Looking for something to do this first weekend of October? Northern Virginia has a lot of great options! From family-friendly events to things that are perfect for adults only, we have you covered. Keep reading for a list of some of the best places to spend your autumn weekend in Northern VA!

Ghost Walks: Return to the Shadows

Fri, September 30, 2022, 7:00 PM

3944 Cameron Street

Dumfries, VA 22026

Do you dare? Return to the Shadows with our paranormal investigator as he leads you through the historic area of Dumfries sharing our lore.

About this event

Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc. proudly presents the Return to the Shadows Ghost Tour featuring: 

• Outside walking tour of the Dumfries historic area at night, including Dumfries Cemetery and the Weems-Botts Museum grounds (not inside the house)

• The lore that made the Weems-Botts museum famous with new happenings and a new entity documented by our paranormal investigator

• A chance to investigate Merchant Park after the tour as you decide whether the stories are true

Do you dare? Space limited - RSVP, only 15 guests per tour. Flashlights and/or cell phones with flashlights required.

Paranormal Investigation

Fri, September 30, 2022, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail 10 Ashby Street Warrenton, VA 20186 United States

About this event

This is one of the most popular events given by the Fauquier History Museum. The investigation is limited to 20 participants age 18 and up. If you are interested in paranormal activities, ghosts, strange noises, appatitions, hearing from the departed, or any type of super-natural manifistations, this is your chance to experience the activities in both the 1808 and 1823 jail buildings. Don't wait to make a reservation as these investigations are not offered often and always sell out.

Create Your Own Terrarium

Fri, September 30, 2022, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT

ShipGarten 7581 Colshire Drive Tysons, VA 22102

About this event

Join us to create an adorable succulent terrarium! In under 1 hour, our creative host will walk you step by step how to create your own terrarium while infusing laughs and music along the way. This class is beginner-friendly; so no experience necessary! All materials will be provided.

Please let us know who would like to sit together.

Each person will receive a vessel, 2-3 succulents, soil, and decorations to make your perfect terrarium.

If you have questions or would like to do a private event for your Family and Friends please email [email protected]

Fish Fry Friday

Fri, September 30, 2022, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT

Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Road Bluemont, VA 20135

Spend your Friday night on the mountain with cold beer, live music, and an old fashioned Fish Fry!

About this event

Spend your Friday night on the mountain with cold beer, live music, and an old fashioned Fish Fry!

Every Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. we will be serving up fried fish with hand-cut fries, coleslaw, and bread allowing you to sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening on the mountain. Additional food items will be available for purchase from The Kitchen Workshop until 8pm.

$18.00 per person. Ticket includes a plate of Fried Fish, Hand-Cut Fries, Coleslaw and Bread. Walk-ins welcome while supplies last, to guarantee a plate, make that reservation! This is a rain or shine event and tickets are non-refundable.

Live music kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on the patio so come early and stay late, the Taprooms open 'till 9!

Mom's Night Out!

Fri, September 30, 2022, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Lost Boy Cider 317 Hooffs Run Drive Alexandria, VA 22314 

Leave the kids at home! Enjoy an evening of fashion and self-care vendors.

About this event

Kids are back in school and you deserve a little pampering! Join us at the cidery for a Mom's Night out, including the following fashion & self-care vendors:

• Lucuma Boutique - Classic chic + comfortable fashion

• BrendaMade - Luxury personal care products

• DMARAN - Luxury accessories

• Sugarcoated Bakery - fine sweets and treats

• Four Twenty Three - Fine jewelry for everyday wear

With Four Twenty Three returns Creative Chaos Body Care for ear piercings on a site! Please book your piercing directly with Creative Chaos

Grab a group of friends and enjoy some luxury self-care and refreshing cider! RSVP to let us know you're coming :)

Marriage Ministry | Couples Bowling Night

Fri, September 30, 2022, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDT

Penny Lanes 51 Towne Centre Boulevard Fredericksburg, VA 22407

About this event

September 30, 2022 at 7pm -- $36.50/couple! Your shoes and games are included -- drinks and food are also available for purchase. We've reserved a spot for 12 couples to come together and enjoy fellowship and fun!

Penny Lanes located in Spotsylvania Towne Center: 51 Towne Centre Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Virginia Wine Festival 2022

Sat, Oct 1, 2022, 11:00 AM – Sun, Oct 2, 2022, 6:00 PM EDT

One Loudon 44600 Freetown Boulevard Ashburn, VA 20147 

About this event

General Admission Tickets –(Single Day - Saturday or Sunday)

General Admission includes Tasting Glass, unlimited wine tasting from many VA Wineries, and Festival access to VA Oyster Pavilion, and all concessions and musical entertainment

VIP Tickets – (Single Day - Saturday or Sunday)

VIP 1-Hour Early Admission, Special “Exclusive” VIP Reserve Wine Tasting - includes Private Tent & Bathrooms and includes Tasting Glass, unlimited wine tasting from many VA Wineries, and Festival access to VA Oyster Pavilion, and all concessions and musical entertainment

VA’s Top Wineries Pouring

-Taste Over 100+ Virginia wines (unlimited wine tastings are included in your event ticket) and buy bottles and cases and take them home to enjoy all year (you can even age them – if they last that long!)

