The first October weekend of the year is packed with fun activities for those looking to have a memorable weekend. From concerts and festivals to night markets and car shows, there is something for anyone who wants to explore what Northern Virginia has to offer.
Mid-Autumn Night Market
October 2, 5–11 p.m.
On the rooftop of Union Market, this open-air Hong Kong–style night market hosts cultural performances, local artisans, food stalls, pop-up shops, late-night DJs, and more. The fourth annual event is organized by Michelin-honored Cantonese restaurant Tiger Fork and its sister bar Hi-Lawn. Union Market: 1309 Fifth St. NW, Washington, DC, $7.56
Waterford Fair
October 3–5, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
A tradition for over 80 years in Waterford, this annual fair celebrates local history and arts with live music, local food vendors, and family-fun activities. Several artists showcase their work through demonstrations of wood carving, soap making, textile weaving, and more throughout the weekend. Guests can also tour historic homes around town. Proceeds go to the Waterford Foundation, with the mission of preserving the historic town of Waterford and educating people about its history. The Village of Waterford: 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford, starting at $21.58, kids 12 and under free
Festival Latinoamericano
October 3, 5–9 p.m.
This annual event celebrates and showcases the diverse cultures that form the Arlington community with Latin American food, art, and music. With live music from local artists like Cubano Groove and food from local businesses like Pakos Fresh Mex and Portal Maya, this festival is the perfect place to support small businesses and celebrate Latin culture. Arlington Mill Community Center: 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, free
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chambers Ensemble
October 3, 8 p.m.
For classical music fans, join London’s Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chambers Ensemble for a program featuring classics like Franz Schubert’s 1824 “Octet in F Major.” The concert also includes a special work commissioned by the Academy and is directed and led by violinist Tomo Keller. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4372 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, starting at $41
Art on the Avenue
October 4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
The 30th annual celebration of multicultural arts and music brings more than 300 artists to Del Ray. From jewelers and woodworkers to potters and glass makers, several artists will demonstrate their crafts. The event also has live music, over 30 food vendors, and a pie baking competition and sale with all proceeds benefitting the Alexandria Women’s Domestic Abuse Shelter. Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte avenues, Alexandria, free
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 4, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Stop by this all-day German folk festival for live entertainment on three stages, a large selection of beer and wine, and a local business expo showcase. Taste traditional German and international bites from several food vendors before browsing the artisan marketplace with a beer in hand. Historic Church Street: 131 Church St. NE, Vienna, free
The 37th Annual Leesburg Car Show
October 4, 12–4 p.m.
This car show hosts over 150 classic, muscle, custom, street rod, and sports cars on display for car fanatics to observe. Academies of Loudoun holds the annual event in the parking lot of the Loudoun County Public Schools administrative building, and all proceeds go toward supporting students, primarily through senior scholarships. 21000 Education Ct., Ashburn, free
Rosslyn Fall Fest
October 4, 1–6 p.m.
Grab a seasonal treat with a local beer or cider at this annual Arlington festival. Along with live music from artists like Rock Creek Kings and Blair’s West Band, the festival hosts a pie eating contest, pumpkin decorating, food trucks, lawn games, and more. NOW Pop-Up Park: 1401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free
Moongaze on International Observe the Moon Night
October 4, 7–9 p.m.
This Saturday is International Observe the Moon Night, and what better way to celebrate than skygazing at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum? Museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club will bring telescopes and help newbies peek at the night sky through a professional lens. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free
Twenty One Pilots
October 5, 8 p.m.
Duo Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun blend genres like alternative rock and pop in well-known hits like “Stressed Out” and “Heathens.” The duo added additional North American shows to the Clancy World Tour after the release of their eighth studio album, Breach, on September 12. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $67
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Through November 9
The largest fall festival in Northern Virginia is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with tons of family-friendly fun like hayrides, slides, a corn maze, a goat petting zoo, and cow-milking demonstrations. With food options like warm pies, root beer floats, kettle corn, macaroni and cheese, and an apple cider station, this festival is the perfect day trip to ring in the autumn season. Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, starting at $15
Feature image of Art on the Avenue courtesy Maureen Schweers
