Updated on September 16, 2023 by Julie McCool
The best Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia include kid-focused pumpkin patches, adult-focused wine and Oktoberfests, and Autumn celebrations for every age. Fall in Virginia is a beautiful season, with cooler temps and low humidity perfect for outdoor activities.
These annual Autumn festivals are held from mid-September through October, with both weekday and weekend events. While there are many more great events in September and October, these are 21 of the best annual festivals that celebrate the fall season.
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Fantastic Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia
The Northern Virginia Fall Festivals on our list draw happy crowds year after year. We include festivals in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William County, plus nearby towns.
Fall Festivals are listed below in order of start date. Follow the links for schedule details and to purchase tickets where necessary. Many festivals sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so sign up early.
Explore more Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern VA.
Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon
September 16 – 17, 2023
Step back in time and experience the traditions of a Colonial market from George Washington's time. This fall festival has something for every age. Watch artisans at work and shop for handmade wares including woodcarvings, woven baskets, leather goods, and more. “General Washington” will be on hand, and 18th-century music and entertainment add to the fun.
Visitors to the fair can also explore all of the fun and interesting things to do at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Fair activities are included with the general admission price.
Visit the event website for schedule information and tickets.
Bluemont Fair in Bluemont
September 16 – 17, 2023
Celebrate the changing of the seasons at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the annual Bluemont Fair. This classic country fair includes music, crafts and antiques, homemade food, model trains, and more. There is a free Children's Fair and farm animals for the kids, plus local beer and wine tasting for the adults.
Visit the event website for more information.
Extend your day in beautiful Bluemont with a hike to Bear's Den Overlook, a beer at Dirt Farm Brewing, and a scenic drive on the Snickersville Turnpike.
Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centreville
September 16-17 and 23 – November 6, 2023
One of the best fall festivals in Northern Virginia for kids takes over the fields and hills of Cox Farms in Centreville. Giant slides, rope swings, a hay maze, a petting zoo, and more play areas will keep the kids busy all day long.
Of course, adults can join the fun too. The Cox Farm Fall Festival includes the best and longest hayride on our list, plus weekend music and food.
Visit the farm website to purchase tickets. Prime weekends can get crowded so arrive early or choose a weekday visit.
Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park
September 16 – November 5, 2023
Every year Leesburg Animal Park welcomes the fall season with kid-friendly fun. Activities include giant slides, rope swings, moon bounce, and a petting zoo plus a pumpkin patch. Extra weekend entertainment includes live music, a zip line, and bounce pillows. Of course, you can also visit the park's exotic and domestic animals.
Find more information on the festival website.
Check out our full guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches in Northern Virginia.
Middleburg Oktoberfest in Middleburg
September 16, 2023
One of the newer fall festivals on our list returns for its third year in 2023. Downtown streets are transformed during the Middleburg Oktoberfest into a pedestrian-friendly festival featuring two biergartens, traditional German food and music, and family-friendly activities.
Visit the festival website for more information.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest in Lovettsville
September 22 – 23, 2023
What may be the biggest and best Oktoberfest in the east returns to Lovettsville every September. Shop for traditional German goods, enjoy three stages of live music plus strolling musicians, and indulge in plenty of traditional food and beer.
Free, fun competitions include Wiener Dog Races and a Stein Hoisting competition, and there is a Kinderest with special entertainment for the little ones.
Visit the festival website for more information.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear in Centreville
September 22 – November 4, 2023
Weekend nights during Halloween season, Cox Farms transforms into a spooky site for teens. At the Fields of Fear, older kids can face their fears on the Dark Side Hayride and the walk-through cornfield and forest (featuring live actors). There's also space to hang out, dance, play and eat by the giant bonfire.
Learn more and purchase tickets at the festival website.
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show in Occoquan
September 23 – 24, 2023
Every year, the beautiful and historic town of Occoquan lines the main streets with craft vendors and artisans. This is one of the top east coast festivals for craft lovers and fall is a beautiful time to visit. Allow time to stroll around the town's riverfront, visit the footbridge over the Occoquan River, and dine at one of many excellent restaurants.
See the festival website for details.
Historic Alexandria Homes Tour in Old Town Alexandria
September 23, 2023
The 81st annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour features some of the finest homes and gardens in Old Town Alexandria. The self-guided walking tour also gives visitors a chance to see the homes, streets, and businesses of Old Town decorated for the fall season as they walk to tour locations.
Visit the event website for tickets and information.
