As Halloween weekend approaches, festivities are in full swing. From movie screenings and pet parades to trick-or-treating and costume contests, Northern Virginia is celebrating the holiday early with several fun weekend events. Check out these spooky and non-spooky activities across the DMV area from October 23 to 26.
Mason District Restaurant Week
Through October 26
Stop by one of the 17 restaurants participating in this second annual event across the Mason District of Fairfax County, encompassing places like Falls Church, Annandale, and Bailey’s Crossroads. Participating restaurants are offering special discounts, combos, and cocktails for Restaurant Week diners. Multiple area locations, free
Friends of George Mason Regional Library Book Sale
October 23–26, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Browse used books, CDs, and DVDs at this biannual, nonprofit sale. All items for sale are donated by the surrounding community, and the proceeds go towards Fairfax County Public Library initiatives like reading programs and scholarships. George Mason Regional Library: 7001 Little River Tpk., Annandale, free
DMV Rock N Roll Diwali
October 23, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights holiday with live performances from local artists Laal Taal, NAYAN, and Tejas Singh. The performers will blend indie rock, solo acoustic, disco, rock and more during the celebration that signifies “the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.” Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, $21
The Basement Yard Experience
October 23, 8 p.m.
Grab tickets to see the live performance of lifelong friends and comedy podcast cohosts Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez. The Basement Yard duo’s show will be unscripted, and audience members are encouraged to participate. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $57.75
Haunted Mini Golf
October 24–25, 6–9 p.m.
Compete in 18 holes of spooky mini golf surrounded by festive lights and Halloween decorations. Wear your scariest costume and keep an eye out for any ghosts or ghouls jumping out at different holes. Pohick Bay Regional Park: 6503 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton, starting at $10
Twilight In Concert
October 24–25, 7:30 p.m.
Whether you’re team Edward or team Jacob, this concert is the perfect opportunity to step back into the fantasy world of vampires and werewolves. The film will be shown on a full-size cinema screen, accompanied by a candlelit 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians playing Twilight classics like “Bella’s Lullaby.” The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $83.45
Reston Home Tour
October 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Discover Reston’s unique architecture at seven properties during this self-guided tour. All proceeds from ticket sales for the tour and the coinciding raffle will go towards the nonprofit Reston Museum, dedicated to preserving and informing locals on the history of the community. Multiple area locations, $40
The Crossover: Ten Years Later with Kwame Alexander
October 25, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Newbery Medal–winning children’s book The Crossover with author and Emmy Award–winning producer Kwame Alexander. The event will include a discussion and Q&A about the contemporary classic before Alexander signs complimentary copies of the book. Planet World Museum: 925 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, $13.22
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
October 25, 8 p.m.
Experience a night of classic New Orleans music. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band crafts a vibrant performance by mixing brass band tradition with dashes of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $60
Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus
October 25, 7 p.m.
Enjoy an outdoor screening of this Halloween classic with nighttime views of the Occoquan River. All concession sales of popcorn, boxed candy, water, soda, beer, wine, hot cocoa, and more will benefit Visit Occoquan and the local community. River Mill Park: 407 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District, $5
Breaux Vineyards Harvest Festival
October 25–26
Celebrate the harvest of grapes at this annual festival with wine, food vendors, and live music from local performers like Electric Company Live and Chris Compton. This year, the event will host a pumpkin carving contest with prizes like flights of wine, lunch at the winery, gift cards, and more. Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, free
Cosplay Enchantment in the Garden
October 25–26
Stroll through the 250 acres of The Botanic Gardens during the property’s last monthly opening of the year in your favorite character-inspired costume. Enter the costume contest for a chance to win a cash prize, and grab pictures of your costume at the many fantasy-like photo ops around the property. 26320 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly, starting at $48.70
Harbor Halloween
October 26, 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween early with the National Harbor’s annual celebration. The event includes trick-or-treating, movies on the Potomac River, a pumpkin carving contest, a pet costume parade, and more. Bring the whole family for a day full of holiday fun. National Harbor: 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland, free
Old Town Manassas Fall-o-ween
October 26, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Get ready for a “spooktacular” day of fun. The festival will celebrate with arts and crafts, Halloween-themed treats, and interactive games. Watch or join the kids and pets in Halloween costume parades, with prizes for the best costumes. Manassas Museum Lawn: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
Feature image courtesy National Harbor
