Halloween 
weekend! This always feels like the opening of the holiday season to me, so let’s get out the stretchy pants and we’ll think about kale in January.
Tonight is the first preview for the brand new Mosaic Theater. This highly anticipated collaboration of former Theater J Artistic Director Ari Roth with local theater superstars Jennifer Nelson and Serge Seiden has found a home at the Atlas. The first production is Unexplored Interior: This is Rwanda The Beginning and the End of the Earth. It tells the story of Raymond, an African film student at NYU enthralled with the mysteries of Alfred Hitchcock, is compelled by a mentor’s death to return to Rwanda to uncover a deeper horror story: the roots of violence that have destroyed his family. The show runs through November 29th and tickets are available here.
The Capitol Hill Hotel (200 C Street SE) hosts a pumpkin carving contest tonight from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event features pumpkin spice popcorn, ales and a chance to win an overnight stay at the hotel. Let them know you are coming over at info@capitolhillhotel-dc.com
Friday night is Hilloween –that annual toddler-and-their-parents street fest– on 7th Street SE from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kids in costumes, hayrides, booze and snacks available from Tunnicliffs and Boxcar Tavern. No need to have your own toddler: It is fun for everyone. Or at least everyone who enjoys hanging with hundred of toddlers and their parents.
Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm is the annual Pottery on the Hill event at the Hill Center. Sixteen of the nation’s top ceramic artists will be on hand to display and sell their works. One of a kind platters, mugs, and disply items will be for sale. Get in early Friday night for a preview party and a chance to hob nob with the artists themselves.
Washington Youth Garden hosts the 4th Annual Garlic Planting Party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expect food, music, face painting, and of course garlic planting. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Farmer Jake at volunteer@washingtonyouthgarden.org, subject line “Garlic Planting Party.”
Hill Howl-O-Ween takes place at the 13th Street Community Park & Garden (13th and C streets SE.) Bring your costumed tot, mutt or both and compete in costumes contests. Enjoy cider and doughnuts and meet adoptable pooches from Homeward Trails.
As you make your way down East Capitol Halloween night, be sure to stop by the Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street, SE.) If you come dressed as a Shakespearean character you will get a special treat but all are welcome between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, the Congressional Chorus and American Youth chorus begins their seasons with an international concert, It’s a Small World: A Multicultural Extravaganza at 4 p.m. at the Lutheran church of the Reformation at 212 East Capitol Street SE. The concert will feature songs sung in 12 languages including Italian, Japanese, Latin, Hebrew, Malay, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish and Zulu. Tickets are $11-$16 and are available here.