While the fall of 2021 may look very different from a typical fall, there is still plenty of fun to be had! We’ve rounded up the best fall events in Alexandria VA for you to check out in the weeks and months ahead.
Go Leaf Peeping
Make the trip to Fort Ward Park (4301 W. Braddock Road) for the city’s best leaf-peeping. This park, which has a lovely loop for walking, is home to six “State Champions,” or the biggest tree of their species in all of Virginia, as well as a notable black tupelo tree, with deep red and purple hues. Or, take a drive along the scenic George Washington Parkway, which also offers spectacular fall foliage.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
There are lots of places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Alexandria. Check out Hops N Shine in Arlandria, which offers a dog-friendly Biergarten with socially-distanced Oktoberfest events. Old Town’s Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden (1106 King Street) is offering German-inspired Oktoberfest beers throughout the season. You’ll get in the spirit enjoying your brews in Augie’s string light-lit alley beer garden (pets welcome).
Take the “Ghost and Graveyard” Tour
Join this Alexandria classic activity this year in which you’ll be led by an 18th-century guide and lantern light through Old Town’s charming and historic streets. Hear Alexandria ghost stories, legends, unsolved mysteries, and folklore. This year, Zoom tours will be offered in addition to in-person tours. Ghost tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing from 221 King Street.
Visit Mount Vernon
The home of our nation’s first president, Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway) has loads of fun fall events on its calendar – with something for everyone! Check out its Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour (October 8-10), Fall Harvest Festival (October 23-24), and Trick or Treating on Halloween. Veterans can visit for free on Wednesday, November 11, Veteran’s Day.
Pick A Pumpkin
Visit the Immanuel Church on the Hill’s Pumpkin Patch (3606 Seminary Road). The patch is open October 3-31 (weekdays from noon – 6 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) You can pick up pumpkins of all sizes, plus baked goods and homemade soup! The best part? All proceeds from the pumpkin patch support Immanuel’s local and international outreach efforts. The Pumpkin Patch will have COVID-19 protocols in place.
Halloween on South Lee Street
Halloween on South Lee Street is one of our fall favorites. You can read all about the festivities here.
Doggie Trick or Treat
Head down to Old Town on Oct. 24 for the 8th Annual Doggie Trick-or-Treat where dogs and their humans can visit Old Town’s The Dog Park boutique to grab treats, snap a photo, and scope out other participating stores for more goodies.
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Also on Oct. 24 children, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to walk and show off their finest and scariest Halloween costumes for the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. Awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home, and the Best Decorated Stroller.
The Bottom Line
While COVID-19 may be disrupting lots of our usual plans, there are still plenty of fun fall events in Alexandria VA! Be sure to get outside and enjoy the amazing tastes, sounds, and colors of fall in Alexandria!
Did we miss your favorite fall events in Alexandria? Drop us a line so we can add it to this list.