Home » What to Do This Weekend Around Maryland, DC, and Fairfax County: Nov 15-17
What to Do This Weekend Around Maryland, DC, and Fairfax County: Nov 15-17
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What to Do This Weekend Around Maryland, DC, and Fairfax County: Nov 15-17

Want to know what’s going on across the DMV? Check out this diverse collection of events, including coin expos, Thanksgiving parades, comedy shows, Christmas performances and so much more.

Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend

Explore Maryland’s counties this weekend as you shop holiday markets, visit the Native American Festival, watch the kids in the Turkey Waddle, and drink some beer at the Greater Maryland Beer Festival!

35th Annual Museum Shop Holiday Market

Where? 10701 Rockville Pike
When? November 14th-16th

Make this your one-stop shop for unique finds that are sure to wow your loved ones this holiday season. On the weekend of November 14th, swing by The Mansion from 10:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily to shop one-of-a-kind museum finds. While there is no cost to enter, there is a suggested donation of $10 for those who are able to pay. Strathmore’s Museum Shop Holiday Market brings together the area’s best museum and cultural shops for a three-day extravaganza. Every purchase helps to contribute to a larger purpose, such as supporting nonprofit museums and arts organizations in the local community. RSVP is requested, though not required. Participating businesses include The Phillips Collection, Museum of the Bible, Woodend Nature Shop, KVZ Designs, and more!

Baltimore Winter Expo

Where? 1 West Pratt Street
When? November 14th-16th

The Baltimore Winter Expo is celebrating over 50 years of service to the local numismatic community! Hailing as one of the biggest and best expos of the year, you won’t want to miss this weekend’s event. Held at the Baltimore Convention Center across Halls A, B & C — this is a can’t-miss experience where you can visit companies, vendors, and more such as Affordable Coins and Currency, ASB Rare Coins, Banknotes of the World, Chesapeake Bay Rare Coins, Classic Coin Company, Damron Numismatics and so many more. Young collectors between the ages of 6 and 12 will want to visit the Kid’s Nook, where they can check out the “Fill Your Album” event. Every child will receive a goodie bag with collectibles that have been generously shared by Winter Expo coin dealers.

ICE!

Where? 201 Waterfront Street
When? November 15th-December 28th

The Gaylord National is one of the ultimate Christmas destinations! Check out ICE! Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” this holiday season. Take a step inside this holiday showcase as you view larger-than-life sculptures, take a ride down thrilling frozen slides, and traverse through awe-inspiring tunnels. Additional activities and events include the Snowball Build and Blast, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, photos with Santa, and the very exciting Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Tickets are on sale now or you can buy more and save with one of the bundles or Holiday Deluxe packages. Make new traditions this Christmas season and experience the whimsey of this iconic showcase for all ages in National Harbor!

Pow-Wow & Native American Festival

Where? 2200 York Road
When? November 16th

The Baltimore American Indian Center’s 48th annual Pow-Wow will be held this Saturday. Everyone is invited to join the center at the Exhibition Hall at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. There will be Native music, dancing, and of course — food for all! Shop Native vendors and enter to win cash prizes! Admission is priced at $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for younger kiddos. Parking is free. Grab your tickets early and beat the lines. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the Pow-Wow wraps up at 7:00 PM. Arrive early and stay all day or pay a visit to the fairgrounds for a couple of hours in the afternoon. However you choose to attend, help support the local community and enjoy the rich cultural atmosphere.

Turkey Waddle

Where? 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road
When? November 16th

The 2024 Turkey Waddle will be held this Saturday at the North Laurel Community Center. Participants ages 2 to 10 years old are invited to gobble their way through the park. This self-paced walk will consist of various children’s activities and fitness challenges. There will even be a chance to enter to win a turkey for your Thanksgiving day feast! The cost of participation is priced at $10 for members of the center and $15 for nonmembers. You can register online today! Membership includes access to the fitness center, so consider joining if you’re in search of a new gym as the year is winding down.

BRRC 5th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival

Where? 430 Riverside Drive
When? November 16th

The Back River Restoration Committee is hosting its annual Holiday Festival this Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This is a rain or shine event and there is no cost to attend. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, as well as complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause. There will be face painting available for a fee and 20+ vendors set up at Hawks Pleasure Club. Enjoy crafts, home decor, skincare, and more. Arrive hungry so you can enjoy pit turkey, hot dogs, pit ham, and more. Whether you’re in the market for holiday gift-giving or you want to treat yourself to self-care products, the annual Arts and Crafts Festival has you covered.

Greater Maryland Beer Festival

Where? 1169 Shopping Center Road
When? November 16th

The Greater Maryland Beer Festival will be hosting 23 breweries in honor of the 23 counties, each of which is bringing 2 styles of beer for guests to enjoy. The festival will be hosted at Cult Classic Brewing in Stevensville on Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $43, which includes unlimited samples during the 4-hour beer extravaganza and access to all of the shenanigans and ridiculousness that’s sure to ensue. This is an outdoor event, though there will be tent coverage. Food options are available, as well as live entertainment like music, a game show, and a presentation of medals that YOU get to vote on. Cast your decisions on which brewery has the best beers, the coolest vibes, and the best brewery hairstyles!

