As we enter a new month, it’s time for some new fun. October will provide the region with a combination of harvest tours, spooky performances, and fall festivals. Here are the 15 October events you should consider stopping by this month.
October 3
Rocknoceros
Formed in 2005, this popular children’s band has won 10 Washington Area Music Awards. There will be two shows where Boogie Woogie Bennie and Williebob perform. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, $10
October 4–6
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Enjoy unlimited samples from 20 Virginia vineyards. Seven of the wineries won gold in the 2024 Governor’s Cup, including Clifton’s Paradise Springs Winery and Walsh Family Wine in Purcellville. Live music by Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, starting at $44 for members, $50 for non-members
October 5
45th Annual Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival
Main Street in Historic Old Town Warrenton will be awash in arts, music, crafters, and food, including barbecue and shaved ice. Browse handmade jewelry, candles, clothing, furniture, and stained glass items. Historic Old Town Warrenton: Main Street, Warrenton, free
Through October 6
Clue
Put on your detective hat for this hilarious and cliff-hanging play based on the 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic game you played as a kid. Recommended for ages 12 and older. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $29–$169
October 10–14
Let’s Dance by Disney on Ice
Magic is in the air with this spectacular ice show, as world-class athletes skate along to classic Disney songs. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Ariel, and Moana are just some of the many beloved characters featured. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $20
October 11
Magic & Mischief
Dr. Ken Jones and Alec Negri respectively star as the professor and the con man in this clever show with jaw-dropping tricks and unexpected twists. Livestream tickets are also available. StageCoach Theatre Company: 20937 Ashburn Rd., Ashburn, $28
October 12
Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival
Founders Chris Jones and James Noll bring family and friends together to promote indie authors, graphic novelists, and book artists. This is the festival’s eighth year. Riverfront Park: 713 Sophia St., Fredericksburg, free
October 14
American Pie Emo Night
See the classic movie as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The American Pie Emo Night Tour features performances by two bands: Thomas Ian Nicholas Band and The Dude Ranch. Nicholas played Kevin Meyers in the film. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $22
October 15–20
Mean Girls
From dramatic high school cliques to juicy teenage gossip, you don’t want to miss this hilarious and unforgettable hit musical. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $69
October 17–20
Middleburg Film Festival
Four days of phenomenal films, documentaries, premieres, and Q&As await at this popular festival. Screenings take place around the town. Previous special guests have included actress Emma Stone, director and writer Emerald Fennell, and composer Kris Bowers. Various locations, Middleburg, individual tickets available in October
October 18–20
Dracula
This classic vampire tale is a chilling and beautiful performance of love and the quest for eternal life. As the Manassas Ballet Theatre dancers bring the story to life, Dracula’s original score is performed by the Kim Reynolds Band. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, starting at $40
Through October 20
14th Annual Workhouse Clay International
Ceramic artist and educator Matt Kelleher selected 46 artworks to display at this exhibition featuring sculptural ceramic artworks and functional creations. Exhibiting artists include Virginians Jennifer Hayes, Scott Kaye, and Linda Wren. Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, free
October 27–December 8
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Enter if you dare. This spellbinding Forbidden Forest experience is based on the Harry Potter universe. See magical creatures, cast enchanting spells, and try delicious food and drinks inspired by the wizarding world. Morven Park: 41580 Sunday Morning Ln., Leesburg, starting at $45 for adults, $30 for kids 3–12, free for 2 and under
October 29
Reston After Dark
Hear spooky stories about Reston robberies, graveyards, and more at this second annual event. You might think of the community a little differently after these ghostly tales. Reston Museum: 1639 Washington Plz. N., Reston, free
Through November 10
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
This jukebox musical tells the story of this inspiring songwriter’s early life. Listen to hits that took Carole King to the top, including “You’ve Got a Friend” and “I Feel the Earth Move.” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg, starting at $65 for adults, $55 for kids 3–17
Feature image of Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival courtesy Town of Warrenton
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
