October is National Arts and Humanities month. To celebrate, a festival typically presented by CultureWorks in Richmond has headed north. Throughout the month of October, “artoberVA” will be celebrated in Fairfax, too.
ArtsFairfax represents more than 200 arts organizations in the Fairfax region. This month, for artoberVA, it will offer free events and discounts from artist and local arts organizations. Here are some to check out.
Fall for the Book
October 7–11
Northern Virginia’s longest-running book festival, Fall for the Book’s mission is to connect readers and writers. Some of this year’s headliners include authors Erik Larson, Supriya Baily, and Phyllis R. Dixon. All events, including poetry happy hours and children’s activities, are free and open to the public. 4400 University Dr., Fairfax
ArtsFairfax artoberVA Social Hour
Thursday, October 9, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kick off the month-long celebration with a social hour at Honor Brewing. Local art makers and workers will be on site to meet and mingle with art enthusiasts. Food and drink will be available for purchase. 11250 James Swart Cir., Fairfax
Mason District Art Festival
October 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event will feature live performances, a children’s play area, artist booths, and local eats. The free festival will be at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in downtown Annandale. 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s Oktoberfest
October 12, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at a benefit for Shakespeare Opera Theatre. The event, which will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Fairfax, will have a pumpkin patch, German food and drinks, and family activities and crafts. There will be live music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., including a drawing for season tickets to Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s 2025-2026 season. The event is free for children, and $25 is the suggested donation for adults. 8991 Brook Rd., McLean
Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven Gospel Singers
Friday, October 17, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Known as “The Gospel Temptations,” Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven Gospel Singers will be performing at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center. The group was founded in 1969 and will be serving as the season opener for the Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series, which is celebrating 36 years this year. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax
Nova Labs Open House
October 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nova Labs, a maker space and community, is hosting an open house to give guests a chance to explore workshops and meet the artists and makers at the lab. Admission to Nova Labs is free during the open house. 3850 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax
Free Dance Week at Center for Ballet Arts
October 20–25
Beginning at 4 p.m. on October 20 and running through 3 p.m. on October 25, enjoy free dance classes at the Center for Ballet Arts. Classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and more will be offered for those ages 3 to adult. 3928 Pender Dr., Ste. 200, Fairfax
Feature image courtesy Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven Gospel Singers
