The month full of festive fall fun and plenty of Halloween scares is finally here. Whether you want to take part in the seasonal festivities or kick off the fall arts season with a concert, play, or art exhibit, these are the 20 events you should add to your schedule this October.
October 1
Art on the Avenue
The regional multicultural arts and music festival will be marking its 27th year this October. Along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, artists, musicians, and retailers will line up to throw an unforgettable celebration. Vendors will include creators of ceramics, clothing, drawings, home goods, jewelry, and more. Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
October 1
Bricks by the Lake
At the Reston Museum, participants in Bricks by the Lake can join a LEGO competition, building masterful creations based on four different themes. Those who don’t find themselves as crafty can still stop by the event to view masterful builds. Reston Museum: 1639 Washington Plaza N., Reston
October 1
MOMIX
MOMIX is here to dazzle with their VIVA MOMIX performance, a compilation of the company’s most stunning vignettes from the past 40 years. The inventive dance and acrobatics show features performers who morph into wondrous shapes and create illusions with the aid of props, costumes, and lighting. George Mason’s Center for the Arts: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, $33–$55
October 1–2
Virginia Wine Festival
The best wines in the state are coming to one of the most popular Northern Virginia locations for the 46th annual Virginia Wine Festival. Enjoy unlimited wine tasting from Virginia wineries and access to the VA Oyster Pavilion at the wine festival in One Loudoun. Bottles and cases will be available for purchase to take home and enjoy until the next festival rolls around. One Loudoun: 44600 Freetown Blvd.,
Ashburn, $15–$79
October 4–23
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
It’s about time for the global Queen of Rock and Roll to have a musical featuring her life story. The dazzling show will be set to the soundtrack of Tina Turner’s own discography. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $60–$130
October 9
Fall Desserts Every Cook Should Know
If you’d like to learn how to make delicious desserts fitting for the season, this cooking class will teach you. These concoctions go beyond chocolate chip cookies: The menu for this class features silky chocolate soufflé, maple pot de crème, and pecan tartlets. Discover the simple secrets to perfecting these autumn-themed treats. Sur La Table: 326 King St., Alexandria, $89
October 10
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is coming to DC for their HOLY FVCK Tour, alongside singer-songwriter Royal & the Serpent. The Disney Channel-star-turned-singer says their newest album is reminiscent of their first two studio albums, so original Demi fans won’t want to miss this concert. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $70.50–$395
October 10
The Killers
The chart-topping rock band everyone knows and loves will be playing at Capital One Arena on the Imploding the Mirage tour with special guest Johnny Marr. The Killers will be sure to get everyone dancing, so get your ticket for the chance to sing along to hit songs “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” Capital One Arena: 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC, starting at $54
October 12
Rufus Wainwright
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright will be performing at The Birchmere, on tour for Unfollow the Rules, his ninth original studio album. The celebrated American-Canadian vocalist has had a diverse career spanning work in opera, theater, film, and music, and has collaborated with artists including Elton John, Joni Mitchell, and David Byrne. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $69.50
October 13–November 6
Dracula
The classic Bram Stoker tale arrives in NoVA just in time for Halloween. Dan Istrate plays Dracula in this version of the world’s most iconic horror story. Come out for a thrilling evening of theater that will get you in the spooky spirit. Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
October 14
David Sedaris
Join the master of satire for an evening of comedy and wisdom as he returns to the Kennedy Center. David Sedaris is known for his autobiographical books of essays and stories. The writer is one of America’s greatest humorists and is sure to provide an unforgettable night of laughs. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $39–$79
October 14–16
Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The famed story of Ichabod Crane and his pursuit of the beautiful Katrina, set to the music of the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra, is one of the most highly anticipated shows at the Hylton Performing Arts Center this fall. The tragic love story displayed on the big stage is sure to be a haunting holiday hit. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $25–$65
Opening October 14
Destination Moon
The new, state-of-the art exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum replaces the Apollo and other key artifacts to the Moon gallery and displays the Lunar missions in a broader cultural and political context. National Air and Space Museum: 655 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC, free
October 15 & 16
Prince William County Hot Air Balloon Festival
Riding in a hot air balloon may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take advantage of this bucket-list opportunity. The festival will also feature games and rides, live music, craft and retail booths, and loads of food options. The grand finale will be a hot air balloon glow-and-laser show. Bring a lawn chair so you can sit back and absorb the magic. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, $8–$20
October 15–November 5
Design for Murder
Murder, romance, and comedy make for a riveting evening of theater at this production of Design for Murder, a tense whodunit that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With favorite cliches like a trench coat–clad detective and dark and stormy nights, the show will delight fans of the classic murder mystery. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria
October 19
“Weird Al” Yankovic
Humor and parody singer “Weird Al” Yankovic is back on stage for The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. Instead of focusing on the comedic hits of his career, this show will feature Yankovic’s nonparody material, such as his original songs that have been adored by fans. Without any theatrics or props, this performance promises a more intimate view of the beloved performer. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $39–$329
October 21
Noah Cyrus
Pop star Noah Cyrus is on tour for her debut album The Hardest Part, released on September 16. Lead singles from the new album include “I Burned LA Down” and “Mr. Percocet.” Catch Cyrus at the 9:30 Club alongside the indie singer-songwriter gigi. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC, $28
October 28–30
Boo at the Zoo
The beloved children’s trick-or-treating event at the Smithsonian National Zoo returns for an evening of spooky delight. Enjoy Halloween decorations and candy for the little ones to collect while dressed in their ghoulish garb. Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
October 29 & 30
FXBG Pet Palooza
Fido’s birthday coming up? Join in this pet-centric shopping extravaganza. The FXBG Pet Palooza will feature vendors with a wide variety of pet products, so you can treat your furry friends with a new toy or bed. Demonstrations from animal experts will wow you, including the opportunity to hold a live reptile. And don’t forget to dress up your best friend for the costume contest! Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg
Starting October 29
Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience
This unique experience in Morven Park will take guests through a woodland trail of magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Sounds, lights, and special effects will make the journey into an unforgettable, immersive extravaganza. After traveling down the trail, guests can enjoy food and drinks in the themed village — and don’t forget to stop in the gift shop for all the Harry Potter-themed merch you can dream of. Morven Park: 41580 Sunday Morning Ln., Leesburg, $25–$75
Feature image courtesy Morven Park
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
