Secret DC

Winter is still a few months away, but a new long-range forecast is already giving D.C. residents an idea of what could be ahead. The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a changeable winter across the D.C. region, with snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain all possible depending on storm tracks and temperatures. Meanwhile, a strong El Niño is expected to influence the winter pattern, potentially making for an active and unpredictable season across the Mid-Atlantic.

Halloween season is almost here, and one of the most intense haunted attractions near Washington, D.C., is getting ready to welcome visitors back for another year of screams. Bennett’s Curse Haunted House in Dundalk, Maryland, opens for the 2026 season on September 26, bringing four different horror attractions together for one continuous experience.

For 170 years, Old Ebbitt Grill has been one of Washington, D.C.’s most recognizable restaurants, serving generations of diners just blocks from the White House. Now, for the first time, the iconic restaurant’s name is expanding beyond its longtime D.C. home with a new spinoff location.

If you’re looking for a spectacular fall road trip from D.C., few places can compete with Skyline Drive through Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The 105-mile scenic roadway winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering sweeping views of forests, mountains and valleys that become especially spectacular when autumn arrives. With vibrant reds, oranges and yellows transforming the landscape, fall is one of the most scenic times of year to experience Skyline Drive.

Washington, D.C.’s massive H Street Festival is returning this weekend for another day of music, food, shopping and neighborhood celebrations. The annual festival will once again transform H Street NE into a sprawling, pedestrian-friendly party featuring multiple stages, local businesses, artists, vendors and community organizations.

Staunton, Virginia, is about to get a serious dose of mischief and magic as thousands of visitors descend on the Shenandoah Valley town for one of its biggest annual celebrations. The Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival returns to historic downtown Staunton on September 26-27, transforming the city's streets, shops and public spaces into an immersive wizarding world.

The 2026 Manassas Latino Festival is coming back to Northern Virginia later this month for a full day celebrating the culture and contributions of the Latin American community. Taking place during National Hispanic Heritage Month, the annual festival brings together live entertainment, dancing, food and activities for visitors of all ages. This year’s event will once again take over the Loy E. Harris Pavilion in Historic Downtown Manassas on Saturday, September 26th.

Just outside Washington, D.C., an unusual aviation weekend is about to fill the Virginia sky with hot air balloons and vintage aircraft. The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Rally returns to Bealeton on September 19-20, bringing balloon activity to the same airfield known for its classic barnstorming airshows. Visitors can watch balloons take to the sky, book rides when available, and stick around for an afternoon airshow featuring the Flying Circus’ vintage aircraft.

Rosslyn is getting ready for an afternoon of live music this weekend as the 34th annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns to Gateway Park in Arlington. The free outdoor festival is bringing together artists with sounds ranging from Puerto Rican plena and Afro-Caribbean music to New Orleans-inspired jazz, funk, soul and Togolese fusion. Along with the music, attendees can spend the afternoon exploring food trucks, local vendors, outdoor bars, games and other activities throughout the park.

The George Washington Patriot Run returns to Mount Vernon this Sunday with a 5K and 10-mile race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The annual event gives runners a chance to race on a section of the historic parkway before finishing at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Participants will also receive a commemorative race shirt and finisher medal, with free admission to Mount Vernon included with registration.