Alexandria Events October 2021
Special Events – October
26th Annual Art on the Avenue
October 2nd
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues
Art on the Avenue is a multicultural arts festival held the first Saturday in October, rain or shine. Stroll down Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues and discover more than 300 artists, from jewelers to glass makers to painters, while enjoying a variety of musicians and food vendors.
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
October 8th to 10th
6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Friday: $49 for members, $59 for general public; Saturday: $53 for members, $63 for general public; Sunday: $43 for members, $53 for general public
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours at George Washington’s estate. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River and meet General Washington.
Del Ray Halloween Parade
October 24th
2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Begins at Mount Vernon Ave. south of E. Bellefonte Ave.
visitdelray.com/halloween
Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center play fields. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb; awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller.
More Fall Events & Tours
Alexandria Ghost Tour Pub Crawl with Nightly Spirits
Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the fall
7:30 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria
844-678-8687
nightlyspirits.com
Experience a haunting mixture of ghostly sights and pub crawling on this walking tour of historic Old Town Alexandria. Listen to creepy stories of ghosts and local history. Your costumed guide will take you in and out of several haunted pubs and other locations in Old Town. Hear about murder, death and tragic love stories as you walk along historical streets. Tours last about two hours, cover approximately one mile, and include plenty of time to calm your nerves will a few strong spirits along the way. Must be 21+ for this tour.
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Tour
October 9th & November 13th at 10 a.m.
Admission: $20 per person
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join Carlyle House for a tour of Alexandria looking at the various architecture styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please wear comfortable shoes for this one-and-a-half hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
Tell Me Your Name
October 22nd
5 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Join Carlyle House Historic Park staff for a tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and John Carlyle’s plantations. The guided tour will explore the historical context of slavery in 18th-century Alexandria and the importance of ongoing research efforts to connect with descendants. Reservations are required as space is limited.
Dogtoberfest in Old Town North
October 1st to 31st
Various locations throughout Old Town North
703-836-8066
www.oldtownnorth.org
From October 1st through October 31st, Old Town North is going to the dogs with events sure to please our four-legged friends and their two-legged companions, from Paw and Palm reading at the Thursday Farmers Market, puppy pub crawls and trick-or-treating at the Thursday Market, there is much spooky fun to be had.
Spirits of Carlyle House
October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
6 to 8:30 p.m. (Tours on the half hour)
Admission: $10 per person
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Carlyle House’s long and diverse history is full of truths, myths and rumors that makes it one of the most visited places on Alexandria’s ghost tours. Come and experience a uniquely haunting tour of the house and grounds by candlelight, perhaps encounter the departed spirits of notable residents and neighbors and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. Reservations required due to limited space. Tours are on the half hour.
8th Annual Doggie Trick or Treat
October 24th
1 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Begin at The Dog Park
705 King Street
703-888-2818
thedogparkva.biz
It’s that time of year again. You and your family—especially your doggies—are invited to come to Old Town and trick-or-treat together. There will be treats, sales and a costume contest. Come to The Dog Park in Old Town Alexandria to get your map and have pictures taken, then tour the rest of the participating stores to get more treats and find a sale or two in town.
Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon
October 23rd to 24th
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $28 per adult; $15 per youth; free for children five and under and for members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. During this event, you can explore the farm, meet General Washington, watch beer-making demonstrations, see spinning demonstrations and more. This event is included with admission and is free for Mount Vernon members.
Trick-or Treating at Mount Vernon
October 30th
2 to 6 p.m.
Admission: General public: $25 per adult; $15 per youth; Members: $17 per adult; $9 per youth
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Visit Mount Vernon in costume, watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, see 18th-century chocolate-making demonstrations and more. Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine.
Trick or Treat at Carlyle House
October 31st
4 to 6 p.m. (or until candy runs out)
Admission: Free
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Join Carlyle House on All Hallow’s Eve for good old-fashioned trickery and treats. Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princesses and action heroes to one of Alexandria’s most haunted dwellings. Carlyle House staff will be handing out candy in individual bags. In case of inclement weather please, call the museum for event status.
Coming Soon!
The 15th Annual Alexandria Film Festival
November 11th to 14th
Admission: $12 per showcase or $75 per All-Festival Pass
alexfilmfest.com
The Alexandria Film Festival will take place as a hybrid event—virtual, with some in person events. The festival footprint is expanding this year to include a partnership with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, which will feature six original films and will be presented with a “live to picture” performance of the orchestra on November 6 and 7. This performance will be in person but will observe current safety protocols such as social distancing. To get the latest information, visit AlexFilmFest.com.