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Breakfast with Santa @ Ada’s on the River

‹‹ More Dine with Santa Opportunities

Santa is trading the North Pole for the Potomac this holiday season, and he’s saving a seat at the table for families at Ada’s on the River in Old Town Alexandria!

Little ones can bring their biggest Christmas wishes to a festive Breakfast with Santa at this waterfront favorite, where holiday cheer comes with a side of beautiful water views.

On select weekend mornings from December 5-20, 2026, families are invited to enjoy a family-style spread piled high with breakfast pastries, yogurt parfaits, a smoked salmon plate, fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, sausage, and tater tots. Coffee, tea, juice, and hot chocolate keep everyone cozy, while grown-ups can toast the season with a classic mimosa, bellini, or glass of Prosecco.

After breakfast, meet Santa Claus and take a keepsake photo!

Sessions are limited, so pre-register for Saturday or Sunday, from December 5-20, 2026.

Details:
Eventbrite

Dates:
Weekends, Dec 5-20, 2026

Location:
Ada’s on the River ∙ Alexandria, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Pirate Fall Festival

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Fall Festival Fun

Ahoy, fall fans! Meadows Farms Nursery in Chantilly is hosting a free Pirate Fall Festival from September 21-November 1, 2026 — the perfect place to pick up everything you need for a fall-ready porch while the kids have a blast!

Browse pumpkins, specialty pumpkins, mums, and fall decorating favorites while the kids enjoy a pumpkin patch, games, a maze, moon bounce, haunted house, and more. Plus, mark the calendar for free pumpkin painting on October 3, 2026!

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Dates:
Sept 21-Nov 1, 2026

Location:
Meadows Farms Nursery ∙ Chantilly, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Go Wild @ Leesburg Animal Park

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From domestic favorites to exotic creatures, reptiles, and birds, Leesburg Animal Park’s 21 acres offer year-round, up-close, hands-on encounters!

At this family-owned and operated zoo, guests can meet, pet, and hand-feed a variety of furry and feathered friends. Don’t miss the indoor space, too — home to special events, rotating exhibits, a play area, and even more critters to meet.

While kids of all ages love a visit, the park is geared especially toward little ones ages 2-10.

Gates stay open year-round, though during colder months or inclement weather, some areas may close or relocate to keep the residents safe and happy.

  • Barn & Contact Area
    Grab some feed on-site, and you’re sure to become a favorite with the llamas, sheep, goats, and donkeys.
  • Pony Rides
  • Exotic Animals
    Say hello to sloths, zebras, coatis, colorful birds, and more!
  • Lemur Island
  • Indoor Animal Exhibits
  • Indoor Play Zone
    A multi-level playground made for burning off energy.
  • Discovery Room
  • Educational Shows
  • Arts & Crafts Area

Throughout the year, the park also hosts seasonal festivals like Pumpkin Village and Christmas Village. For the latest news and updates, follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Daily, Except on Tuesdays

Location:
Leesburg Animal Park ∙ Leesburg, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Pop-Up Play Date @ Be Hive Wellness

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

Moms and caregivers are invited to a Pop-Up Play Date at Be Hive Wellness on September 22, 2026!

Be Hive Wellness is a collective of holistic providers offering women and families mind-and-body care through pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, and beyond.

Their pop-up playdate gives moms and caregivers a chance to connect, share, and enjoy adult conversation while babies and toddlers explore, play, and socialize. Meet other local parents and build genuine community connections in a warm, welcoming environment.

Pre-registration is required; link below.

Details:
Website ∙ Register

Date:
Sept 22, 2026

Location:
Be Hive Wellness ∙ Vienna, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Mall-o-Ween @ Dulles Town Center

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

Mall-o-Ween Halloween trick-or-treating at Dulles Town Center
‹‹ More Halloween Fun

Dulles Town Center is about to get ghoulishly good! On October 30, 2026, kids are invited to dress up in their Halloween best for Mall-o-Ween, when the whole mall transforms into a festive playground of fright and fun.

Like this? You might also enjoy…
Mall-o-Ween @ Fair Oaks Mall

The Halloween action all begins on Level 1 in Center Court, near JCPenney.

Storefront Trick-or-Treat Trail
Retailers will hand out candy and goodies at tables set up in their stores and in the event space — grab a map and hit every stop!

Craft Corner
Little ones can get creative with themed crafts inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters, Toy Story, Harry Potter, and Halloween.

Live Entertainment
Magician performances to amaze and delight, face painting for kids and kids-at-heart, and character meet-and-greets that are perfect for selfies!

Costumes are encouraged — fun is guaranteed!

Details:
Website

Date:
Oct 30, 2026

Location:
Dulles Town Center ∙ Sterling, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Heritage India Festival

Because of last-minute event cancellations at DTC Expo-Event Center — where this event is scheduled to be hosted — please double-check the event details before attending.

Celebrate the festival of lights in a brand-new spot! Held twice yearly and celebrating 25 years, the Heritage India Festival is one of the DMV’s largest and longest-running festivals — and this Diwali, it moves to the Dulles Town Center Expo-Event Center in Sterling.

From November 28-29, 2026 (rescheduled from October 24-25), the whole family is invited to enjoy hundreds of booths featuring the best gifts, including jewelry, art, handicrafts, decorations, paintings, books, housewares, and apparel from some of the Washington area’s top South Asian merchants. Several vendors traveling from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh will display and sell exclusively at this festival, too.

Plus, come hungry! You’ll find a variety of mouthwatering cuisines from top restaurants, like South Indian curries, street food, regional specialties, fusion food, and Indian sweets.

Admission is fee-based, and children 5 and under are always free. Tickets are sold at the door only (cash), so plan ahead.

Looking for the Heritage India Festival, sometimes called Diwali Fest, at the Dulles Town Center’s new event and expo center? You’re in the right place!