-Virginia Wine Tasting glass, and unlimited wine tastings included with admission price

Did we Mention Food?

-Food Trucks Galore - From Pizza to Tacos, Korean to Middle Eastern, BBQ to Vegetarian - There will be more fantastic and delicious food choices this year!-Desserts, Sweets and More Options for your Sweet Tooth!

Announcing the 6th Annual “VA Oyster Pavilion”

– Entry included in your ticket price (Oysters sold a la carte)** Briny Freshly Shucked Oysters from VA’s Chesapeake Regions **** Delicious Oyster Dishes with Regional Flare (Menu soon!) **

Food Trucks Galore-Gourmet Local Food VendorsVegan & Gluten-Free Options Available-See What You’ll Be Eatin’!

-Wine Pick-Up Service

-Live Music from Top Bands*

VIP Ticket Includes 1-Hour early access, free wine glass, unlimited wine tasting, Private Tented VIP area, Private Bathrooms, access to the VA Oyster Pavilion and tastings of select VA Reserve Wines (wines exclusive to VIP ticket holders) – Treat yourself well!

General Admission Includes free wine glass, unlimited wine tasting, and access to the VA Oyster Pavilion(2-Day General Admission Also Available – See Tickets)

Paws on The Pike

Sat, October 1, 2022, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

Centro Arlington 950 South George Mason Drive Arlington, VA 22204 

An event for animal lovers!

About this event

We are bringing paws back to the Pike with our annual pet fair. Join us for a day of pet-friendly fun and meet your local veterinarians, trainers, pet-sitters, boarders, dog walkers, groomers and more! Find your forever friend from a local shelter or stock up on homemade treats, there's something for every pet parent.

Cat Yoga at Catty Corner Cafe

 

Sat, October 1, 2022, 9:30 AM EDT

Catty Corner Cafe 116 East Market Street Leesburg, VA 20176

Yoga, tea, and CATS at Catty Corner Cafe!

About this event

Join yoga instructor Tiffany Coombs and lots of kitties for a gentle, accessible yoga class at Catty Corner Cat Cafe. Enjoy 45 minutes of relaxing yoga followed by dedicated time to to hang out with the kitties and sip some tea with your fellow humans.

Please bring a yoga mat!

About the cafe and owner: Heather Donahue always found in her an exclusive form of love and warmth for cats, she considers herself to be a cat fanatic and decided to help these marvelous creatures with care and affection, she became a foster mom for cats in Loudoun and with this began a new chapter in her life. She decided to open a cat café for people that are like minded, where cat lovers like herself can come in, interact and spend their days being surrounded with cats. She believed in her need for a space that can blend her love for cats, coffee and cozy spaces, hence the birth of Catty Corner Café.

The Good Witch's Magic Pumpkin Patch at Willowdale Farm

Sat, October 2, 2022, 10:00 AM EDT

160 Willowdale Lane Fredericksburg, VA 2240

Plant your magic pumpkin seed, say a spell, and go for a hayride! Your pumpkin will be grown and ready to paint when you get back.

About this event

The Good Witch is coming to Willowdale Farm for the Magic Pumpkin Patch! Bring your kids to the farm to plant their magic pumpkin seed. They'll say a spell with the Witch then go for a hay ride around the farm. When they return their pumpkin will be magically grown and ready to paint! After the kids paint their pumpkins, they can go on a pony ride and get a glitter tattoo. Special edition CCAS shirts available for purchase during each event. 

This is a great activity for kids 12 and under. Each child will need to have their own ticket to the event. Tickets are $20 and include a pumpkin seed to plant, hay ride, pumpkin painting, pony ride, and glitter tattoo. Tickets are for specific 2 hour sessions every Sunday in October. Adults do not need tickets, although a responsible adult must accompany any participants under the age of 18. This is a rain or shine event. No refunds or transfers. Please bring your ticket with you to your scheduled pumpkin patch.

About us: Campfire Critters Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue dedicated to providing a loving, forever home to animals in need. We are located at Willowdale Farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Campfire Critters Animal Sanctuary is currently home to 6 horses, 5 mini horses, 7 donkeys, 2 alpacas, 2 llamas, 5 goats, 1 sheep, 3 rabbits, 5 guinea pigs, 10 barn cats, 11 cows, 37 mini pigs, and 3 farm pigs.

9th Autumn Remembrance Day Arts Festival

Sun, October 2, 2022, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM EDT

Sweet Virginia Bee Farm 14610 Glenkirk Road Nokesville, VA 20181

Celebrate with Helping Hearts Dance, live music, and visual artists at the Sweet Virginia Bee farm! Bring your own picnic!

