Horse shows, Halloween activities, food fests, music and more.
By Erica Moody
Photo Courtesy of Jefferson Vineyards
DC VEGFEST
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Partake in a day of plant-based eating at the annual DC VegFest, hosted by Compassion Over Killing and founded by the Vegetarian Society in 1997. Be among a crowd of 15,000 attendees at the event that grows in size every year. There will be complimentary food samples, more than 130 vendors, cooking demonstrations and celebrity appearances. FREE admission, Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE, rain or shine, dcvegfest.com, Use #DCVegFest15 on social media.
FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL AT CITYCENTER
TRENDY TALKS
Luxury retailers Louis Vuitton and David Yurman (and soon Gucci and Dior) are popping up at CityCenterDC, posing a challenge to those who dare think this city is unfashionable. The Washington chapter of the nonprofit Fashion Group International (FGI) is hosting an event to help you get your fashion fix there. The Fall/Winter 2015 Trend & Fashion Presentation will feature discussions with industry style experts including Gilt City DC’s Marissa Schneider and celebrity stylist James Cornwell. October 6, 6 -8 p.m. at Fig & Olive, 934 Palmer Alley NW, $20 for members and $35 for non-members, fgi.org.
JEFFERSON VINEYARDS
ROCKIN’ WINERY
The autumn months are ideal for weekend getaways in Virginia, so take in the scenery, sip some quality wine and enjoy live music at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Vineyards. The family-owned winery and vineyard, located where Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei first began the American wine revolution, has been producing award-winning wines for 34 years. Alternative-Americana band Bryan Elijah Smith & The Wild Hearts play on Oct. 17. FREE admission, Dogs are welcome and small tents allowed. 1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902, 434-977-3042, jeffersonvineyards.com/events.
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE
Saddle up for six days of world-class international show jumping and top national hunter and equitation competition at the 57th annual Washington International Horse Show, one of the most prestigious horse shows in the country. More than 500 of the best horses and riders in the world, including Olympic veterans, will compete for honors including the Saturday night $125,000 President’s Cup Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington honor, presented by Events DC, where the winning rider will be presented with the President of the United States Perpetual Cup, a trophy given to the show in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. October 20-25, Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Verizon Center Box Office, wihs.org.
HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
FRIGHTFUL FUN
Celebrate Halloween in the District with these spook-tacular suggestions.
ANIMAL NIGHTS: Trick or treat your way through the National Zoo at two festive annual events:. Dress to impress at the adults-only “Night of the Living Zoo,” an evening that includes a costume contest, glow in the dark lawn games and dancing. At the family-oriented “Boo at the Zoo,” you’ll find more than 40 treat stations, a hay maze and scarecrow field, animal demonstrations and decorated trails for a Halloween your little goblins will never forget. Boo at the Zoo is Oct. 23-25, Night of the Living Zoo is Oct. 30, For more information, visit nationalzoo.si.edu/events.
MYSTERIOUS MEAL: Don Gatsby-inspired ensembles for a 1920s- themed murder mystery dinner and show at the Grille at Morrison House. Guests are invited to play along and discover “who done it.” The evening will begin with live piano music and a cocktail hour, followed by a three-course dinner. For those interested in making a night of it, the Morrison House will be offering a 15 percent discount room package available by going online using the code “PARTYY.” The all-inclusive dinner is $100 per person and begins at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, 116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, (703) 838-8000.
These picks appeared in the October 2015 issue of Washington Life.
