While Sept. 22 signaled the first official day of autumn, it is the month of October when sweater weather moves in and a canvas of colorful leaves begins to blanket the city. From foliage to festivals, Alexandria plays host to numerous events designed for everything from fitness to fun to fundraising.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for the first time since 2013, a walk will take place in the city thanks to a group of breast cancer survivors and patients.

“We are very excited to be bringing a breast cancer walk back to Alexandria,” said Dr. David Weintritt, founder of the National Breast Center and Foundation. “Our area has the highest rate of breast cancer and one of the highest incidences of late stage breast cancer in the country. The walk will raise awareness and funds needed to help turn the tide.”

The Walk to Bust Cancer will take place Oct. 16 at Fort Ward Park at 8 a.m.

“The walk committee, consisting of several breast cancer survivors, has been working on the event for the past nine months,” said Martha Carucci, executive director of the National Breast Center Foundation and walk organizer. "The Walk to Bust Cancer will bring together breast cancer survivors and their families, those currently facing the disease and anyone who wishes to walk to show their support."

For more information, visit www.walktobustcancer.org or email info@walktobustcancer.com.

For lovers of the arts, the 2nd Annual Live Music Week kicks off Sept. 30 at 50 venues across the city, followed by the 21st annual Art on the Avenue festival in Del Ray on Oct. 1.

Before the weekend closes out, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon, 6K and Woody’s Kids Mini-Half will see runners of all ages take to the streets of Old Town the morning of Oct. 2. New to this year’s race is the Nicole Mittendorff Award for the first female firefighter in the half marathon to honor past participant and former Fairfax firefighter Nicole Mittendorff.

Mount Vernon Estate will hold two of its signature events later in the month: The 20th annual Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour Oct. 7-9 and the Fall Family Harvest Days Oct. 22-23. www.MountVernon.org.

The Torpedo Factory Arts Center will host the 21st Annual Art Safari Oct. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. On Nov. 4 is The Art League’s beer and art evening Art on Tap.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary is the Alexandria Film Festival Nov. 10-13. The festival highlights the talents of local, national and international filmmakers and provides numerous opportunities for audiences to ask questions and interact. www.AlexandriaFilm.org

The Del Ray Halloween Parade is celebrating 20 years and is slated for Oct. 30 on Mount Vernon Ave. www.visitdelray.com.

Immanuel-Church-On-The-Hill’s popular pumpkin patch returns Oct. 2 and runs through the end of the month. Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays.

If you are looking to give back while enjoying a night of food and fun, the Taste For Giving will take place Oct. 23 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Alexandria, the event raises money for dozens of local charities. www.rotaryclubofalexandria.net.

For more fall events visit www.visitalexandriava.com/fall.