As the temperature cools and leaves begin to change, a wide array of activities are planned in Arlington this harvest season.
Whether marveling at fall foliage, attending a seasonal festival or celebrating Halloween with one’s dog, fans of fall will have no shortage of events to attend in the coming weeks.
Festivals
- Clarendon Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. The street festival returns with eight blocks of street vendors, kids activities, live music and local food and drink. It will take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. around the Clarendon Metro station at 3100 Wilson Blvd.
- Saint Ann Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28. The festival hosted by St. Ann Catholic Church will begin with a 1.5-mile family run at 9:30 a.m. Festivities include live music, a raffle, a silent auction, games, rides, a beer garden and food. Admission is free, but games, rides and refreshments require tickets for purchase online or in-person. 980 N. Frederick Street.
- Virginia Beer Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Water Park in Crystal City will host its first-ever Virginia Beer Festival from 4-9 p.m. Saturday. The fest will feature food, games and live music by Relaxed Fit. Entry is free and spots can be reserved on Eventbrite. 1601 Crystal Drive.
- Festival Latinoamericano on Friday, Oct. 4. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Arlington Mill Community Center from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy Latin American food, art and performances at this free educational event. 909 S. Dinwiddie Street.
- Rosslyn Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 5. Hard cider tastings, food trucks and a pie eating contest are just some of the activities happening at Gateway Park in Rosslyn from 1-6 p.m. Hard cider tasting is $15 online or $20 in person. 1300 Langston Blvd.
- Fall Heritage Festival on Sunday, Oct. 6. This annual festival from 1-5 p.m. at the Walker Log House offers family friendly activities with “old-time” games and crafts. Create a corn husk doll, churn butter, dip candles and work a cider press. Those who bring old pants and shirts can make a scarecrow, too. Registration is required. 3608 N. Military Road.
Halloween-themed events
- Halloween BINGOAT: Bingo and Goats on Friday, Oct. 4. Bingo, goats and Halloween costumes come together for this unique game night from 4-6 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Goats from Walnut Creek Farm will be in costume for the occasion. Admission is $40. Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Blvd.
- Halloween Costume Goat Yoga on Sunday, Oct. 6. The Walnut Creek Farm goats will be back in costume for this special yoga session. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume, too. Admission is $40 and class begins at noon at Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Blvd.
- Howl-O-Ween on Tuesday, Oct. 15. This free kids event from 5-6 p.m. is hosted by the Animal Welfare of Arlington’s Kids CARE Club. The Howl-O-Ween for kids ages 5-9 will feature a spooky craft and DIY dog treat making. Adults must accompany kids. 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive.
- Halloween Pumpkin Carving Bash on Saturday, Oct. 26. Carve or paint a pumpkin from 1-3 p.m. at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. The event also includes candy, a Halloween craft and visits from some “spooky nocturnal critters” in the nearby nature center. Tools, paints and pumpkins will be provided, and admission is $20 per person. 2845 N. Marcey Road.
- Doggie Trick-or-Treating on Saturday, Oct. 26. Take your pooch to Lucky Dog Animal Rescue’s annual dog scavenger hunt fundraiser. The event for four-legged friends features treats and a dog costume contest. It will take place from 2-4 p.m. at Dogma Bakery in Shirlington. 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive.
- Spoons Toons & Booze Halloween Special on Saturday, Oct. 26. This brunch at the Arlington Drafthouse combines Halloween-themed cartoon episodes, a costume contest, a cereal bar and specialty cocktails. This event, which begins at noon, is for ages 21 and over unless accompanied by an adult. An “all ages” version of the event will occur the next day. Admission is $15. 2903 Columbia Pike.
Nature and the arts
- MoCA Fall Art Series, happening on select Thursdays now through Thursday, Oct. 24. Try a variety of fall-themed crafts alongside the Museum of Contemporary Art and Jazz @ Met Park. Each session will feature a different craft, including pictograph poems, water colors and pumpkin bejeweling. Activities begin at 4:30 p.m. Metropolitan Park, 1330 S. Fair Street
- Fall Concert Series on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Two dates have been announced so far in this live music series at Water Park. Confirmed performers are Relaxed Fit (Sept. 28) and Ms. Cross and Friends (Oct. 5). 1601 Crystal Drive.
- ARTrageous on Friday, Oct. 4. This annual silent auction and gala supports the Arlington Art Alliance. Attendees can bid on various mediums, including drawings, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture by local artists. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased online or in-person. 2100 Crystal Drive.
- Foliage and Pie Walk on Thursday, Oct. 17. This outdoor event is just one of the many nature walks the county is hosting this fall. Volunteers from Arlington Regional Master Naturalist will accompany participants during the 1.5-mile walk through neighborhoods around Columbia Pike. Enjoy a sweet treat at ACME Pie afterward. A rain date is set for Oct. 24. Walter Reed Recreation Center, 2909 16th Street S.
- Memorial Arboretum Fall Color Tour on Friday, Oct. 18. Arlington National Cemetery invites the public to “see the trees of Arlington at the peak of their autumn splendor” while learning about its urban forestry and horticulture initiatives. The cemetery is home to over 300 species of trees. This free tour runs from 9-11 a.m. and attendees should meet at the Welcome Center at 1 Memorial Avenue.
- Nature Spooktacular on Saturday, Oct. 26. The county’s “spooktacular” event from 3:30-5 p.m. will teach families about nocturnal animals and “cultural festivities” during the fall. Registration is free and required. Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road.
Missing something notable? Let us know in the comments.
