We know how busy life can get. If you haven’t had time to research area events, activities, shows, and more for the upcoming weekend — we’ve got you covered! Check out this compilation of the region’s best happenings this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Now all you have to do is grab tickets, a friend or two, and prepare for a good time.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Maryland is bustling with activity this weekend, from the Festival of Flight in Frederick to the annual Middletown Heritage Festival! If you want to delve into authentic Italian cuisine and entertainment, make sure to check out the three-day Galbani Maryland Italian Festival in Bel Air!
Galbani Maryland Italian Festival
Where? 608 North Tollgate Road, Bel Air
When? September 27th-29th
This three-day Italian Festival is sure to be a weekend highlight at Bel Air’s Harford County Equestrian Center! Hailing as Maryland’s largest Italian festival, attendees can enjoy carnival rides, national and regional entertainment, retail vendors, cooking and wine demos, and even a bocce tournament! Adult visitors can sample drinks from wine, beer, and liquor piazzas. Tickets are on sale now starting at $10, with VIP packages available if you want to upgrade your experience. Hours run from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Friday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, with a 10:00 AM mass. Organizers encourage guests to get there early and stay late! Feel free to bring your own lawn chairs and stake out a prime spot in front of the stage.
Baltimore Book Festival
Where? 401 East 30th Street, Baltimore
When? September 27th-29th
The 2024 Baltimore Book Festival is made possible because of partnership between The Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts (BOPA) and the City of Baltimore, Waverly Main Street, Red Emma’s, and Peabody Heights Brewery. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival and will feature various local authors and poets, as well as neighborhood booksellers and small businesses. There will be a 30th Street Kids Stage presented by Baltimore Read Aloud with featured authors including Tiffany Semmons, Sanaa Chege, and Simon Brown, and even an interactive public speaking activity!
Asia in a Bite Food Fest
Where? 201 Key Highway, Baltimore
When? September 28th
The Asia in a Bite Food Fest happens every last weekend from April to September, so make sure to take advantage of the final fest of the year! Enjoy authentic Asian bites in Baltimore. The best news? Admission is complimentary, so just swing by to enjoy rich flavors and unique cultural performances at Rash Field. Vendors include Crepes 168, Dashi Ramen, Koi Tea, Mama Dang, Mao’s Bao, and Pepper House. Saturday’s fest is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These monthly events are designed to foster a deeper connection and understanding of Asian cultures through the universal language of food and by providing a vibrant gathering space where everyone feels welcome.
2024 Festival of Flight
Where? 310 Aviation Way, Frederick
When? September 28th
The Frederick Municipal Airport is excited to be hosting the 2nd annual Frederick Festival of Flight this Saturday! Entry to this spectacular event is completely free. The airport invites members of the Frederick community to head over to the airport for an opportunity to experience the aircraft that fly here, as well as the organizations that meet here and the businesses that operate here. This is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the airport and find new ways to explore and get involved in the aviation community. There will be local food trucks, as well as vendors at the event. The festival kicks off at 9:00 AM and is scheduled to run until 4:00 PM. Attendees can enjoy a pancake breakfast in the Experimental Aircraft Association hangar and watch RC aircraft demonstrations.
Middletown Heritage Festival
Where? Main Street, Middletown
When? September 28th
This year marks the 39th Annual Heritage Festival from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM this Saturday. The event will be held rain or shine, so if rain is in the forecast — bring an umbrella out! The festival will take place on Main Street and there will be an exciting parade taking place with dance groups, floats, marching bands, and a variety of community organizations! Cheer on the participants as they march by and make sure to enjoy the food options, as well as the living history encampments. There will be an array of entertainers, ranging from country music to blues performances! Activities include the Civil War musket firing demonstrations, as well as kids crafts and the fan-favorite pie-eating contest.
28th Annual F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival
Where? 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville
When? September 28th
The 28th annual F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival will take place in the Montgomery College Theatre Arts building this Saturday. The schedule kicks off with registration and check-in starting at 8:30 AM before bus tours begin at the F. Scott Fitzgerald historic sites in Rockville. Workshops run from 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM and span topics such as “Rendering Your Life on the Page” and “Unpacking the Literary Suitcase and Discovering the Memoir Beneath One’s Undergarments.” The keynote speaker for this year’s literary festival is David Ignatius of the Washington Post. Awards and recognitions will be announced later in the afternoon, including the presentation of the Annual F. Scott Fitzgerald Award for Achievement in American Literature for 2024 to winner, Jesmyn Ward.
The Home Owners Expo
Where? 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis
When? September 28th & 29th
The Home Owners Expo in Annapolis, Maryland will be held at The Byzantium Event Center. Attendees will have the chance to find contractors and service companies in their area, all while getting inspired with thousands of ideas and opportunities. Whether you want to shop in the marketplace or participate in an array of educational seminars with local and national experts — you’ll be able to spend an entire afternoon checking out the various offerings. Vendors typically showcase products and services including kitchens, baths, exterior products, flooring, heating and air, as well as window treatments, lawn and landscape, bedding, cookware, and more! If you’re considering upcoming home improvement projects, this is a great way to meet local talent and find DIY inspiration.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
Washington D.C. always has plenty going on, so we’ve gathered a few of this weekend’s best events and shows! Catch Sebastian Maniscalco on his upcoming tour or celebrate all things theater-related at the Kickoff Fest!
Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right Tour
Where? 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
When? September 28th
Following a five-night run at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Sebastian Maniscalco is bringing his “It Ain’t Right Tour” to D.C.’s Capital One Arena. The outrageously funny comedian has released six comedy specials and has acted in supporting roles in films such as The Irishman and IF. He’s known for his distinctive, physical style that keeps audiences engaged and enthralled throughout his shows.
Kickoff Fest
Where? 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, D.C.
When? September 28th
Kickoff Fest 2024 will be held in Theatre Washington this Saturday and is free to attend. The festival will run from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Arena Stage and provides the unique opportunity to mix and mingle with leaders from your favorite theaters while you explore their upcoming seasons and sample their programming. There will be interactive exhibits and happenings, as well as performances, panel discussions, and more. Come on out and immerse yourself in what’s happening on D.C. area stages this season!
Fiesta DC Festival 2024
Where? Pennsylvania Avenue NW (between 7th NW & 3rd Street NW), Washington, D.C.
When? September 28th & 29th
Fiesta DC is a two-day extravaganza that transforms the city into a global fiesta celebrating Latino cultures. Savor authentic flavors and diverse Latin American cuisine while you lose yourself in the rhythms of live music and dance performances. Explore the marketplace that features handcrafted artist creations. Fiesta DC is welcoming of all ages, so make a plan to swing by and enjoy the engaging activities that are designed to foster a spirit of community and cultural exchange. The festival will run from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Shows, Activities, Events & More Near Arlington, VA This Weekend
Check out these fun events happening around Northern Virginia this weekend! From the Fall Golf Classic to a lively Oktoberfest celebration — you’re sure to find something right up your alley.
The St. James 2024 Fall Golf Classic
Where? 13940 Balmoral Greens Avenue, Clifton
When? September 27th
The 3rd annual St. James 2024 Fall Golf Classic will be held at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton this Friday. The minimum age to participate is 18 and fees are priced at $225+ for free agents and $900 per foursome (plus transaction fees). The classic is sponsored by McEnearney Associates. Registration closes the day of the event and includes participation in the classic, as well as an exclusive STJ event gift bag, plus participation in the MegaPutt contest. Participants will also receive a complimentary box lunch, a snack at the turn, and two complimentary beverages. The post-event festivities include appetizers and beverages. If you have new or gently used sports and playground equipment, make a donation and receive a complimentary Mulligan ticket!
Aslin 9th Anniversary Beer, Music & Art Festival
Where? 847 South Pickett Street, Alexandria
When? September 28th
This Saturday, head over to Aslin Beer Company in Alexandria for their annual festival. From 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join in with your fellow beer drinkers while you enjoy live music from 5 bands, an art market, and 20 guest breweries! There will be plenty of activities for the whole family, so get ready to enjoy an afternoon of great fun. The band lineup at this year’s festival includes Massie, Boulevards, Sa-Roc, Cass McCombs, and White Denim. Guest breweries include partners that Aslin has collaborated with over the years on unique, limited-run beers. There are various ticket levels and add-on sample packages, so create your own adventure! Baseline general admission is priced at $25, which includes full event access.
Oktoberfest at John Carlyle Square
Where? 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria
When? September 28th
Everyone is invited to Alexandria’s Oktoberfest celebration in John Carlyle Square! This Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, join the local community at the beer garden or participate in the bier stein hoisting competition. The winner gets bragging rights! There will be traditional German dance performances, as well as a DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibes high. Check out the artisans and crafters as they showcase their unique creations, as well as the food vendors serving up mouthwatering traditional German bites. If you want a chance to win Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, make sure to don your best dirndl or lederhosen and get ready to strut your stuff across the stage. Admission is free and the event is pet friendly, so bring the whole family out for a day of lively fun.
Clarendon Day
Where? 3100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
When? September 28th
Clarendon Day is one of the most exciting events of the year in Arlington. This diverse street festival features a central music stage, a large kids zone area, as well as an array of local arts and crafts vendors. There will be business and nonprofit exhibitors from the region, as well as a multitude of tasty food options from local and regional restaurants. Adults can sample craft beers and Virginia wines, as well! Celebrating over 20 years of fun across 6 blocks, this event expects to draw in 10,000+ people — so arrive early and stay late! There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Clarendon Day.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
As always, we hope you are excited to kick off an awesome weekend full of fun! With a diverse array of festivals, comedy shows, and community celebrations — you’re sure to find a few things that strike your interest. Make sure to set a reminder to check back next week for an updated list of the area’s happenings.