The Virginia Outdoors Foundation presents the Virginia Outdoors Festival, celebrating our work to protect 800,000 of open space across Virginia over the last 50 years. The family-friendly event will feature a farmers’ market, guided tours of the preserve where the festival is located, a silent auction, food vendors, pumpkin painting, apple bobbing and a kids’ fishing tournament. Numerous demonstrations will take place at the event, as well as live music from Nashville’s Hadley Park, wearehadleypark.com. The festival will take place at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Loudoun County from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. on October 8. Admission is free for all ages

Mark the change in seasons along the Rappahannock River with a fall paddling adventure in kayaks and canoes! Join Friends of the Rappahannock and Guide Brian Gudmundsson on an adventure from Hole in the Wall to Motts Run Landing on Saturday, Oct. 22. This trip is scheduled to put attendees on the river when the riparian vegetation is at its most colorful and beautiful. Along the way, participants will visit historic canal locks, observe wildlife and learn about river ecology. Dress for the weather! Bring lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. Minimum age is 12 years old. This is a strenuous event with moderate rapids and some paddling experience is needed. Your ticket includes boat and PFD. No personal boats allowed. Meet at Motts Landing at 9 a.m., we’ll shuttle to the put-in and be finished by 4 p.m. The cost is $50 for individuals/$150 for families of 3 or 4 ($40/$120 for FOR members). For more information and tickets, please log on to www.riverfriends.org/eventspage or call (540) 373-3448 x. 117.