.m., a gift bag, valet parking, refreshments and an entry into a $250 gift card sweepstakes. For tickets, click here.
18th Annual Arts Safari for Kids
On Saturday, the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town will host the 18th annual Alexandria Arts Safari, a day of hands-on craft activities for kids and their families. Children will enjoy activities such the clay experience, arts safari painting, collage, origami art, giant papier-mache animal, block printing, fun with recycled plastics and more. The Art League will present their popular gallery scavenger hunt. Spin, knit and weave with Fluff and Nonsense. The Alexandria Archaeological Museum will present a painting and coloring activity with patterns from 18th and 19th century pottery.
Saturday, Oct. 12 from noon-4 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Free. Children should arrive with big imaginations and wearing clothing that can get a little dirty. Most activities are appropriate for children kindergarten age and above with parental supervision.
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.