Hallo-weekend
Halloween Parade, Tales of Terror Haunted House, Paint Your Pumpkin, Doggy Trick or Treating, Drag Brunch, Harvest Market, Night of Dreadful Delight, Creepy Crafts, and more.
We’re bringing this weekend’s newsletter to you together with:
Hi Neighbor, happy weekend!
This is the official Halloween weekend! Next weekend, Halloween will be over (and we’ll be thinking about Thanksgiving?! I can’t even go there right now…)
So, ergo, this is Hallo-weekend, and the neighborhood is alive with spooky spirit!
Voting is underway for Del Ray’s Best Decorated Halloween House contest. Check out the map of entries and cast your vote before midnight Saturday. The winner will be announced Sunday at the parade.
Speaking of, the 29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade is this Sunday at 2pm. The Parade is free and open to all, so don your finest costume (sports jerseys count), dress up the kids in the costumes they’ve been asking about, and march together down the Avenue. Give the full details a read for all the good stuff on stroller registration, dog costume contest, and more.
And there’s still time to enter the Del Ray Halloween Scavenger Hunt.
Plus lots of other festive and fun ways to enjoy the glorious weekend in and around Del Ray, Alexandria. We’ve got:
👻 Tales of Terror Haunted House
🧛 Del Ray Halloween Parade
🎃 Paint Your Pumpkin
🍬 Trick or Treat + Doggy Trick or Treat (Old Town)
🥞 Halloween Drag Brunch
🍻 Night of Dreadful Delight
🍂 Magpie’s Harvest Market
🔮 Cozy Hearth Craft Night + Creepy Crafts
🍁 Fall Fun Festival
True Crime Trivia
🏴☠️ Pirate Costume Party and Reading
🍷 Wine tasting and wine class
🎶 Live music
🎤 Karaoke Nights
🍎 Farmers’ Markets
🐛 Nature Journaling Club
🏃🏽 Running
🚸 Kids Storytime + Craft
and more!
Let’s dive in — have a wonderful weekend.
– Rachel Turula
Founder + Publisher, Things to do: Del Ray, VA
P.S. Want to add or feature an event? Reach out here.
Friday, October 24
Tales of Terror: Duncan Library Haunted House, 5pm–10pm at James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
The library transforms into a Goosebumps-themed haunted house with eerie fun for all ages. Extra-scary tours for ages 16+ run from 8pm–10pm.The Wines of Sicily: A Wine Tasting and Class, 6pm–7pm at Planet Wine, 2000 Mt Vernon Ave.
Sip six standout wines from Sicily while learning about the region’s rich wine heritage with sommelier Erin Dudley. Includes tastings, cheese and bread pairings, and bottle discounts.Pirate Costume Party and Reading with KG Ryder, 6pm-8pm at Friends to Lovers Bookstore, 301 Cameron St.
Celebrate the release of The Deception of the Black Rose with local author KG Ryder. Costumes encouraged for this swashbuckling evening of books and pirate fun.Live Music Fridays at Hops N Shine, 6pm–9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Unwind with live music from local DMV artists every Friday evening. Grab a bite, sip something new, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.Karaoke Night, 9pm–11pm at Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join the fun every Friday night with karaoke at Del Ray Pizzeria. Grab a drink, pick a song, and sing your way into the weekend.JEFFREY OSBORNE, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Soul‑great Jeffrey Osborne hits the stage for a live performance at the iconic Birchmere venue. Expect smooth vocals, crowd favorites, and an unforgettable evening of music.
The (Housing) Lending Library
By Matt Borgerson, trusted local lending advisor
Mortgage Market Update: Fed Rate Cut Expectation Next Week
The market is showing signs of easing ahead of next Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting, where a 0.25% rate cut is widely expected. Recent history shows that mortgage rates tend to dip before the Fed’s announcement, then rise shortly after due to Chair Powell’s cautious tone during the press conference. This pattern has repeated over the last four rate cuts.
That’s why I’ve been encouraging homeowners to submit free refinance applications now. It positions us to lock in a lower rate if the trend continues, or float the rate to benefit from further momentum. Interested in exploring this strategy? Reach out to me at Matt.Borgerson@swbc.com. — Matt
Proud partner of Things to do Del Ray.
Saturday, October 25
Old Town Farmers’ Market, 7am–noon at Market Square, 301 King St.
One of America’s oldest continuously operating markets hosts over 70 vendors selling fruits, breads, flowers, crafts and coffee. Shoppers can enjoy live music and the historic ambiance of Market Square.Del Ray Farmers’ Market, 8am-noon at Pat Miller Square, 2311 Mt Vernon Ave.
Start your day at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared foods like chai, breakfast sandwiches, jams, and dumplings. Offerings may vary weekly—open year-round.Running at the Brewery, 10am at Aslin Beer Company, 847 S. Pickett St.
Join Alexandria Run Collective for a 3‑mile group run starting and ending at the brewery. Reward yourself with a pint afterward.Nature Journaling Club, 10am-12pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join for a relaxing morning of nature journaling. Artists of all levels can enhance their observation skills and connect with nature. Bring a sketchbook and supplies as we gather to sketch outdoors, share work, and discuss tips for capturing nature’s beauty.Tales of Terror: Duncan Library Haunted House, 10am–10pm at James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Wander the stacks, if you dare, at this family-friendly haunted library experience. Extra-scary tours for ages 16+ are offered from 8pm–10pm.Kids Storytime and Craft, 10:30am-11:30am at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join local author Ganeya Gajaram for storytime. You’ll read a book or two for the first half hour, and then have a related craft afterward.Trick or Treat in Old Town, 11am-4pm throughout Historic Old Town Alexandria.
