Looking for holiday weekend plans? Check out these theater performances, community festivals, and culinary experiences across the Northern Virginia region.
Fall for the Book Festival
October 6–10
Don’t miss this series of in-person and online book talks with their authors. Headlining authors Stephen Graham Jones and Celeste Ng will discuss their latest novels. Saturday’s programming will feature children’s books exclusively. George Mason University, Fairfax, free
Disney on Ice
October 8-12
Enjoy an ice-skating performance featuring some of your favorite Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, Rapunzel, Moana, and more. EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, $29+
Man of La Mancha
Opens October 9
Based off Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, this musical follows an elderly man attempting to amend past mistakes and pursue his true love during the Spanish Inquisition. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, $35
Drunk Dracula
October 9–11
At this one-of-a-kind interactive comedy show, a professional actor drinks five shots of whiskey before improvising with four other actors for the rest of the performance. The Sage Theatre, Washington, DC, $53+
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival
October 9–11
Sample wines from 20+ regional vineyards at George Washington’s estate. Bring a blanket to sit on the lawn, snap a photo with Washington himself, and enjoy live music by Bruce Ewan & Johnny Burgin Blues Band. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, $51+
Morven Park International
October 9–11
Experience a myriad of horse events including cross-country jumping, dressage, and show jumping in a lively atmosphere. Spectators can watch from the stands or set up a tailgate overlooking the course. The event also includes craft and food vendors. Morven Park International Equestrian Center, Leesburg, free
The Addams Family
October 9–11
The McLean Community Players are presenting this family-friendly musical comedy. Sing-along and watch the hijinks ensue when Wednesday Addams falls for a “normal” boy. The Alden Theatre, $25
Pike Fest
October 10, noon–6 p.m.
Support Columbia Pike’s small businesses at this event with local food and drink vendors, music, family-friendly activities, and photos at the Pike sign. Performers will include Chicha Morada, The Dulcetones, Pocket Threes, Village Edu, and CycleBar. Penrose Square, Arlington, free
ParktoberFest
October 10, noon–5 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and celebrate fall with live music, craft beers, food trucks, and artisan vendors at this family-friendly festival. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly, free
Snallygaster Beer Festival
October 10, noon–6 p.m.
The District’s largest beer festival offers a selection of more than 450 beer varieties, local food trucks, and two live music stages. Each ticket includes unlimited beer, wine, and cocktail tastings and a commemorative glass. Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC, $75+
U.S. Women’s National Team Versus Spain
October 10, 2:30 p.m.
The Washington Spirit, ranked No. 2 in the Women’s FIFA League, will play No 1. Spain as both teams strive to maintain their ranking leading up to next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. Audi Field, Washington, DC, $183+
Twilight Trek
October 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Accompany park naturalists for a brief kid-friendly walk over the wetlands while looking out for beavers, muskrats, deer, and other wildlife. There will be a campfire afterwards with s’mores. Neabsco Regional Park, Woodbridge, free
Army Ten-Miler
October 11
Spectate or run in the third largest 10-mile race in the country. The course starts at the Pentagon then crosses the Potomac River into DC. All race proceeds benefit solider morale, welfare, and recreation programs. Pentagon, Washington, DC, registration is $99+
Clifton Day
October 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Historic Clifton is hosting its annual festival with 100+ vendors plus live music, food, and drink. The KidFest area features a petting zoo, bounce castles, and playgrounds. It is also the only day of the year that the Virginia Express Railway stops in Clifton, offering free service from the Manassas station. Main St., Clifton, free
Oyster Wars
October 11, 2–6 p.m.
Spend an afternoon savoring oysters and other bite-sized appetizers from farms across the Eastern seaboard and local chefs. The event also features a dozen breweries and live music. A portion of ticket sales benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership. The Salt Line, Washington, DC, $90+
