October in Arlington

Ballston Pumpkin Palooza | Oct. 1 - Nov. 6

Join the Ballston BID for Pumpkin Palooza at Ballston Quarter (outside Quarter Market) on October 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy music, giveaways, and more. The plaza will be transformed with pumpkins and cozy autumn décor to set the perfect fall vibe. Come celebrate the season with food, photo ops, and plenty of surprises. The fall festivities continue through November 6 with the Pumpkin Punch Card, celebrating the best in fall-inspired food and drinks from your favorite Ballston-area spots.

NaLa Noches Latin Music Series | Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23

Spice up your Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with NaLa Noches, a high-energy celebration of Latin music and culture in the heart of National Landing. Each week showcases live performances handpicked by DC trumpet legend Joe Herrera. Grab empanadas from local favorite Peruvian Brothers, cool down with free Topo Chico, and dive into hands-on art activations by Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Plus, stop by the National Landing BID tent for giveaways!

Festival LatinoAmericano | Oct. 3

The 2025 Festival LatinoAmericano will be held on October 3 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Arlington Mill Community Center. This FREE festival welcomes hundreds each year and will include a full array of live music and dance, great local vendors, interactive children’s entertainment, delicious food, and exciting community spirit.

Rosslyn Fall Fest | Oct. 4

Join the Rosslyn BID on October 4 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. for Rosslyn Fall Fest at NOW Pop-up Park (1401 Wilson Blvd) for an afternoon of fall-favorite activities perfect for all ages. You'll find local beer and cider, seasonal food, a pie-eating contest, live music, pumpkin carving, lawn games, and more!

Fall Heritage Festival | Oct. 11

Come on out to the Gulf Branch Nature Center on October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the 2025 Fall Heritage Festival. Step back into history and try your hand at some old-time games and crafts, make a corn husk doll, churn butter, dip candles and work the cider press. You can even bring your old pants and shirts to make a scarecrow - child sizes work best!

Army Ten-Miler | Oct. 12

The Army’s annual Army Ten-Miler Race and Expo attract military, civilians, wheelchair athletes, and wounded warrior athletes. The race, open to the public and featuring a Youth Run, also includes a two-day Expo with deals on clothing, shoes, accessories, and other health and fitness items. Hear performances from The Old Guard Drill Team and Fife and Drum Corps too!

Pike Fest | Oct. 18

Join the Columbia Pike Partnership on October 18 from noon to 5:00 p.m. for Pike Fest at Penrose Square. Enjoy local food and drinks, music, family-friendly activities, and Pike photos, all designed to showcase and uplift the businesses that make the Pike special.

Marine Corps Marathon | Oct. 26

Whether you’re a runner or cheering for one, join in on the fun! The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the country's largest marathons, hosted annually in Arlington and the nation's capital. The MCM offers an experience for runners to tour the nation's most recognizable landmarks while being supported by the men and women of the United States Marine Corps.

Surreal Oktoberfest | Oct. 4

Join the National Landing BID on October 4 from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. for an epic Oktoberfest celebration at Surreal Global Kitchen in Crystal City! With its expansive outdoor patio and adjacent park space, Surreal is bringing an Oktoberfest experience to National Landing by transforming the area into a lively beer garden filled with music, lights, and festival cheer.

Astro Beer Hall Oktoberfest | Oct. 4

Head over to Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington on October 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for beer, drink specials, food, and tons of exciting giveaways! Come dressed up in a dirndl or your best Oktoberfest attire to receive a 10% discount on your purchases at each event.

Brunch on the Boulevard | Oct. 8

Join the Langston Boulevard Alliance on October 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 4500 Langston Blvd. for Brunch on the Boulevard! Enjoy local food and beverage while networking with Arlington’s best and brightest business founders.

Columbia Pike Happy Hour | Oct. 9

Join the Columbia Pike Partnership at Lost Dog Cafe on October 9 at 5:00 p.m. to unwind, meet new people, and connect with the community—all while enjoying great food and drinks! More information here.

Arlington Restaurant Week | Oct. 13 - 20

Enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer at special prices! Hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the annual Arlington Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to take the week to explore the diverse restaurant scene in Arlington and find a new go-to place for dining out.

Columbia Pike Lunch Club | Oct. 29

On the Pike, you’ll find the most eclectic food scene in Arlington, home to dozens of international, locally owned restaurants. Columbia Pike Partnership's Monthly Lunch Club will introduce you to these beloved eateries. Join them on October 29 at noon at Pho Saigon Pearl to find your new favorite go-to spot!

