The weather might be cooling down, but local events are still going strong. Highlights this month include Oktoberfest Reston, the Washington West Film Festival, the Reston Home Tour, and lots of family fun for fall and Halloween. Here is your October events calendar for Reston and the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia, including Herndon, Great Falls, Sterling, Vienna, and Fairfax.
Oktoberfest Reston comes to Reston Town Center October 10-11, with a carnival, live music, food, and beer.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015
Food Truck Thursdays
11am-2pm: Reston Town Center Village Square Park
A variety of food truck vendors will provide lunch and dessert options.
Help the Homeless Walk
12pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion
Lunch-hour walk from the Reston Town Center Pavilion to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter and back. Funds benefit Cornerstones to provide resources for homeless individuals and families. Check-in starts at 11:30 am. Register online.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2015
Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest
10am-7pm: Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax
This annual festival for families with elementary and pre-K aged children features carnival rides, animals, pumpkins, and live entertainment. Admission is FREE.
Latino Festival of Reston
11am-6pm: Southgate Community Center, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston
Festivities will include authentic food, live performances, a soccer tournament, kids activities, and raffles. FREE.
Oktoberfest Vienna
11am-7pm: Historic Church Street, Vienna
Enjoy beer, food, kids’ activities, and live music on three stages. Festivities include a climbing wall, corn hole, moon bounces, German singalongs, polka lessons, and of course a beer garden. Admission is FREE.
Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma
5pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion
Celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. There will be children’s games, food from local restaurants, live music, and entertainment until the 2-mile fundraising walk begins. Register online.
The Marcy & Zina Show
8pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Wonderfully wacky and heartbreakingly sincere, Marcy and Zina are “the 21st century’s answer to the Dorothys Parker and Fields” (The Village Voice). Set to take Broadway by storm with the musical version of the Drew Barrymore Cinderella film Ever After, Marcy and Zina will have the whole family laughing through their tears. Tickets are $15-$20 and available online.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015
Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest
10am-7pm: Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax
This annual festival for families with elementary and pre-K aged children features carnival rides, animals, pumpkins, and live entertainment. Admission is FREE.
HernDOG Bark Bash
12-3pm: Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon
Bring your leashed and vaccinated dog for an afternoon of fun, including agility demonstrations, owner and dog team contests, adoptions, an off leash area and wide variety of dog themed vendors. Admission is FREE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2015
Mr. Knick Knack! Children’s Performance
10:30-11:15am: Reston Town Center Pavilion
This popular musician performs weekly to a crowd of children and their grownups. FREE.
Reston Association Open House
6:30-9pm: Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
Come learn more about Reston Association (RA) and the many services, amenities and programs it provides for you.
Oktoberfest Reston will transform the Reston Town Center Pavilion into a beer garden on October 10-11.
Oktoberfest Reston
12pm-11pm: Reston Town Center
Featuring the best in autumn brews with delicious fare from area restaurants. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and live entertainment at the Pavilion and streets. Admission is FREE.
Fire House 39 Open House
10am-4pm: 1117 Reston Avenue, Reston
Take the family to visit our community fire station, and learn about smoke detectors, fire safety and prevention, K9 search and rescue, rope rescue, water safety, and many other emergency services. FREE.
Fairfax Fall Festival
10am-5pm: Old Town Historic Fairfax, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax
This festival in the heart of the City of Fairfax offers 400 juried crafters, children’s rides, music, and foods. Admission is FREE.
SterlingFest
11am-5pm: Sterling Park, Sterling
This annual event includes live entertainment, rides, kids activities, dancers, and a variety of food. FREE.
Reston Station Family Movie Night
6pm: Reston Station Plaza
Come for a free showing of Sixteen Candles under the stars. There will be food trucks, glitter tattoos, and fun for the whole family. Beer and wine will be permitted on premises. In the event of inclement weather, the movie will be shown indoors. FREE.
Kids and adults alike can race in costumes at the Reston Pumpkin 5K (with shorter distances for younger runners).
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015
Reston Pumpkin 5K
8:15am: Reston Town Center
Three races for different age groups will enable the whole family to join in the fun. Participants are encouraged to debut their Halloween costumes for this race through the streets of Reston. Register online.
Oktoberfest Reston
11am-8pm: Reston Town Center
Featuring the best in autumn brews with delicious fare from area restaurants. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and live entertainment at the Pavilion and streets. Admission is FREE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015
Mr. Knick Knack! Children’s Performance
10:30-11:15am: Reston Town Center Pavilion
This popular musician performs weekly to a crowd of children and their grownups. FREE.
