If you are searching for things to do in Northern Virginia in October 2026, the week of October 12 to 14 is a good one to circle on your calendar. In just three days you can honor Indigenous People Day, hear a Grammy nominated songwriter in an intimate Vienna music room, and watch a Major League Soccer match under the lights at Audi Field.
Here is the short version. Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday, October 12. Garrison Starr plays Jammin Java in Vienna on Tuesday, October 13, with doors at 6:00 pm and the show at 7:30 pm. The New York Red Bulls visit DC United at Audi Field on Wednesday, October 14, at 7:30 pm.
What Is Happening in Northern Virginia October 12 to 14, 2026?
Three events stand out this week:
- Monday, October 12: Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize the history, sovereignty, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations.
- Tuesday, October 13: Garrison Starr with L Rodgers at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA. All ages. Doors 6:00 pm, show 7:30 pm.
- Wednesday, October 14: New York Red Bulls at DC United, Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC. Kickoff 7:30 pm.
Each one offers something different, which is exactly why this week works well as a mini staycation for anyone who lives in or near Fairfax County.
Indigenous Peoples Day 2026: What It Is and Why It Matters
Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It exists to uplift and recognize the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and the Tribal Nations whose communities have lived on this continent for thousands of years.
A Short History of the Holiday
The first federally recognized Indigenous Peoples Day came in 2021, when the Biden administration issued a proclamation that spoke to the country’s responsibility to honor tribal sovereignty and invest in the future of Indigenous communities. It is not an official federal holiday. Columbus Day remains the federal holiday on the same Monday, though many states, cities, and school systems formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, and there is ongoing public interest in changing that.
Why It Feels Close to Home in Northern Virginia
This region has deep Native roots. Algonquian speaking communities, including the Doeg (also called Dogue) people, lived along the Potomac long before the first European settlers arrived. Virginia is home to seven federally recognized tribes and several more recognized by the Commonwealth, and their history is part of the story of every neighborhood we call home today.
Check Your Calendar Before Monday
Because this is not a federal holiday, schedules vary. Confirm your school district calendar, your employer’s holiday list, and library or county office hours before you head out.
7 Meaningful Ways to Observe Indigenous Peoples Day Near Northern Virginia
You do not need a big event to make the day count. Here are practical ideas for families, educators, and neighbors.
- Visit the National Museum of the American Indian. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution and sits on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Admission is free, and the museum offers exhibits, programs, and online resources year round.
- Explore Native Knowledge 360. The museum’s education initiative helps teachers and parents learn Native history in an honest, accurate way.
- Read Native authors with your kids. Look at the American Indian Youth Literature Award lists and the reviews at American Indians in Children’s Literature by Dr. Debbie Reese.
- Watch the PBS Native America lesson plans. Short videos work well for middle and high school students.
- Support Native owned businesses and artists. Buy directly from Native makers rather than mass produced “inspired by” items.
- Learn whose land you are on. Spend ten minutes researching the Indigenous history of your own neighborhood, then share it with your children.
- Browse powwow events and news. PowWows.com is a good place to find gatherings, news, and educational content.
Garrison Starr at Jammin Java: A Vienna, VA Live Music Night Worth Planning Around
On Tuesday, October 13, Jammin Java hosts Garrison Starr with L Rodgers. It is an all ages show, which makes it a rare weeknight option for families with teens.
Who Is Garrison Starr?
Garrison Starr is a singer, songwriter, and Grammy nominated record producer. She has toured with names like Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Bruce Cockburn, Patty Griffin, Mindy Smith, Glen Phillips, Jason Isbell, and The Indigo Girls. Her new album, Garrison Starr and The Gospel Truth, is slated for Fall 2026, and she describes it as swamp gospel hymns for humans. It follows her 2021 album Girl I Used To Be and continues a story about healing, self love, and forgiveness.
Why This Show Is Special
This concert is part of the Jammin Java and Union Stage Presents 25th anniversary series. A room that has hosted live music for a quarter century is a real neighborhood asset, and you can pick up commemorative merchandise at the Union Stage Presents 25th anniversary Gift Shop.
Plan Your Night in Vienna
- Doors open at 6:00 pm, which leaves time for an early dinner nearby.
- The show starts at 7:30 pm.
- Arrive early for parking and a good spot, especially on a weeknight when traffic builds around the Maple Avenue corridor.
- Check Jammin Java’s official page for ticket details and food and drink options.
New York Red Bulls at DC United: Your Guide to Audi Field on October 14
Wednesday, October 14 brings New York Red Bulls to Audi Field for a 7:30 pm kickoff. Audi Field is DC United’s home stadium, a purpose built soccer venue that opened in 2018 in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest DC.
Tickets and What to Know
Resale tickets are available through the AXS Marketplace. Prices are set by resellers and may be above or below face value, and all sales are final with no refunds for postponed events. Compare against the official DC United ticket page before you buy, and only purchase through verified sellers.
Getting to Audi Field from Northern Virginia
- Metro: The closest stations include Navy Yard Ballpark and Waterfront on the Green Line. Check WMATA for game night service and your return trip time.
