There are so many reasons to be excited about fall in Arlington; the leaves are changing, there’s a chill in the air, and now we all have an excuse to show off our fall fashion and spooky costumes as we get out and explore the County. All over Arlington, there are fun fall events to take part in! Here are a few highlights of events you can check out and tips on how to get to them car free.
Movie Night at Met Park
When: October 24, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan (Met) Park, 1330 South Fair Street
What: National Landing BID’s showing of Hocus Pocus
Getting there:
Metrorail: Short walk or bike ride from Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro Stations (Blue and Yellow Lines)
Metrobus: A11, A27, A40, A66, and F44
ART: 42 and 87
Trails: The Mount Vernon Trail can get you to Crystal City, a short bike ride or walk from Met Park. Additionally, the Four Mile Run and Potomac Yard Trails can connect you to the Mount Vernon Trail about 1.5 miles from Met Park.
Rosslyn BID presents Howl-O-Ween
When: October 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Gateway Park’s Interim Dog Park, 1300 Langston Boulevard
What: Dog friendly Halloween-themed event
Getting there:
Metrorail: Rosslyn Metro Station (Orange, Silver, and Blue lines)
Metrobus: A58, A76, and F62
ART: 43, 45, 55, and 56
Trails: Gateway Park intersects the Custis and Mount Vernon Trails, which can also be accessed through the nearby Potomac Heritage Trail. Additionally, the park is walkable through the Courthouse and Rosslyn neighborhoods.
*Note: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s policy for riding transit with animals.
Trick or Treat at the National Landing Water Park
When: October 31, 5-8 p.m.
Where: National Landing Water Park, 1601 Crystal Drive
What: Halloween Trick or Treat and fall-themed festivities
Getting there:
Metrorail: Crystal City Metro Station (Blue and Yellow Lines)
Metrobus: A1X and A40 will take you right to the Water Park. Route A11 will bring you within a few blocks.
ART: 43
Trails: The Mount Vernon Trail can get you directly to Crystal City near the Water Park.
Thriller on Ice
When: November 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Westpost at National Landing, 1201 South Joyce Street
What: Dress up in your Halloween costume to skate under spooky music and watch performances on ice
Getting there:
Metrorail: Pentagon City Metro Station (Blue and Yellow Lines)
Metrobus: A11 will drop you off right in front of the skating rink. You can also take A1X, A40, and F44 to a stop within a quarter of a mile of the ice rink.
ART: 42, 74, 84, and 87
Trails: The Mount Vernon Trail will take you to Pentagon City if you take an exit on Columbia Island.
Empanada Fest
When: November 1, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: The Arlington Beer Garden, 3217 10th Street North
What: Family-friendly event with music, drinks, and vendors serving empanadas inspired by different Latin American regions.
Getting there:
Metrorail: Clarendon Metro Station (Orange and Silver Lines)
Metrobus: A58 and A76
ART: 41, 42, 56, and 77
Trails: From the Washington Boulevard Trail, the Fillmore Trail can get you close to half a mile from the event. The Arlington Boulevard Trail and Custis Trail also connect to Clarendon just over a half a mile from the Arlington Beer Garden.
Ballston BID’s Pumpkin Palooza
When: October 1 – November 6
Where: Participating restaurants in Ballston
What: Order a fall themed special to get a punch, fill up the punch card and turn it in at the Mega Market on November 6 to get a seasonal giveaway!
Getting there:
Metrorail: Ballston Metro Station (Orange and Silver Lines)
Metrobus: A12, A58, A70, A71, A76, F50, F60, and F61
ART: 41, 42, 51, 52, 56, 72, and 75
Trails: The Lubber Run and Bluemont Junction trails spill into Ballston with trail access points located within half a mile of Ballston Quarter. The Custis Trail also connects to Ballston near I-66 slightly beyond half a mile of Ballston Quarter.
Navigate Arlington with Confidence
Get out and about this spooky season with ATP’s help! As your one stop shop for transportation assistance in Arlington County, we are constantly sharing content through our blogs, newsletters, and social media to keep you informed and provide resources at your fingertips. Additionally, ATP, WalkArlington, and BikeArlington have guides and resources like the Regional Transportation Guide, Bike Comfort Map, and Walkabout Maps so you are aware of all the transportation options available to navigate the County and connect with the surrounding DMV region.
For a look at local alternative transportation options to help you get to the fun fall events, check out ATP’s Quick Glance Guides. Quick Glances give a snapshot of transit, trails, Capital Bikeshare Stations and car sharing locations in the different urban villages throughout Arlington. Download a Quick Glance, or three, to help guide you through the County.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners