With the month of October dwindling down, make sure to make the most of the season. From fun Halloween performances to farm, boat, and studio tours, there will be plenty of fun heading to NoVA this weekend. Here are 13 great events to try out during the weekend of October 20–22.
Alexandria Forum
Friday, October 20, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Explore the complex history of Alexandria’s waterfront with this annual day-long forum. Historians and archaeologists will present historical evidence like deeds and store ledgers to examine the city’s history, as far back as 1730, through the lens of modern technology. Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, $60 per person, $40 for museum members
Great Falls Studio Tour
Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The annual studio tour is back for its 20th anniversary. Held across 27 locations, 45 local artists will display their work, showing off their spaces, talking about their creative processes, and holding hand-on activities. Throughout Great Falls, free
Wright at Twilight
Friday, October 20, 6:30–9 p.m.
The Pope-Leighey House, the iconic home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, opens its doors for a night tour. As the sun sets, guests can play games in the yard, enjoy a picnic, or listen to period music before heading inside to admire the home’s beautiful details. Tickets also come with one drink voucher. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House: 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, $25
Pride of Baltimore Tall Ship Visit
Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Travel back to the early 19th century with a tour of the Pride of Baltimore. The tall ship is making its way to Alexandria for a weekend of tours and history. Guests can explore the ship, learn about the Star-Spangled National Historic Trail, and talk to the crew to learn more about the War of 1812. City of Alexandria Marina: Cameron Street, Alexandria, free
Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival
October 20–22
Take advantage of Virginia’s breathtaking fall scenery by cycling through farmlands, forests, Civil War battlefields, and historic towns. After Saturday’s ride, refuel at the festival’s large lunch buffet and dance to the sounds of the Everyday People Band at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 2000 Shutterlee Mill Rd., Staunton, shenandoahbike.org
FXBG Pet Palooza
Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, October 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
This weekend is for the pooches. Take your furry friend to the expo center to explore local vendors, taste delicious treats, and try out new toys. Watch agility demonstrations and participate in a pet costume contest. Fredericksburg Convention Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $8 general admission, $7 for seniors, free for pets and children 12 and under
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October 21–22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate the season and learn all about life on an 18th-century farm. Watch live demonstrations of cooking, candle-making, laundry washing, horseshoeing, and textiles. There will be farm-fresh foods and bread for sale. Kids can explore the straw-bale maze, and you can meet George Washington. Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, $26 for ages 12 and up, $13 for ages 6–11, free for ages 5 and under
Loudoun Farm Tour 2023
Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
It’s the 30th anniversary of celebrating agriculture in Loudoun County with this farm tour. Over 40 local farms are set to participate, including Breaux Vineyards, Old Apple Valley Farms, and Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery. This year, the tour has a shuttle bus that’ll take guests to the different farms. The first 100 riders will receive a special swag bag. Various locations, free
Fall Makers Market
October 21, 1–5 p.m.
Fall drinks and shopping combine at Alexandria’s Lost Boy Cider. The intimate market is set to include at least 10 vendors, amazing cider, and a food truck. Lost Boy Cider: 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria; free admission
Heart of the Mummy Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery
Saturday, October 21 6:30–9 p.m.
A classic who-dunnit murder mystery is just what the Halloween season calls for. Join the Magpie Sisters as they try to solve the mystery behind their favorite radio playwright’s suspicious death. The dinner buffet menu includes a Greek chicken bake with feta cheese, breaded sole filet, pearl couscous, and apple cake. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg, $70
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein
Saturday, October 21 through November 11, times vary
If you’re looking to add some holiday fun to your weekend, catch the opening weekend of Young Frankenstein. The musical, based on Mel Brooks’ comedy film from the 1970s, reimagines the classic telling of the legend of Frankenstein. This performance is recommended for mature audiences. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, $29–$34
Lightwire Theater
Sunday, October 22 ,1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
The beloved tale of The Tortoise and the Hare comes to life. This next generation performance is filled with modern distractions as Old Man Tortoise and Bid Baddy Hare must come together to save their kids. Performance runs an hour. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $15
Middleburg Film Festival
Through Sunday, October 22 times vary
The 11th annual film festival takes over the quaint town of Middleburg. This weekend, movie lovers will be able to catch sneak previews of upcoming flicks, catch foreign films, and sit on conversations with esteemed directors. Various locations, $18 for individual screenings, $10–$15 for panels
Feature image courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
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