Whether you are looking to catch a performance as the theater season kicks off or celebrate Virginia Wine month with a festival, these are the events and activities worth making time for this October.
Through October 31
Bright Star
The Broadway tale makes its way to the Fredericksburg stage. This play penned by comedian Steve Martin and Edie Brickell takes theatergoers back to the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. Riverside Center For The Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $84.98
October 2 & 3
Little Big Town
The country group is bringing its Nightfall tour to Tysons for the opening weekend of Capital One Hall. The Grammy winners have 20 years of hits under their belt, but we’re betting they’ll play some of their newer songs, like “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” alongside classics “Boondocks” and “Girl Crush.” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; $55–$243.75
October 2 & 3
VA Wine Festival
Virginia is definitely for wine lovers. With more than 200 local wines and dozens of ciders available, head to Ashburn to enjoy a weekend full of tastings. The two-day event also includes a tasting glass, access to the Oyster Pavilion, and entertainment. One Loudoun: 44605 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn; $15–$69
October 7–11
Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party
Your favorite Disney and Pixar characters are hitting the rink. From Moana and Miguel to Genie and Olaf, sing and dance along as Mickey and his friends take your family on an amazing, fun-filled adventure. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax; $25–$95
October 8 & 9
Jeff Garlin
The actor, comedian, and director extraordinaire—you’ve seen him on The Goldbergs, Arrested Development, and Curb Your Enthusiasm—is bringing his tour to NoVA to share his latest laugh lines. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $25–$30
October 10
The Jonas Brothers
NoVA is a sucker for the Jonas Brothers (just check out those ticket prices). The trio is coming to Bristow as part of their Remember This tour, the first visit since the band reunited in 2019. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow; $33–$661
October 10
McLean Pet Fest
Leash up your four-legged friends for an afternoon full of pet-friendly fun. Shop a variety of cool local products or dress up your pup to strut in the Pooch Parade. There’s something for every pet owner and furry friend. McLean Central Park: 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean; free
October 11–31
The Madness of Poe
Experience the sinister work of Virginian Edgar Allan Poe as performed by the Synetic Theater. The 90-minute trilogy reimagines Synetic’s 2007 hit production of The Fall of the House Usher, with even more mysterious and macabre tales from the guy who wrote “The Raven.” Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington; $20–$50
October 12
RAIN—A Tribute to the Beatles
Celebrate over 50 years of one of the world’s all-time iconic albums, Abbey Road, at this live celebration that transports you back to the late 1960s. Relive the fab foursome’s iconic album with theatrical performances of “Come Together,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and all your other old favorites. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; $49.50–$99.50
October 15
Blue Oyster Cult
Head back to the ’70s with these rock legends. While you already know their classics, like “The Reaper,” “Burnin’ For You,” and “Godzilla,” make sure to brush up on their 2020 release, The Symbol Remains. Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; $55
October 15–17
Capital Art and Craft Festivals
Cross names off your holiday-gift list like crazy at this arts-and-crafts festival. Explore thousands of handmade creations, including glass, pottery, and specialty foods. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $10–$12
October 15–January 2, 2022
LuminoCity
If you just can’t wait for all those holiday decorations to flicker on, head to the LuminoCity festival in Fairfax County. It’s one of just two in the country (the other is in New York). Decked out with a variety of towering handmade sculptures, Roer’s Zoofari will be lit up for an immersive experience like you’ve never seen before. Roer’s Zoofari: 228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna; $22–$76
October 16
Harvest Celebration
The best part of fall? Enjoying the local harvests. Join Breaux Vineyards for an end-of-year party full of food trucks, vendors, and live music. Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville; free
October 16
Jason Aldean: Back In The Saddle Tour
The Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade is stopping in Bristow. Hitting the road once again, Aldean joins fans for a night with over 17 years of hits, including “Dirt Road Anthem.” “My Kinda Party,” and “You Make It Easy.” Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow; $45–$336
October 16–November 6
Wait Until Dark
In the mood for something creepy this time of year? Grab tickets for this tale. This 1960s play follows Suzy, a blind woman mostly alone in her apartment, as she tries to fend off a murderous pack of thieves. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria
October 17
An Evening with Judy Collins
Join the Grammy winner and social activist for an evening at the Birchmere. The intimate concert will feature work from the singer’s 50-plus albums, sure to include her Grammy winner for Best Folk Performance, “Both Sides Now.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $59.50
October 22–23 & 29–30
Grief & Ghost Tours
Celebrate Halloween in a different way—with the stories of the deaths and mysteries occurring at the Lee-Fendall House. As you learn about the Victorian mourning traditions, explore the house after dark to see if any lingering ghosts make an appearance. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria; $15
October 29–31
Waitress
Love theater, music, and pie? This is just the ticket. Jenna, a server and pastry-making aficionado, dreams of leaving her small town and abusive husband in search of happiness. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; starting at $54.50
Feature image by YuanYuan Xiang, courtesy LuminoCity Festival
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