Details:
Website

Dates:
Nov 28-29, 2026

Location:
DTC Expo-Event Center ∙ Sterling, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Decades of Dress-Up: 1950-2026

Halloween Fun
‹‹ More Halloween Fun

Did you know Halloween spending is expected to hit $13.5 billion in 2026? That’s about $115 per person — with $4.4 billion of that going toward costumes!†

Top Costumes: 2026

  • Spider-Man
  • Superhero
  • Princess
  • Witch
  • Ghost

Top Costumes: 1950-2025

  • 2026: Spider-Man
  • 2025: KPK-popemon Hunters
  • 2024: Beetlejuice
  • 2023: Barbie
  • 2020-2022: Witch
  • 2018-2019: Fortnite
  • 2017: Hocus Pocus
  • 2016: Harley Quinn
  • 2015: Star Wars
  • 2014: Frozen
  • 2013: Twerkin Teddy
  • 2012: The Avengers
  • 2011: Snooki & The Situation
  • 2010: Lady Gaga
  • 2009: Vampires
  • 2008: The Joker
  • 2007: Spider-Man
  • 2006: Superman
  • 2005: Star Wars
  • 2004: SpongeBob SquarePants
  • 2003: Pirates
  • 2002: Spider-Man
  • 2001: SNL Spartan Cheerleaders
  • 2000: Austin Powers
  • 1999: The Matrix
  • 1998: South Park
  • 1997: Batman & Robin
  • 1996: Scream
  • 1995: Star Trek
  • 1994: Power Rangers
  • 1993: Barney
  • 1992: Catwoman
  • 1991: The Terminator
  • 1990: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • 1989: Batman
  • 1988: Elvira
  • 1987: Where’s Waldo?
  • 1986: Care Bears
  • 1985: Hulk Hogan
  • 1984: Freddy Krueger
  • 1983: Princess Leia
  • 1982: E.T.
  • 1981: Indiana Jones
  • 1980: John Travolta
  • 1979: Rocky Balboa
  • 1978: Michael Myers
  • 1977: Star Wars
  • 1976: Charlie’s Angels
  • 1975: Dr. Frank-N-Furter
  • 1974: Richard Nixon
  • 1973: Marcia Brady
  • 1972: Don Corleone
  • 1971: Willy Wonka
  • 1970: Elvis Presley
  • 1969: Astronaut
  • 1968: Rosemary Woodhouse
  • 1967: Morticia Addams
  • 1966: Barbie
  • 1965: Sonny & Cher
  • 1964: The Beatles
  • 1963: Elizabeth Taylor
  • 1962: Rocky & Bullwinkle
  • 1961: Holly Golightly
  • 1960: Hula Girl
  • 1959: Marilyn Monroe
  • 1958: Zorro
  • 1957: Frankenstein
  • 1956: Anna Leonowens
  • 1955: Davy Crockett
  • 1954: Batman
  • 1953: Mickey Mouse
  • 1952: Don Lockwood
  • 1951: Tarzan
  • 1950: Cowboy

†According to the National Retail Federation (NRF)

Celtic Festival

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!

‹‹ More Fall Festival Fun

Cead mile failte — a hundred thousand welcomes to an afternoon of Celtic fun!

On September 19, 2026, Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub hosts its annual Celtic Festival at the Village at Shirlington — and admission is free!

Live bands, pipers, and dancers fill the Village with traditional Irish music and dance, while a pop-up makers market lines the street with local vendors to browse. Plus, there’s great food and drink all afternoon long — this one’s for kids and kids-at-heart.

Campbell Ave will be closed for the festivities, so you’re invited to Sip & Stroll your way through the festival and around the neighborhood at your own pace. With the street shut down for the day, allow a little extra time to park and plan to walk in.

Admission is free; preregistration is appreciated.

Sam Beckett's Annual Celtic Festival flyer

Details:
Website

Date:
Sept 19, 2026 ∙ 12-6 pm

Location:
The Village at Shirlington ∙ Arlington, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

AVFRD Open House

This opportunity is over; visit our calendar for up-to-date fun!


Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Open House
‹‹ More Touch-a-Truck Fun

Charge into fall by celebrating your local heroes! Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s (AVFRD) Open House returns October 4, 2026, and this year carries extra meaning as the department celebrates 82 years of serving the Ashburn community.

Held during Fire Prevention Week, this family-friendly event focuses on fire prevention and life safety — with this year’s national theme, Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower, spotlighting the safe use and charging of the lithium-ion batteries that power our phones, tablets, e-bikes, and even kids’ toys.

Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to:

  • Meet Your Heroes
    Say hello to the firefighters, EMTs, and volunteers who proudly serve our community.
  • Station Tours
    Take a peek inside Station 6.
  • Apparatus Displays
    Explore fire engines and ambulances up close.
  • Fire & Rescue Demos
    Watch fire and rescue crews in action.
  • Equipment Demos
    See the tools firefighters and EMS professionals use every day.
  • CPR Instruction
    Learn a life-saving skill.
  • Fire Safety
    Pick up practical tips on battery safety, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness at home.
  • Free Hot Dogs
    Enjoy a free hot dog (while supplies last), plus treats from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.

Check out the event map to plan your visit!

Details:
Website ∙ Event Map ∙ Facebook

Date:
Oct 4, 2026

Location:
Loudoun County Station 6 ∙ Ashburn, VA
There is no parking at the station; parking and a free shuttle are available at Cedar Lane Elementary School (43700 Tolamac Dr.).

LEARN MORE

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Food, Wine, & Beer Festivals

Food, beer, and wine social event

With so many cultures represented in the DMV, the food, beer, and wine scene is rich in flavor and diversity!

THESE EVENTS HAVE PASSED


Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.