October is one of the most fun-filled months in Fairfax County, filled to the brim with special events, month-long celebrations, spooky Halloween activities, and absolutely stunning fall foliage drive tours and viewpoints. We don’t blame you if your calendar fills up quicker than a seven-year-old can fill his trick-or-treat bag! 🍬 🎃
Northern Virginia has a ton of fun to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best events, festivals, and activities happening in Fairfax County this October.
Fairs, Festivals & Events
Image courtesy Mount Vernon
October is the prime season for family-friendly fall festivals and fairs in Fairfax County. Here are a few beloved events you won't want to miss. Be sure to check out our festival calendar, as more events are always being added to the list!
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Cox Farms Festival |
City of Fairfax Fall Festival |
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Clifton Day Festival |
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour |
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Fall Fest at Reston Farm Garden Market |
Burke Nursery Pumpkin Playground |
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Fall for the Book Festival |
Tour de Mount Vernon |
Halloween Town
Photo courtesy of Cox Farms
Whether you are a fearless Halloween warrior or prefer to leave the frights to someone else, you can bet there is a Halloween activity that will get you in the spirit in Fairfax County. Brave scares at The Collection, walking through abandoned, historic buildings and into the dark woods with terrifying characters and sights at the Workhouse Arts Center. Or endure more than half a mile through the woods where you'll encounter chainsaws, spiders, and the occult at Cox Farms' Fields of Fear. Or, take the little ones to pluck pumpkins and sip apple cider at our local pumpkin patches. There's no shortage of spooky festivities! Find all the Halloween fun you can muster right here. Plus, enjoy the best spooky home haunts from local residents who go all out.
Fall Foliage Touring
Image courtesy John Cozen, taken at Burke Lake Park
October is usually when the colors start to peak, and Virginia is known for some breathtaking scenic splendor. Here are several places where you can enjoy nature’s showcase from the ground and a few nearby scenic drives you can take to enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle.
Want to take in the foliage from a more active vantage point? Check out these 5 parks that are great for fall foliage bike rides!
In addition, don’t miss the Twilight by Kayak Tour at Burke Lake Park on October 8 and 22 or the Fall Foliage Kayak Expedition at Lake Accotink on October 23 and November 6 to see the scenery from the water. Limited spaces are available!
Indulge in Local Handcrafted Beverages. Get Rewarded.
Image courtesy Caboose Brewing Co.
October kicks off the season of new fall brews in our taprooms and harvest season at our vineyards! What better way to enjoy the season than to try the new releases? Luckily, you can drink to your heart's content and save money with exclusive discounts and prizes from our new Locally Poured Field Guide. Drink local, be happy, get rewarded!
Get Fresh Fall Treats and Produce
What could be better than fresh fall farmer's market fare? (Say that three times fast!) Stock up on local fruits, meats, cheeses, and spices to make the ultimate fall recipes, like Trummers' Hot Spiced Sangria or Härth's Pumpkin Spice Cake. Buying local produce supports sustainable agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and provides you the freshest foods you can buy. Find a complete list of all farmers markets in the area here.
Peruse Our Pumpkin Patches
Image courtesy Reston Farm Markets/Facebook
You can't let October pass by without posing with the plumpest pumpkins in the patch! Don't forget to schedule your trip to a local farm or pumpkin patch to collect your haul. Here is an updated list of where to find pumpkins in Fairfax County this year. We'd love to see your stash - tag us in those pumpkin poses at @VisitFairfax!
Did we miss something that you absolutely love to do each October in Fairfax County? Tell us in the comments below and share your favorite fall fun with us on social using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
