10 Things to Do in October

Friday, 03 Oct 2025

Parks & Recreation

If you’re looking for some fun activities to add to your October calendar, Prince William County Parks and Recreation offers an October packed full of fun programs, events and activities for you, your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for recreation opportunities, fitness programs, or ways to explore nature, our October programs and events are designed to bring people together and make the season unforgettable. Below are 10 things you can do this month with Prince William County Parks.

Enjoy a Free Movie Night in the Park – Friday, October 10
Come join us at Veterans Memorial Park for the last family movie night in the park of the season. Elio will be playing. The movie is an animated science fiction adventure film by Pixar. Bring your lawn chair or blankets for seating and don’t forget to pack an extra one to stay warm. The movie will begin at 6:45 pm. Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat. Event is free and all ages are welcome. Please note that a parent or guardian must attend with children under the age of 16. *Alcohol is not permitted at this event.

Take a Twilight Trek – Saturday, October 11
Join our park naturalists at Neabsco Regional Park and the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk for this fun family program on October 11 (6:30-8:30 pm) that brings you up close and personal with some of the wetland's best-known inhabitants—the beaver, muskrat, deer, and other wetland critters. Then, meet back at our warm firepit for a warm, gooey s'more. Bring your phone/camera, this will be a night to remember! Register here.

Tour a Historic Site Via Candlelight – Saturday, October 11
Come visit Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park during our free Bristoe Station Luminary event from 7:00-9:00 pm. Tour Bristoe Station Battlefield at night to see nearly 1,000 luminary candles placed for the soldiers who died at Bristoe Station during the Civil War. This is a free event; no tickets are required.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park is located at 10501 Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, Virginia. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave. For more information call 703-366-3049.

Golf for a Cause – October 13
There’s still time to register to play golf in the 2025 First Tee PWC Benefit Tournament. The tournament will take place on Monday, October 13 at Forest Greens Golf Club. The event raises money for First Tee of Prince William County, which uses golf to teach youth life lessons and leadership skills. Teaming up with experts in positive youth development, First Tee helps kids become good golfers and even better people. Last year’s tournament raised over $9,000 for the program. Registration closes on Wednesday, October 8 at 12 noon. Click here to register today.

Attend a Community Celebration – October 18
Join Amazon and Prince William County Parks and Recreation for music, movie night, and much more as we celebrate the community – one year after building the KABOOM! playground together. The event is hosted by Amazon and Prince William County Parks & Recreation.

Beginning at 4 pm at Fairmont Park in Manassas, there will be a DJ & live band; local food trucks; raffle giveaways; kids STEM activities; carnival games; and an outdoor movie starting at 7 pm—Hocus Pocus. All activities are free. Food truck meal tickets will be available while supplies last. Learn more and let us know if you’re coming here.

Experience Carnival – October 19
Get ready to unleash your inner island spirit, and enjoy a celebration of Caribbean Culture, featuring uplifting Soca, Calypso, and Reggae Dancehall music at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center. Come dressed in your vibrant carnival attire and let’s have a blast! The event is free for passholders; a $12 group exercise drop-in rate applies for non-passholders. Runs from 3 pm - 4:30 pm, Sunday, October 19. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Learn to Play Chess – October 13
Does your child have an interest in the game of chess? Kids ages 6-14 can learn and play chess with Silver Knights (formerly Magnus Academy). Silver Knights has taught 100,000 children including national champions, but most students are beginners just looking to learn and have fun! Participants are broken up in groups by skill level. Activities include learning the rules, openings, tactics, endgames, studying master games, and playing lots of games against other students. Participants will take breaks for snacks, lunch and recess. Participants must bring their own lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle. All equipment provided. Program runs from 9 am – 4 pm at Pat White Center at Ben Lomond. It’s the perfect activity for a school holiday. Register here.

Family Pumpkin Carving - October 25
Does your family love carving pumpkins? Join us on October 25 (10 am-noon) at Veterans Memorial Park for our 3rd Annual Family Pumpkin Carving Event! We'll provide carving tools and a pumpkin for each registered participant. (Fee per participant.) Start planning your spooky, silly, or creative designs! This a popular program so register today!

Get Glowing – October 27-31
Join us for glow fitness classes October 27-31. For these classes we’re switching the lights off and turning the glow lights on. We encourage you to wear white or bright colors, then add tons of glow bracelets and necklaces, and get ready to get the party started! Classes take place at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center. *Free for passholders; $12 drop-in for non-members. Find your class and register here.

Join us for Some Ghost Stories – October 31
Ben Lomond Historic Site has a diverse and grim history as a Civil War hospital, a farm, and a private home. Over the years, many local residents have claimed to see ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site. Is Ben Lomond haunted or not? Join us for an eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Bring your own chair and flashlight. Runs from 7:30 pm - 9 pm. $5 per person; children 6 and under are free. Get tickets here.

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