While October may look a little different in 2020, there’s still plenty to do for a fun fall season. Read on for 19 great ideas.
Editor’s note: As of this posting, these events were scheduled to take place. As always, it’s important to check online for the latest updates and safety precautions before heading out to any venue.
1. Peep the Leaves
As the region transitions into fall, it is the perfect time to get outdoors to take in the trees as the leaves change into warm autumn hues. Here are five ways to catch those colorful leaves this fall.
2. Run Like the Wind
Like many annual fall events, 5K races have gone virtual. Whether you want to get in the Halloween spirit or help relieve your stress surrounding the pandemic, here are three 5Ks to try this month.
3. Have a Laugh
If there is one thing we need during 2020, it is a good laugh. Luckily, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is open and welcoming back guests for a night full of laughter. Check out our conversation with stand-up comedian Josh Johnson, who is coming to Arlington this month, about what fans can expect at his upcoming show.
4. Go for a Hayride
In NoVA, Cox Farms is a must-do during the Halloween season for many. This year, the festival will look a bit different with pandemic safety precautions in place, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had—much of it from the safety of your own car! Hayrides are being offered as self-driven affairs (no word yet if that means you have to put hay in your own car), along with a drive-thru market for fall goodies and plenty of other fun surprises. // through Nov. 2; 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville
5. Go Apple Picking
Just like pumpkin picking, apple picking is a quintessential autumn event. Take your family to one of these farms and orchards for some delicious regional treats.
6. Sip by Sunset
Mount Vernon’s beloved Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour is getting a new socially distanced spin this year. Back are the 30 wineries, but instead of tasting tables, attendees can gather at spaced-out high-top bar tables—and the winery representatives (mask and all) will come to you. Buying a full bottle, then meandering the outdoor grounds, is encouraged. // Oct. 9-11; 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; from $42 for members and $46 for nonmembers
7. Have a Picnic
A picnic is the perfect way to take in those beautiful fall views. Pack up your basket full of homemade (or takeout) treats and head over to one of these four parks for a relaxing picnic under the trees.
8. Catch a Concert
Live music is on the menu this fall. These local venues all have acts taking the stage—with safety precautions in place, of course.
Tally Ho Theater
19 W. Market St. SW, Leesburg
The New Power Generation, Oct. 8, 8 p.m., $35-$75
Beatlemania Now!, Oct. 30, 8 p.m., $20
Jammin Java
227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
An Evening with Robyn Hitchcock, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m., $20-$28
Marie Miller – Little Dreams Album Release, Oct. 17, 9:30 p.m., $15-$20
BBMAK – Back Here 2020, Oct. 22, 8 p.m., $30-$155
The Birchmere
3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., $39.50
Samantha Fish, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., $29.50
11. Imbibe Outside
Wineries—with their outdoor seating, fresh air and lovely views—work in a pandemic era. Here, three events at NoVA wineries that should be on your fall to-sip list.
Sonoma Beckons Wine Tasting
Take your tastebuds to Sonoma with the perfect California wine. This tasting includes six wines from various regions, including the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Moon Mountain and more. // Oct. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.; The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek: 43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg; $53-$60
Delicacies from the Old Dominion
Take part in Lost Creek Winery’s Virginia Culinary History Dinner Series with a delicious five-course meal. Enjoy dishes from the 1909 Delicacies from the Old Dominion cookbook that includes popular Virginia meals through the 20th century. Optional wine pairings are available. // Oct. 17, 7-10 p.m.; The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek: 43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg; $89-$99
Harvest Celebration
Celebrate another year of harvesting at Breaux Vineyards. This weekendlong event features food trucks, crafters, live music and wine for the ultimate celebration of wine. // Oct. 24 & 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville; free entry
12. Appreciate Art Outdoors
The Museum of the Shenandoah is taking its gallery outdoors with the Give Me Shelter: Scenic Views of the Appalachian Trails exhibit. The gallery features 15 photographs of scenes along the 2,192-mile trail, taken by visual storyteller Sarah Jones Decker, that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. // through Dec. 31; Museum of the Shenandoah: 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $5-$15
13. Stream Your Book Club
Smithsonian Associates launched a streaming series of events earlier this year in light of the pandemic, and this fall it’s got a great lineup. Bestselling author Jodi Picoult will be online with fans to talk about her newest novel, The Book of Two Ways, which looks at the life choices one woman is faced with after a death-defying plane crash. Picoult joins fellow author Jasmine Guillory to discuss her book and the time she spent in Egypt researching the setting. // Oct. 6, 6:45 p.m.; $45
14. Watch a Movie Outside
Grab a blanket and pack a picnic for a spooky Saturday night out at Franklin Park Arts Center’s Outdoor Movies. Stop by after dark to catch a showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (Oct. 10) or the 1960s hit The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (Oct. 24), featuring Don Knotts. // Oct. 10, 7 p.m. and Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville; $3
15. Trick Out Your Yard
While Halloween may look a little different this year, that doesn’t mean you have to limit the festivities. Whether you have a big yard or a tiny porch, get out and decorate your home with spooky decorations. Click here for our creepy, but cool, roundup.
16. Say Om Outside
Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria is steeped in history, but it also happens to be a beautiful mansion. Take advantage of its gorgeous Magnolia Terrace this fall for the last yoga session of the season. Bring a mat and prepare to do your sun salutations! // Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m.; Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $5
17. Go Greek!
Trade in ghost stories for the folklore of Mythos at Torpedo Factory Art Center. With 20 featured artists from around the country, this exhibit will showcase art pieces portraying interpretations of different mythologies, folklore and legends through the lens of today’s society. // through Oct. 25; Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; free
18. Eat Your Kids’ Halloween Candy
While traditional trick-or-treating looks to be in peril this year, that shouldn’t stop you from stocking up on candy. Whether you’ll be handing it out, or just curled up on your couch eating it out of a bucket, we say go for it. Wondering what’s most popular? A 2019 nationwide survey by candystore.com found that Virginians top three faves are Hot Tamales, Snickers and Tootsie Pops.
19. Get a New Water View
Skip your usual walk around the neighborhood and take the family on a Sunset Kayak Paddle Tour around Pohick Bay. Take in the surrounding environment and look for bald eagles and great blue herons as you enjoy a relaxing evening on the water. // Oct. 3, 12, 16 and 30, times vary; Pohick Bay Regional Park: 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton; $35
This post originally appeared in our September 2020 print issue. For more great events, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
