October may be known for Halloween fun, but the month also brings plenty of non-spooky ways to spend time together as a family. From cultural and heritage festivals to vibrant art showcases, here are the best free, family-friendly events happening across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia in October 2025.
Festival Latinoamericano
Oct. 3. The Arlington Mill Community Center is hosting Festival Latinoamericano, which is an opportunity to celebrate the art, culture, traditions and talents of the Latin American community.
Location: 909 South Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA
Hispanic Heritage Month: Screen on the Green
Oct. 4. Riversdale House Museum and the Town of Riverdale Park are hosting a special movie event to celebrate Hispanic heritage. Free admission and snacks are provided.
Location: 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD
2nd Annual Celebrate Fort Washington Fall Festival
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Oct. 4. Visit Fort Washington for a day of family-friendly fun and activities. Enjoy live music and stage performances as you celebrate the season.
Location: Cady Drive Fort, Washington, MD
Germantown October Fest
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Oct. 4. Celebrate season and culture with Germantown’s 2025 October Fest. It will feature a vibrant parade, free children’s carnival, live music, dancing and more.
Location: 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD
Celebration of the Arts at Capital One Center
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Oct. 4-5. This is a two-day family-friendly festival all about the arts. It’s designed for all ages, and will feature interactive installations, hands-on workshops, curated food and live music performances.
Location: 1803 Capital One Drive S, Tysons, VA
Latinx Movement Festival DC
Oct. 8-11. Celebrate Latinx culture and creativity through dance, film and music. Join in on free, all-levels workshops for contemporary sabor, ballet folklórico, salsa and more.
Location: 3225 8th St., Washington, DC
Taste of the Harvest 2025
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Oct. 11. Visit THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) for a harvest festival. Families are invited to tastings from local urban farms, and there will be live music performances.
Location: 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, Washington, DC
American Indian Festival 202
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Oct. 18. The 17th Annual American Indian Festival takes place at Patuxent River Park. This is a celebration of heritage for all ages.
Location: 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD
Spooky Fest
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Oct. 18. Visit The Collection at Chevy Chase shopping mall for Spooky Fest. This event will include games, kids crafts, music, a petting zoo and more.
Location: 5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD
The Big Build Festival
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Oct. 18. This free, family-friendly festival is an opportunity for kids and adults to learn from roofers, plumbers, artisans, designers and other professions. Participants will have access to interactive activities like home remodeling, construction, woodworking and more.
Location: 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Kids Oktoberfest Renaissance Festival
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Oct. 19. This is a family-friendly day of fun at Shipgarten in Tysons Corner. There will be free arts, crafts and face painting for kids, in addition to the live music, moonbounces and outdoor playground. Dogs are also welcome!
Location: 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean, VA
Café du Paws Halloween
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Oct. 26. Dress up your furry friends for a Halloween celebration. Prepare your pups in their best costumes and visit the outdoor terrace. You might win an award and prizes for spookiest or cutest attire!
Location: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
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Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