Temple Hall Fall Pumpkin Patch in Leesburg
September 30 – October 31
Combine a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and sunflower field with lots of fun play spaces and you have a great fall festival for kids. The fall festival at Temple Hall Farm also offers wagon rides and visits with the farm animals so there is fun for every age.
Visit the festival website for details.
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival in Bluemont
October 1 – 31, 2023
Celebrate the season and find the perfect pumpkin at one of the best pumpkin patches in Northern Virginia. Great Country Farms annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival also includes kid-friendly activities including a corn maze, 12 acres of play space with multiple playgrounds, a cow train, marshmallow roasting, pumpkin cannons, pig races, and live entertainment.
Visit the festival website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Waterford Fair in Historic Waterford
October 6 – 8, 2023
One of the best fall festivals in Northern Virginia is also one of its longest-running. The 79th annual Waterford Fair is the oldest juried crafts fair in Virginia. Stroll through historic downtown Waterford and interact with craftspeople working in traditional methods plus live entertainers.
The festival also includes children's entertainment and activities, Colonial encampments, garden tours, and more so everyone can enjoy the weekend.
Visit the fair website for schedule details and ticket information.
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon
October 6 – 8, 2023
Plan a special couple's night out at this fall festival for adults. Attendees to the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival enjoy unlimited wine samples from Virginia wineries. In addition, the mansion will be open for tours including the cellar where George Washington stored his wine. The beautiful East Lawn is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Potomac River.
Visit Mount Vernon's festival website to purchase tickets. This popular event sells out so get your tickets early.
Apple Harvest Festival in Winchester
October 7 – 8, 2023
Celebrate all things apple at the annual Apple Festival at Marker-Miller Orchards. This is one of the best places for apple picking in Northern Virginia, and there are extra activities during this fun fall festival. Enjoy live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and of course, loads of apple treats including tasty apple cider donuts.
Visit the orchard's festival website for more information.
Vienna Oktoberfest in Vienna
October 7, 2023
Now in its 14th year, the Vienna Oktoberfest takes over downtown Church Street. This fun fall festival has live entertainment on three stages and a food and beer garden from Caboose Brewing Company. In addition, there are kids' activities, games, and crafts to enjoy.
Visit the festival website for more information.
Fall Jubillee in Manassas
October 7, 2023
The 40th annual Fall Jubilee brings family fun to the streets of Old Town Manassas every October. There is a wine garden for adults plus live entertainment, craft booths, good food, and fun activities for all ages.
Visit the Manassas event website for information.
Clifton Day in Clifton
October 8
Spend a day at a classic small-town fair when Clifton Day returns to town. This is a family-friendly festival with children's activities, pony rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and craft booths to enjoy.
The best way to reach the fair is on a special run of the Virginia Railway Express from Manassas. This is the only day that the train stops in the quaint town of Clifton.
Fairfax Fall Festival in Old Town Fairfax
October 14, 2023
Head to Old Town Fairfax for a day of family-friendly fall fun at the 46th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. The streets are closed to traffic and lined with booths featuring crafters, food, and local businesses.
Attendees enjoy three stages of live entertainment, including a children's stage, and carnival rides plus food and beer courts at this free admission event.
Visit the festival website for more information.
Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon
October 21 – 22, 2023
Celebrate 18th-century traditions at the annual Harvest Festival at George Washington's Mount Vernon. You'll enjoy early American games, music, and dancing plus demonstrations of blacksmithing, cooking, candle-making, and other jobs at the Farm.
The festival is a great time to see Washington's unique round barn and tickets also include a visit to the Distillery and Gristmill.
Visit the event website for more information and to reserve tickets.
Annandale Parade in Annandale
October 28, 2023
For almost 70 years crowds have gathered to watch the Annandale Parade marching down Columbia Pike. The free parade includes marching bands, international dance performances, fire trucks, antique cars, storybook characters, and more. Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes and they can be part of the celebration.
Visit the event website for more information.
Whether your goal is fun for the kids or an adult's day out, there are fantastic fall festivals in Northern Virginia to enjoy. And you'll find even more great things to do in NoVA this fall in these big guides:
- Best Pumpkin Patches in Northern Virginia and Fall Festivals
- Best Apple Picking in Virginia and Apple Festivals Near DC
- 15+ Fantastic Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern Virginia
- 16 Fantastic Fall Hikes in Northern Virginia
Whichever events and festivals you choose, we wish you a happy fall in Northern Virginia.
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