Ready to get out of the house for some fun at the end of the week? There are plenty of fun things to do the weekend of October 6 to 9. You can laugh the weekend away at a comedy special, celebrate the season at a fall festival or Oktoberfest, or catch a great concert. Whatever you do, it’s sure to be a weekend for the books.
Celebrating the Eternal City: Noseda conducts Respighi’s Roman Trilogy
October 5–7, times vary
The National Symphony Orchestra performs a trilogy of tone poems by 20th century Italian composer Ottorino Respighi. The three pieces— Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome, and Roman Festivals — were inspired by both the history of Rome and the composer’s emotional attachment to the city. Jader Bignamini, the music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, conducts the performance. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $22
Disney On Ice: Magic in the Stars
October 5–9, times vary
Kids will get to see all their favorite characters in person, with appearances from the casts of Frozen, Encanto, Toy Story, Cars, and The Princess and the Frog, plus classic characters like Mickey and Minnie. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $20
Chelsea Handler: The LBB Tour
October 6
This veteran comedian needs no introduction. Handler’s performance centers around her childhood. A television host, bestselling author, and Grammy nominee, Handler is no stranger to the spotlight. Make sure to grab your tickets soon, since she has already sold out her first of two Kennedy Center performances. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, kennedy-center.org, $59–$125
Circus Orbis: See to Believe
Friday, October 6, 6–10 p.m.
Don’t miss the opening to this intriguing art exhibition at Alexandria’s Galactic Panther. The exhibition was inspired by a regional circus from Tennessee. It features historic photographs and a sampling of circus music. The opening will have live music, a fire dancer, and “circus-themed catering.” The exhibit is on view through the end of November. Galactic Panther: 1303 King St., Alexandria, free
Comedy Night in Leesburg
Friday, October 6, 9:30 p.m.
Want to catch a hilarious night of comedy without making the trip into DC? DC Improv will bring a show to Leesburg with this comedy night at Tally Ho Theater. Josie Marcellino, Schewitz Whichard, Mady Brannon, and Chris Alan perform. Deadpan Law hosts. Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St. SW, Leesburg, $22–$32
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
October 6–7, 6–9 p.m.
Sample wines from a selection of 19 Virginia wineries after hours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Guests can bring blankets to relax on the lawn and look out at the Potomac while they enjoy the wine and meet a George Washington reenactor. Concessions are for sale, including barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, charcuterie boxes, and a butternut squash salad. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, starting at $59
Waterford Fair
October 6–8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This annual fair has been a tradition in Loudoun County for 79 years, and for good reason. It’s a weekend-long celebration full of art, history, and culture. Take a self-guided tour of historic homes, learn something new with “tent talks” on topics like the history of Indigenous people in Loudoun County, and explore crafts and goods from over 60 artisans. Waterford, tickets start at $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery
October 6–28
Sharpen your perception of swords, sorcery, and fantasy with a visit to this multimedia exhibit. To further immerse yourself in this world of mystical art, there will be papier-mâché, box making, and beadwork classes. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, delrayartisans.org, free for exhibit, classes extra
Apple Harvest Festival
October 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., October 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate the season with all things apple at Marker-Miller Orchards. Start off with picking your own apples, then head to the market to indulge in apple cider, cobbler, pies, turnovers, ice cream, and doughnuts. Listen to live music from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Marker-Miller Orchards: 30305 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, admission free, pick-your-own apples starts at $10
Sterling Fest
October 7, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Sterling Community Center hosts a block party, complete with a car show, a beer garden with local beer and wine, 12 food trucks, and a crafters’ alley. For kids, there will be two moon bounces, a petting zoo, crafts, and facepainting. Near Sterling Community Center: 120 Enterprise St., Sterling, free
Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say Tour!
October 7
This budding comic is bringing a night of laughs to Tysons. Normand, whom Jerry Seinfeld called the “best young up-and-coming comic,” has taken the comedy scene by storm. He has a Netflix special that is routinely streaming in the top 10 and has made several appearances on Conan, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, capitalonehall.com, starting at $35
Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival
October 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
The 44th annual fall festival in Old Town Warrenton was postponed from September 23. The town will be filled with artisans and crafters selling handmade art, clothing, furniture, and candles. There will be food trucks serving treats like shaved ice and barbecue. Old Town Warrenton, free
Art on the Avenue
Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
This is the 28th annual art festival in Del Ray and will feature works from more than 350 juried artists. Vendors show off ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, paintings, and everything in between. There will be live music and more than 20 food vendors and even a pie baking contest (with slices for sale). Mount Vernon Avenue, Del Ray, free
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 7
Put on your best lederhosen for a day of food, music, and festivities. There will be live entertainment and activities for the kids. Stroll along Church Street and peruse the artisan vendors. Food vendors will have ice cream, empanadas, barbecue, and, of course, beer. Church Street, Vienna, viennaoktoberfest.org, free
Shenandoah Autumnfest
October 7, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
This festival at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds brings together more than 35 craft beers, wines, and spirits. There will be several events you won’t want to miss, including the whole-hog barbecue demonstration, the flippin’ chicken contest, and a log-splitting contest. Note: This event is for those who are 21 and older. 300 Fairground Rd., Woodstock, shenandoahvalleyproductions.com/autumnfest
Heritage Festival
October 7–8
Page County celebrates its heritage with a variety of homemade goods and demonstrations. There will be food vendors and live entertainment. 15 Fairlane Dr., Luray
Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
October 7–8
Apple picking, apple-themed festival food, and bluegrass music come alive at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges. There will be a petting zoo, hay maze, and pony rides. 205 Grave Mountain Ln., Syria, gravesmountain.com
DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival
October 7–8
Calling all chocolate and coffee connoisseurs. Bring your appetite because this festival is a must-visit. With regional coffee roasters, chocolatiers, and gourmet food shops in attendance, it will be nearly impossible to leave with an empty stomach. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, dmvchocolateandcoffee.com, $16
DMV Black Comedy Homecoming
Sunday, October 8, 8:30 p.m.
Head to The Anthem for an evening of laughter with five comedians from the DMV area. There will be performances by Tommy Davidson, Donnell Rawlings, Tony Woods, Red Grant, Pierre, and Joe Clair. Yvonne Orji will host. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $39.50–$249.50
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Forest Bathing
October 9, 9–11 a.m.
Take the long weekend to connect with nature at the National Arboretum. This forest bathing session is a two-hour guided meditation that invites participants to reflect on the natural world around them and share their experiences. Some visitors will walk through the arboretum, while others will sit. No pets or children under 16. U.S. National Arboretum: 3501 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC, pay what you can (suggested ticket price is $35)
Feature image of Vienna Oktoberfest courtesy Town of Vienna
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