Updated on September 24, 2024 by Julie McCool
2024 September events in Northern Virginia bring fantastic festivals and special weekend fun to the Washington DC region. Labor Day Weekend kicks off September events and brings a close to summer break. Then, some of the best fall festivals in Northern Virginia shift the mood to Autumn celebrations.
Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.
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Corn Maze and Apple Harvest, Bluemont, Aug 31 – Sep 30
Celebrate Virginia's apple picking season at the Great Country Farms apple harvest throughout the month of September. Enjoy the 12-acre play area and corn maze daily plus live music, marshmallow roasting, and more activities on weekends. Weekday admission is $12/$14 per child/adult, $14 / $16 weekends. Open 9:00 – 5:00 daily.
Great Country Farms is just one of the fun activities in Bluemont VA. Take a hike to Bears Den, sip wine at Bluemont Vineyards or craft beer at Dirt Farm Brewing, or take a scenic drive on the Snickersville Turnpike.
Read our complete guide: Where to Go Apple Picking in Virginia and Apple Season Fun
Labor Day Weekend in Northern Virginia, Aug 31 – Sep 2
Fantastic events this Labor Day weekend include the Virginia Scottish Games, a Labor Day Car Show, and more. Check out our Complete Guide to Labor Day Weekend Events in Northern Virginia for fun festivals and activities.
Fairfax City Restaurant Week, Sep 2-15
Extended! 30 Fairfax City restaurants will offer $25 lunch or brunch and $40 dinner prix fixe menus throughout the 3rd annual summer restaurant week. Great time to try a new spot!
Circus Vazquez, Woodbridge Sep 6-20, Tysons Sep 20-Oct 7
Watch thrilling acts under the big top when Circus Vazquez hosts two shows in Northern Virginia. Acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, and more perform in this family-friendly show. Tickets start at $33.90, performances nightly plus weekend matinees.
Outdoors at the Garden, Chantilly, Sep 7-8
Don't miss this chance to explore the Unique New National Botanic Garden in Centreville (it's only open for a few days each month). Visit Hobbit Town and the Kyoto Bamboo Garden, enjoy a picnic by the lake, and check out the Fig Trees. Tickets are $35-$45; noon – 5:00.
Reggae on the Lake Festival, Reston, Sep 7
Enjoy a day of music at the Reggae on the Lake Festival at beautiful Lake Anne Plaza. The festival features great performances, food, crafts, and fun. Free; 1:00
Dog Daze, Watermine, Reston, Sep 7
When Northern VA waterparks and pools close for the season our furry friends get their turn. Dog Daze event at the Watermine Family Swimmin' Hole in Reston raises funds for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax Parks. $10 per dog; 9:00 – 1:00.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest, Rosslyn, Sep 7
The 32nd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest features a great line-up of four top acts plus food and fun. Admission is free and registration is optional but recommended as there are capacity limits at Gateway Park. 1:00 – 7:00
Cirque du Soleil OVO, DC, Sep 11–15
The fantastical Cirque du Soleil appears at Capital Hall Arena for just 5 days. As with previous Cirque Tysons shows (like Kurios, Luzia, and VOLTA) you'll be dazzled by elaborate sets, stunning acrobatics, and a mesmerizing experience for all ages. Tickets start at $49 with family packages available.
Colonial Market & Fair, Mount Vernon, Sep 14-15
This family-friendly fair at George Washington's Mount Vernon features colonial artisans in a traditional market setting. See 18th-century crafts and shop for colonial wares, visit “General Washington,” and enjoy 18th-century entertainment and music. Fair is included with regular admission; 9:00 – 5:00 daily.
Cox Farms Fall Festival, Cox Farms, Centreville, Sep 14-Nov 5
The annual Cox Farms Fall Festival returns in 2024! The biggest fall festival in Northern VA is packed with slides, rope swings, hayrides, a corn maze, petting zoo, and more family fun. Tickets must be purchased online, no walk-ups. Open select days, 10:00 – 6:00.
Find more fall fun in our guide, Fantastic Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern Virginia.
LoCo Wine Festival, Hartland, Sep 14-15
Sample fantastic Virginia wine at the new LoCo Wine Festival, hosted by Old Farm Winery in Hartland. Enjoy wine tasting from 10 Loudoun County wineries plus music, food, and crafts. $35 tickets support Special Olympics of Loudoun County. Noon – 5:00.
