2022 September events in Northern Virginia bring fantastic festivals and special weekend fun to the Washington DC region. Many of the most popular festivals are back in 2022 so plan ahead. Labor Day weekend kicks off the month and brings a close to summer break then fall festivals shift the mood to Autumn celebrations.
These September events are listed in order of start date with multi-day events listed first. Follow the links for tickets and schedules, and always check ahead for inclement weather closures. Our list includes events in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties plus nearby cities and areas.
Corn Maze and Apple Harvest, Bluemont, Sep 1 – 30
Celebrate Virginia's apple picking season at the Great Country Farms apple harvest throughout the month of September. Kids can have a blast in the 12-acre play area and corn maze. On weekends, enjoy live music, marshmallow roasting, cider pressing demonstrations, and fresh cider samples. Follow the link for a full list of activities and schedules.
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Weekday and Labor Day weekend admission to the farm is $10 per child, $12 per adult; hours are 9:00 – 5:00 daily. Weekend admission is $14 / $16 per child/adult and hours are 9:00 – 6:00 daily. Purchase timed advance tickets online to guarantee entry.
When your apple-picking is done, explore more of the fun activities in Bluemont VA. Or just head across the street to Bluemont Vineyards or Dirt Farm Brewing to enjoy Virginia wine and craft beer.
Read our complete guide: Where to Go Apple Picking in Virginia and Apple Season Fun
Cirque du Soleil Kurios, Tysons, July 29 – Sep 25
The fantastical show Kurios: A Cabinet of Curiosities is back at the Cirque du Soleil big top in Tysons. Contortionists, hire wire acts, trampolinists and a bevy of bizarre creatures will mesmerize all ages. This was our third time seeing Kurios and it's a wonderful show, great for all ages.
Mosaic Skateland, Fairfax, Sep 1 – 25
Last chance for classic old-school roller skating at the outdoor rink at Mosaic District. Bring your own skates or rent on-site and celebrate the end of summer as you boogie on 4 wheels. Admission is $17/$15 adult/child and includes skate rentals. Follow the link for hours and to purchase tickets.
Labor Day Weekend in Northern Virginia, Sep 3 – 5
Celebrate the last long weekend of summer with annual festivals and ongoing summer fun. Check out our complete guide to Labor Day weekend events in Northern Virginia for details on these and other activities.
- Virginia Scottish Games and Festival, Sep 3 – 4
- National Cinema Day, Sep 3
- LoCo Musicians Festival, Sep 4
- Labor Day Car Show, Sep 5
ZNA Koi Show, Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Vienna, Sep 9
Shop and learn about these colorful fish at the annual ZNA Potomac Koi Show at beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for three days in September. The event also features arts and crafts and a Bonsai display. Included with regular admission fees and annual pass use applies.
Bands, Brews, and Barbecue Festival, Manassas, Sep 10 – 11
The 11th Annual Bands, Brews, and Barbecue Festival returns to Historic Downtown Manassas. Sample award-winning craft beers and spirits from local breweries, along with some of Northern Virginia’s best barbecue and live music. Advance tickets start at $20 (on sale Aug 1) with other options available. BBQ sold separately.
Dog Daze, Watermine, Reston, Sep 10
When pools close for the season our furry friends get their turn at the Watermine Family Swimmin' Hole in Reston. The annual Dog Daze event raises funds for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Fairfax Parks. $10 per dog; 9:00 – 1:00.
JeanFest 2022, Vienna, Sep 10
Join an afternoon of family fun on the Vienna Town Green at the inaugural JeanFest celebration. The free afternoon show (noon – 5:00) includes kid's entertainment and activities plus food trucks and more. In the evening, attend a concert at Jammin Java with all proceeds going to charity.
PerchFest, Tysons, Sep 16 – 18
Celebrate the first anniversary of The Perch at the Capital One Center in Tysons with music, food, games, and fun. The Perch has added food trucks and a new mini-golf course since last year's celebration. The event is free but reservations are recommended as the venue may reach capacity at times. Friday 4:00-6:00, Saturday noon-11:00, Sunday noon-5:00.
