Weekend Planner: Broadway and Cabaret, Oktoberfest, Paws for a Cause

The weekend is almost here. Check out some of these local events going on in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia this weekend.

This Saturday is Oktoberfest in Vienna. Beyond the beer, there’s food, wine, activities for kids, music and a lot of new features this year. The event is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 along historic Church Street.

The Burke Nursery & Garden Centre hosts their 19th annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Playground now through Oct. 31. The weekday admission is $9 per person. Saturday and Sunday it's $12 per person. Children under age two are free all days. The admission price includes: pumpkin fort, pirate's camp, ghost tunnel slide, hayrides, farm animals, face painting and more. The festival is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Friday and Saturday. The festival is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Performances shift to The Barns this week at Wolf Trap, with three shows. Former member of the band Traffic, Dave Mason, performs a second night at The Barns on Thursday. Traditional Scottish music and modern pub songs are expected fromBattlefield Band on Friday. And Kris Delmhorst and Jeffrey Foucault take the stage Saturday. Times and ticket costs vary. 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.

Soulful folk music is on tap at Jammin' Java. Mindy Smith headlines a night of music with Sarah Clanton Schaffer. Smith is best known for her breakout single, “Come to Jesus,” and a haunting rendition of “Jolene.” $20. 7:30 p.m. Friday. 227 Maple Avenue E., Vienna.

Broadway’s villains get the spotlight at the Workhouse Arts Center this weekend. Saturday’s Cabaret Series performance shines a light on the wicked characters of classic musicals. Shows have sold out, so buy tickets in advance. $25. 8 p.m. Saturday at the W-3 Theatre, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton.

Time to take your dog for a walk — for a good cause. The Paws for a Cause 3K Walk on Sunday at 12 p.m. supports Fairfax Pets on Wheels, which provides pet visitation to residents of nursing homes and hospitals. $25. Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Highway, Fairfax.

More than 80 rides and games? We’re there. The Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow County Fair and Auction returns with a rock climbing wall, mechanical rides, moon bounce, pony rides and a zip line! Parking is free. $10 for adults, $5 for children, free admission for ages 3 and under. 10 a.m. 11835 Hazel Circle Drive, Bristow.