Fall is here! We’ve moved away from the dog days of summer, but it also means crunchy apples, bright orange pumpkins, spooky festivities, delicious treats, and crisp autumn air. We’ve gathered a list of the most fun and most entertaining fall festivals and autumnal events in the area. Take your family, go on a date, even take a stroll alone! These fun festivals have something for everyone.
Boo At The Zoo
The Smithsonian’s famous National Zoo hosts an amazing treat-filled event – BOO AT THE ZOO!
Kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town during Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke. This frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole family. There is candy as well as non-food items to collect as you walk around and explore the zoo. Many animal enclosures are open as well for zoo-goers. Beer and food are available for purchase at the zoo as well. Come ready to say “boo!”
Festival Info:
When: Friday, October 18th, Saturday, October 19th & Sunday, October 20th from 5:30 – 8:30pm
Address: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Cost: $20/per person for FONZ members, $30/per person for non-FONZ members
Bootanica at Brookside Gardens
Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award-winning storyteller Gary Loyld present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young” telling tales more funny than scary. Designed for kids 3-12.
Festival Info:
When: Friday, October 25th from 5:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Brookside Gardens Visitors Center
1800 Glenallen Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902
Cost: $18/per child; adults free.
Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll
Join in the Halloween fun at Pumpkin Rock n’ Roll – a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Enjoy family-friendly attractions including live musical performances, the pumpkin derby race, food trucks, and a hay maze.
Festival Info:
When: Saturday, October 27th from 12:00-4:00pm
Where: GIGS Courtyard
3762 Howard Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: FREE!
Silver Spring Holiday Crafts Desserts & Sweets Festival
Just in time for kids’ candies celebration, join us for a delectable excursion in the world of sweets and desserts! Come to Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring for a crafts and dessert fair on Sunday, October 27th. Join the KIDS’ COSTUME PARADE with BEST COSTUME prize from 2:00pm – 2:30pm. Also, don’t forget to get your pumpkin decorating ready just in time for Halloween!!
Festival Info:
When: Sunday, October 27th from 1:00–6:00pm
Where: Veteran’s Plaza – Downtown Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: FREE!
Butler’s Orchard: Pumpkin Festival
Located in upper Montgomery County, Butler’s Annual Pumpkin Festival is the place to be on Fall weekends!
There are so many activities and fun stations, that everyone will have done something they loved by the end of the day. Check out the hayrides, hayloft, straw maze, pony rides, pedal tractors, and face painting! Lots of food vendors on hand to tackle all your fall-food cravings as well!
Festival Info:
When: Weekends October 19/20, October 26/27 & November 2/3
Where: Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876
Cost: $12/per person (children 24 months & younger free)
Cash Only at Gate. ATM on site or purchase tickets at the market with your Visa or MasterCard.
Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm
Fall Fun Fest featuring 7-acre corn maze, farm animal barnyard, giant slides, jumping pillows, mini mazes, wooden play structures, corn bins, pedal kart, country cruisers… over 60 awesome attractions!
Festival Info:
When: Now thru November 3 from 10:00am-6:00pm daily
Where: Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road,
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Cost: Admission $13.50 per person weekends, $9 per person weekdays, kids under 2 free. Season Pass $35 per person.