NoVA Makers: GreenBay Launch Party
11am-3pm: Nova Labs, 1881-F Metro Center Drive, Reston
Join us for the official launch of Green Bay — a section of Nova Labs for low impact tools and workbenches. Festivities will include food and beverages, open house hours, shop tours, and woodworking demonstrations. They invite everyone who wants to engage in, or even just observe, shop activities, regardless of prior experience
Explore some of Reston’s most beautiful homes at the Reston Home Tour on October 17. (Photo credit: Barry Harley)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015
Reston Home Tour
10am-5pm: Locations throughout Reston
“Spaces Reimagined”, the theme of the 14th annual Reston Home Tour, offers a look inside six private residences in Reston. All of them have been altered and reimagined with creativity and inspiration to reflect their owners’ visions. Reston’s newest apartment building, The Harrison, will also offer a look at the luxury amenities available to tenants, as well as a taste of fall in their chef’s demonstration kitchen space. Tickets are $25-$30 and available online.
Pumpkins in the Park Festival
9am-1pm: Lake Fairfax Park, Reston
Enjoy activities for the whole family like our burlap sack slide, face painting, class demonstrations, carousel rides, food and outdoor fun. Tickets are $4.
Halloween Family Fun Day
12-2pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Children up to the age of 8 and their adults are invited to dress in their costumes and enjoy carnival games, prizes, a one-man band, and a puppet show. FREE.
Chesapeake Dock Diving Dogs Demo
1-4pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
World Champion dogs from the Chesapeake Dock Diving Dog Club will demonstrate their amazing leaps and jumps into the lake. There will also be adoptable dogs, “Ask the Trainer” with Kissable Canine, and representatives from pet product companies.
Reston International Wine Festival
2-6pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion
Sample different and unique wine styles in a variety of international wine gardens at the Pavilion. Advance tickets are available online.
Merrifield Fall Festival
11am-5pm: Mosaic District, Fairfax
This annual festival features food vendors, a pumpkin patch, a beer garden, musical entertainment, craft vendors, local artists, and children’s activities. FREE.
Tysons Fall Harvest Festival
12-5pm: Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
This second annual family festival features the largest hay pyramid in DC, a petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, a candy walk, a hay maze, corn cannons, and a pumpkin smash. Kids 15 and under are FREE. Adult admission is $10-$25. Tickets available online.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015
Reston Town Center Day – 25th Anniversary Celebration
12-4pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion
Join the community in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Reston Town Center and the dedication of Mercury Fountain at Pavilion and Fountain Square. Free fun for all ages includes refreshments, live music and entertainment, games, pumpkin decorating, and more. FREE.
Tysons Fall Harvest Festival
12-5pm: Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
This second annual family festival features the largest hay pyramid in DC, a petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, a candy walk, a hay maze, corn cannons, and a pumpkin smash. Kids 15 and under are FREE. Adult admission is $10-$25. Tickets available online.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015
Mr. Knick Knack! Children’s Performance
10:30-11:15am: Reston Town Center Pavilion
This popular musician performs weekly to a crowd of children and their grownups. FREE.
Reston Town Center will host the charity fundraising Washington West Film Festival October 21-25.
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center
A unique cinematic experience presenting fine independent films screened or premiered in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Ticket sales benefit The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. Schedules and tickets available online.
- 7:00pm: Back to the Future Marathon
Gin Dance Company Performs Chasing Horizons
8pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Gin Dance Company employs an eclectic blending of eastern and western sensibilities with ballet and modern dance that has created a signature fusion choreographic style. The program will feature all original works including two World Premieres. This edgy and uplifting performance will feature music by Steve Reich that will provoke introspection and leave you breathless. Tickets are $15-$20 and available online.
Washington West Film Festival
7pm: Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center
A unique cinematic experience presenting fine independent films screened or premiered in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Ticket sales benefit The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. Schedules and tickets available online.
- 7:00pm: Opening Night Film and Reception
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center
A unique cinematic experience presenting fine independent films screened or premiered in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Ticket sales benefit The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. Schedules and tickets available online.
- 5:00pm: Shorts Program 1: Heroes
- 5:30pm: Shorts Program 2: Saying Goodbye
- 6:00pm: Shorts Program 3: Strange Collisions
- 8:00pm: Salam Neighbor
- 8:30pm: Happy Those Who Cry
Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
6-8:45pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
This Halloween celebration for children will include carnival games, admissions, face painting, concessions, and costumed characters. Tickets sell out fast, so order them as soon as they are available: Oct 1 at 9am.
Herndon Spooktacular
6:30-8pm: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Children ages 3-8 are invited for this Halloween event, featuring ghoulish games, spooky crafts, and an amazing magic show. Children should wear their best their costume. Each participant will receive a special Halloween treat bag. Admission is $8-$11.
GRACE Race
8:30am: Reston Town Center Pavilion
This 5K race begins and finishes at the Pavilion in Reston Town Center, after looping down the scenic Washington and Old Dominion Trail. The 5K race will be followed by a 1K Fun Run in Reston Town Center at 9:30 a.m. Art-inspired costumes are encouraged for both the 5K and the Fun Run, with prizes awarded for the top costumes. The race will be followed by light refreshments, as well as FREE family art activities sponsored by GRACE at the Pavilion. Register online.
