Weekend: Pumpkin Patches, Dog Costume Contest, Night Hike + S'Mores

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Looking to get out for some fall fun this weekend? Fairfax County Weekender has all the scoop on what's going on at county parks:

Friday, Oct. 21: Ghostly Stories

Frying Pan Folk Music and Stories: Come to the meeting house for wonderful, chilling ghost stories and learn about the Grey Ghost himself, John Singleton Mosby. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Ages 5 and up. $8/person. Dress appropriately for cooler outside temperatures. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Saturday, Oct. 22: Plenty of Pumpkins

Pumpkin Patch at Nature Playce: Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 hunt for their favorite miniature pumpkin in Nature Playce to decorate and take home. Enjoy seasonal stories and a craft. From 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. atHidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $7/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Also on Saturday:

Garden Program – Fall Tree ID Walk: Adults are invited for a tree walk to learn the basics of fall tree identification and practice your skills while admiring the lovely colors of the season. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $18/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Maker’s Fun Day: Come experience and participate in Sherwood Library’s first Maker Fun Day! See our new 3-D-printer at work, sample virtual reality using Google Cardboard, explore other developing technologies and revisit traditional crafts. Talk to local artisans, learn a new craft, make something and get inspired with the whole family. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-765-3645.

Cody and BJ – Halloween Rocks!: An upbeat, non-scary and interactive show about all the fun we have with Halloween. Sing, dance and use your imagination with original songs. From 10:30 to 11:10 a.m. at George Mason Regional Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

Halloween Family Fun Day: Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy sensational performances perfect for the whole family. Peter McCory, a famed one-man band will kick off the Halloween spirit at noon, followed by Bob Brown’s Puppets in Monster Madness at 1:15 p.m. Little ghosts and goblins up to the age of 8 can try their skill at winning candy while playing carnival games until 2 p.m. Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire event. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-390-6163.

Hidden Child of the Holocaust: Holocaust survivor, Dr. Monique Saigal, shares her story and those of the French women who fought the Nazis she interviewed for her book, “French Heroines 1940-1945.” Books available for sale and signing. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-356-0770.

Jazz Masters with John Eaton: Jazz pianist, musicologist and humorist John Eaton brings his popular continuing education program with a look at Frank Loesser – Tony, Oscar and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of Broadway shows such as “Guys and Dolls” and hit songs including “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at The Alden, McLean Community Center. $12/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest: Show off your pet’s personality and compete for prizes and treats. All dogs must be leashed and friendly toward other dogs and people of all ages. Gather at the large pavilion to witness the best in canine creativity. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. $5/person. One human registration per dog. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Historic All Hallows Eve: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Virginians celebrated All Hallows Eve with storytelling, fortune telling, fall foods and family gatherings. Experience these traditions as you tour the house and grounds by lantern light. From 4 to 7 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Ages 5 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Fall Fest at Lake Accotink Park: Halloween-themed mini-golf and haunted carousel rides are available. Play as many rounds as you want and ride as many times as you like. Registered participants receive a trick-or-treat goodie bag! From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lake Accotink Parkmarina. Bring flashlights in case you stay after the sun goes down. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-0285.

Night Owl Hike and Campfire: At day’s end, hike to look and listen for wildlife. While sitting around a campfire, visit with our resident barred owl and enjoy s’mores. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. For your comfort and safety, bring a blanket to sit on and a flashlight. Ages 4 and up. $10/person. Meet at Cabell’s Mill. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Sunday, Oct. 23: Say You Want a Revolution

Give Me Liberty – The American Revolution 1763-1787: Dr. Harry Butowsky continues his popular history lectures with a six-part series covering the American Revolution from the Seven-Year War through the Constitutional Convention. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Adults, teens. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-689-2700.

Also on Sunday:

A Cranberry Cornucopia: Colorful, versatile and nutritious, cranberries are a year-round treat. We’ll tell the fascinating story of this American native fruit, share innovative recipes and offer ideas for holiday decorating with cranberries. Sample and take home a delicious cranberry sauce with a difference! Traditional English tea included. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Historic Green Spring. $32/person. Reservations required. For information and to make a reservation, call 703-941-7987.

Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.

The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place eachweekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

PHOTO of pumpkins from Patch archive