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

Where? 1 Veterans Place
When? November 16th

Make a trip to the annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade for larger-than-life inflatable turkeys, penguins, oh my! Watch as glittering floats make their way by, as well as marching bands, dancing groups, and even Santa and his helpful elves. This is the only Thanksgiving Parade of its kind in the metro DC area, so make it count and invite your friends, family, and neighbors for what’s sure to be an exciting afternoon. The parade and the festivities are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and will be held in Downtown Silver Spring. The route kicks off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and makes its way south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue. Secure a prime viewing spot by arriving early!

Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend

Check out these exciting festivities and activities around the capital city this weekend. From pop-up markets to the Tinder Live performance and all things floral at the NCA Flower Show — the city is bustling with fun, diverse things to do with your friends and family.

Tinder Live

Where? 1215 U Street NW
When? November 15th

Tinder Live will be held at the Lincoln Theater at 8:00 PM this Friday. Originally rescheduled from September 21st, this 10th-anniversary show with Lane Moore is a critically acclaimed comedy event where Moore projects her dating app onto a screen and swipes through profiles live on stage. The audience will have the chance to vote on whether she swipes right or left. Hilarious and surprising results are to be expected. Tinder Live has sold out hundreds of live shows across the U.S. and Canada, so snap up tickets for your opportunity to catch the performance. Tickets are still on sale, starting in price from the low $50s. Invite a group of friends, enjoy a few drinks, and help Moore swipe!

NCA Flower Show

Where? 3501 New York Avenue NE
When? November 15th & 16th

The theme for this year’s Flower Show is “Over the River and Through the Woods.” The event will be held at the US National Arboretum in the auditorium across two days, Friday and Saturday. The show is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days, so arrive early and take advantage of everything the event has to offer. The program features an opening ceremony on Friday at 11:00 AM, as well as educational events and awards granted for horticulture excellence, botanical arts artistic craft awards, and even a botanical arts photography award.

Holiday Pop-Up Market

Where? 1309 5th Street NE
When? November 15th-17th

Swing by the Holiday Pop-Up Market outside of Union Market this weekend, hosted by La Cosecha’s Arttepuy. The market will be recurring throughout December and is designed to provide patrons with a vibrant selection of local artists and makers. Not only is this the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted gifts — you can also support small businesses while you’re at it! The market is embracing all things festive this holiday season, so bundle up and start shopping. Market hours are scheduled from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day, giving you plenty of time to stop by and peruse the offering.

Shows, Activities, Events & More Near Arlington, VA This Weekend

Northern Virginia has a lot to offer when it comes to the holiday season. Make a trip to Busch Gardens for an impressive light display or drive through the festivities at the Bull Run Festival of Lights.

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Where? 7700 Bull Run Drive
When? November 15th

Experience the magic and wonder of the Bull Run Festival of Lights, Northern Virginia’s largest drive-through holiday light extravaganza! This activity has been a family favorite for over three decades, so drive through the 2.5-mile display of holiday and fairytale beauty while staying warm and cozy with your group in your vehicle. New displays are added every year, so even if you made the trip out last year — 2024’s display will have new things to see! This Friday is opening day but no worries if you can’t make it out this weekend. The Festival of Lights runs through January 5th, 2025!

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Where? 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard
When? November 15th-January 5th

The holiday season shines extra brightly at the Busch Gardens Christmas Town. The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park is welcoming the 15th year of this festive event where they transform the exciting atmosphere with over 10 million twinkling lights. In fact, this is one of the largest displays in North America. Patrons can enjoy heart-warming shows like ‘Twas the Night and returning favorite, Gloria! Explore new family traditions like Santa’s Workshop and the Christmas Town Express as you pair exhilarating moments with holiday cheer on over 25 rides and coasters. There will be festive treats, holiday shopping, and special photo opportunities to preserve these memories for years to come. Christmas Town is a separate ticketed event and isn’t included in basic admission — so make sure to add it to your visit!

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival

Where? 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center
When? November 16th-17th

Head to the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly for the best in chocolate, coffee, and more this weekend. Over 200 exhibitors from across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and beyond will be in attendance for samples, products, gifts, and more. Sip on coffees from around the world, taste chocolates for every palate, and shop handmade goods like soaps, teas, candles, art, and more. There will be classes and presentations, as well as photo opportunities, prize drawings, demonstrations, and even a coffee filter craft table for the kids. Tickets are on sale for $17.99 when purchased online until November 15th or $20 at the door! Upgrade to a VIP ticket for all weekend access plus an exclusive shopping hour on Saturday morning for just $35.

Nutcracker Reimagined Holiday Performance

Where? 300 West Washington Street
When? November 17th

Kick off the holiday season with a bang at the Nutcracker Ballet Performance in the Grand Ballroom. The performance will be hosted at the Middleburg Community Center at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Sunday and families of all ages are welcome. Come on out and enjoy this beloved season tradition — this time, reimagined! The performance will blend classical ballet with an enchanting twist. There will be two abbreviated performances of the full show, each lasting 1 hour each, and kiddos ages 5 and under are free. Tickets are priced at $25 per person and holiday concessions will be available for purchase (wine, cocoa, and more)!

We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!

Whether you’re craving coffee and chocolate or you want to surprise the family with a trip to Busch Gardens, there are lots of exciting activities, events, and more across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia this weekend. Come back and visit us next week for an updated list of what’s going on around the DMV.