Virginia Native American Festival, Riverbend Park, Sep 14
Celebrate the culture and history of the First Families of Virginia with performances, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, Native American storytelling, music, and dance. Visit the marketplace for traditional crafts, pottery, and jewelry. $12; 10:00 – 3:00.
Dulles Day Plane Pull, Dulles Airport, Sep 14
The Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull is back on the tarmac with a car show, live music, concessions, exhibits, aircraft displays, and teams pulling a 164,000+ pound Airbus. Kids can join in The Kids Truck Pull and all proceeds help Special Olympics Virginia at this fun and family-friendly event. Free parking and admission. 10:00 – 3:30.
Oktoberfest, Wheatland Spring Brewery, Waterford, Sep 14-15
Head to the beautiful town of Waterford for the 6th annual Oktoberfest at Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery. Enjoy German beer, food, music, and traditional games. Wear your dirndl and lederhosen to compete for the best-dressed award. 11:30 – 6:30
Falls Church Festival, Falls Church, Sep 14
The 48th annual Falls Church Festival returns with live music, food, a beer garden, children's entertainment, rides, and local craft vendors and organizations. This is a family-friendly event and admission is free. 10:00 – 4:00.
Fall Festival, Tysons Corner Center, Sep 14
Celebrate Autumn's return at the 3rd annual Fall Festival at Tysons Corner. Enjoy live music, kids' activities, vendor market, craft beer, and more. Free, noon – 4:00.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear, Centreville, Sep 20-Nov 2
Teens get their turn for spooky fun when Cox Farms opens their nighttime Fields of Fear. The haunted cornfield and Dark Side Hayride deliver the fear, while the “Firegrounds” offer music, dancing, food, and a place to hang out. Tickets start at $30, purchase online only.
PerchFest, Tysons, 20-21
Celebrate the anniversary of The Perch at the Capital One Center in Tysons at a “shrek-tastic” Shrek-themed Festival. Enjoy special activities, mini-golf, food trucks, and more at the 11th-story Perch. The event is free but reservations are recommended as the venue may reach capacity. Friday 4:00-6:00, Saturday noon-11:00, Sunday noon-5:00.
Bluemont Fair, Bluemont, Sep 21-22
Join the family fun at the 54th annual Bluemont Country Fair! The two-day fair features blues & country music, food, wine, craft beer, crafts, antiques & collectibles, a free Children’s Fair, farm animals, a model railroad display & antique caboose, and more.
Bluemont Virginia a beautiful and historic village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While you're in Bluemont, take a short hike to a spectacular view and visit the most scenic brewery in Northern Virginia. No pets. $10 admission, 9 and under free; 10:00 – 5:00 daily.
Take a scenic route to the Bluemont Fair on the historic Snickersville Turnpike.
Culpeper Farm Tour, Sep 21-22
Spend a day exploring Culpeper farms on a self-guided drive. Participating farms will host demonstrations and kids' activities while many offer food, drinks, and crafts. Allow extra time for extra fun in downtown Culpeper and around town. Free, 10:00 – 4:00.
Middleburg Oktoberfest, Middleburg, Sep 21
Downtown Middleburg closes streets to host the 4th annual Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy two biergartens, traditional German food, live music, a stein carrying contest, kids' activities, and more family-friendly fun. Free admission; 11:00 – 7:00.
Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, Alexandria, Sep 21
The 82nd annual Home Tour features several of Old Town Alexandria's finest homes and beautiful autumn scenery. Tickets are $45 and usually sell out, 10:00 – 3:00.
Multicultural Festival, Reston Town Center, Sep 21
Reston Town Center fills with color, music, and culture when the annual Reston Multicultural Festival returns in 2024. The expanded festival celebrates Reston's diverse community with performances, arts and crafts, food, and activities. Free; 11:00 – 6:00.
Manassas Arts & Crafts Show, Manassas, Sep 21
More than 60 vendors will offer a great collection of artisanal crafts and artworks at this annual fall festival. Free; 10:00 – 4:00
Taste of Annandale, Annandale, Sep 21
Live music, food, a beer garden, children's activities, a pet contest, and more take over Annandale at this family-friendly street festival highlighting local businesses. Free, 10:00 – 4:00.
Happy First Day of Fall!, Sep 22
Welcome back to one of the most beautiful seasons in Northern Virginia. There are so many special events to celebrate the day (keep reading!). Find even more great activities and events in our guide to fun things to do during fall in Northern VA.
