Ready for a month of impactful art, thrilling concerts, and heart-pounding haunted attractions? This October brings a range of fun events to Northern Virginia and DC — here’s what to put on your calendar.
Keith Urban
October 4
Grammy Award–winning country superstar Keith Urban will perform new material from his album High, along with a mix of his chart-topping hits. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $40.75
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 4
Celebrate Bavarian culture at the 16th annual Vienna Oktoberfest. Enjoy live music on three stages, a variety of international and German-inspired foods, local craft beer, wine, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include a vendor marketplace, business expo, and ample bike parking. Historic Church Street: 131 Church St. NE, Vienna, free
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival
October 10–12
Savor wines from more than 20 Virginia wineries at this after-hours Mount Vernon event. You can also take a candlelit tour of George Washington’s mansion, including the kitchen and study. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, starting at $50
The Lark & Four Seasons
October 11
Experience a fusion of tradition and innovation in classical music. The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra will perform Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Symphony No. 5, alongside Max Richter’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, starting at $54
Taste of NoVA
October 11 & 12
Indulge in unlimited tastings from more than 120 of the region’s top chefs, winemakers, brewmasters, distillers, and mixologists at Northern Virginia Magazine’s premier food and drink festival. Enjoy live cooking demos, interactive panels, and vibrant entertainment. NOVA LIVE (Event Field next to MurLarkey): 9665 Discovery Blvd., Manassas, starting at $100
Frankenstein
October 17–19
Experience the haunting tale of Frankenstein like never before. With an original score by Kim Reynolds, this thrilling performance from the Manassas Ballet Theatre brings the classic story of creation and destruction to life. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., starting at $35
Scraposaurs
Through October 19
Make a trip to the Shenandoah Valley to explore the prehistoric world. Scraposaurs is an interactive exhibit featuring life-size dinosaur models made from recycled materials. It’s perfect for families and kids interested in science and creativity. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley: 901 Amherst St., Winchester, $15 for adults, $10 for kids 13–18, $5 for kids 5–12
Noah Reid
October 22
You might recognize this Canadian singer-songwriter from his role as Patrick on Schitt’s Creek. He’s heading to The Birchmere to show off his heartfelt folk-pop music, known for its blend of introspective lyrics and warm melodies. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $45
The War and Treaty
October 21 & 23
This husband-and-wife duo, Michael and Tanya Trotter, will light up the stage at The Barns with their electrifying fusion of country and soul music. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starts at $51.50
Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe
October 24–January 2027
Explore the career of acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe, known for his elegant sculptures made of organic materials. The exhibit features 50 of Lowe’s sculptures, drawings, and paintings that explore the themes within the artist’s work throughout his career. National Museum of the American Indian: Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, free
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
October 25
Experience a night of classic New Orleans music. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band crafts a vibrant performance by mixing brass band tradition with dashes of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $60
Old Town Manassas Fall-o-ween
October 26
Get ready for a “spooktacular” day of fun. The festival will celebrate with arts and crafts, Halloween-themed treats, and interactive games. Watch or join the kids and pets in Halloween costume parades, with prizes for the best costumes. Manassas Museum Lawn: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
Poe in Alexandria
October 29–30
Actor David Keltz will don his most macabre costume and step into the shoes of Edgar Allan Poe to recreate the famous poet’s visit to Alexandria in 1849. Visitors are in for an atmospheric evening of short stories, poems, and musings. The Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, $20–$25
Fields of Fear and Fall Festival at Cox Farms
Through November 9
Enjoy seasonal fun for all ages at Cox Farms, featuring pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and live entertainment. After dark, experience the spooky thrills of Fields of Fear, a haunted attraction with terrifying mazes and scares. Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, prices vary
Feature image of Frankenstein courtesy Hylton Performing Arts Center
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