About this event

Helping Hearts Dance performs outdoors at a picturesque lakeview farm. This family-friendly event also showcases the East of the River Steelband, musicians from the DC based Jazz Academy of Music, and award winning en plein air artists including Rajendra KC. There won't be a nicer way to spend the day with friends and family! Suggested ticket donation: $25-$50/person. Children 12 + under free. Sponsor tables available for prime seating. 1/2 table (4 seats-$250) Support Helping Hearts Dance's mission to inspire life-long movement and foster a love of the arts with programs featuring innovative, uplifting choreography and live musical performances; as well as by providing movement activities for seniors in the Washington Metropolitan area. Rain date: 10/9/22.

Become Your OWN Hero - Self Defense Workshop

Sun, October 2, 2022, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

Clearbrook Center of the Arts 2230 Tacketts Mill Drive #B Lake Ridge, VA 22192 

Come learn actionable tips to living safer and getting your power back. Lessen your chances of becoming a victim!

About this event

Mandi is an author, speaker and teacher using her jaw-dropping story to help you learn how to become your own hero too!

This interactive, practical workshop will help improve your chances of staying safer. Ages 13 and older are welcome, as well as those of all genders.

- My story / How I had to become my own hero

- How to be more aware of surroundings and listen to intuition naturally

- Using the element of surprise and moving quickly to get safe

- Setting boundaries (how to speak a loud, firm NO)

- Active shooter situations

- Best practices for responding to those who are toxic

- Keeping yourself mentally healthy and protecting your heart in relationships

OUTCOME: Participants leave inspired, encouraged, and equipped with actionable set of tools and lifelong skills with increased self confidence to realize actual inner and physical strength.

Pet Blessing

Sun, October 2, 2022, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

15695 Blackburn Rd 15695 Blackburn Road Woodbridge, VA 22191

About this event

Bring your animals for a blessing and Thanksgiving. Event will be outside, if weather is inclement we will reschedule.

This day is in remembrance of St. Francis Assisi (October 4) who was a strong advocate for the humane treatment and god-given blessing of animals in our lives.

Sip, Pour & Charcuterie Boards with Elevation Lifestyle

6835 Springfield Mall Springfield, VA 22150

Drink Wine, Eat Charcuterie, and Make Candles with Elevation Lifestyle

About this event

Our candle making class is something you don't want to miss! Come have fun learning how to make scented candles, while enjoying wine and personal charcuterie boxes! All materials for candle making will be provided by us:

• natural soy wax

• phthalate free fragrance oil

• natural wooden wick

• mixing materials

• Vessels

This event is perfect for:

• Solo Date

• Girls Night Out

• Date Night

• Group Activity

You also have the option to take your candle with you or we can ship it to you for an additional shipping fee. We hope to see you there! Seats are limited, so get your tickets early!

SPECIAL: AUTUMN MACRAMÉ WREATH WORKSHOP

Sun, October 2, 2022, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT

AR Workshop Alexandria 1212 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314

About this event

Join us for this specialty workshop led by Michelle from Uproot Creative. This class is designed to help you slow down and reconnect with your creative self.

In the first half of the workshop we will create a macrame hanging. Michelle will be teaching several of the most popular macrame knots. In the second half, attach the Macrame to a 10” grapevine wreath and choose from a variety of autumn florals to customize your wreath.

We will be working with a grapevine wreath, cotton cording and faux floral accents.

The final piece will measure approximately 10”x24” and is a perfect size for hanging on a door or wall. All tools and materials are included. This workshop is accessible for all skill levels.

All About Roosters

Sun, October 2, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Fairfax County Animal Shelter 4500 West Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030 

A chicken keeping workshop which focuses on roosters--common stereotypes and misconceptions, behavior, housing multi roosters, and more!

About this event

Are you interested in learning about roosters? Did you know that multiple roosters can live together peacefully as part of a bachelor flock? Do you have trouble communicating with your rooster?

Attend our 'All About Roosters' workshop at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter on Sunday, October 2nd at 1PM! All ages are welcome and the event is FREE! You will also get to meet roosters!

Learn about:

• Common rooster stereotypes and misconceptions

• Rooster behavior

• Local laws regarding backyard chickens

• Advantages of adding a rooster to your flock

• Housing multiple roosters together (bachelor flocks)

• Tips and tricks for working with naughty roosters

• Trimming rooster spurs

• How to communicate with your rooster better

• Adopting ex-cockfighting roosters (we will even have a special guest star for you to meet!)

So, whether you're looking for a fun family activity or something to do with your friends, Northern Virginia has you covered this Halloween weekend. Get out there and enjoy all that our region has to offer!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

JACOBS & CO. REAL ESTATE, LLC.

12923 Fitzwater Dr. Nokesville, VA 20155 

(703) 594-3800 | jacobsandco.com