Colonial Market & Fair, Mount Vernon, Sep 17 – 18
This family-friendly fair features colonial artisans in a traditional market setting. See 18th-century crafts and shop for colonial wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and more. Visit “General Washington” and enjoy 18th-century entertainment and music. Fair is included with regular admission; 9:00 – 5:00 daily.
Bluemont Fair, Bluemont, Sep 17 – 18 – 19
Join the family fun at the 50th annual Bluemont Country Fair! The two-day fair features blues & country music, traditional crafts, a free Children’s Fair, farm animals, homemade food, antiques & collectibles, local wine-tasting, breweries & gourmet treats, 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.
Oktoberfest, Wheatland Spring Brewery, Waterford, Sep 17 – 18
Head to the beautiful town of Waterford for the third annual Oktoberfest at Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery. Enjoy German beer, food, and music and play traditional games. Wear your dirndl and lederhosen to compete for the best-dressed award. Purchase timed-entry tickets online.
Plan a day trip: 5 Fantastic Things to Do in Historic Waterford Virginia.
Cox Farms Fall Festival, Cox Farms, Centreville, Sep 17-18, 24 – Nov 8
The annual Cox Farms Fall Festival returns in 2022! The biggest fall festival in Northern VA is packed with slides, rope swings, hayrides, a corn maze, petting zoo, and more family fun. Tickets go on sale September 1. Hours and ticket prices vary by day.
Find more fall fun in our guide, Fantastic Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern Virginia.
Dulles Day Plane Pull, Dulles Airport, Sep 17
The Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull is back on the tarmac in 2022! Whether you’re pulling the plane or cheering from the sidelines, this is a fun and family-friendly event. Enjoy the annual car show, live music, concessions, exhibits, and aircraft displays. Cheer on teams who compete to see who can pull a 164,000+ pound Airbus 12 feet the fastest. Kids can join in The Kids Truck Pull and all proceeds help Special Olympics Virginia. Free parking and admission. 10:30 – 3:30.
Ballyshaners Irish Festival, Alexandria, Sep 17
The annual Irish Festival is back at Waterfront Park in Old Town Alexandria VA. Celebrate that we are halfway to St Patrick's Day while you enjoy some of the best of Celtic dance, music, and entertainment in the area. Food trucks and a beer wagon add to the fun. 11:00 – 7:00.
Middleburg Oktoberfest, Middleburg, Sep 17
Enjoy the fun when downtown Middleburg closes streets to host an Oktoberfest celebration. The festival features 2 biergartens, traditional German food, live music, a stein carrying contest, kids' activities, and more family-friendly fun. Free admission; 10:00 – 7:00.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest, Rosslyn, Sep 17
The 30th Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns with 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
Falls Church Festival, Falls Church, Sep 17
The 46th annual Falls Church Festival returns in 2022 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.
Family Fall Festival, Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, Sep 17
Head to beautiful Green Spring Gardens for a day of family fun. The festival includes activities for kids and families, music, food, plant sale, bake sale, silent auction, and more. Free admission, 9:00 – 3:00.
Reston Multicultural Festival, Reston Town Center, Sep 17
Reston Town Center will fill with color, music, and culture when the annual Reston Multicultural Festival moves to a new location in 2022. The festival celebrates the diverse Reston community with performances, arts and crafts, food, and activities. Festival-goers are encouraged to dress in attire that represents their culture. Free; 11:00 – 6:00.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear, Centreville, Sep 23 – Nov 5
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 $15, follow the link for details.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest, Lovettsville, Sep 23 – 24
Lovettsville hosts one of the best Oktoberfests in the east! Enjoy street vendors, Kinderfest, Wiener Dog Races, strolling musicians, three stages of live music, dancing, a Stein Hoisting competition, and plenty of food and beer. Admission, parking, Kinderfest, dancing, music, and beer-related contests are all free.
