WASHINGTON – Fall officially kicks off Saturday, and the glorious humidity-free weekend is filled with loads of excuses to explore the region. Books, music, corn and mazes conspire to bring in the new season with flare.
Start with the third annual 17th Street Festival between Riggs Place and P Street in Northwest D.C. More than 50 artists, musicians and performers converge to offer the best of local entertainment. Family-friendly activities include a petting zoo, face painting and various inflatable attractions like a moon bounce and castle slide. Join the festivities Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
If you’re more interested in alcohol, head to Curbside Cookoff: Trucktoberfest Saturday from 11 am. to 9 p.m. More than 40 food and beer trucks take over Union Market in Northeast. There will be a microbrew biergarten, plus a children’s pavilion with face painting, pumpkin patch and a straw maze. Admission is free. Check the website for complete details.
Maze fans can wind their way through 12 acres of corn Saturday at Summers Farm in Frederick, Md. The massive labyrinth has a political theme this year to celebrate the upcoming presidential elections. The festival will feature hayrides, pig races and tons of treats from local food vendors. Stop by any day between this weekend and Nov. 6. For more information, call 301-620-9316 or visit Summers Farm online.
Also on Saturday is the 20th annual Bluebird Blues Festival at Prince George’s Community College. It will bring together an all-star lineup including the legendary Orioles, Clarence Carter and Bobby Blue Bland. The concert starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Bookworms won’t want to miss the National Book Festival Saturday and Sunday. Big names include Sandra Cisneros, Michael Connelly, T.C. Boyle, Bob Woodward and “True Blood” mastermind Charlaine Harris. Check the website for more details.
Those with an artistic flare should swing by the Hyattsville Arts Festival Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is located at Baltimore Avenue and Jefferson Street and will feature local art and entertainment, including a performance by Joe’s Movement Emporium. Admission is free. Click here for more information.
For a list of other festivals throughout the region, check out Weekend Wakeup.
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