As October approaches, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC are set to host a variety of engaging events that span art, music, food, and spooky thrills. There is something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Kicking off the month, country music sensation Keith Urban will grace the stage on October 4 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow. The Grammy Award-winning artist will present songs from his new album High alongside his classic hits, with tickets starting at $40.75.
Also on October 4, the 16th annual Vienna Oktoberfest will take place, celebrating Bavarian culture through live music, a diverse array of foods, local craft beers, and family-friendly activities. This festive occasion is set to transform Historic Church Street in Vienna into a bustling hub of entertainment, free to attend.
From October 10 to 12, indulge in fine wines from over 20 Virginia wineries at the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival. This exquisite event offers not only wine tastings but also a candlelit tour of George Washington’s estate. Guests can experience history alongside their sips, starting at $50.
On October 11, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents a unique concert, The Lark & Four Seasons, at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University. This performance will include Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Symphony No. 5 intertwined with Max Richter’s contemporary reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with tickets beginning at $54.
Food enthusiasts should mark the dates of October 11 and 12 for the Taste of NoVA festival, presented by Northern Virginia Magazine. This premier food and drink event will showcase unlimited tastings from more than 120 renowned chefs, winemakers, and mixologists at the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, with starting tickets priced at $100.
For those drawn to haunting tales, the Manassas Ballet Theatre will perform Frankenstein from October 17 to 19 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. This captivating rendition of the classic tale, with an original score by Kim Reynolds, promises to be a gripping experience, with tickets starting at $35.
Families with children will love Scraposaurs, an interactive dinosaur exhibit open through October 19 at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester. Featuring impressive life-size dinosaur models crafted from recycled materials, this exhibit encourages creativity and learning, with admission priced at just $15 for adults and $10 for kids aged 13 to 18.
Canadian singer-songwriter Noah Reid, best known for his role on Schitt’s Creek, will perform at The Birchmere on October 22. Reid’s poignant folk-pop melodies and introspective lyrics offer an intimate concert experience for fans, with tickets available for $45.
On October 21 and 23, The War and Treaty will take the stage at The Barns at Wolf Trap. This dynamic husband-and-wife duo will bring their blend of country and soul music to life, with tickets starting at $51.50.
Later in the month, the National Museum of the American Indian will host the art exhibit Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe, running from October 24 until January 2027. Attendees can view an impressive collection of 50 sculptures, drawings, and paintings by the Ho-Chunk artist, which delve into significant themes throughout his artistic career. Admission is free.
A must-see for fans of lively music, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform on October 25 at The Barns at Wolf Trap. Renowned for their vibrant performances that fuse New Orleans brass band traditions with jazz, funk, and soul, this concert starts at $60.
Celebrating the Halloween spirit, Old Town Manassas will host its Fall-o-ween festival on October 26. The family-friendly event will include arts and crafts, Halloween-themed treats, and sack races along with children’s and pets’ costume parades. This free event promises a fun-filled day for everyone.
Then, on October 29 and 30, local legend Edgar Allan Poe will come to life as actor David Keltz performs his works at The Lyceum in Alexandria. This atmospheric evening will feature readings of Poe’s stories and poems, along with insights into his visit to Alexandria in 1849, with tickets priced between $20 and $25.
Finally, through November 9, Cox Farms will offer its Fields of Fear and Fall Festival, where seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking and hayrides await families. As the sun sets, the attraction shifts to its haunted side with chills and thrills guaranteed at the Fields of Fear.
With so much happening this October, residents and visitors alike will find plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the arts, music, food, and Halloween festivities across Northern Virginia and DC.
image source from：northernvirginiamag
