Make the most of this weekend with everything from festive fall celebrations to spooky thrills. Drink at the Vienna Oktoberfest, embrace the Halloween spirit at Burke Lake’s Goblin Golf, or get your adrenaline pumping at Haunt 2024 in Lorton. With family-friendly activities like DogFest and Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert, there’s something for everyone the weekend of October 4–6.
Nerf Mania at Segra Field
October 4, 5:30–8 p.m.
Get ready for action at Segra Field, where the pitch will be transformed into a Nerf battlefield with inflatable bunkers and face painting. Participants must bring their own Nerf gun and Segra Field supplies the darts. Segra Field: 42095 Loudoun United Dr., Leesburg, $15 for participants, free for spectators
Piano Concertos with Thomas Pandolfi and Monticello Chamber Orchestra
October 4, 7:30–9 p.m.
Experience an evening of captivating music as Thomas Pandolfi performs piano concertos by Maurice Ravel and George Gershwin, accompanied by the Monticello Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Benjamin Hutchens. Westminster Presbyterian Church: 2701 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria, suggested donation $20 per person
Grape Stomping
October 4–6, 2024, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate harvest season with a fun-filled grape stomping event! Stomp grapes and create a keepsake tea towel. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings with wine by the glass, bottle, or flight tastings, plus a full menu of delicious fare. Bluemont Vineyard: 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, $29
Haunt 2024: Twisted Tales of Terror
October 4–November 2, 6–10 p.m.
Experience a spooky trail set in the historic buildings of the former prison, featuring terrifying characters and sights. This year’s theme brings classic fairy tales to life with a creepy twist. There will be Halloween fun in the Rizer Pavilion with music, refreshments, food trucks, and a pop-up shop. Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, $25–$35
Manassas Fall Jubilee
October 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This is the 41st year for this annual fall event that will feature over 100 booths selling craft goods. Show off your talents to locals too — there will be a Community Stage for musical acts, martial arts, and area bands. 9201 Center St., Manassas
Art on the Avenue in Del Ray
October 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Stroll Mount Vernon Avenue and explore over 300 juried artists showcasing jewelry to quilts to handmade cards. Listen to live music and grab a bite from a variety of food vendors. Mount Vernon Avenue, between Bellefonte and Hume avenues, Alexandria, free
Old Town Books Junior Grand Opening
October 5, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of an expanded kids’ section at Old Town Books! This will be a day filled with family-friendly activities, including story time, visits with Pete the Cat, and Music with Tots with Tempo. All day, there will be balloons, a scavenger hunt, a raffle, a prize wheel, and crafts! Old Town Books: 130 S. Royal St., Alexandria, free
Fairfax Fiesta 2024
October 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural performances, an artisans market, kids’ games, and delicious food at this free, family-friendly event. Culmore Community Library: 6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, free
Lobster Fest
October 5, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wine, food, and live music. What more could you ask for on a Saturday afternoon? Savor dishes like lobster mac and cheese and lobster tacos while you admire the winery’s beautiful view. The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Route 29, Centreville, free
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vienna Oktoberfest with vendors, multinational food, music, entertainment, and free kids’ activities. There will be live performances on three stages, a large beer and wine garden, and a bustling vendor marketplace. Church Street, Vienna, free
Oktoberfest at Rustico
October 5, noon–6 p.m.
Rustico turns its patio into a Bavarian Beer Garden for the afternoon. The event features 10 German-style festbiers, Bavarian food specials, live oompah music from The Alpine Players, and stein-holding contests. Lederhosen encouraged! Rustico Restaurant: 827 Slaters Ln., Alexandria, free
Ballet Hispánico
October 5, 8 p.m.
Experience vibrant dance that explores Hispanic diasporas through pieces like Sombrerísimo, Buscando a Juan, and Club Havana for Hispanic Heritage Month. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, starting at $33
Goblin Golf at Burke Lake Park
October 5–6, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween early with a spooky mini-golf adventure. Goody bags will be given out, and playful ghosts and goblins will be on hand. Burke Lake Park Mini-Golf: 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station, $10
15th Annual Hank’s OysterFest
October 6, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Get ready for a day full of oysters, brews, and rooftop vibes at this 21+ event. Feast on unlimited oysters on the half shell, BBQ oysters, and more, plus local craft beers and boozy punches. Hank’s classics like fried chicken sliders and mac ‘n’ cheesy will be on deck. Hank’s Oyster Bar: 818 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria, $100
Dogtoberfest
October 6, noon–4 p.m.
Port City Brewing Company holds its annual outdoor celebration for dog lovers! Your well-behaved, leashed pooches can get their portraits done, have their nails trimmed, and run an agility course. Pet-themed vendors and organizations will be on hand. Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, free
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
October 6, 4 p.m.
Join the magic of Encanto at Hylton Performing Arts Center, where a live band will perform Grammy Award–winning songs while the full film plays. Sing along to favorites like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Dress as your favorite character for this family-friendly event. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, starting at $29
Wines on the Potomac at Mount Vernon
October 6, 6–9 p.m.
Spend an enchanting evening at George Washington’s estate, where you can taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries while taking in the sunset over the Potomac River. Bring a blanket or reserve a VIP table on the east lawn and listen to live music by Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders. Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, $44 – $54 for general admission
Feature image courtesy Vienna Oktoberfest
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