Fall is one of the most exciting times of the year here in Fairfax County. With crisp weather (prime for exploring local trails) and the holiday season ahead (up first: Halloween!), this area knows how to kick off the festival season.
Here's a sneak peek at some of the best fall festivals and events in Northern Virginia for the whole family in 2026. Bookmark these for the best festivals this autumn, and check out the full list of all fall festivals here. More are being added every day!
September
Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair
September 19-20
Image courtesy Mount Vernon
Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares on the grounds of George Washington's estate. The Colonial Market and Fair also features lively 18th-century entertainment, including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite. Need additional reasons to visit Mount Vernon? Check here.
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Opening weekend September 19-20; runs through November 8
Cox Farms Fall Festival has been a family tradition for thousands of Fairfax County families for more than 40 years. The most popular Fall Festival attractions are the famous hayride (around the pond, through the woods, and ending in the Enchanted Barn), five giant slides, the Cornundrum cornfield adventure, rope swings, hay tunnels and more. Don't miss Foamhenge, an accurate life-size replica of Stonehenge made of Styrofoam, plus the scary Fields of Fear hayride and haunted adventure in the evenings.
Capital One Center's Celebration of the Arts
September 19-20
This immersive two-day festival transforms the streets of Capital One Center into a multi-block celebration of the arts— featuring interactive installations, hands-on workshops, live music, and culinary experiences for every generation.
Mosaic District's Annual Fall Festival
September 26-27
Enjoy live entertainment and music, a FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors, s beer garden from Caboose Brewing Company, plus more at Mosaic District's Annual Fall Festival on September 26-27.
Fall Fun Fest at Reston Farm Garden Market
September 26 - October 31
All aboard the Reston Farm Garden Market Express Train! The beloved Fall Fun Fest is back in Reston and better than ever. They are coming back to surprise families with their full array of family-friendly activities. Passengers can enjoy multiple moon bounces, visit the petting zoo, and take home some of the best that fall offers (rumor has it there will be pumpkins, seasonal decor, and Apple Cider Donuts on-site).
Bull Run Wine Festival
September 26-27
Head to The Winery at Bull Run to enjoy tastes from Virginia's premier vineyards, plus a featured brewery, as well as food, live music, a local artisans' shop, and more during the fall Bull Run Wine Festival.
Hot tip: Use code FAIRFAX10 to receive 10% off tickets for Bull Run Wine Festival
October
Fall Festival
October 2
The Winery at Bull Run will welcome the fall season in the best way possible! Enjoy the On Tap Band, fire pits, food trucks, and specialty fall drinks like mulled wine and our "Apple Cidonnay!" Make sure to snap a picture at the special Fall-themed photo wall.
Hot tip: Use code FAIRFAX10 to receive 10% off tickets for the Fall Festival.
Vienna Oktoberfest
October 3
Image courtesy Vienna Business Association
Come to historic Church Street in downtown Vienna and enjoy beer, wine, German and other international foods, live music, vendors, kids' activities, and free admission at the annual Vienna Oktoberfest!
City of Fairfax Fall Festival
October 10
Image courtesy City of Fairfax
Enjoy over 400 arts, crafts, food & gourmet food vendors, children’s activities, and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages at this classic fall festival held in and hosted by the nearby City of Fairfax.
ROCKToberfest
October 10
Celebrate autumn at the Reston Town Center with an energetic mix of craft beer and live rock music featuring Vertical Horizon, whose smash hit "Everything You Want" was Billboard's Most Played Single of 2000. Raise a pint, dance to the bands, and soak in the seasonal atmosphere at this lively festival.
Clifton Day Festival
October 11
Attend the beloved Clifton Day Festival. The 2026 festival will feature a marketplace with hundreds of artisans, live music, pony rides and other children's activities, a beer and wine garden, and more. Pro tip: Clifton Day is also the only day of the year that the Virginia Railway Express train stops in the town, so be sure to grab a ride into Clifton!
November
Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village
November 14 - January 4
Every year from Thanksgiving until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles of illuminated holiday light displays. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus (holiday village open select nights).
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
Mid-November - early January
Every year from mid-November until just after New Year’s Day, the garden is transformed into a winter wonderland. The half-mile enchanting walk features lighted nature themes and animated displays to get you in the holiday mood. This trail is paved for wheelchairs and strollers!
Bonus:
The holiday season is fast approaching! Keep tabs on our winter guide for updated events, travel ideas, and more.
Want more festival fun for 2026? Check out the full list of fall festivals here and keep tabs on our growing event calendar for the latest and greatest. Share your favorite festival pics with us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
