Fritz Hahn

My most-read stories of 2024 included natural beauty, unmarked bars, happy hours, and, because there always has to be a Maryland-related story, cocktail usurpers on the Delmarva Peninsula. A thread...

Happy hour in Navy Yard. Couple at the end of a full bar is showing each other videos on their phones, full sound. They leave. Another (younger) couple takes their seats. They order drinks … and then start scrolling through TikToks on their phones, full volume. Of course.

Is Turnstile recycling the backdrop from the "BIRDS" video for tomorrow's free show at the Washington Monument? Sure looks like it ... More from Sophia Solano and me here:https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/10/23/turnstile-show-mall-could-draw-biggest-punk-crowd-decades/

Does your dog have an amazing Halloween costume? Show them off - and maybe win prizes! - at these pet-focused parties, parades and brunches. Gift link: wapo.st/3Uc9Sfk

To do this weekend: • Dozens of Halloween parties, parades and events for kids, adults and pets • FREE TURNSTILE SHOW ON THE MALL • $10 cocktails at Service Bar • Jane Austin costume ball • Black-owned biz at Nats Park • Flea and vintage markets • Much more! Gift link: wapo.st/4yFIO6r

Going out to watch college football, your favorite NFL team, or the Premier League this weekend? Washington Post readers say these are the 10 best sports bars in the D.C. area. Gift link: wapo.st/4Baptwo

To do this week: • Fall festivals with farms and pumpkins • Early Halloween celebrations • Howard Homecoming • Explore Kingman Island • Wine and cider fests • Outdoor movies • Construction fun for kids • Much more! Gift link: wapo.st/4BfFGkb

LAST CALL: Today is the final day to vote for the D.C. area's best sports bar. We'll be cutting off the voting at 1 p.m. Share your thoughts here: wapo.st/46LfVKn (You do not have to be a subscriber to vote if you use that gift link.)

Update: Starting to see weather-related cancellations for Sunday, including Georgetown Canal Day. Keep an eye on the forecast when making plans.

This weekend's plans: • Seasonal festivals with witches, pumpkins, live music and beer • The region's biggest beer festival • A pickle-themed party • Oysters, pig roasts and chile-themed events for foodies • Ethiopian Fest & Oktoberfest Gift link: wapo.st/4zotzzw

Turnstile. Washington Monument. Oct. 24. Free. ashowindc.com

Plan now for Spooky Szn: After-hours museum events, ghost tours, and a trip through an embassy's haunted forest: wapo.st/4yAInuD Zombie runs, costumed 5Ks and other autumnal races: www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...

Reminder: There are only six days left to vote for the top sports bar in the D.C. area. See the finalists and cast your vote here: wapo.st/46LfVKn

Dukem closing (after 30 years!) is an enormous loss for U Street and the city’s dining culture. For many of us, it was one of our early experiences with Ethiopian cuisine and live music. www.instagram.com/p/Dd92XOAwWPu/

In not-exactly-shocking news, Guinness is shuttering the Halethorpe Open Gate Brewery on Nov. 1. The brewery ceased commercial production back in June 2023, moving brewing of Baltimore Blonde to NY, but kept the taproom open. That apparently wasn't enough of a draw.

My live music tip of the week: Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Laci Kaye Booth is playing Desert 5 Spot's anniversary party tonight. Next week, she's opening a couple of dates for Ella Langley.

Once again, this weekend is jam-packed. • Oktoberfests, including racing dachshunds • Street fests in Vienna, Takoma Park, Union Market, Del Rey • Fall festivals for kids and adults • Annapolis Pride Parade • Spooky season begins Gift link: wapo.st/4dhc63k

Your finalists for the D.C. area's best sports bar: The Admiral Caddies on Cordell Dirty Water First Down Franklin Hall Ireland's Four Courts The Irish Channel Ivy & Coney The Muni Walters Sports Bar Cast your vote (and tell us why) here: wapo.st/46LfVKn

The nominations are in, and you can now vote for the top sports bar in the D.C. area. The short list is here: wapo.st/46LfVKn Reminder: If you didn't nominate a bar in the first round, please don't complain to me about your favorite bar not being included.

