Ready for this long Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend? Head to the Loudoun County Fall Fair for thrilling rides and carnival treats or listen to live music and check out alpacas at Fall Fest at Lost Boy Cider. Experience the spooky vibes at an adult corn maze, and rock out to a concert that raises funds to fight cancer. With fun for all ages, the weekend events for October 11–14 are sure to be a blast!
Loudoun County Fall Fair
October 9–12, times vary
Enjoy the thrills of the midway with exciting rides, games, and delicious carnival treats for the whole family. See much of NoVA on the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Loudoun County Fairgrounds: 17558 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, free admission, ride tickets priced separately
Fall Fest at Lost Boy Cider
October 11, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Come celebrate Fall Fest! Listen to live music from the Moondaddies, meet real alpacas, and pour your own candle or a make body oil. Lost Boy Cider: 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, free
Adult Corn Maze
October 11–13, 18–19, 6–9 p.m.
Experience a thrilling night filled with twists and turns! Bring a flashlight and find your way through the corn maze, listen to live music around cozy bonfires, and sip on Henway Hard Cider or Bluemont Vineyard wines paired with seasonal snacks like s’smores. Henway Hard Cider Company: 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, $35
Wright at Twilight
October 11, 6:30–9 p.m.
Experience Pope-Leighey House at twilight. Have complimentary snacks and a glass of wine. Play lawn games as period music plays. Take a self-guided tour as the sun sets. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House: 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, $25
Hear Author Shannon Downey Speak
October 11, 7–8:30 p.m.
Join author Shannon Downey as she talks about her new book, Let’s Move the Needle. Downey, a leader in the craftivism movement, offers a guide to using art as a form of activism. This event is perfect for creatives looking to channel their craft into social change and community action. Old Town Books: 130 S. Royal St., Alexandria, free
FXBG Big Fall Cleanup
October 12, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Help the community with a big fall cleanup. Meet at Old Mill Park, where volunteers will receive litter grabbers, bags, and gloves. After spreading out to various cleanup sites throughout Fredericksburg, volunteers reconvene at noon for a free Billikens BBQ lunch, with vegetarian options available. Those under 16 need a guardian. Old Mill Park: 2201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, free
Latino Oktoberfest Music Festival
October 12, 12 p.m.–2 a.m.
This all-day event combines the vibrant spirit of Latin America with Oktoberfest. Hear a mix of Colombian and South American music alongside soft rock, featuring DJ sets, live band performances, and family-friendly competitions. Sip on curated beer flights and traditional Colombian spirits as you dance the night away. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., Tysons, free
Leesburg Premium Outlets Fall Festival
October 12, 12–4 p.m.
This festival offers family fun with free balloons, live entertainment, pumpkin painting, and sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes. There will be apple cider and surprises from the Polo Ralph Lauren Bear as you shop. 241 Fort Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg, free
Rocktober Benefit Concert Supporting Cancer Can Rock
October 12, 1–10 p.m.
It’ll be a full day of live music at the Rocktober Benefit Concert, supporting the initiatives of Cancer Can Rock, a nonprofit started by a record producer who survived cancer. Get ready for incredible performances by artists including Tommy & Kim, Delta Spur, Mike Parker, Justin Trawick and The Common Good, and others, along with food, craft cocktails, and tap beer. Earp’s Ordinary: 10428 Main St., Fairfax, $25
Alexandria Citizens Band Fall Concert
October 12, 3–4 p.m.
This band puts on a concert of classical and contemporary music, followed by an instrument “Petting Zoo” where kids can explore and learn about the instruments. Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center: 25 W. Reed Ave., Alexandria, free
Paws in the Park
October 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Paws in the Park is a pet-friendly event featuring live music, activities, vendors, and adoptable animals. Benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, the festival promotes animal welfare, adoptions, and responsible pet ownership while providing fun for the whole family. Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria, free
McLean Petfest
October 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Come to the park for a fun-filled day with your leashed furry friends. There will be music, Fido’s Bone Bar, a photo booth, pet tricks, gourmet food trucks, and giveaways, along with valuable pet-related resources for adoption, grooming, and training. Don’t forget to dress up for the Pet Parade! McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, free
Spooky Season Drag Brunch
October 13, 11:30 a.m.
Join Madigan’s for a drag brunch. Have brunch, a drink, and soak up the lively atmosphere of dancing and singing. Come in costume and participate in the costume contest. Madigan’s Waterfront: 201 Mill St., Occoquan, $25
Ethiopian Fall Festival
October 13, 1–7 p.m.
This family-friendly festival is a celebration of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, featuring traditional music, dance, authentic cuisine, and arts. Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria, $5
Tanukichan with villagerrr and Starcleaner Reunion
October 14, 6:30 p.m.
Tanukichan, the solo project of Hannah van Loon, draws influences from her “dad rock” phase and has evolved from her early collaborations with Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi. Her latest EP, Circles, released on September 20, showcases a captivating blend of shoegaze, grunge, and industrial sounds. Don’t miss the chance to see her live! The Atlantis: 2047 Ninth St., NW, Washington, DC, $20
NYT Cooking: Easy Weeknight Dinners Cookbook
October 14, 7 p.m.
Join Emily Weinstein and Eric Kim for an engaging discussion on easy weeknight dinners, based on Weinstein’s new book, Easy Weeknight Dinners: 100 Fast, Flavor-Packed Meals for Busy People Who Still Want Something Good to Eat. The event will feature insights from cookbook author Melissa Clark, columnist Yewande Komolafe, and recipe developer Ali Slagle. Sixth & I: 600 I St. NW, Washington, DC, $25–$42
The The
October 14, 8:30 p.m.
The word “soul” has been integral to THE THE’s journey, from Matt Johnson’s debut album Burning Blue Soul in 1981 to the band’s 2024 tour. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $75
Feature image courtesy Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
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