Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump" is part of Betsy Johnson's "Basquiat x Banksy" at the Hirshorn Museum in Southwest D.C. (Courtesy of Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden)

From a percussion performance to Oktoberfest and “Breezy Bowl,” below are a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.

Further, to learn about more fun events, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

Happy October, everyone! This fall, keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.

Thursday, Oct. 2 

Greg Holloway @ Mr Henry’s Restaurant 

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $20

Mr Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Percussionist Greg Holloway has toured with artists such as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, performed with Mary Wilson, Freda Payne, Aretha Franklin, Gregory Hines, and Eddie Gomez, and is now hitting the stage at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant for an electrifying performance

A retired U.S. Air Force Band percussionist, former principal timpanist for Anchorage Symphony, an American University professor, and retired director of percussion at Flint Hill School, Holloway continues to be active performing and in percussion education in the Washington metropolitan region.

Holloway is celebrated for his sensitive approach without compromising energy, coupled with reliable integrity that led to performing with the internationally acclaimed and regional musical artists, magicians and more. 

Ready, Set, Game! at Glencarlyn Library

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Free

Glencarlyn Branch Library, 300 South Kensington Street, Arlington, Virginia, 22204

Calling all gamers a communal gaming experience at the library! 

It’s the ultimate showdown where participants can challenge friends, discover new games, and showcase Nintendo Switch skills. 

Registration is recommended as seating is first-come, first-served, and registered guests will receive event updates. Attendees may be asked to alternate playtime to ensure everyone gets to play. 

For more information, contact 703-228-6548

Friday, Oct. 3 

Food and Farm Fridays – Free vegetables for you!

Noon – 2 p.m. | Free

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20020

THEARC Farmers harvest vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers from their network of farms in Southeast, D.C. and bring them to the community to enjoy for free every Friday!  

This event includes thousands of pounds of fresh produce donated by Capital Area Food Bank, D.C. Central Kitchen giving out prepared meals, and monthly treats such as cooking demonstrations, free local business products, hiring fairs, and more, all with the goal of making the quality of life better for Ward 8 residents. 

Curator’s Tour: “Basquiat x Banksy”

Noon – 1 p.m. | Free

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW, Washington D.C. 20024

Hirshhorn curator Betsy Johnson will walk visitors through the exhibition “Basquiat × Banksy,” which highlights two major paintings, one by Jean-Michel Basquiat (b. Brooklyn, New York, 1960–1988) and the other by Banksy (anonymous; b. near Bristol, England).

Placed in dialogue, Basquiat’s “Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump” (1982) and Banksy’s response, “Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search” (2018), reveal throughlines among street art, contemporary art, and the popular imagination.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Kota The Friend: No Rap On Sunday US Tour

8:30 p.m. | $33.14+

The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Independent hip-hop star Kota the Friend hits the road for his “No Rap on Sunday” tour, bringing the heartfelt and intimate vibe of his latest album to life. 

This tour is a communal experience built on connection and community. 

Inspired by the idea of carving out intentional time for real-life interactions, the tour features pop-up events and meet-and-greet opportunities designed to foster genuine conversations and connections between fans and creatives.

Oktoberfest @ The Wharf 

2 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Free

The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW Washington, D.C.  20024 

It’s that time of year—put on your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund and join Passport BMW, MINI of Alexandria, District Vet and more at the free Oktoberfest at The Wharf festivities on Saturday, Oct. 4.

There are several events, such as the 13th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash hosted by Tommy McFly from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., where the speediest Dachshunds in D.C. race for fame and fortune on the District Pier race track to benefit Rural Dog Rescue.

Attendees can catch all the action on the jumbotron screen while partying with DJ Oktoberfest and enjoying ice cold Sam Adams Oktoberfest beer. 

Then, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. is Polka on the Pier. Hosted on Transit Pier, guests will learn the traditional German dance style of polka from professionals and show off their moves with a DJ. Participants are encouraged to wear dirndl or lederhosen and Oktoberfest gear, as an award will go to the best dressed polka dancer.

Sunday, Oct. 5 

Chris Brown – Breezy Bowl XX 2025 World Tour

7 p.m. | $339+

Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Chris Brown is bringing the Breezy Bowl XX World Tour to Nationals Park, marking one of the biggest R&B performances of the fall in Washington. 

The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits such as “Run It!” (2005) and “Under the Influence” (2019), is expected to draw a packed crowd with a setlist that spans his two-decade career. 

The Breezy Bowl tour, which has made stops at major stadiums across the country, highlights Brown’s enduring influence in R&B and pop music while showcasing new choreography and stage production. 

For many fans in the District, the concert offers a rare chance to see a full-scale stadium show from one of the most commercially successful artists of his generation.

ALX Jazz Fest Pop Up @Oldtown North Farmers Market

Noon – 2 p.m. | Free

Montgomery Park, 901 N Royal Street, Alexandria, VA  22314

Come out for a pop-up concert in Montgomery Park featuring free art activations, live jazz, and spoken word artists celebrating America’s original art form.

Keith Golden Jr. is a senior journalism major and political science minor at Howard University from Riviera Beach, Florida. Specializing in documentary photography and documentary filmmaking, Golden believes...

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