Updated on August 13, 2026 by Julie McCool
2026 September events in Northern Virginia bring fantastic festivals and special weekend fun to the Washington DC region. A late Labor Day Weekend kicks off September events then the best fall festivals in Northern Virginia take over.
Corn Maze and Apple Harvest, Bluemont, Sep 1-18
Celebrate Virginia’s apple picking season at Great Country Farms’ 12-acre play area and corn maze daily, plus live music, marshmallow roasting, and more activities on 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, Sep 5-7
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.
Outdoors at the Garden, Chantilly, Sep 5-6
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 $45; noon – 5:00.
Oktoberfest, Wheatland Spring Brewery, Waterford, Sep 12-13
Head to the beautiful town of Waterford for the 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
Virginia Native American Festival, Riverbend Park, Sep 12
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. 10:00 – 3:00.
Reggae on the Lake Festival, Reston, Sep 12
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
Manassas Arts & Crafts Show, Manassas, Sep 12
More than 60 vendors will offer a great collection of artisanal crafts and artworks at this annual fall festival. Free; 10:00 – 3:00
Dog Daze, Watermine, Reston, Sep 12
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. $15 per dog; 9:00 – 1:00.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest, Rosslyn, Sep 12
The 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
Colonial Market & Fair, Mount Vernon, Sep 19-20
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.
Celebration of the Arts, Fairfax, Sep 19-20
Celebrate the visual arts at this block festival featuring performances, workshops, an artisan market, food, music, and more. Free; noon-6:00, -5:00 Sunday.
Falls Church Festival, Falls Church, Sep 19
The 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.
Cox Farms Fall Festival, Cox Farms, Centreville, Sep 19-Nov 8
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.
Taste of Annandale, Annandale, Sep ?
Enjoy over 100 diverse vendor booths and food trucks plus live entertainment, children’s activities, pet and eating contests, a 5K, and more. Free, 10:00-6:30.
Bluemont Fair, Bluemont, Sep 19-20
The annual Bluemont Country 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. Free admission, 10:00 – 5:00 daily.
Take a scenic route to the Bluemont Fair on the historic Snickersville Turnpike.
Culpeper Farm Tour, Sep 19-20
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 19
Downtown Middleburg closes streets to host the 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 – 6:00.
Multicultural Festival, Reston Town Center, Sep 19
Reston Town Center fills with color, music, and culture at the annual Reston Multicultural Festival. The expanded festival celebrates Reston’s diverse community with performances, arts and crafts, food, and activities. Free; 11:00 – 6:00.
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.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, Fort Belvoir, Sep 24-27
Fort Belvoir opens its gates to the public for the 28th annual Oktoberfest, at a new location in 2026. This long weekend of German music, food, and fun is held at the base’s Pullen Field. Many festival activities, including the Kinder Korner, 5K/10K Volksmarch, and live music, are free.
Entrance is open to all, but adults must have a valid State Driver’s License or Military ID to enter. Thurs 6:00 – 10:00, Fri 4:00 – 11:00, Sat noon – 11:00, Sun noon – 8:00.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear, Centreville, Sep 25-Nov 7
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 online only.
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show, Occoquan, Sep 26-27
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.
Bull Run Wine Festival, Chantilly, Sep 26-27
The 2nd annual Bull Run Wine Festival, hosted by The Winery at Bull Run, features food trucks, music, a vendor market, and of course, great Virginia wine. A portion of ticket sales supports TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). Noon-5:00 daily.
Lovettsville Ocktoberfest, Lovettsville, Sep 26
The Lovettsville Oktoberfest returns with live music, strolling musicians, and plenty of traditional food and beer, plus a Kinderfest, Wiener Dog Races, Stein Hoisting competition, and more.
Mosaic Fall Festival, Fairfax, Sep 26
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.
Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, Alexandria, Sep 26
The 83rd annual Home Tour features several of Old Town Alexandria’s finest homes and beautiful autumn scenery. Tickets usually sell out, 10:00 – 3:00.
National Public Lands Day, Sep 26
Join in the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort on National Public Lands Day (NPLD). Give back to your 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.
Clarendon Day, Clarendon, Sep 26
The annual Clarendon Day Street Festival features music, food, art, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Follow the link for schedule details. Free; 10:00 – 9:00
Manassas Latino Festival, Manassas, Sep 26
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 26
See (or join) artists painting in the outdoors as they capture the light and beauty of the day at sites around Falls Church. Artists join in a Quick Draw competition and judges award prizes including a People’s Choice Award. Free; 9:00-12:00.
NatureFest, Runnymeade Park, Herndon, Sep 27
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 2026 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 these 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 2026 September Events in Northern Virginia you attend, we wish you great weather and a fun-filled kick-off to fall!
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