Sweater weather and pumpkin patches. Good golly, do I love this time of year! There are so many ways to enjoy this season with family and friends. Check out our list below of wonderful events around Northern Virginia and DC. And don't miss taking a drive along Skyline Drive when the leaves are at their peak late this month.
FESTIVALS, FOOD & FUN
October is a peak time for festivals before the start of the holiday season. Harvest themes abound with events focusing on beer, wine, apples, and pumpkins! It’s also a popular month for equestrian events in Virginia’s Countryside.
Photo courtesy of Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival | Through October 31
Great Country Farms, Bluemont, VA
Come celebrate Fall Y’all and enjoy an unforgettable experience picking pumpkins, getting lost in their corn maze, and roasting marshmallows at the bonfire. Don’t forget those freshly made cider donuts!
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1 26.2 Virtual Race | Through October 31
Washington, DC
Did you know that October 1 is National Pumpkin Spice Day? Celebrate with this first ever Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1 26.2 virtual race!
October is also Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. You have the entire month of October 2024 to complete the race. A percentage of your race registration fees will be donated to the Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), supporting their critical work helping those who have lost their child. They are not alone.
Capital Art & Craft Festival | October 11-13
Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
This three-day event features 250+ artists and their unique handmade treasures that are perfect for any home or holiday gift giving.
Fairfax Fall Festival | October 12
Old Town Square, Fairfax, VA
Still a hometown celebration, the Fall Festival has grown to include more than 400 arts, crafts, information, food & gourmet food vendors, children’s activities, and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages. Stay for the After Fest Concert in Old Town Square.
Free Admission
Photo courtesy of Festival of Leaves
Festival of Leaves | October 11
414 East Main Street, Front Royal, VA
We would love to invite you to Front Royal’s Ultimate Autumn Experience, the 52nd Annual Festival of Leaves. This two-day celebration begins with Dancing Downtown on Friday and continues on Saturday as one of the biggest Festivals in the Valley. As a proud sponsor of this wonderful event, we will have a stand with giveaways. Stop by!
$5 Cover Charge
Snallygaster Beer Festival | October 12
Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd & 6th, Washington, DC
Those in the know know: Snallygaster is the District’s biggest & beastliest beer festival, bar none. And on October 12 the merry monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its 11th year as a rollicking tribute to the wonderful world of craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 350 highly sought-after brews on draft from 175+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music.
The Virginia Fall Races | October 12
Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA
Immerse yourself in history at Glenwood Park, the oldest continuous race course in Virginia. Join 10,000 enthusiastic fans to witness thundering hooves and heart-pounding steeplechase action.
We are excited to be hosting a tailgate at the Fall Races with food, drinks and great company. So please stop by and say hello!
Loudoun Farm Tour | October 19 - 20
Throughout Loudoun County - See website for participating Farms
From charming encounters with llamas, alpacas, and donkeys to indulging in delectable homemade ice cream at a dairy farm, the Loudoun Fall Farm Tour offers a cornucopia of experiences for visitors of all ages. Featuring a diverse array of farms showcasing the finest products that Loudoun has to offer, including honey, mushrooms, traditional vegetables, garlic, and craft beverages, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Loudoun’s agricultural heritage.
Free
Photo courtesy of Loudoun Farm Tour
DC Wine Fest | October 19
Dock 5 @ Union Market, Washington, DC
A wine tasting experience that aims to stimulate all your senses. All wine tastings are included in your ticket.
10th Annual Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll | October 26
Location TBD, Kensington, MD
Kennsignton will be hosting their annual Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll this year. Come enjoy a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Enjoy family-friendly attractions including live musical performances, a pumpkin derby race, food trucks, and a hay maze.
International Gold Cup | October 27
Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA
This year, the International Gold Cup moves to Glenwood Park in Middleburg and will be run on Sunday. Tailgating at the races is a time-honored tradition, so make the most of the day and participate in the Tailgate Contest. Secure your tickets now, they go fast!
Photo courtesy of Visit Del Ray
Del Ray Halloween Parade | October 27
Del Ray, Alexandria, VA
The parade begins at Mt. Vernon Avenue south of E. Bellefonte and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues for live music by Mars Rodeo and an awards presentation for the pet & stroller contests, plus best-decorated house and business. All are invited to march and show off their finest Halloween garb! Jen Walker Team of McEnearney Associates is a proud sponsor of this popular event.
Free Admission
Embassy Row Rooftop Halloween under the Stars | October 31
The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington, DC
Celebrate Halloween with an Embassy Row Rooftop Dance Soiree under the stars featuring two live bands performing swing and salsa music. The evening begins with swing and salsa dance lessons followed by a haunted battle of the bands as a swing and salsa band takes the stage to perform music for an unforgettable Halloween Soiree under the stars with spectacular views of the Washington, DC skyline as a backdrop.