Herndon High School Homecoming Parade
9:30am: Elden Street, Herndon
This parade features floats from student organizations, local businesses, as well as special guests. Bring a chair and support the Hornets in Downtown Herndon along Elden St.
Reston Zoo Boo
10am-4pm: Reston Zoo, 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna
This Halloween celebration includes a trick or treat trail, pumpkin patch hay rides, a petting zoo, and the Reston Zoo’s collection of animals to visit. Kids and adults are encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets are $11-$13.
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center
A unique cinematic experience presenting fine independent films screened or premiered in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Ticket sales benefit The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. Schedules and tickets available online.
- 11:00am: Shorts Program 3: Strange Collisions
- 11:00am: Tenured
- 11:30am: Coffee Talk: The Legal Focus – A Discussion of Real-World Legal Topics in the Film Industry
- 1:00pm: Student Showcase
- 1:30pm: Frame by Frame
- 2:00pm: Shorts Program 2: Saying Goodbye
- 3:30pm: 3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets
- 5:00pm: Shorts Program 1: Heroes
- 7:00pm: Awards Night Film, Ceremony, and Party
Tysons Fall Harvest Festival
12-5pm: Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
This second annual family festival features the largest hay pyramid in DC, a petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, a candy walk, a hay maze, corn cannons, and a pumpkin smash. Kids 15 and under are FREE. Adult admission is $10-$25. Tickets available online.
Air and Scare
2-7pm: Udvar-Hazy Museum, Chantilly
Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. The tiniest visitors can check out the Tot Zone to play dress-up and hear a story. Admission is FREE, but parking is $15.
Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
6-8:45pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
This Halloween celebration for children will include carnival games, admissions, face painting, concessions, and costumed characters. Tickets sell out fast, so order them as soon as they are available: Oct 1 at 9am.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center
A unique cinematic experience presenting fine independent films screened or premiered in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Ticket sales benefit The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. Schedules and tickets available online.
- 11:00am: Coach of the Year
- 11:30am: Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story
- 2:30pm: On the Wing
- 12:00pm: The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce
- 5:00pm: Back To The Future: 30th Anniversary Event with Special Guests
Tysons Fall Harvest Festival
12-5pm: Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
This second annual family festival features the largest hay pyramid in DC, a petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, a candy walk, a hay maze, corn cannons, and a pumpkin smash. Kids 15 and under are FREE. Adult admission is $10-$25. Tickets available online.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
Washington West Film Festival
CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods
A unique cinematic experience presenting fine independent films screened or premiered in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Ticket sales benefit The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund. Schedules and tickets available online.
- 7:30pm: Enter the Faun
Vienna Halloween Parade
7pm: Maple Avenue, Vienna
This annual parade features bands, floats, performers, antique vehicles, and more. Kids are invited to walk in the parade in their Halloween costumes. No registration is required; meet at 6:30 p.m.
Pets are the honored guests at Lake Anne’s Howl-o-ween festival on October 31.
Trick or Treat at Reston Town Center
12-4pm: Reston Town Center
Costumed children can visit participating retailers and the Information Center for treats and goodies on Halloween afternoon. Look for the pumpkin flyer in the window. The whole family can enjoy a spooky, magical performance for all ages by Turley the Magician at 1pm in Fountain Square. FREE.
Howl-o-Ween at Lake Anne
1-3pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Dogs, cats, and all kinds of pets are invited to this Halloween celebration for families. Festivities will include a pet costume contest, pet parade, live DJ, games, treats, prizes, and “yappy hour” at restaurants. FREE.
Halloween Pet Parade
4-4:45pm: Great Falls Village Centre Green, Great Falls
Bring your pet on a leash dressed up in its favorite costume. Parade begins at the East Parking Lot near Grandmother’s Back Room. Judging at 4:30, with prizes for special categories. Pets must be cleared from the area by 4:50pm. FREE.
Halloween Spooktacular
5-7pm: Great Falls Village Centre Green & Great Falls Shopping Center, Great Falls
Children up to age 12 are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume, experience the Haunted House, and enjoy trick or treating with local merchants in a safe environment right in the heart of town. FREE.
Heritage India Festival – Diwali Extravaganza
12-9pm: Dulles Expo Center (South), 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
This South Asian cultural, arts and commerce festival is an idea place to celebrate Diwali with your friends and family. The festival includes music and dance performances, shopping, food, and kids’ activities. Tickets are $5.
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Oktoberfest: The Where, When and Why
Reston Farm Market: Fall Family Fun Right Here in Town
Trail Tour: The Splendor of Lake Newport in the Fall
Holiday Home Tour: The Wests’ Lush and Surprisingly Affordable Fall Decor
Photo credit: Charlotte Geary