October marks the crisp autumn time of year when the leaves change colors, the days get shorter, and holiday celebrations get in gear. This month, look out for great fall festivals, Halloween activities, Jay-Z in concert, and more all around the MidAtlantic.

Washington, DC

October 29 and 30
Performance dance troupe CityDance will be at the Kennedy Center this month. Just returning from a brief tour in the Middle East, CityDance will feature choreographed pieces "that left the audience yelling for more" at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan according to one member of the audience. Ticket prices range from $20 to $55.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566
Tickets and Information: 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600


October 30, 2009
Visit the Japanese Embassy this Halloween weekend and catch a creepy Halloween anime flick, Mushi-shi at 6:30 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Halloween character or come as you are and enjoy the movie. The film is free and open on a first come, first serve basis with advance registration by e-mailing jiccrsvp@embjapan.org with your name, affiliation, and the number in your party.

Japanese with subtitles. 131 min, 2006. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo.

Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
Lafayette Centre III (lower level) 1155 21st Street NW, Washington D.C. 20036
Metro: Dupont Circle, Farragut North (Red) / Farragut West (Orange / Blue)


Maryland

October 27, 2009
Rock the night away with legendary rap artist Jay-Z and special guests N.E.R.D., Wale, and J. Cole at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. The show begins at 8pm and current ticket prices range from $27.50 to $125.50.

1st Mariner Arena
201 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201


West Virginia
Making good use of its bounty of natural resources, West Virginia has a number of Halloween events planned throughout its state parks regions.

Cass Scenic Railroads Halloween Train, through October 25th, contact Cass Scenic Railroad at 304-456-4300.

Haunted House at The Bear Paw Lodge, Halloween weekend at the Ski area, Oct. 30 and 31. For event information call 304-866-4121.

Cacapon Resort State Park in Morgan County, costume party and spooky family fun, an overnight package is available. For more information call Cacapon at 304-258-1022.

Tygart Lake, Oct. 31, Monster Mash Dance Contest with prizes from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Minimum fee to attend includes refreshments. There will also be a Haunted House from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and hayrides from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This state park is near Grafton. For more information, call Tygart Lake State Park at 304-265-6144

North Bend State Park, a Halloween party with games, prizes and crafts held at Shelter #3 in the afternoon. Also new this year is “The Unexplained of the Civil War” storytime with Bob Anderson at the state park lodge lobby at 7:30 p.m. The show features stories about the mysteries of the Civil War and tales of ghosts and ghouls. Anderson will also take audiences around West Virginia and share eyewitness accounts of events both on and off the battlefield. All events are free. For more information, call North Bend at 304-643-2931.

The 31st Annual 10,000-meter Pipestem Pumpkin Run at Pipestem Resort State Park. Events also include a 5,000-meter run, a 5,000-meter walk, and an 800-meter children's fun run. The Children's Fun Run starts at 11 a.m. All other races start at 10 a.m. Visit www.pipestemresort.com to register. Additional information about the race is available from Tom Davis at 304-384-3298 or 304-384-5134. For overnight lodge or camping information, contact Pipestem Resort at 304-466-1800.