Get ready for a weekend filled with fun. Experience Dear Evan Hansen, get your groove on at the Zombie Zumba Party, or embrace the magical world of cats and spells at Paws and Potions. With these events and more, there’s something for everyone this weekend.
Broadway in Tysons: Dear Evan Hansen
October 18–20
This musical explores the lives of high school students and their parents living in a social media-driven world. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $19
Zombie Zumba Party
October 18, 6–7:30 p.m.
Dress in your best undead attire and head out to a night of fun with dance, refreshments, and door prizes. This event is for ages 16 and up and promises groovy moves and a lively atmosphere. Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, $10–$12
Paws and Potions
October 18, 6:30–8 p.m.
Have a magical evening! You’ll participate in crafting, receive take-home items, enjoy mulled wine, and spend time with the resident cats, where you might even meet your next family member. Limited spots available. Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar: 109 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, $40
The Curse of the Amethyst
October 18–19, 7 p.m.
Following the theft of a priceless gem and the murder of a suspect, attendees of this murder mystery performance will work together to solve the crime. Guests are encouraged to don 1920s costumes. Ticket price includes dessert. River Mill Park: 413 Mill St., Occoquan, $48
Children’s Entrepreneur Market
October 19, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Support young entrepreneurs at this market where children ages 5–17 showcase their businesses. From lemonade stands to lawn mowing services, this event allows them to practice sales pitches, transactions, and customer service skills. Historic Manassas Farmers Market: 9024 Prince William St., Manassas, free to attend
The International Cat Association Show
October 19–20, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
See over 100 pedigree and household pet cats competing before judges for the International Cat Association. Check out fabulous vendors and exciting feline rescue opportunities. Fredericksburg Convention Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $13.50
Fall Harvest Festival
October 19–20, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Experience autumn with 18th-century activities and demonstrations. Watch wheat treading in Washington’s threshing barn, learn about horseshoeing from the Farrier, and participate in traditional laundry methods. Watch cooking, candle-making, and spinning demonstrations that showcase the skills of the time. George Washington’s Mount Vernon:
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, included with admission $11–$24
JCFM Mini Golf Tournament
October 19, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
This fun-filled mini golf tournament supports the Jeffrey C. Fowler Memorial Scholarship fund. By participating, you’ll help award scholarships to graduating Loudoun County students — nearly $50,000 has been given to 25 students thanks to previous events. Registration includes 18 holes of mini golf, a picnic breakfast, and the opportunity to win prizes. Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park: 21593 Jesse Ct., Sterling, $30
Haymarket Day
October 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Save the date for Haymarket’s biggest event of the year! The lively annual street festival features a parade, over 250 vendors, beer gardens, kids’ activities, and much more. Haymarket Town Hall: 15004 Washington St., Haymarket, free
Fall Festival by Joshua’s Hands
October 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This festival features live music, kid-friendly activities like pony rides and crafts, and hands-on heritage arts demonstrations. A live auction will be held for quilts, themed baskets, and more. Walnut Creek Farm: 39550 Meadowlark Dr., Hamilton, free
Centreville Day
October 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This theme of the 32nd annual Centreville Day celebration is “Revolutionary Roots, Modern Branches” to honor America’s 250th anniversary. There will be a Walk to End Hunger, a trick-or-treat trail, and an Eco Expo where guests can learn about recycling and composting. Historic Centreville Park: 5714 Mount Gilead Rd., Centreville, free
Halloween Bash
October 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet friendly farm animals. The farm has 250 of them. Activities include s’mores and cider by the fire, face painting, animal interactions, a scavenger hunt, and a costume parade. Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary: 10445 Manley Rd., Nokesville, $20
Barktoberfest
October 19, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
It’ll be a fun-filled day featuring animal adoptions, pet-related exhibits, and a pet photo booth. The event will have resources for pet parents, giveaways, games, a used book sale, a petting zoo, music, and food trucks. Chinn Park Library: 13065 Chinn Park Dr., Woodbridge, free
Herndon Children’s Book Festival
October 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
This event features authors from the region reading their books, live music, and food. Explore artisan crafts and meet animals at the Critter Carnival (including a bearded dragon). Arts Herndon: 750 Center St., Herndon, free
Oktoberfest Beer Olympics
October 19, 1–6 p.m.
Come to the Beer Olympics, featuring live music, exciting games, and a special beer tasting, with competitions like Keg Curling and Stein Hoisting. Enjoy a wide selection of beers and ciders and catch college football action on large screens at this dog-friendly event. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., Tysons, free admission
Pumpkin Plunge
October 19, 4–7:15 p.m.
Bring the family to pick pumpkins from a floating pumpkin patch, decorate them, and indulge in cider and doughnuts. Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, $15
Jazz Under the Stars
October 19, 7–10 p.m.
This enchanting evening of live jazz, dancing, and themed cocktails, accompanied by catered hors d’oeuvres event supports the Lee-Fendall House Museum’s preservation and education efforts during its landmark 50th year. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, starting at $80
Eli Cook with Lena Traynham and Brassie
October 19, 7:30 p.m.
Eli Cook, a Virginia native, blends blues, rock, and country with a gritty voice and impressive guitar skills and has opened for legends like B.B. King. Lena Traynham showcases her dynamic stage presence and vocal range. Brassie is a DC-based alternative singer-songwriter known for her acoustic performances that mix folk, pop, and rock influences. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave., Vienna, $15–$25
2024 Fall Classic Car Show
October 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Rev your engines for the Fall Car Show! You can explore the galleries, visit the Museum store, see “We, the Marines” in the Medal of Honor Theater, try a laser rifle range, or eat at Tun Tavern, with outdoor concessions available. The National Museum of the Marine Corps: 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, free
Maker Faire NoVa
October 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join over 100 makers for a fair featuring STEAM-focused projects, demonstrations, and workshops. Partners include Virginia Tech, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, George Mason University, and American University. Highlights include drone flying, hands-on activities, and discussions on the history of inventors. Chinquapin Park: 3330 King St., Alexandria, $10–$20
Loisann’s Day
October 20, noon–3 p.m.
This is a family-friendly festival that supports families in need. Enjoy slider samples from downtown chefs, along with vendors, a moon bounce, a DJ, and more fun activities. Your wristband includes free slider samples, two drink tickets, and a raffle ticket. Maury Park: 901 Kenmore Ave., Fredericksburg, $25
Harry Potter–Themed Witches & Wizards Market
October 20, noon–5 p.m.
Dress in your best robes and costumes for a magical day filled with fun. There will be adult costume contests, raffles, DIY spell jars, over 20 vendors, food trucks, and tarot readings. Hexes & Healing Metaphysical Shop: 2374 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg, free
2024 Fall Funtacular
October 20, 1–4 p.m.
Celebrate the season with family-friendly activities like relay races, learning about bees, garlic planting, and farm art. Snacks, apple cider, and music will be available amid the beautiful setting of Woodlawn Estate. Woodlawn & Arcadia Farm: 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, free
Robert Ellis
October 20, 7 p.m.
Robert Ellis’s Yesterday’s News is a minimalist album recorded live in two days, featuring his tender vocals accompanied by nylon string guitar and upright bass. The arrangements draw from English songwriters and evoke emotional depth like those of Chet Baker and Bill Evans. This release marks Ellis’s debut with Niles City Records, continuing his exploration of narrative-driven music. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave., Vienna, $20–$30
Feature image of Maker Faire NoVA by Andrew Albosta
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