You’ve got to love Reston in October; we have great fall events and gorgeous foliage. 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.
The Reston Farm Market is one of many local places for fall fun.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016
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.
Vienna Oktoberfest
11am-7pm: Church Street, Vienna
This family friendly celebration includes live music, food, vendors, and kids’ activities. FREE.
Korus Festival
11:15am-8:30pm: Tysons Corner Center Plaza, Tysons
This celebration of Korean heritage and culture includes live music ranging from folk dance to K-Pop, as well as food, vendors, demonstrations, and crafts. FREE.
Fairfax County Brewfest
12-6pm: Mustang Sally Brewing Company, 14140 Parke Long Court (Suites A-C), Chantilly
The Lake Anne Brew House will be one of the local beer makers at this festival, which will also offer food trucks and live music. Tickets are $35, non-drinkers are $10, and kids 12 and under are free.
Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma
5pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
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 or donate online.
Reston Soccer Fundraiser: Oktoberfest
5:30pm: The Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston
This Oktoberfest inspired cocktail party will include an open bar, Bavarian inspired hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and a live auction. Cocktail attire. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit Reston Soccer.
Family Art Night at GRACE, Featuring Artwork of Shih Chieh Huang
6-9pm: Greater Reston Arts Center, Reston Town Center, Reston
Bring the kids for a free evening of art making and exploration in the gallery. All ages. FREE.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2016
Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest
10am-5pm: 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.
Korus Festival
11:30am-8:30pm: Tysons Corner Center Plaza, Tysons
This celebration of Korean culture includes live music ranging from folk dance to K-Pop, as well as food, vendors, demonstrations, and crafts. FREE.
HernDOG Bark Bash
12pm: Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon
Herndon’s annual Bark Bash will offer doggie demonstrations, an adoption event, and an off-leash area. A variety of dog-themed vendors will be available. Entry is FREE.
Northern Virginia Kidney Walk
1pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
This walk supports the National Kidney Foundation’s mission to fight kidney disease. Register and donate online.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016
Rescue Reston’s Second Annual Golf Classic
2pm: 11875 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
Support Rescue Reston with 9 holes of golf, dinner, awards, and prizes. Tickets start at $85.
Get your lederhosen ready for Oktoberfest Reston, which takes place on Saturday, October 8 this year.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016
Reston Pumpkin 5K and Kids’ Pumpkin Dash
8:30am: Reston Town Center, Reston
Participants are encouraged to debut their Halloween costumes or dress in their Oktoberfest Lederhosen and join in the fun with the whole family. Register online.
Oktoberfest Reston
12pm-11pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
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.
Fairfax Fall Festival
10am-8:30pm: Old Town Historic Fairfax, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax
This festival in the heart of the City of Fairfax offers 400 juried crafters, a carnival, 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.
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.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016
Heritage India Festival – Diwali Extravaganza
12-7pm: 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.
Opening Reception: “Courage” by the League of Reston Artists
2-4pm: Jo Ann Rose Gallery, Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Reston
Meet the local artists featured in this exhibit of paintings and mixed media. FREE.
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm
6-10pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
Some of Reston’s most beautiful homes open their doors on Saturday, October 15 for the Reston Home Tour. (photo by Bob Haukness)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016
Reston Home Tour
10am-5pm: Locations throughout Reston
“Embracing Change” is the theme of the 15th annual Reston Home Tour, which offers a look inside some of Reston’s most unique homes as well as the new BLVD apartments at Reston Station.. Tickets are $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 $7.
Herndon High School Homecoming Parade
9:30am: Elden Street, Herndon
The 2016 theme is “Music through the Decades – the Twenties to Today.” The parade features floats from student organizations, scouts, sports teams, local businesses, as well as special guests. FREE.
Halloween on the Green
11am-12:30pm: Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Ave E, Vienna
Kids are invited to don their costumes for a fun-filled early afternoon. The fright-less affair includes free popcorn and cotton candy, an appearance by the Vienna Singing Princesses, a petting zoo, pumpkin carving, storytelling, face painting, balloon animals, and more. FREE.
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm
12-10pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
Tysons Biergarten Oktoberfest: Harvest Festival
1-6pm: Tysons Biergarten, 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Celebrate Oktoberfest with 50 pumpkin, spice, and seasonal beers, as well as live music, pumpkin painting, contests, and giveaways. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Tickets are $20.
Opening Reception and Awards Presentation: Expressions Portrait Exhibit
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Meet the artists featured in this 8th annual portrait painting competition. FREE.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm
12-7pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis
3pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
This event supports the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America in the search to find cures for inflammatory bowel diseases. There will be IBD friendly food, games for all ages, face painting and crafts for kids, and more. Register and donate online.
Duke Ellington Musical Tribute
4-6pm: ArtSpace Herndon
Child prodigy Jose Andre Montano on piano will star in this historic musical tribute to the late great Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. Special appearances by the Treble Clefs Ensemble and vocalists Candice Bostwick, Harlon Reece, Kari Paludan and Sarah Moyers. Tickets are $20.