- Driving: Parking near the stadium is limited and fills quickly. Pre book a spot if you can.
- Rideshare: A good option for groups, though expect surge pricing right after the final whistle.
- Before and after: Plan food, hotel, and parking choices ahead of time, since the area around the stadium gets busy on match nights.
Midweek Game Night Tips
Leave earlier than you think you need to. A 7:30 pm kickoff means rush hour traffic on I-395, I-66, and the Memorial Bridge will overlap with your travel window.
Your 3 Day Northern Virginia Event Plan (Copy This Itinerary)
| Day | Plan |
| Monday, Oct 12 | Morning at the National Museum of the American Indian, then an evening reading or documentary night at home |
| Tuesday, Oct 13 | Early dinner in Vienna, doors at 6:00 pm, Garrison Starr at 7:30 pm |
| Wednesday, Oct 14 | Leave by late afternoon, Metro to Audi Field, kickoff at 7:30 pm |
Why Events Like These Shape Where Northern Virginia Buyers Want to Live
After years of helping buyers and sellers, I can tell you that lifestyle questions often decide a purchase before square footage does. Buyers ask how close they are to live music, sports, museums, and cultural programming.
Here is how this week reflects what our area offers:
- Culture within reach: World class Smithsonian institutions are a short drive or Metro ride away.
- Intimate live music: Vienna’s music scene gives you a night out without a long trip.
- Major league sports: DC’s stadiums connect easily to Fairfax and Arlington by Metro.
- Neighborhood variety: Reston offers planned community convenience, Vienna has small town charm, and Great Falls has space and trails.
If you are curious how your commute and weeknight options compare across neighborhoods, I am happy to build a custom comparison. See my [Reston homes for sale page], my [Vienna VA real estate page], and my [Great Falls luxury homes page].
Local Expert Tips to Make the Week Easier
- Book dinner reservations early. Show nights fill up fast.
- Download your tickets before you leave home.
- Check weather for outdoor stops. Mid October evenings can drop into the 50s.
- Keep a charged phone and a Metro card ready.
- Buy tickets only from official or verified sellers.
- Teach kids the history behind Indigenous Peoples Day before you visit a museum. It makes the visit richer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Indigenous Peoples Day in 2026?
Indigenous Peoples Day falls on the second Monday of October, which is Monday, October 12, 2026. It recognizes the history, sovereignty, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations. It is not a federal holiday, so confirm local closures with your school or employer.
Is Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday?
No. Columbus Day remains the official federal holiday on the second Monday of October. The first federally recognized Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation came in 2021, and many states, cities, and school districts now formally recognize it, though federal law has not changed.
How can I celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Northern Virginia?
Visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, explore its Native Knowledge 360 resources, read books by Native authors, support Native owned businesses, and learn the Indigenous history of your own neighborhood. These simple steps make the day meaningful for families and classrooms.
Who is playing at Jammin Java on October 13, 2026?
Garrison Starr plays Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, with L Rodgers. The show is all ages, with doors at 6:00 pm and music at 7:30 pm. It is part of the Jammin Java and Union Stage Presents 25th anniversary concert series.
What time do doors open for the Garrison Starr show?
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, October 13. Arriving near doors gives you time for parking, ordering food or drinks, and picking up anniversary merchandise before the music starts.
Is the Garrison Starr concert family friendly?
Yes. The listing says all ages, so teens and families are welcome. Because it is a weeknight show, confirm any age policy on food and drink service with Jammin Java directly, and plan for a late finish if kids have school Wednesday.
What time is the DC United vs New York Red Bulls game?
The match is Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with a 7:30 pm kickoff at Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024. Plan to arrive early, since weeknight traffic and security lines can add time to your trip.
Where can I buy tickets for DC United vs Red Bulls?
Resale tickets are listed on the AXS Marketplace, and you can also check DC United’s official ticket page. Resale prices are set by sellers and may be above or below face value, and all sales are final with no refunds for postponed events.
How do I get to Audi Field from Northern Virginia?
Most fans take the Metro Green Line to Navy Yard Ballpark or Waterfront, then walk. Driving is possible, but parking is limited and expensive on match nights. Rideshare works well for groups. Check WMATA for game night schedules before you leave.
How do local events affect where I should buy a home in Northern Virginia?
Access to culture, music, and sports often shapes daily life as much as the house itself. Living near Vienna, Reston, or Great Falls puts you within reach of venues, museums, and stadiums. A local agent can compare commute times and neighborhoods for you.
Conclusion: Make October 12 to 14 a Week to Remember
Honor Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday with a museum visit or a reading night. Hear Garrison Starr in Vienna on Tuesday. Cheer on the match at Audi Field on Wednesday. Three days, three very different experiences, all within reach of home.
If this week has you thinking about what daily life in Northern Virginia could look like for you, I would love to talk. I help buyers and sellers across Reston, Vienna, and Great Falls find the right neighborhood for the way they actually live.
Call or text Elizabeth Ann Kline or visit Us to start your Northern Virginia home search.
