Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

This year the 73rd Annual Vienna Halloween Parade will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m.

The theme this year is “Famous Children’s Books & Fairytales Brought to Life.” The parade is about half a mile long and lasts about 1.5 hours. The parade route runs from the intersection of Branch/Maple and ends at the library at Center/Maple.

If you’ve never been, here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience!

• People set out chairs and blankets early in the day to reserve their spot. If you want a front row view, I suggest you do the same. The town asks that no one does this before noon on the day of the parade and that revelers stay clear of the sidewalk and benches during the day.
• If you have a flat bed truck, you can back into parking spaces at the shopping centers and sit high to get a better view.
• Some of the groups in the parade are very loud. If you have someone who is noise sensitive, consider bringing something to help them enjoy the parade without the noise.
• There are no food vendors except for the nearby restaurants so plan to bring food if you need it or support a local restaurant.
• Kids in costumes can walk in the parade with an adult if they want to. Participants meet at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at United Bank (374 Maple Avenue E).
• Depending on what part of town you live in, you should be able to find parking to easily get out. Many people park at Vienna Elementary, the library, the Giant shopping plaza, side streets, Walgreens shopping center, or the Fresh Market parking lot.

Pro Tip: The Weichert Realtors office at 156 Maple Avenue E holds a haunted house every year from 5:45-7 p.m. They have a designated area for small kids, but they also have a scarier “Haunted Room” if you are looking for bigger thrills. They also give out candy.

The parade is one of my favorite Vienna events!

Bring extra blankets in case it’s cold. In years past, people would jump over to the old Starbucks for hot chocolate on cold nights, but now that’s gone so you’ll still have the Vienna Shopping Center for food (Panera has hot chocolate) and Caffe Amouri is open until 9 p.m. too.

Shoppers at Tysons Corner Center may have spotted some new additions to the mall, including a cafe serving up matcha drinks and the return of a Christmas pop-up shop.

A Christmas to Remember comes to the mall during the holiday season to sell a wide variety of ornaments, lights, gifts and collectibles. The holiday decoration store opened a few days ago by the Barnes and Noble on the second level and will stay open through January, an employee said.

Over by the entrance to The Plaza, Matcha Cafe Maiko started serving matcha-focused ice cream and drinks over the weekend.

The chain’s online menu features shaved ice, soft serve, lattes, teas, floats, sweet red bean soup and parfaits.

People looking to get in the mood for Halloween can find a costume and decor store on the first level by H&M, according to the mall’s directory. Spirit Halloween sells costumes for kids and adults, decorations and party goods.

Now Closed

While several stores have opened in the mall, a few have closed.

Candy store Sugarfina closed about a week ago in the mall on the first level by Macy’s, an employee at a neighboring store said.

Frozen yogurt eatery Fruity Yogurt closed a few days ago, an employee at nearby Auntie Anne’s said. The space has a generic wraparound covering it.

Coming Soon 

Canadian clothing brand Roots plans to open in the former Aldo space on the second level in October. The store is currently hiring along with Abercrombie Kids, which is planning to open in November on the first level near Nordstrom.

No new information on when Beauty Nail Bar or Moge Tee will open.

Cinnabon is temporarily closed on the first level in the food court area. A wraparound says that it is “reopening soon.”

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

Maybe, just maybe, we’ll actually get a fall season in October where you can breakout pants and a cozy sweater.

I spent Saturday at Cox Farms in 95 degree heat and while still fun, it didn’t quite feel like a Fall Festival! I will say though, their cider donuts are so good! I did a roundup of the September Fall Festivals last month, so rounding that out with the ones in October below! If you had a favorite from September, drop it in the comments so others can plan for next year!

Cox Farms — Centreville, VA
September 14-15, September 21-November 5
Live music, cow milking, farm chores, hayride, tunnels, slides, swings, corn maze, goats, cider, donuts and their market! This is my favorite event all year and I actually hold my client appreciation event here in the fall. You really can’t beat a day in cooler weather walking around their farm!

Great County Farms — Bluemont, VA
September 30-October 31
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival featuring pick your own pumpkins (also apples), wagon rides, pig races, Dino shows, Marshmallow roasting, cider pressing, live music, 5-acre play area, donuts and their market. Adult pro tip: Bluemont Vineyard and Dirt Farm Brewing are across the street and the views can NOT be beat. There’s a coupon for tickets on CertifiKid.

Fall For Fairfax-KidsFest — Fairfax, VA
Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids fall festival for elementary and pre-school aged children, which includes scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, pony rides, petting zoo, model trains, rides and 75 exhibits and food vendors. This event also has a coupon on CertifiKid.

Oktoberfest — Vienna, VA
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Held on Historic Church Street by the red caboose, the event features live music, games, kids activities, German auto show, lots of food and drinks. *My company, McEnearney, has a booth at the event. Come meet me between 3-7 p.m.*

City of Fairfax Fall Festival — Fairfax, VA
Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The event includes over 400 vendors, children’s activities, 3 stages of music and entertainment, and carnival rides.

