MUSIC
Phil Vassar
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Country music star Phil Vassar is known for his own work and writing hits for the likes to Tim McGraw, Jodee Messina and others. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $45
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Washington West Film Festival
Thursday-Monday
Founded in 2011, Washington West brings some of the best and brightest new filmmakers to the D.C. Area. It has grown exponentially since then, with films produced by Tom Hanks and Martin Scorsese under its belt and welcoming celebrity guests like Robert Duvall and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. // Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St., Reston; Tickets start at $15
ART EXHIBIT
Crowns: An Exhibition of Cermaic Works
Thursday-Dec. 2
Artists for this exhibit have created ceramic works that express their specific experience in motherhood, including their relationship with their children and spouses, their relationship to self and different stages in the experience of motherhood. // UMW duPont Gallery: 1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg; Free
PERFORMING ARTS
Shrek the Musical
Friday-Nov. 4, Times vary
Main Street Theater presents their take on the DreamWorks film-turned-musical about surly ogre Shrek, who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime and comes to learn about the value of friendship and love. // Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville; $15
HALLOWEEN
Haunted Laurianne Woods
Friday & Saturday, 7-10 p.m.
Take a walk through the Laurianne cemetery, where stories tell of the bodies of the departed being pushed to the surface and the Demon of Laurianne Woods Cemetery trying to keep all who enter from ever leaving. // Laurianne Woods: 8223 Katie Lynn Court, Gainesville; Free
SPORTS
International Gold Cup Races
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Head to the races this weekend as the annual International Gold Cup returns to Great Meadows. A day full of horse races and tailgating activities will take place. // Great Meadows: 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains; Tickets starting at $25
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fourth Annual Harvest Festival Fly-In/Airshow
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Look to the sky to see a special air show. Guests can also enjoy the Shannon Air Museum, static aircraft, food and more. // Shannon Airport: 3380 Shannon Airport Circle; $12, $7 (12 and under), Free (3 and under)
PARKS & REC
Monroe Park Turns 20
Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
The birthday party for Monroe Park will consist of a language demonstration from the Patawomeck tribe, a genealogy discussion from author Shelby Monroe Hadeler, gold panning, horseshoe pitching competitions and blues/roots/folk music. // Monroe Park: 14421 Gold Dust Parkway, Goldvein; Free
FOOD & DRINK
Bier-o-Ween
Saturday, 3 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Adults can have their own Halloween fun at this special event put on by Tysons Biergarten. After the kids get to do some trick-or-treating, it’s the adults’ turn with events that include a costume contest, live music and a specially-brewed Halloween beer from a local brewery. // Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons; Free admission
FOOD & DRINK
Diwali Celebration
Saturday, 5-8 p.m.
Diwali is a harvest festival in India also known as a festival of lights, both literal and the metaphorical “inner light” in all of us. Traditional Indian meals will be served, as well as antipasto and cheese platters. A bonfire and fireworks show will cap off the illuminating night. // Narmada Winery: 43 Narmada Lane, Amissville; $18-$25 for food orders
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Brambleton’s Zombie Run
Saturday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Have a frightfully good time getting your exercise in while also running from brain-hungry zombies. Or, if you prefer, sign up to be one of the undead yourself. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. // Brambleton Town Center: 42395 Ryan Road, Suite 100, Brambleton; $40
HALLOWEEN
Poe Readings in the Vault
Saturday, 7-9 p.m.
Edgar Allen Poe’s work is the perfect material for Halloween, so enjoy readings of some of his classic stories by the Guillotine Theater in an ideally eerie setting. // Ivy Hill Cemetery Historical Preservation Society: 2823 King St., Alexandria; $20
HALLOWEEN
Halloween Party at La Grange
Saturday, 9 p.m.-midnight
La Grange’s third annual Halloween party is a night of spooky fun and some good wine. The event is for those 21 and over. // The Winery at La Grange: 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket; $20
PERFORMING ARTS
Joel McHale
Saturday & Sunday, Times vary
Best known for his time on Community and E!’s The Soup, Joel McHale will deliver his stand-up to NoVA audiences in a two-night stay at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $35
FITNESS
43rd Marine Corps Marathon
Sunday, 7:55 a.m.
Nicknamed “the people’s marathon” as one of the largest marathons in the world that does not offer prize money, the Marine Corps Marathon returns to Arlington. Registration for the race is full, but volunteer opportunities and events throughout the weekend are available for those interested, including a Finish Festival at the Marine Corps War Memorial. // Route 110, Arlington; Free
HALLOWEEN
22nd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
Take a stroll down Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues in your best and scariest costumes in this Alexandria tradition. Costume contests will be held for children, pets and strollers. // Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues, Alexandria; Free
PERFORMING ARTS
Chinese Warriors of Peking
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Experience the martial arts and acrobatic work of the Chinese Warriors of Peking, who showcase stage combat, weapons handling, juggling, diving rings, contortion and acrobatics. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $30-$50
