MUSEUM EVENTS
Fall Opening of St. James House
Monday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Originally owned by attorney James Mercer, the St. James House is one of the few 18th-century houses left standing in the area and contains an impressive collection of antique furniture and decor. Be sure to visit during this week-long opening to public tours—it won’t reopen again until spring. // St. James’ House: 1300 Charles St., Fredericksburg; $5 (adults), $3 (children 6-18)
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Madhaunter’s Madhouse
Monday-Oct. 31
FrightFind.com dubbed this mind-bending maze one of Virginia’s top haunts in 2016. Since then, it’s only gotten creepier and more horrifying for those who dare to venture in. The 55-acre workhouse’s historic past as a correctional facility only adds to the ghostly spectacle. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton; $20
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Monday-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Celebrate fall all month long with seasonal activities and foods—how do pumpkin picking and cider donuts sound? Try out the “Virginia is for Lovers” corn maze, watch pumpkins get launched to harrowing heights or meet the fabulous Pumpkin Princess. // Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; $10 (adults), $8 (children)
ART EXHIBITS
Hats Off to Autumn
Monday-Nov. 4
Fashion and art become one at this appropriately-themed exhibit. Salute fall with a series of hats that capture the beauty of the season in Alexandria. // Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; Free
PERFORMING ARTS
Nevermore
Thursday-Oct. 28, Times vary
Commemorate October with the godfather of eerie, macabre mystery himself. The life of Edgar Allan Poe is told in musical form, with his own gothic prose and poetry weaved into the lyrics. This show brought the Creative Cauldron Theater its first Helen Hayes Award nomination in 2011. // Creative Cauldron: 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church; $20-$32
ART EXHIBITS
Gossips
Friday-Dec. 2
The painting by heralded American artist Gari Melchers will be on display for the first time in the studio bearing his name. This 1925 masterpiece captures the quiet and quaint life inspired by the small town of Falmouth. // Gari Melchers Home and Studio: 224 Washington St., Falmouth; Free
FESTIVAL & SPECIAL EVENTS
23rd Annual Art on the Avenue
Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
More than 300 artists will set up shop along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray to highlight the community’s diversity through this multicultural arts festival. Vendors will include jewelers, woodworkers, glass makers, painters, musicians and food from hot dogs to Indian food. There are also children activities like stuffing a scarecrow and painting a pumpkin. // Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; Free
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Annual Fall Fest
Saturday, noon-6 p.m.
Games, rides, live music: all the essentials for the perfect festival will be there, with even more to boast. Other highlights from this community’s largest event are the fourth annual chili cook-off and a vendor marketplace. // Brambleton Town Center: 42395 Ryan Road, Brambleton; Free
PETS
Barktoberfest
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Friends of Homeless Animals and NOVADog have lined up a catalog of events for pets and their humans. They promise 12 straight hours of fun, including pet-friendly vendors and games. Stick around later in the evening for Yappy Hour and the walk/race GlowDOGGlow. // Loudoun 4H Fairgrounds: 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg; $5 minimum donation for anyone 16 and over
FOOD & DRINK
Spotsylvania Courthouse Village Food Truck Rodeo
Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Come hungry to feast on the delightful offerings from an entire lot of food trucks, including Beach Fries, Juan More Tacos, Funnel Cake Cafe and many, many more. For the first time ever, this year’s Rodeo will also feature a beer garden from Maltese Brewing Company. // Spotsylvania Courthouse Village: 9019 Old Battlefield Blvd., Spotsylvania; Free admission, food and drink purchases
FOOD & DRINK
Vienna Oktoberfest
Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The traditional German festival goes local for the 11th year in a row. In addition to the staples (beer, wine and delicious food) there is a craft market, children’s activities and a German car show. // Freeman Store and Museum: 131 Church St. NE, Vienna; Free admission, food and drink purchases
FOOD & DRINK
Barley Mac Pig Roast & Bourbon Bash
Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
The team at Barley Mac is once again hosting its Pig Roast & Bourbon Bash, with a menu that includes two whole roast pigs, veggie skewers, baked beans, corn on the cob, cornbread, coleslaw, pasta salad, mac and cheese, candied yams, collard greens and at least four homemade barbecue sauces. In addition to all the roast pig you can eat, each ticket includes drink tickets of select bourbons, beer and wine. // Barley Mac: 1600 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; $29
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Columbia Pike Fall Fest
Saturday, 1-6 p.m.
For the fourth year, Columbia Pike will host a block party to welcome the fall season. Columbia Pike vendors, including wines from Twisted Vines and craft beers from William Jeffrey’s Tavern, will be joined by musical guests and the Arlington Art Truck for food and entertainment. // South Adams St. at Columbia Pike; $20
MUSIC
Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker & Russell Dickerson
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Not one, not two, but three country hit-makers have joined forces for an unforgettable evening. What happens when award-winning acts Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker hit the road with rapidly-rising star Russell Dickerson? Secure a ticket to this concert to find out. // Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow; Tickets starting at $34
PERFORMING ARTS
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Saturday-Oct. 21, Times vary
Kindhearted but lonely bell ringer, Quasimodo, ventures into the outside world and discovers his own self-worth. The moving tale by Victor Hugo is set to the music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. // Thomas Jefferson Community Theater: 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington; $25
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Clifton Day Festival
Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This annual event benefits several local organizations—think artists, artisans, musicians—and the community itself with fun activities and exhibits. The Virginia Railway Express will be adding a special stop into Clifton for this day only. // Historic Town of Clifton; $5 parking fee