Spooky nights, cozy weekends, and a housing market that’s still full of surprises.
October is when Northern Virginia leans into its spooky side — pumpkin patches, haunted trails, and cozy nights filled with flickering fire pits and glowing porch lights. It’s also when the housing market starts its final seasonal shift before the holidays.
And if you ask me, it’s the best time to be here. The air is crisp, the trees are showing off, and there’s something happening every weekend — from haunted nights to adult-only corn mazes and everything in between.
Haunted Nights & Spooky Highlights
- Fields of Fear at Cox Farms (Centreville): When the sun sets, the farm transforms into one of NOVA’s most popular nighttime attractions. Haunted trails, the “Cornightmare” maze, and the Dark Side Hayride are back this year, running Fridays and Saturdays through November 2. Learn more
Pro tip: Arrive early for cider and s’mores by the bonfire — the real scares start after dark. - Clifton Haunted Trail (October 25, Clifton): A local legend. This small-town event turns a quiet wooded trail into a fully haunted experience, run by volunteers and community groups. Event info
Pro tip: It’s a one-night-only event and sells out fast — tickets go on sale October 3. - Workhouse Haunt: Apokalypse – Kingdom of Shadows (Lorton): Set in a historic former prison complex, this multi-night haunt mixes art, theater, and good old-fashioned terror. Perfect for adults looking for a unique scare.
- Alexandria Ghost & Graveyard Tour (Old Town Alexandria): Want your scares with a side of history? Take a candlelit stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, where costumed guides share stories of restless spirits and local legends. Tour details
Corn Mazes, Pumpkins & Adult Adventures
- Great Country Farms (Bluemont): By day, it’s family-friendly fun with pumpkins, farm animals, and cider doughnuts. By night, it’s one of the few farms offering an adult lighted corn maze, complete with a bonfire and live music. Visit site
Pro tip: Bring a flashlight and a sense of humor — the maze is no joke after dark. - Wayside Farm Fun (Berryville): Ten acres of themed corn maze, plus slides, pumpkin cannons, and classic fall fun. Details
Pro tip: Plan for photos — the sunset over the Blue Ridge makes this one of the prettiest farms around. - Reston Farm Market Fall Fest (Reston): Perfect for families who want a quick dose of fall without the long drive. Petting zoo, pumpkins, bounce slides, and food trucks — easy and accessible.
- Burke Nursery & Pumpkin Playground (Burke): A go-to for younger kids with simple mazes, train rides, and pumpkin painting stations.
Lifestyle Snapshot: How NOVA Does October
- Outdoor Dining: Grab a patio seat before it’s too cold — try Ada’s on the River (Alexandria), bartaco (Reston), or The Wine Kitchen (Leesburg). Bonus points if there’s a fire pit involved.
- Farmers’ Markets: Leesburg, Arlington, and Alexandria’s Old Town Market are packed with local apples, cider, and baked goods.
- Wineries & Cideries: Virginia Wine Month continues all October — expect live music, bonfires, and new harvest releases at Stone Tower, 50 West, and Walsh Family Wine.
- Fall Trails & Views: Bear’s Den, Great Falls, and Bull Run are showing peak color mid-month. Early morning or golden hour hikes give you those frame-worthy photos (and fewer crowds).
Pro tip: Open houses feel cozier this time of year — crisp air, warm lighting, and front porches decked out for fall make every home feel a little more inviting.
Market Check-In: Northern Virginia (Early October 2025)
- Median Price: ~$760,000 (up 3% year-over-year)
- Active Inventory: ~820 homes (up 10% YOY)
- Average Days on Market: ~24
- Mortgage Rates: 6.6% (Freddie Mac PMMS)
Translation: The frenzy is gone, but the opportunities are not. Buyers have more breathing room, and motivated sellers are adjusting prices to meet the market. Well-staged homes — especially those that feel warm and inviting — continue to stand out.
If You’re...
A Homeowner: Take advantage of this weather to check your gutters, service your HVAC, and refresh your exterior lighting — it gets dark early now.
A Seller: Lean into seasonal charm. A few pumpkins and mums on the porch go a long way, but keep it classy — think cozy, not kitschy.
A Buyer: You’ve got leverage. Sellers want to close before the holidays, and fewer competing offers mean more room to negotiate.
A Relocator: This is the best month to explore NOVA neighborhoods. Between fall festivals and trick-or-treaters, you’ll get an authentic feel for the community vibe.
Bottom Line
October in Northern Virginia isn’t just beautiful — it’s alive. Haunted houses, lighted corn mazes, crisp hikes, and a housing market that’s still got life in it.
So go ahead: carve a pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze, and if a move is on your mind before the year’s out, let’s put a plan together that gets you home for the holidays.
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Photo credit: Photo by Steven Aguilar on Unsplash
