The Ultimate Alexandria & Northern Virginia Fall Bucket List
There is something about fall in Alexandria and Northern Virginia that makes you want to fill every weekend on the calendar. The weather finally cools down, patios become the perfect place to spend an afternoon, leaves begin changing along the Potomac and some of the area’s favorite festivals return.
From oysters in Old Town and wine at Mount Vernon to pumpkin patches, Halloween traditions and weekend trips to Middleburg, here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the season.
Mark Your October Calendar
Art on the Avenue | October 3
Kick off the month in Del Ray at Art on the Avenue, one of Alexandria’s favorite annual neighborhood traditions. Mount Vernon Avenue transforms into an outdoor festival filled with artists, makers, live music, food and plenty to explore. Make an afternoon of it and stop by one of Del Ray’s restaurants or coffee shops while you’re there.
Vola’s Fall Oysterfest | October 3
Fall and oysters just go together in Old Town. Vola’s Fall Oysterfest returns from 12–3 PM with an afternoon dedicated to oysters, waterfront views and the start of crisp-weather patio season. Afterwards, take a walk along the waterfront or grab a drink somewhere along King Street.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival | October 9–11
Few fall evenings are prettier than one spent overlooking the Potomac from George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The annual Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour brings together Virginia wineries for tastings on the estate’s east lawn, with the historic mansion and river as the backdrop.
7th Annual Old Town Oyster Week | October 10–17
If one oyster festival isn't enough, Old Town Oyster Week gives you an entire week to celebrate. Restaurants throughout Old Town feature oyster specials, creative dishes and seasonal pairings, making this a great excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a favorite.
Paws in the Park | October 11
Bring your four-legged family members to Paws in the Park at Oronoco Bay Park. The waterfront event celebrates Alexandria’s pet-loving community with vendors, activities and plenty of dogs enjoying a day out along the Potomac.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days | October 24–25
Step back into the 18th century during Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon. The weekend brings traditional demonstrations and seasonal activities to the estate, offering a completely different way to experience one of Northern Virginia’s most historic destinations.
Waynewood Witches Ride for BCU | October 24
One of Fort Hunt’s most fun fall traditions returns with the Waynewood Witches Ride. Expect plenty of costumes, decorated bikes and Halloween spirit as the community comes together for a festive ride through the neighborhood.
https://waynewoodwitchesride.squarespace.com/
Old Town Trick-or-Treat | October 24
Halloween takes over Old Town as local businesses welcome costumed trick-or-treaters. Between the historic architecture, decorated storefronts and brick sidewalks, there are few places better suited to Halloween than Old Town.
Old Town Doggy Trick-or-Treat | October 25
The costumes aren't just for people. Bring your pup to Old Town for Doggy Trick-or-Treat, when participating businesses offer treats for Alexandria's four-legged residents. Bonus points for coordinating costumes.
30th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade | October 25
Del Ray knows how to do Halloween. The neighborhood's annual parade returns for its 30th year with elaborate costumes, decorated strollers, pets and plenty of community spirit along Mount Vernon Avenue.
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween | October 31
Finish October with Alexandria Fall-O-Ween, a citywide celebration that brings together Halloween activities and seasonal fun for the final night of the month.
Keep the Fall Fun Going in November
Banned Book Speakeasy at The Study | November 10–14
For a fall night out with a literary twist, head to The Study at Morrison House for its Banned Book Speakeasy. The intimate Old Town setting already feels made for a cozy November evening, making this an especially fun addition to the calendar.
Alexandria Cider Festival | November 21
Celebrate one of fall's quintessential drinks at the Alexandria Cider Festival at Lloyd House. Sample Virginia ciders while enjoying the historic setting before heading into Old Town for dinner.
Add These to Your Fall Bucket List
You don't need an event on the calendar to make the most of fall around Northern Virginia. Some of the best seasonal activities can be done whenever you have a free Saturday or Sunday.
Pick out pumpkins at Nall's Produce. The beloved local market goes all out for the season, and its pumpkin wall has become a favorite Alexandria fall photo spot.
Go apple picking at Hollin Farms. Head west for a morning of apple picking with beautiful Virginia countryside views. Add lunch or a winery stop nearby and turn it into a full day trip.
Spend a day at Cox Farms Fall Festival. Hayrides, pumpkins, farm animals and plenty of fall treats make Cox Farms a Northern Virginia classic.
Plan a wine day in Middleburg. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make fall one of the prettiest times of year to explore Virginia wine country. Start with a tasting and stay for dinner in downtown Middleburg.
Catch a Washington Commanders game. Trade Saturday festivals for Sunday football and make a game part of your fall plans.
Walk or bike the Mount Vernon Trail. When the leaves begin to change, the stretch along the Potomac becomes especially beautiful. Pack coffee and make a morning of it.
Take a ghost tour through Old Town. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old homes and plenty of local legends make October the perfect time to explore Alexandria's haunted history.
Order something seasonal from MB Bakery. Sometimes a fall activity can be as simple as picking up a pastry and coffee and taking a walk through Old Town.
Make a fall candle at Lumière Candle Studio. Create your own seasonal scent for an indoor activity that you can enjoy long after fall is over.
Spend an afternoon at Green Spring Gardens. Wander through the gardens as the landscape transitions for the season, then stop somewhere nearby for lunch.
Take a fall drive through Virginia horse and wine country. Head toward Middleburg, The Plains and Upperville for winding country roads, stone walls, horse farms and some of Northern Virginia's prettiest fall scenery.
Have a cozy Old Town restaurant night. Pick a chilly evening, dress up and make reservations somewhere with a cozy dining room, fireplace or seasonal menu. It's one of the easiest ways to enjoy the season without leaving Alexandria.
Take a fall foliage walk through Huntley Meadows Park. The boardwalk and wetlands offer a completely different fall landscape, particularly on a crisp morning.
Make the Most of Fall in Alexandria
The best part about fall in Northern Virginia is that you don't have to go far to experience it. You can spend Friday night having dinner in Old Town, Saturday morning at a local festival and Sunday afternoon driving through Virginia wine country, all within the same weekend.
Whether your ideal fall day involves oysters and a glass of wine, pumpkins and apple picking or simply a long walk under changing leaves, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season before the holiday festivities begin.