Kids can trick-or-treat at participating small businesses for candy, deals, and spooky fun. Over 30 boutiques are joining in, costumes encouraged.Halloween Drag Brunch, 12pm-1:30pm at Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mt Vernon Ave.
Get spooky, sparkly, and loud at this Halloween drag brunch hosted by MaKayla Starr and a cast of fierce queens. Costumes encouraged; seating begins at 11:30am.Paint Your Pumpkin, 1pm-3pm at Rosemont Cellar, 2 E Walnut St.
Bring your imagination for a cozy afternoon of pumpkin painting with wine or cider in hand. All supplies provided—just come ready to sip and create.The Yummy Returns Wine Tasting, 1pm–5pm at Planet Wine, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Summonapatra rises again with beastly, immortal bottles and a visit from Chris Halferty. Ancient flavors awaken for one afternoon only.Cozy Hearth Craft Night, 3pm-7pm at Lumos Collective, 106 N St Asaph St.
Sip hot cider, snack on fall treats, and get crafty with witch brooms, spell jars, and simmer pot blends. A warm afternoon of comfort, creativity, and connection.True Crime Trivia Night, 5pm-7pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Team up for a night of mystery and mayhem at this free true crime trivia event hosted by Pour House Trivia. Seating is first come, first served—prizes and bragging rights are on the line.Del Ray’s Night of Dreadful Delight, 5pm-11:30pm along Mt Vernon Ave.
Embrace the spooky season with themed cocktails, costume contests, live music, and more at this neighborhood-wide Halloween celebration. Participating Del Ray restaurants and lounges will be serving up tricks, treats, and eerie fun all night long.Karaoke Night, 9pm-11pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Belt it out at this high-energy karaoke party with a live DJ hyping up the night. Choose from over 50,000 songs, grab a drink, and take the stage.JEFFREY OSBORNE, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Soul‑great Jeffrey Osborne hits the stage for a live performance at the iconic Birchmere venue. Expect smooth vocals, crowd favorites, and an unforgettable evening of music.
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Things to do: Del Ray is a free local independent newsletter. It is by the people and it is for the people. Your contributions help me deliver as much goodness as possible so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate your support! — Rachel
Sunday, October 26
Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market, 9am-2pm at 4109 Mt Vernon Ave. Experience fresh foods, native plants, artisan crafts, musical performances, kids’ activities, community spirit and more unique offerings each week at this Arlandria market.
Magpie’s Harvest Market, 10am–2pm at Magpie Reclamations, 202 E Custis Ave.
Catch a festive view of the Halloween Parade while browsing the lawn at Magpie. The outdoor market features local vendors, seasonal goods, and neighborhood vibes.
Halloween Parade Family Day: Mini Monsters in the Lagoon, 11am–3pm at Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ, 2000 Mt Vernon Ave.
Celebrate the parade day with free family fun behind Evening Star Café. Activities include crafts, games, and a “Find the Creature” scavenger hunt hosted by Mulberry Lane Play Cafe.Doggy Trick or Treat, 12pm-4pm starting at The Dog Park, 705 King St.
Dress up your pup and explore Old Town for treats from participating boutiques. Pick up a free goodie bag and map at The Dog Park to join the fun.Creepy Crafts, 1pm-5pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Head to the third floor for an all-ages afternoon of Halloween-themed crafting. Supplies are provided, or bring your own to get creative.29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, 2pm along Mt Vernon Ave, starting at E. Bellefonte Ave.
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, this family-friendly parade invites kids, pets, and decorated strollers to march in costume down the Avenue. Festivities continue at the Mt Vernon Rec Center field with live music and a costume award ceremony.Sunday Baby Time, 3:30pm-4pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Wiggle, crawl, and clap along at Baby Time, a fun-filled session with fingerplay and songs for little ones. Perfect for ages 0-14 months.FBC Fall Fun Festival, 4pm-6pm at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St.
Enjoy an afternoon of free family fun with moon bounces, hayrides, games, food, and more. All are welcome at this festive community event.2025 Annual Member Meeting & 2026 Board Election, 6pm-8pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Del Ray Artisans members are invited to this annual gathering featuring a message from the president, board elections, and the 2026 exhibit schedule reveal. Enjoy pizza and drinks, with optional potluck contributions welcome.PHIL VASSAR – 25 Years of Paradise (with Crawford & Power), 7:30 pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Celebrate two and a half decades of hits with the acclaimed country‑pop artist alongside opener Crawford & Power in this high‑energy show at a legendary venue.
Some extra magic
Let’s keep leaning into fall + spooky season…
Want a luxurious yet family-friendly getaway? This 7-bedroom home in the Massanutten Resort has it all. Views. Sauna. Hot Tub. Movie Theatre. Games. More. Enough space to do things together and have your own time, too. Enjoy.
Cozy season means slippers. Treat your feet. Here are Women’s. Men’s. Kids’.
Whether you have Halloween decorations or you’re in need of some, orange lights are always a good idea (like Christmas lights but….orange).
Growing up, my family had a motion-sensored bat like this.
Purple outdoor solar walkway or patio lights.
Dressing up your dog?! This pumpkin costume hoodie is the balance of cute and comfy.
I love a quarter-zip or quarter-button top. This henley pullover is my new go-to.
And this quarter-zip sweater is the latest for my husband.
Have a message you want to shine light on—event, offering, business, or service? Let’s chat. Learn more here.
Things that are free…
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Weather
Friday
62 🌡️ 42 | 🌤️ | 4%
Saturday
61 🌡️ 44 | 🌤️ | 5%
Sunday
58 🌡️ 45 | ☁️ | 4%
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
Thank you for being part of the Things to do Del Ray community! If you enjoyed this roundup, share it with a neighbor who loves parades.
See you around the neighborhood.
