The fall season has begun! These October events in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, can help you get outside and enjoy the crisp autumn air. Here are the best concerts, festivals, and performances to add to your calendar this month.
Chris Stapleton
October 2
Chris Stapleton brings his All-American Road Show to Jiffy Lube Live for an evening of country and rock music. The singer-songwriter and guitarist behind hits like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Broken Halos” will be joined by Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs. Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, $149+
Oktoberfest
October 3
Raise a stein at The Wharf’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. The waterfront event will include German-inspired food, Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, live music, and stein-holding contests. Plus, watch DC’s speediest dachshunds race to benefit dog adoption in the 14th annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash. The Wharf, Washington, DC, free
Olivia Rodrigo
October 3–4
Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo brings her The Unraveled Tour to DC for two nights. Fans can listen to songs from her hit albums Sour and Guts, and songs from her latest album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, resale from $500
Morven Park International
October 8–11
Watch elite equestrian athletes compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping during this internationally recognized horse trials event. Morven Park, Leesburg, free
Snallygaster Beer Festival
October 10
Choose from a selection of hundreds of craft beers from breweries around the world, enjoy live music, and explore food vendors at one of the area’s largest beer festivals. Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd and 7th streets, Washington, DC, $75+
Teddy Swims
October 13
Known for his soulful vocals and hits like “Lose Control,” Grammy nominee Teddy Swims will perform songs from his debut album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1). Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, $47+
Middleburg Film Festival
October 15–18
Award-season favorites, filmmaker conversations, and special events make this nationally recognized festival a must for movie lovers. Middleburg, $125+
Lucketts Fall Market
October 16–18
Spend a fall weekend browsing antiques and handmade goods at Lucketts Fall Market. The three-day shopping event features hundreds of vendors offering vintage furniture, home décor, local art, food trucks, live music, and seasonal treats. Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, Berryville, $23+
Quacktoberfest
October 17
Head to Fredericksburg for a day of family-friendly fall festivities along the Rappahannock River. The celebration includes the rescheduled Rubber Ducky Derby, where thousands of rubber ducks are sent racing down the river. Riverfront Park, Fredericksburg, free
Fall Harvest Family Days
October 24–25
Experience 18th-century harvest traditions with farm activities, music, and demonstrations at George Washington’s estate. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, $16 ages 6–11, $30 ages 12+
Marine Corps Marathon
October 25
Thousands of runners will take to the streets of Arlington and DC for the third largest marathon in the United States. This annual race winds past some of the region’s most iconic landmarks while honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Marine Corps. Arlington, $250 registration fee
Leesburg Kiwanis Halloween Parade
October 28
Put on your favorite costume and head to Leesburg for the 70th annual Kiwanis Halloween Parade. The family-friendly celebration features floats, marching bands, and more Halloween festivities. King St., Leesburg, free
Art Garfunkel
October 30
Spend the evening listening to music from Art Garfunkel’s decades-long career. The singer, best known as half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, will perform favorites including “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Sound of Silence.” Capital One Hall, Tysons, $101+
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
October 31
Take in contemporary art outdoors at the newly reopened Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden. See large-scale modern and contemporary sculptures including works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Barbara Hepworth. Independence Ave. SW and 7th St. SW, Washington, DC, free
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