Halloween on the Green — Vienna, VA
Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages 2-10, family fun on the town green, which features crafts, games, storytelling, moon bounce, petting zoo, treats and decorate your own pumpkin.

Reston Farm Fall Fest — Reston, VA
Now until November 5, hours vary based on day
Weekends feature moon bounces, moon bounce slides, corn maze moon bounce, train rides, dog shows, puppet shows, face painting and food!

Town of Vienna Halloween Parade — Vienna, VA
October 23, 7 p.m.
A fabulous tradition that runs along Maple Avenue from Branch to Center Street. Read my tips on attending the parade from last year.

Amazing Farm Fun — Ticonderoga Farm, Chantilly, VA
Now until November 3, hours vary
Long list of activities includes hayrides, jumping pillows, tunnels and slides, petting farm, tire play, cowtrain, firepits and s’mores, and more.

Jack’s Pumpkin Glow — Reston, VA
Now until October 27, hours vary
A 1/3 mile train filled with over 5,000 hand carved jack o’lanterns into amazing structures. Buy tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be pricey, so check out the 20% off coupon on Certifikid.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival — Germantown, MD
Weekends until November 3
Admission is $12/person and includes hayrides, jump pad, corn maze, giant slides and more. There’s also food available like cider, donuts, kettle corn and more. You can pick your own pumpkins, do a pumpkin cannon, face painting and pony rides.

Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — Leesburg, VA
Open everyday, hours vary
Festival activities include wagon rides, giant slides, zip line, moon bounce, corn bin, hay maze, pony rides, animals, moon bounce pillow and more.

A new Halloween-themed experience opens this afternoon (Friday, Sept. 13) in Tysons Corner Center.

The American Scream Selfie Museum lets people interact with installations based off spooky movies, TV shows and pop-culture icons by snapping selfies.

The $18 entry fee gives guests 45 minutes to explore 4,200 square foot of space, spokesperson Maurisa Potts said.

Guests can interact with scenes similar to “Game of Thrones,” “Annabelle,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and other movies and TV shows, like a chair made of swords called “The Throne.”

Visitors can search for several “easter eggs” hidden throughout the selfie museum. These include framed newsprint of a historical Maryland witch hunt and an incident in the eighth season of “Game of Thrones” when actors left a Starbucks cup on set.

The space features $70,000 worth of props that set designers found at garage sales, antique shops and even Craigslist, according to Jon Libbesmeier, the set-designer and co-creator of American Scream.

Though dimply lit and designed to be spooky, staff said that there will not be anyone jumping out to scare visitors.

The company created similar installations in the D.C. metro area in past seasons, which attracted women aged 24 to 34, though all are welcome, Libbesmeier said.

“Groups of professional women coming to this as a group of friends is our bread and butter in the D.C. market,” Libbesmeier said.

He said this is not typical around the country but he assumed there are lots of young working professionals looking for things to do in the area.

The hours of operation are 3-10 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. The exhibit will also be open on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Halloween.

The pop-up installation will run from Sept. 13-Nov. 1.

A new photo experience prepares to get people into the Halloween spirit at Tysons Corner Center.

American Scream, a self-described “selfie museum,” will allow guests to take spooky photos with a variety of props and interactive displays.

Patrons can visit the pop-up after Sep. 13 near the Lord and Taylor on the first level of the mall, according to a press release. General admission is $18.

Open until Nov. 3, this temporary museum will let participants experience horror themes such as morgues, clowns and haunted dolls.

“The American Scream Selfie Museum will feature unique, interactive exhibits that will make you both laugh and scream and the star of eye-popping selfies,” the press release said. “Visitors of this seasonal pop-up activation can be the star of their own horror movie.”

Photo courtesy of American Scream 

Halloween Safety Tips — The Fairfax County Police Department has a number of Halloween safety tips for parents, drivers, seniors and pet owners. If you’re planning on bringing the little ones trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, this post has additional tips and info. [FCPD]

Vienna Council Approves New Contracts — “Citing difficulties in arranging for Vienna’s general on-call maintenance and roadway contractor to handle small work orders, the Vienna Town Council on Oct. 29 voted 7-0 to spend up to $617,745 with U.S. Concrete and Paving Inc. to handle those tasks.” [InsideNova]

Falls Church Resident Hits the Jackpot — “When Michael Kraemer discovered he’d won the $4 million top prize in the Virginia Lottery’s Hot Millions Multiplier game, he didn’t immediately tell anyone. The Falls Church man simply drove off in his car and went to work as usual.” [Fairfax Times]

Don’t let grumbles about a lack of local nightlife scare you, there’s still plenty to do around Tysons for Halloween tomorrow.

The Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike) will be hosting a night full of Halloween festivities. An in-house trick-or-treat runs from 3-7 p.m. with candy given out to children and adults. A Halloween-themed trivia night will start at 7 p.m., then at 9 p.m., Chuggalug will be performing live music until 2 a.m. Admission to the Halloween festivities is free, with registration available online.

Meanwhile, Greenhouse Bistro and Tea Lounge (2070 Chain Bridge Road) will be hosting a Stranger Things-themed Halloween costume contest. The grand prize is $500, with 2nd place winning $250 and 3rd place winning $100. Drink specials will also be available all night.