This weekend, celebrate: • The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s 10th anniversary • Festivals dedicated, to blues, folk and jazz • Theatre Week • The 50th anniversary of ‘Roots’ • Fiesta DC • Arts festivals • Oktoberfest • Touching big trucks Gift link: wapo.st/4rrEcyu

Last chance: Nominations for the D.C. area's best sports bar close TODAY. Please tell us about your favorite place to watch a game, and what makes it your go-to choice. Reminder: If you don't nominate, you don't get to complain about the finalists. wapo.st/4yQPTRV

Oktoberfest gets underway tonight (well, in the DMV anyway): Dacha taps a ceremonial keg tapping at 5:30, with a performance by "Queen of Oktoberfest" Manuela Horn. Wunder Garten has a ceremonial tapping at 7, with a band and DJ. Fair Winds Brewing taps Nautifest. Read more: wapo.st/4xyv64D

There is TOO MUCH to do this weekend: • Oktoberfest • Street fests (H St, Sawasdee, Hyattsville) • Cultural fests (Celebrate Africa, Chuseok) • Kid fests (LoC, Lincoln's Cottage, Brookside Gardens) • NoMa mural fest • Anacostia museum's birthday • Much, much more. Gift link: wapo.st/4xyv64D

Tonight is the first Monday Night Football game of 2026. And if you're heading out to watch it somewhere, tell us: What's the best sports bar in the D.C. area? Use this gift link to tell us about your favorite place to catch a game: wapo.st/4iUV3rf

Festival season is underway. This weekend: • Adams Morgan Day • Art All Night • Rosslyn and Silver Spring jazz fests • Outdoor art fairs • Arts Alive! • Early Oktoberfests • Panda birthday party • Annapolis Songwriters Festival Gift link: wapo.st/4cDpize

Breaking news: Smithsonian chief Lonnie G. Bunch III is retiring as President Trump fights to reshape the institution. Bunch, the Smithsonian’s first Black secretary, said Trump’s pressure played no role in his decision.

How to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11: See artifacts up close at museums, attend discussions among experts or catch a musical about the unity that followed the tragedy. wapo.st/46h8oCT

Hyattsville 1 - Russia 0!

An exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden celebrates the official flowers of every state, territory, and D.C. Here are some of the highlights to brighten your day. wapo.st/4iRElZM

Ah, that glorious time of year when you walk into a sports-ish bar on a Thursday night and the screens choices are Colorado-GT, Illinois-UAB, and Utah-Idaho.

Long weekend plans: • Say farewell to Basquiat, Banksy and a Butter Cow • Celebrate Beyoncé's birthday • Explore the DC State Fair • Enjoy 500+ artists at Glen Echo • The circus comes to the Mall • Outdoor festivals, movies and dance parties Gift link: wapo.st/4xBjWg7

The Smithsonian has decided to house the National Museum of the American Latino in the historic Arts and Industries building on the National Mall, rather than building a new facility. The decision does not require congressional approval. www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/0...

To do: • Remember Dolly Parton and Tim Curry with sing-alongs, movies and karaoke • Celebrate 50 years of roller skating in Anacostia • Get outside with movies, music and square dancing • Explore art fairs • Sample international festivals Gift link: wapo.st/4xocNzF

Bringing back this masterful 20-year-old profile of Dolly, written by Josh du Lac on the occasion of the Kennedy Center Honors: wapo.st/3USSjkc You can feel her personality jumping off the page. Just too many stellar quotes to pull.

Today is Chuck Brown Day, but the Godfather of Go-Go’s family has disassociated itself from D.C.’s annual celebration. www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...

Weekend plans: • Live music returns to Carter Barron • National Parks Week events • Washington Folk Festival • ‘New Jack City’ on the Mall • Kites and foam for kids • Remembering Aaliyah • Improvapalooza • Crabs! Gift link: wapo.st/45CLWUA