Lovettsville Blocktoberfest, Lovettsville, Sep 27-29
While the 2024 Lovettsville Oktoberfest was canceled, community members and businesses stepped up and planned a weekend of fun at the Lovettsville Blocktoberfest. The Kinderfest, Wiener Dog Races, Stein Hoisting competition, music, and more take place downtown and at local businesses. The full festival returns Sep 26 – 28, 2025.
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show, Occoquan, Sep 28-29
The Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show, hosted semi-annually by The Town of Occoquan, is the premier festival on the East Coast for craft enthusiasts. Stroll the riverfront walkway, take in the fall foliage, and shop the craft vendors and artisans that line the main streets. Free admission; 10:00 – 5:00 daily.
Mosaic Fall Festival, Fairfax, Sep 28-29
Enjoy live music, food from local vendors, and more at the annual Mosaic Fall Festival. The two-day festival also includes a craft fair, farmers market, and special activities for kids. Free; 11:00 – 6:00 daily.
National Public Lands Day, Sep 28
Join in the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort on National Public Lands Day (NPLD). Families, friends, students, and coworkers will spend the day outdoors giving back to their community by pulling invasive species, maintaining trails, picking up trash, and more. Follow the link to find virtual and in-person events near you.
Virginia State Parks honor National Public Lands Day with free parking, special programs, and volunteer opportunities. Follow the link for a complete list of programs.
Free Entrance to National Parks, Sep 28
In honor of National Public Lands Day, all US National Parks offer fee-free entry on September 28. Head to Great Falls Park, Prince William National Forest, Shenandoah National Park, and parks throughout the country for a free day exploring “America's best idea.”
Clarendon Day, Clarendon, Sep 28
The annual Clarendon Day Street Festival features music, food, art, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Follow the link for schedule details. Free; 11:00 – 6:00
Manassas Latino Festival, Manassas, Sep 28
Celebrate the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community at the annual Manassas Latino Festival on the museum lawn in historic Manassas. The free event includes live music, arts and crafts, food, and fun for the whole family. 11:00 – 6:00.
Plein Air Festival, Falls Church, Sep 28
See (or join) artists painting in the outdoors as they capture the light and beauty of the day at sites around Falls Church. On Sep 28, artists join in a Quick Draw competition and judges award prizes including a People's Choice Award. Free; 8:00 – 11:00.
Reston Community Yard Sale, Sep 28
Score unique finds and great deals when 85 families set up for the annual Reston Yard Sale at the Halley Rise Complex in Reston. Free admission, 8:30 – 1:00.
Bramtoberfest, Brambleton, Sep 28
Celebrate the season at Brambleton's biggest event of the year. Enjoy live music, food, amusements, and more. Free admission, noon – 6:00.
NatureFest, Runnymeade Park, Herndon, Sep 29
Explore various nature stations throughout Runnymeade Park in Herndon VA (butterflies, bees, life in the meadow, web of life) plus live animal shows and arts and crafts. Free; 1:00 – 5:00.
More 2024 September Events in Northern Virginia
Here are more great ways to have fun during September in Northern VA.
Apple Picking in Virginia and Apple Season Fun
Get up close with nature and celebrate apple season at pick-your-own apple orchards in Virginia. Our complete guide includes u-pick apple orchards in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas. Plus, we found some nearby Apple Festivals perfect for a fun day trip or weekend getaway.
Free Outdoor Performances
Enjoy a nostalgic night out at one of the pop-up or classic drive-in movie theaters in Northern Virginia. Our guide has all the dates and details: Outdoor Movies in Northern Virginia. Or head to free Northern VA outdoor concerts for great music and family-friendly fun.
September is Virginia Spirits Month
Visit one of Virginia's many excellent distilleries during Virginia Spirits Month. See the 18th-century process and learn about Washington's business acumen at George Washington's Gristmill and Distillery. Or take a day trip to Fredericksburg to tour and taste at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. And a tasting at Catoctin Distillery is one of our favorite things to do in Purcellville.
More Fall Fun in Northern VA
Most of our 2024 September events occur on the weekend, but you can find plenty of fun on weekdays too. Check out these round-ups to fill every day with fall activities in Northern Virginia:
- 21 Fantastic Fall Festivals In Northern Virginia for All Ages
- Fantastic Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern Virginia
- 16 Favorite Fall Hikes in Northern VA
- Northern Virginia Farmers Markets
- 15 Great Northern Virginia Campgrounds for Camping Near DC
No matter which 2024 September Events in Northern Virginia you attend, we wish you great weather and a fun-filled kick-off to fall!
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