If your phone is full of group chats asking what everyone is doing this weekend, here is the short answer. The best things to do in Northern Virginia on October 25, 2026 are Ghost Town at Burke Lake Park, a George Mason men’s basketball exhibition at EagleBank Arena, and, the next evening, Hey Nothing at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.
Here is how the weekend breaks down. Ghost Town is a family friendly, not spooky Halloween event with a train ride, carousel, crafts and mini golf. The Mason game is a home exhibition for sports fans who want college hoops without a long trip. Hey Nothing’s The Hound Tour is a Monday night show for anyone who likes live music close to home. Let’s get into the details.
Your Quick Weekend Snapshot
Here is the fast version for anyone planning on the go or asking a voice assistant.
- Ghost Town: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Tickets are $20 online until two days before, $25 on the day.
- George Mason Men’s Basketball vs St. Mary’s (Md.), exhibition: Sunday, October 25, 2026, EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, VA. Confirm tipoff time and tickets on the official Mason Athletics site.
- Hey Nothing, The Hound Tour: Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:00 pm, 9:30 Club, Washington, DC. General admission is $34.50 per ticket including fees, with a limit of 6 tickets per event.
What Is Ghost Town at Burke Lake Park?
Ghost Town is a Halloween event at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia, designed for all ages. Families come in costume and spend an afternoon on themed activity areas, a train ride, a carousel ride, crafts and mini golf. The focus is fun, not fright, which makes it a good first Halloween outing for little ones.
Ghost Town Dates, Hours and Ticket Prices
The event runs on October 25, 2026 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. One ticket covers all Ghost Town activities and services for one person.
- Online tickets: $20, available until two days before the event
- Day of the event: $25
- Children under age two ride free but must be accompanied by a paying adult
- No refunds once the event has started
Here is a number worth knowing. For a family of four, buying online costs $80 and buying at the door costs $100. That is a $20 difference for about two minutes of planning, which pays for a lot of ice cream.
How to Pick Up Your Passes
Pick up passes at the ice cream parlor on the day of the event. Build a few extra minutes into your arrival, especially if you are coming with strollers or a car full of costumes.
How to Get to Burke Lake Park
The park is at 7315 Ox Road (Route 123). If you are coming from Route 123 North, the park entrance is on the right, and if you see the golf course you have gone too far. From Route 123 South, the golf course entrance is the first left and the park entrance is the second left. Allow extra time for weekend traffic, and check live maps before you leave.
Tips for a Smooth Ghost Town Day
- Buy online before the two day cutoff to save $5 per person.
- Dress in layers. Late October afternoons by a lake can swing from sunny to chilly.
- Choose comfortable shoes over a perfect costume. You will be walking between activity areas.
- Head to the train and carousel first if you have toddlers, then circle back for crafts and mini golf.
- Bring a small bag for craft projects and a spare set of wipes.
Why Burke Lake Park Matters to Home Buyers
In real estate, we talk about “lifestyle anchors,” the places that make a neighborhood feel like home. Burke Lake Park is one of them for the Fairfax Station and Burke area. A buyer with young kids can picture trains, carousel rides and seasonal events within a short drive of home, and that picture often matters as much as the kitchen.
If you live in Reston, Vienna or Great Falls, Burke Lake Park is a half day trip rather than a daily neighbor, which is a nice reminder of how connected Fairfax County is. If you are exploring a move closer to events like this, I am happy to talk through neighborhoods, commute patterns and school boundaries. You can see my Fairfax Station and Burke neighborhood guide for more.
George Mason Men’s Basketball vs St. Mary’s (Md.) at EagleBank Arena
George Mason University is defending its home court at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, with an exhibition game against St. Mary’s (Md.) on October 25, 2026. Exhibition games are a relaxed way to see a new season take shape before the regular schedule begins.
Note before publishing: the source listing shows 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM, which looks like a placeholder. Please confirm the real tipoff time on Mason Athletics and update the Snapshot section and Script 2.
Why Go to an Exhibition Game?
- It is a low pressure way to experience a college arena atmosphere.
- You get an early look at the roster before the regular season.
- It pairs well with a family day in Fairfax County, since the arena is on the Mason campus.
Game Day Planning Tips
- Check the official Mason Athletics page for tickets, parking and bag rules. Mason Athletics
- Arrive early. Campus parking and walking time add up.
- Wear Mason green and gold if you have it. Crowds love a sea of school color.
- If you are doing both Ghost Town and the game, check both schedules carefully and decide which one is your priority before you commit.
