Outdoor Party in Late October? Yay or Nay?

I think you could do it, as long as you made it clear that it would be an outdoor party & to dress accordingly. Hot apple cider, pumpkin decorating (not carving--gluing decorations to them), scarecrow making, leaf piles, etc...it could be a lot of fun, but definitely plan an alternative in case of extreme weather or rain.

Here in Kansas it would be hit or miss and in VA it sounds like maybe it would be similar if not colder. Were you thinking afternoon or evening? Afternoon would certainly be warmer, but in the evening it would be fun too if you could roast hot dogs, marshmallows, etc. Do you have a fire pit or chiminea? Honestly, if you do a fall theme and have hot apple cider and other things then you probably can do it. But I agree to stress to the parents/party goers that it will be outside. As long as I knew ahead of time, I'd be fine with it.

I would however have a back up plan in case it's just too cold or rainy. You could always try using your garage for at least cake, presents, snacks??

Its still warm weather here in South Texas. Try checking your farmers almanac for weather info. Its usually accurate.

I don't know about Virginia but it could be totally hit or miss on being warm enough in CA, let alone the chances of rain. If these might be an issue, why not rent a bouncy place to take the kids to? Then there's no mess at your house at all! =)

My kids birthday is in early October and unless I have a back plan to use my house if it rains or is too cold I don't do it. Our house isn't large enough for a large party that we would need so we're doing a bowling party, in early October cuz you never know about the temps in October.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

Well, we're in Phoenix, so here, it's the perfect time for outdoor everything...

What are the temps normally like in your area?

Our neighbors have a Halloween party outside every fall and it's tons of fun!
We had a cool pumpkin carving contest last year - the grownups carved and the kids did the judging.
Glow sticks inside jack or lanterns light them up pretty well.
Bring a jacket of you need one and a fire pit helps warm people up.
Have a crock pot of warm cider.
Fall parties are GREAT!

I live in Manassas too.

My daughter's birthday is around Halloween. We have always had an outdoor party. Last year it snowed/sleeted so it was moved indoors. The next day was sunny and beautiful.

It may be too cold. I know that pumpkin patches are open in October but if I was having a birthday party I'd consider an indoor venue for part of it. My DD's birthday is August so we have the opposite problem - heat. It's worked out well to have options.

Perfect time of year for an outdoor party.

we have halloween parties outside every year, and our kids have come since they were born. if it gets too cold (even with blankets, hats, coats, etc), then the mommies take them inside. this would probably be a better question for locals in your area. va is probably colder than ks.

also i would look up the farmer's almanack. they have weather predictions that far out. no guarantees but might give you some idea.

Yay for AZ. lol Not sure about VA. Good luck!