FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Shocktober
Through Nov. 4
Nothing says Halloween like a spooky and frightful haunted house. Every weekend throughout October, patrons can experience the haunted legend of Paxton Manor in Leesburg. These attractions, including the new Escape Paxton escape room, are not for the faint of heart, as they are described as PG-13 scary. // Paxton Manor: 601 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg; $35
FOOD & DRINK
Culpeper Downtown Restaurant Week
Monday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
Perfect for date night, family night or maybe even dinner for one, all the fine dining options in downtown Culpeper will have special deals for the week. Establishments involved include The Copper Fish, Flavor on Main and Natraj Indian Cuisine. // Downtown Culpeper: Davis St., Culpeper; Prices vary
ART EXHIBITS
Julia Dzikiewicz: Pink Hat Protest Paintings
Wednesday-Nov. 4
Dzikiewicz’s works are unapologetically political, and have focused on topics like global warming and war. This series bravely condemns the racism, misogyny and violence that pervades the U.S. while exalting the female figures who are at the forefront in the fight for a better world. // The Art League: 105 N. Union St. Alexandria; Free
SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Portside in Old Town Festival
Friday-Sunday
Head down to the Old Town waterfront for a range of programs that are fun for the whole family. Events will include a tour of Godspeed, a replica of one of the three ships that originally traveled to Jamestown; the 23rd Annual Art Safari at Torpedo Factory Art Center; a pop-up Pizzeria Paradiso with a pizza-making demo on Sunday; a beer garden from Port City Brewing; plus live music, history and fitness activities. // Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria; Free admission, food and drink purchases
PERFORMING ARTS
James Adomian
Friday & Saturday, Times vary
Known for portraying Bernie Sanders in a comedy debate act against a Trump impersonator, James Adomian will be right across the river from the capital to perform a two-night set for anybody looking for a laugh. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $20
PERFORMING ARTS
Dracula
Saturday-Nov. 3, Times vary
The month of Halloween wouldn’t be complete without telling the tale of the world’s most famous vampire. Written by Steven Dietz, the adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic tale blends horror and humor to take the audience from Transylvania straight into the height of Victorian London. // The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria; $21-$24
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Culpeper Air Fest
Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aviators-at-heart will love the views of vintage warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, a privately-owned Harrier and more breathtaking planes, some of which will take to the skies. Make sure to bring earplugs, because the event could get noisy. // Culpeper Regional Airport: 12517 Beverly Ford Road, Brandy Station; Free
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
City of Fairfax Fall Festival
Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
What began as a small gathering of artisans has grown into a day-long event with over 400 vendors that extend far beyond crafts and artwork. Rest from touring the extensive grounds with offered refreshments and three stages of performers and entertainment from which to choose. // Old Town Historic Fairfax: 3999 University Drive, Fairfax; Free admission, fees for activities
HALLOWEEN
Halloween on the Green
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
See what Halloween looks like through the eyes of your 2 to 10-year-old. There’ll be spooky fun for everyone with crafts, storytelling and plenty of treats. DePaul’s Urban Farm will be providing pumpkins for the most creative of carvers and painters. // Town Green: 144 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; Free
PETS
2018 PetOberfest
Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Now your pet can join in on the Halloween fun. With a guaranteed adorable pet parade and costume contest, photo booths and a touch tank, pets and owners alike can find something to do at PetOberfest. // Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center: 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge; Free
FOOD & DRINK
Fredericksburg Brewfest
Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get the chance to sample favorite, award-winning beers, as well as a few new drinks to come in 2019. No festival would be complete without good food and music, plus, for the hopeful DIY brewer, The Brew Shop, Fredericksburg Brewing Insiders and the Stafford Brewers Club will offer demonstrations on homebrewing beer. // Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg; $10-$60
FOOD & DRINK
Virginia Wine Festival
Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.
Get a taste of some of the best wines in Virginia at the 43rd edition of the Virginia Wine Festival. Food trucks and the popular VA Oyster Pavilion will be on site to
snack on between sips, while entertainment will be provided by local bands. // Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington; $40
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
OktoberFust Loudoun Brewing Birthday Party
Saturday, 3-10 p.m.
Loudoun Brewing Company is celebrating its three-year birthday by hosting an Oktoberfest celebration featuring German-inspired food, beer and entertainment. // Loudoun Brewing Company: 310 East Market St., Leesburg; $15-30
MUSIC
Chris Stapleton
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Winner of three Grammy Awards this year alone, musician Chris Stapleton takes his distinct country/bluegrass sound on the road. Joining him will be fellow country singer-songwriters Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb. // Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow; tickets starting at $34
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Northern Virginia CureSearch SuperHeroes Unite!
Sunday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Be a superhero for a day and join the fight against children’s cancer. Win prizes, listen to music, eat delicious food and take part in fun activities before participating in a 1 to 3-mile walk. Donations go towards the nonprofit CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. // The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center: 7924 Tysons Corner Center, Tysons; Free