A kickoff dinner and concert is held Friday, 5:00 – 11:00. The full Oktoberfest kicks off Saturday at 8:00 with a 5K and continues all day. In 2022, don't miss the Bohemian Rhapsody World Record Sing-along attempt. Follow the link for schedule info.
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show, Occoquan, Sep 24 – 25
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.
Clarendon Day, Clarendon, Sep 24
The annual Clarendon Day Street Festival returns in 2022. Enjoy music, food, art, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Follow the link for schedule details. Free; 11:00 – 6:00
Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, Alexandria, Sep 24
The 80th annual Home Tour feature several of Old Town Alexandria's finest homes. Enjoy a walking tour to several lovely homes and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery. Follow the link for ticket details. 10:00 – 3:00.
National Public Lands Day, Sep 24
The annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. 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.
Many Virginia State Parks will 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 24
In honor of National Public Lands Day, all US National Parks offer fee-free entry on September 24th. 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.”
Pet Festival, Village at Leesburg, Sep 24
The annual Pet Festival returns to the Village at Leesburg. Enjoy a fun day with music, special activities, vendors, and animal rescue organizations with pets ready for adoption. Leashed dogs are welcome. Free; noon – 4:00.
Manassas Latino Festival, Manassas, Sep 24
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. noon – 7:00.
Virginia Spirits Expo, Culpeper, Sep 24
Sample spirits from more than 18 Virginia distillers and the first Virginia Spirits Expo at Belmont Farms in beautiful Culpeper. Meet with the distillers plus enjoy live music, food, and fun. All-Access Sampling tickets are $65/$75 in advance/day of show ($20 Designated Driver and VIP tickets also available). Noon – 5:00.
NatureFest, Runnymeade Park, Herndon, Sep 25
Explore various nature stations throughout the park including butterflies, bees, life in the meadow, web of life, and more. Live animal shows and arts and crafts will be included throughout the day. Free; 1:00 – 5:00.
Find more Fun Things to Do in Herndon VA.
Mosaic Fall Festival, Fairfax, Sep 25
Enjoy live music, a beer and wine garden, food from 40+ 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.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, Fort Belvoir, Sep 29 -Oct 2
After a 2 year absence, Fort Belvoir once again opens its gates to the public for the 24th annual Oktoberfest. This long weekend of German music, food, and fun is held at the base’s Fremont Field. Many festival activities, including the Kinder Korner, 5K/10K Volksmarch, and live music, are free.
Purchase an armband for all-day, unlimited rides at the carnival (discounted tickets for military personnel on Sunday). 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.
Ball's Bluff Battlefield Anniversary, Leesburg, TBA
Mark the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff with guided tours, reenactments, a concert, and cannon firing demonstration. At sundown, luminaria will be lit and there will be a ceremony at the cemetery. Free; 11:00 – 7:00.
Ongoing 2022 September Events in Northern Virginia
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.
Outdoor Movies, Various Locations and Dates
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.
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.
Plan Ahead: October Festivals and Fun in Northern VA
Plan fun activities for next month with our round-up of October festivals and events. Many popular events require reservations and tickets sell quickly. Plus, there are lots of great Halloween shows and events to put on your calendar.
Beyond September 2022 Events – More fall Fun in Northern VA
Most of our 2022 September events occur on the weekend, but you can find plenty of summer fun on weekdays too. Check out these round-ups to fill every day with fall activities in Northern Virginia:
- Fantastic Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern Virginia
- 16 Favorite Fall Hikes in Northern VA
- Northern Virginia Farmers Markets
No matter which 2022 September events in Northern Virginia you attend, we wish you great weather and a fun-filled kick-off to fall!
TBA 2022 September Events in Northern Virginia
While many of the best September events in Northern Virginia are back in 2022, some have not announced whether they are returning this year. Details for these annual September events have not been announced for 2022.
- Virginia Native American Festival, Riverbend Park, Great Falls
- Prince William Forest Park Heritage Festival, Triangle
- SlugFest, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield
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