For those looking for a healthier alternative, Tysons Sport & Health (8250 Greensboro Dr) will be hosting a Zumba Halloween Party from 7:35-8:45 p.m. The event is open to non-members. Attendees are welcome to wear a costume and invite their friends.

The AMC in Tysons Corner Center will have a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a bizarre cult-classic musical, at 10 p.m. The movie is rated R and tickets are $5 for adults.

In nearby Vienna, the Blackfinn Ameripub at 2750 Gallows Road will be hosting a Hallowine and Whiskey party from 5-9 p.m. The bar will feature a selection of spooky specialty cocktails with half-off all whiskey and bottles of wine. Costumes are optional.

Photo via Greenhouse Bistro and Tea Lounge

Vienna Halloween Parade Recap — Thousands attended the Vienna Halloween Parade on Wednesday, enjoying cool fall weather and a wide variety of marchers and floats heading down Maple Ave. One particular source of interest was a Vienna garbage truck decorated with artwork from local elementary school students. [InsideNova, Patch, Fairfax News]

Reminder: SoberRide This Weekend — Those heading to bars and parties this weekend can get a free, safe ride home thanks to the SoberRide program. The program, which is active for certain festive holidays — like Halloween — offers a free Lyft ride home up to $15 with a limited-time code. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Hocus Pocus Playing in Tysons — Starting Saturday and running through Halloween, the classic 1993 Disney film Hocus Pocus will be playing at the AMC Tysons Corner 16. [Patch]

Pair of Weekend Events at Biergarten — The Tysons Biergarten will be hosting “APBA Pit Bull Appreciation Day 2018” on Saturday afternoon and “Feargarten,” a costume party, on Sunday night. [Facebook, Twitter]

Town of Vienna Replacing Furniture — “The Vienna town government soon will replace Town Hall’s reception desk, kiosk and conference-room furniture under a $23,788 contract approved Oct. 15 by the Vienna Town Council. The main reception desk at Vienna Town Hall is more than two decades old, lacks adequate work space and has non-working drawers.” [InsideNova]

Vienna’s 72nd Annual Halloween Parade tonight (Wednesday) will haunt Maple Avenue starting at 7 p.m.

The parade starts at the corner of Maple Avenue and Branch Road SE. It will proceed west along the street past a reviewing stand before ending at Center Street S. The streets surrounding Maple Avenue will be closed with traffic redirected along Church Street.

Expect a crowd for the popular, family-friendly parade. Attendees, however, are asked not to place blankets or chairs on the sidewalks, benches, or bus shelters.

Children are invited to walk in the parade in their costumes with no registration required but they must be accompanied by an adult. Those wishing to walk in the parade should meet in the parking lot at United Bank (374 Maple Ave. E).

The parade is also a contest, with participants judged in the following categories:

• Youth bands
• Floats with and without music
• Youth performers
• Antique/classic vehicles

Winners of the costume contest will be recognized by the Vienna Town Council at a meeting in November.

Spectators are asked to keep off the street and monitor any children they might bring. Merchants along Maple Avenue are asked not to put items on the street today and to keep the sidewalks clear so pedestrians can easily walk along the parade route.

For those who have never attended the parade, local realtor Laura Schwartz had a few tips for how to get the most out of the experience.

More from Vienna’s town government on Facebook:

Halloween is just over a week away and across the area little ghouls and goblins are preparing for their annual candy-gathering bonanza.

But if you’re new to the area, you might not know when the witching hour is in Fairfax County. So if you live in McLean, Vienna, Tysons or elsewhere in the county, when should the kids go out?

The general answer is that trick-or-treating starts just before sundown on Halloween itself. So this year, expect trick-or-treaters on local roads starting around 5:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Typically, the costumed crowds dissipate by 8 or 9 p.m.

Fairfax County does not designate an official day or time for trick-or-treating, and some private communities may have different rules.

“Some communities, cities and counties designate a day other than Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating. Fairfax County Government does NOT set a different date,” the county notes on its Halloween web page. “Your homeowners association or apartment complex may set times for events, but neighborhood trick-or-treating is generally the evening of Oct. 31.”

The county also has a number of Halloween safety guidelines for residents, below.

If your children are preparing to go trick-or-treating, take these safety precautions:

• Make sure all costumes are flame retardant. Most commercial costumes are made of flame-retardant material and you should ask your fabric shop for flame-retardant material if you make your own costume.
• Make sure your children can see and be seen. Expand the eye holes in commercial masks to improve peripheral vision. Add reflective tape to costumes to make them more visible to motorists.
• Ensure that each trick-or-treater has a working flashlight.
• Tell the children to remove their masks and look both ways before they cross a street.
• Never let a group of children trick-or-treat alone. Adult supervision is a safety “must” during Halloween.
• Tell kids to stay away from candles and jack-o’-lanterns that may be on steps and porches. Their costumes could catch fire if they get too close.
• Kids should never carry candles when they are trick-or-treating. Always use a flashlight, flameless candle, or light stick.
• Tell kids to let you know right away if they see other kids playing with matches or lighters.