Fairfax City held its first crawl, this past summer, and it was such a big hit that it’s coming back again for this season, too. The Old Town Fairfax City Fall Crawl is slated for Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1-7 p.m.

It’s a timed, self-guided tour free to anyone 21 and over. And it’s designed to connect patrons with Old Town Fairfax City restaurants in a fun way, while promoting a walkable downtown and providing visibility to the local restaurants.

It features nine restaurants in the City’s downtown, and specialty drink and food options are available when a passport is shown. Passports may be picked up at the check-in location at Red Effect, 3950 University Drive, No. 103, which is centrally located at Old Town Plaza. Then, with passports in hand, patrons may chart their own courses, trying new restaurants as well as visiting their all-time favorites.

Each passport will identify the participating restaurants and specially priced food and beverages that customers may enjoy. When a purchase is made at those restaurants, the passport will be stamped. And while supplies last, people visiting four of the nine restaurants may return to the check-in location to receive a free, commemorative glass.

Adding to the fun, new to the event is a costume contest, with people encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to the Fall Crawl. At the check-in location, photos will be taken of anyone dressed in costume, and participants will vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded for the best male and female costumes. Winners will receive a free, three-month membership to Red Effect, plus a Fairfax City branded gift basket.

The City’s Economic Development Authority is hosting the Fall Crawl. Participating restaurants are: Chubby Squirrel Brewing Co., Coyote Grille, High Side, Ornery Beer Co., Patriots Pub & Grill, the Auld Shebeen, the Wine House, the Old Firestation #3, and Zandra’s Taqueria.

“The Crawl celebrates some of the great restaurants we have in our historic Old Town, while promoting a walkable downtown,” explained Danette Nguyen, assistant director/programs manager of economic development. “This event connects visitors directly to our restaurant community. And it’s another, unique program developed by Economic Development for our hospitality industry that provides additional visibility like our Restaurant Week program did.”

Participants are encouraged to share photos of their experience using the hashtag #FairfaxCityFallCrawl. In addition, said Nguyen, “We encourage everyone to drink responsibly and not drink and drive.” For more information, go to fairfaxcityconnected.com/fallcrawl.