Weekender Newsletter

Friday, Oct. 2 - Sunday, Oct. 4

Things to Do in October

October brings cooler weather, changing leaves and exciting fall events to the county. Enjoy month-long celebrations, festivals and fairs, spooky Halloween activities and fall foliage drive tours and viewpoints. See upcoming events in Visit Fairfax's list of things to do in October. 

Weekend-Long Events

Goblin Golf

Saturday and Sunday, Every Hour 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Halloween is arriving early at the Burke Lake Park mini-golf course. Enjoy a festive experience with Halloween treats and be on the lookout for ghosts and goblins. Tickets are $12.  

Farmers Markets

Friday - Sunday, Hours Vary

Shop for a variety of fresh produce, flowers, locally made goods and more at our markets this weekend. SNAP is accepted at the Reston and Lorton Farmers Markets.

Friday, Oct. 2 Events

Salsa in the Park (4:30 - 6:30 p.m.) Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of music, movement, food and community at Alabama Drive Park in Herndon. Enjoy a free, family-friendly event featuring salsa dancing, nature exploration, gardening activities and more.

Discover the Joy of Mahjong (1 - 3:30 p.m.)

Join us for a fun, social Mahjong session at Thomas Jefferson Library in Falls Church. Whether you’re brand new to the game or already familiar with the tiles, you’ll find a welcoming space to play and connect with others.

Family Costume Exchange (3:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Bring your child's lightly used and clean costumes to swap for a new-to-you costume at the Kings Park Library in Burke. 

Free Adoption Pop-Up (4 - 7 p.m.)

Join us for free pet adoptions at the Reston Town Center's Fountain Square. Come meet some of our adoptable dogs and learn how we support pets and the community. All dogs will go home microchipped with food, a leash and collar.

Super Snakes (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)

Join a naturalist to meet live snakes and learn why snakes are important at Burke Lake Park. Registration is $9.

Saturday, Oct. 3 Events

K9 Krawl 5K (9 - 11 a.m.) Join us for a morning of fun, fitness and community spirit at our Public Safety Headquarters in Fairfax. Kick things off with a live K-9 Unit demonstration at 8:45 a.m., then enjoy the walk followed by a best-dressed dog contest, a photo booth and raffle prizes. Visit vendors offering pet-related services, products and resources that support animal welfare and domestic violence prevention.

Chinese Culture Club: Moon Festival Celebration (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Join us at the Oakton Library to celebrate the Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival with crafts, activities and a taste from China. All activities will be in English and Chinese Mandarin. 

Discover Your Path Expo – College and Career Fair (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Connect with colleges, employers and trade schools at the Discover Your Path Expo at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. Workshops will cover financial aid, skill building and college admissions.

Mason District Shredding Event and Donation Drive (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Come shred your documents and donate to the Annandale High School Food Pantry at the Annandale High School parking lot. Bring any personal documents to shred and watch the shredding onsite. Shop the Pantry's Amazon wishlist for a suggested list of donation items.

Skeleton Science (1 - 2  p.m.)

Learn why skeletons aren't scary but are essential to your everyday life at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. Make a glow-in-the-dark skeleton craft to take home. Registration is $10. 

Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds (6:30 - 8 p.m.)

Explore planets orbiting distant stars and learn how scientists find them using cool techniques at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls. Dive into what these planets are made of, whether they could host life and catch up on the latest discoveries. Registration is $13. 

Movie at the Mill - 'Frankenstein' (7 - 8:30 p.m.)

Come watch an outdoor screening of the 1931 film "Frankenstein" at the Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Refreshments and concessions will be available for purchase. The Miller's House Exhibit will be open for self-guided tours at 6 p.m. and will close at the start of the film. Registration is $12.

Sunday, Oct. 4 Events

Swap Meet Sunday: Fall-o-ween Decor Swap (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.) Bring autumnal and Halloween decor to swap for something new at Chantilly Regional Library. We'll donate any items remaining at the end of the event to Chantilly Green Drop.

Foraging for Wild Edibles (10 - 11:30 a.m.)