What the Arena Says About Fairfax Living
Having a Division I arena inside the county is a quiet selling point. Residents get college sports, concerts and campus events without leaving Fairfax. When buyers ask me whether this area has “things to do,” EagleBank Arena is one of the examples I use.
Hey Nothing: The Hound Tour at the 9:30 Club
On Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:00 pm, Hey Nothing brings The Hound Tour to the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. It is a general admission show, so there is no assigned seat. Arrive when you want a spot near the stage, or later if you prefer more room.
Ticket Details You Should Know
- Standard general admission: $34.50, price includes fees before taxes
- Ticket limit: 6 per event
- Tickets are non transferable until 72 hours before show time
- Tickets suspected of being purchased only for resale may be cancelled
That last rule matters. Buy from the official venue channel at 930.com so your tickets are valid at the door. Two tickets come to $69 before taxes, which makes this one of the more affordable weeknight outings in the DC region.
Getting There from Reston, Vienna or Great Falls
Most people from our corner of Fairfax County pick between driving and Metro. Parking near a DC venue can be limited and pricey, so many locals take Metro and walk. Check live service updates on WMATA before you head out, especially on a weeknight.
Planning Your Weekend: Three Sample Itineraries
The Family Day
Ghost Town from 11:00 am, lunch near the park, a relaxed evening at home. Done by 5:00 pm with happy kids.
The Sports Fan Day
Mason exhibition game at EagleBank Arena, then dinner in Fairfax. Confirm tipoff first.
The Music Lover Plan
Skip the weekend rush, enjoy Sunday at home, and catch Hey Nothing on Monday evening. Plan an early dinner and Metro in.
Local Events and the Real Estate Connection
Buyers rarely choose a home because of one event. They choose a community because events like these appear again and again on the calendar. Parks, college athletics and a short trip to a major music venue all signal an area with long term appeal.
If you are considering a move to Reston, Vienna, Great Falls or the surrounding Fairfax County communities, a good test is this: look at a month of local calendars and ask yourself how many things you would actually go to. For many families, the answer is surprisingly high. If you want help comparing neighborhoods, visit my Northern Virginia buyer resources or my home valuation page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Northern Virginia on October 25, 2026?
The top picks are Ghost Town at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the George Mason men’s basketball exhibition at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. Families usually choose Ghost Town, while sports fans lean toward the Mason game.
How much are tickets for Ghost Town at Burke Lake Park?
Online tickets are $20 and available until two days before the event. On the day of the event, tickets are $25. One ticket covers all Ghost Town activities and services for one person, so a family of four pays $80 online.
Is Ghost Town scary for little kids?
No. Ghost Town is described as a family friendly Halloween event with fun but not spooky activities. It includes themed activity areas, a train ride, a carousel ride, crafts and mini golf, and costumes are welcome for all ages.
Do kids under two need a ticket for Ghost Town?
Children under age two ride free, but they must be accompanied by a paying adult. Remember that there are no refunds once the event has started, so double check your plans before you arrive.
Where do I pick up my Ghost Town passes?
Pick up your passes at the ice cream parlor at Burke Lake Park on the day of the event. The park is at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. Arrive a little early so you are not rushing.
How do I get to Burke Lake Park from Route 123?
From Route 123 North, the park entrance is on the right, and if you see the golf course you have gone too far. From Route 123 South, the golf course entrance is the first left and the park entrance is the second left.
Where is the George Mason basketball game on October 25, 2026?
The game is at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, on the George Mason University campus. It is a men’s exhibition against St. Mary’s (Md.). Check the official Mason Athletics website for tipoff time, tickets and parking details.
When is Hey Nothing playing at the 9:30 Club?
Hey Nothing is playing The Hound Tour on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. It is a general admission show, and standard tickets are $34.50 including fees before taxes.
Conclusion
The weekend of October 25 and 26, 2026 is packed with options. Ghost Town at Burke Lake Park is the easy win for families, the Mason exhibition at EagleBank Arena is a fun pick for sports fans, and Hey Nothing at the 9:30 Club is a smart Monday night for music lovers. Buy Ghost Town tickets online to save $5 each, confirm the Mason tipoff time, and purchase 9:30 Club tickets only through the official channel.
If these events have you wondering what life could look like in Reston, Vienna or Great Falls, let’s talk.Visit Our website to schedule a free neighborhood conversation with Elizabeth Ann Kline And tell me in the comments or by message which event you are going to.
