TOTS
Homeschool Day at Mount Vernon
Monday
Homeschooled students are exclusively invited to this special, day-long event. Visit the many exhibits that children of all learning levels will enjoy, from the magnificent mansion to the animal farm. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; Free (5 and under), $9 (6-18), $10 (adults)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Alexandria’s Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour
Through Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.; Additional tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m.
As you stroll through the streets of Old Town by lantern light, get freaked out by ghost stories and unsolved mysteries from guides in period costumes. This event is recommended for guests ages 9 and up. // Ramsay House Visitors Center: 221 King St., Alexandria; $15
FOOD & DRINK
Rosslyn Cider Fest
Thursday, 5-8 p.m.
Ciders continue to rise in popularity, so come and see what all the fuss is about at this event that will feature eight popular cideries, as well as food trucks, live entertainment and a pie eating contest. // Central Place Plaza: 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington; $10
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Middleburg Film Festival
Thursday-Sunday
In its five years thus far, Middleburg Film Festival has welcomed high-profile films and celebrities to the Northern Virginia countryside. This year’s sixth edition of the fest will continue to offer Academy Award contenders, foreign films and world premieres to NoVA film fans right in their backyard. // middleburgfilm.org
MUSIC
Stephanie Mills
Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Mills skyrocketed to fame when she originated the role of Dorothy in Broadway’s The Wiz, and even made an appearance in NBC’s 2015 live musical adaptation. Since then, she has become an R&B sensation and released 16 studio albums. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $85
PERFORMING ARTS
Eerie Evenings in the Park
Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Director Gregg W. Carter has selected the spookiest of stories, including tales from Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, to bring to life in an outdoor performance space. // Sterling Community Center: 120 Enterprise St., Sterling; $10
FITNESS
Zombie Fun Run
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The zombies are loose and you have to outrun them in this fun run for all ages. Race heats, which are untimed, will take place every 15 minutes, with participants running through obstacles and zombie zones across the 1-mile course. Costumes are encouraged. // Bon Air Park: 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington; $3
SPECIAL EVENTS
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Build scarecrows, do some facepainting, enjoy hay or pony rides and take in a performance by the Beale Street Puppet Theatre at this annual Alexandria event. Food and beverages will also be available. // Armistead L. Boothe Park: 520 Cameron Station Blvd., Alexandria, $5
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Little Goat Farm Fall Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Listen to live music; get your hands on some cider and seasonal baked goods; check out the for-sale goat, alpaca and bee products; and—the real reason for your visit—play and pet the farm’s goats, alpacas and llamas. // Little Goat Farm at the Lake: 8954 Burwell Road, Nokesville; $15
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Harry Potter Fall Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get a feel for what life was like at Hogwarts by stepping onto Platform 9 ¾, getting sorted into Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin or Hufflepuff, then sipping on organic butter (included in the ticket price). There will also be chocolate frogs, a costume contest with prizes, crafts and more. // Sweet Zen7 Ice Dreamery: 12757 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow; $15
FOOD & DRINK
Shucktoberfest Beer & Oyster Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get your fill of beer and oysters at this annual festival that will run throughout the entire Village at Shirlington. More than 30 craft beer tents will be on hand, as well as food and oyster tents, local vendors and family-friendly events. // Village at Shirlington: 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington; $26.50
PETS
Third Annual Howl-O-Ween Paw-ty
Saturday, noon-5 p.m.
The name alone already promises fun in store for both you and your cleverly-costumed pooch. Curious canines can meet the county’s K-9 unit, while families will enjoy the magic show, obstacle course, face painters and ice cream stall. You may even be tempted to venture into the dog adoption stalls and look for a new family member to take home. // Northern Fauquier Community Park: 4155 Monroe Parkway, Marshall; Free
PETS
Pints4Paws Pet Fest
Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
This pop-up pet festival offers fun activities for you and your pup. Craft beer tastings, doggy costume contests and live music will fill the afternoon in this event put on by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. // Courthouse Plaza: 2040 15th St. N, Arlington; $40
MUSIC
American Roots Revival
Sunday, 4-8 p.m.
This concert series is a celebration of the rich history of American music traditions. Capturing the genre of alt-country will be Janet Emma & Seven West with Sally Mae Foster. // Buchanan Hall: 8549 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville; $15
MUSIC
J Balvin
Sunday, 8 p.m.
The Colombian reggaeton singer is behind some of the year’s greatest hits, including “Mi Gente” and Cardi B’s “I Like It.” He sings almost entirely in Spanish to introduce more Spanish-language music to a worldwide audience. // EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; Tickets starting at $39