Arlington ArtWalk 2025 | Oct. 4

Come out to the fourth Annual Arlington ArtWalk, a vibrant celebration of creativity stretching from Clarendon to Ballston. On October 4 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. discover an exciting mix of galleries, artist studios and interactive art activations. Immerse yourself in live music, hands-on workshops, curated exhibitions and a bustling artisan market — all in one dynamic walkable experience!

Falling for Art at MoCA | Oct. 4

After the Arlington ArtWalk on October 4, head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a Made in Arlington Market featuring 20+ local vendors selling handmade goods. More information here.

MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Fall Art Series | Thursdays in October

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington alongside NaLa Noches, a Latin Music series on Thursday nights this Fall. Each week will have fresh, fun activities with featured artists to guide and inspire your art making. Inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month.

Plants in the Park | Oct. 8

Plants in the Park in Metropolitan Park on October 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., features fun and easy plant-related activities hosted in partnership with PlantHouse, a local, experiences-based terrarium workshop and plant store, allowing participants to create and take home a themed plant project.

The OnlyFriends Comedy Show | Oct. 8 (2nd Wednesday of every month)

The "OnlyFriends" Comedy Show is hosted by stand-up comedians Patty Mata and Dom Grayer bringing to you one of the best comedy shows in the Northern Virginia area! Featuring a range of comedians from DMV favorites to touring headliners seen on Comedy Central, Netflix, & more. Pop into the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse at 7:00 p.m. on October 8 for this fun, $7 comedy show. Show your ticket after the show to receive a special discount at Pike Cornerstone across the street!

Cosmic Carillon | Oct. 12

Play along with the Netherlands Carillon at sunset! Join the National Park Service for a celestial evening at the Netherlands Carillon with “Cosmic Carillon,” a special event featuring a sun-and-space themed bell concert and interactive activities on October 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Made in Arlington Pop-Up Market | Oct. 15

Join the Ballston BID, Brookfield Properties, and Arlington Economic Development at Ballston Quarter Plaza for a special Made in Arlington weekday pop-up on October 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., showcasing local makers and artisans in a lively outdoor market. This high-traffic, high-visibility event offers the perfect opportunity to shop unique, handmade goods while enjoying your lunch break.

Gather at the Crossing Pop-Up Market | Oct. 18-19

Experience a weekend of market vendors, live music, and fall activities at The Crossing Clarendon on October 18 and 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Arlington County Trunk-or-Treat | Oct. 18

Grab your costume and join Arlington County for a thrilling event for the whole family on October 18 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Lubber Run Community Center! During your 30-minute time slot you will trick or treat from car to car at this walk-through event. Each trunk will be festively decorated and distributing treats to registered youth. Only youth trick or treaters need to register for this event, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.

MoCA Howl-Ween | Oct. 21

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington on October 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a dog costume contest, pet polaroids, pet portrait drawing, vendors, and a live DJ at Metropolitan Park. This FREE programming makes for a fun and spooky evening for you and your furry friends!

Rosslyn Howl-O-Ween | Oct. 24

Trick or treat! Join the Rosslyn BID for a Halloween-themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats, and seasonal fun at Gateway Park Interim Dog Park on October 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Don't forget about their annual dog costume contest!

Met Park Movie Night - Hocus Pocus | Oct. 24

Get ready for a bewitching evening under the stars! Join the National Landing BID October 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Metropolitan Park for a special Halloween-themed Met Park Movie Night, featuring the cult classic Hocus Pocus!

Halloween Trick-or-Treat at Water Park | Oct. 31

Swing by the National Landing Water Park on October 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for trick-or-treating and other fun fall festivities!

Fit @ Met Park | Wednesdays in October

Join DC Fray and the National Landing Business Improvement District Wednesdays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Metropolitan Park for free, instructor-led rotating fitness classes. Try everything from Pilates to Zumba! More information here.

Wellness Wednesdays at MoCA | Wednesdays in October

Head over to MoCA's Innovation Studio and Store in National Landing on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for various wellness topics/classes each week. First Wednesdays - intuitive art making, second Wednesdays - meditation and breathwork practices, third Wednesdays - Qi Gong, fourth Wednesdays - stARTing a journal practice, fifth Wednesdays - sound bath.

Yoga in the Galleries at MoCA | Saturdays in October

Make your way to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Arlington on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. for a unique 60-minute yoga session in their serene Tiffany Gallery. Take in the colors of the stained glass as you relax into yoga poses and enjoy a creative doodling and writing session following the class.

Fit @ Potomac Yard | Sundays in October

Join DC Fray and the National Landing Business Improvement District Sundays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Center Park in Potomac Yard for free, instructor-led rotating fitness classes. Try everything from Pilates to Kickboxing! More information here.