Five Things Happening in Leesburg

1. Leesburg's monthly Girl's Night Out event will take place this Thursday, Oct. 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the historic downtown. This month's theme is in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month. Participants will "paint the town PINK" while offering specials throughout the downtown. Everyone is asked to wear pink.

2. The 2012 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Washington, D.C. will take place this Saturday, Oct. 20 beginning at 7 a.m. The event is an inspiring day of athletic events, which benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants of all ages and athletic abilities will start on the National Mall. The day will conclude at Morven Park in Leesburg with a gourmet dinner, open bar and a private concert by Sugar Ray for all fundraising participants. There is still time to register for the event.

3. Guided tours will take place at Balls Bluff Cemetary on Saturday, Oct. 20 beginning at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn about a significant Civil War battle, which occurred just outside of Leesburg on Oct. 21, 1861. Tours take place every Saturday and Sunday from now until mid-November and are free to attend.

4. Shoptoberfest is scheduled to take place this Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Douglass School and Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get a head start on Christmas shopping or buy for yourself. Multiple vendors and crafters will be available. All proceeds will benefit CureSearch and Be The Match.

5. A documentary on the Civil War in the Northern Virginia Regional Park will be aired this Sunday at the Thomas Balch Library beginning at 2 p.m. Co-written and narrated by Roger Mudd, the film highlights the central role Northern Virginia played in the American Civil War with compelling stories and helps to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. A panel of Civil War and local historians, including Paul Gilbert, James Morgan, Stevan Meserve, and Paul McCray will be present for discussion following the film.