The Washington West Film Festival comes to the Bowtie Cinemas at Reston Town Center October 19-23, with ticket sales benefiting charity.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center, Reston
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.
- 4:30pm: Creator in Residence: Throw
- 7:00pm: Sonita
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center, Reston
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.
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center, Reston
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.
- Shorts Program One: Part of Me
- Shorts Program Two: Mission (Not) Impossible
- Shorts Program Three: The Theatrics of Love
- 7:30pm: The University
- 9:00pm: Endless Night
Washington West Film Festival: Snowtime
7pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion, Reston
Bring the whole family for a free, outdoor family-friendly movie. Bring your kids, chairs and a blanket, and a thermos of hot chocolate as we share an early winter adventure. FREE
The Cox Farms Fall Festival takes place all month in Centreville.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016
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 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.
Terraset Elementary School Open House
3-5pm: Terraset Elementary School, 11411 Ridge Heights Rd, Reston
Stop by and see Terraset’s newly renovated building. FREE.
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center, Reston
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.
- 10:30am: Coffee Talk: The Legal Focus
- 11:30am: Kids in the Spotlight
- 12:00pm: Emerging Voices
- 1:00pm: GMU Student Film Showcase
- 3:00pm: In Conversation with Robert Duvall
- 3:00pm: Midsummer in Newtown
- 4:00pm: Win From Within Spotlight
- 6:00pm: All the President’s Men
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016
Washington West Film Festival
Bow Tie Cinemas, Reston Town Center, Reston
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: In Utero
- 11:30am: Local Shorts Spotlight Program
- 1:30pm: Sex Ed with Ed Asner
- 2:30pm: Finding Oscar
- 7:00pm: Emerging Voices
Washington West Film Festival: Film Vault Classic featuring Sound of Music stars
2-4pm: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Vienna
Join a conversation about the making of the film classic The Sound of Music with actress Heather Menzies Urich (Louisa von Trapp), Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich von Trapp). Questions will be received from the audience. $10-$12.
Washington West Film Festival: CenterStage Shorts
7-9pm: CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Two inspiring short films that celebrate the power of music, theater, and art, and the many ways our lives are changed because of story. FREE.
Design and Wine: Gift Cards Design
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon
Graphic designer Tess Rollins will teach you how to create a set of five greeting cards. Registration is $40, which covers wine, snacks, and art supplies.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
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 for kids to walk in the parade; meet at 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016
Book Signing with Kristina Alcorn
6-8pm: Lake Anne Brew House, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Meet Kristina Alcorn, author of “In His Own Words: Stories from the Extraordinary Live of Reston’s Founder, Robert E. Simon Jr.” LABH barkeep Andy Sigle will read from the text, and copies will be available for purchase directly from the author.
The popular Trick or Treat Trail at Walker Nature Center will take place on October 28 and 29, with advanced ticket sales required.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
Walker Nature Center Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
6pm or 7:30pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
This Halloween celebration for children will include carnival games, admissions, face painting, concessions, and costumed characters. Tickets are $10 and sell out fast, so order them as soon as they are available: Oct 3 at 9am.
Herndon Spooktacular
6:30-8pm: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Children ages 3-8 are invited for this Halloween event that features ghoulish games, spooky crafts, and an amazing magic show. Children should wear their costume. Each participant will receive a special Halloween treat bag. Admission is $10-$15.
Lake Anne Plaza’s Howl-o-ween, an annual celebration for families and their pets, will take place on Saturday, October 29.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016
HOWL-O-WEEN on Lake Anne Plaza
1-3pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Dress yourself and your pet in your finest costumes, and celebrate Halloween at Yappy Hour on the Plaza. Enter the free costume contests and games for pets and adults. Dogs, cats, and other furry friends are welcome. FREE.
Trick or Treat at Reston Town Center
12-4pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
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. There will be a performance by Turley the Magician at 1pm in Fountain Square and a dog costume contest at the end of the event. FREE.
Rotary Club of Great Falls Oktoberfest
5pm-midnight: Riverbend Golf & Country Club, Great Falls
The event will include two authentic German bands, German beer and food. The German Ambassador may be available to serve as Guest of Honor. Tickets are $100 and include unlimited German food, beer/wine/soft drinks, and entertainment. Ticket proceeds support the local and international service activities of the Rotary Club of Great Falls and its foundation.
Walker Nature Center Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
6pm or 7:30pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
This Halloween celebration for children will include carnival games, admissions, face painting, concessions, and costumed characters. Tickets are $10 and sell out fast, so order them as soon as they are available: Oct 3 at 9am.
Great Falls Village Centre is hosting a day of Halloween events on October 31, including a pet parade.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2016
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.
Great Falls 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.
Photography by Charlotte Geary
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