September officially kicks off the fabulous Fall season in Northern Virginia, which is filled with end-of-summer activities, fall festivals and beer-forward Oktoberfests, crisper weather for family-friendly adventures, and scenic backdrops at some of the area’s best attractions.
Here’s a roundup of some of the things you won’t want to miss this September in Fairfax County.
Start Your Fall Festival To-Do List
Image courtesy Cox Farms
There are countless fall festivals throughout the season, but many kick off in September. Get the full seasonal run-down here. But in the meantime, mark these ones as not-to-miss events starting this month:
| Virginia Native American Festival September 7 Riverbend Park |
Merrifield Fall Festival September 28 Mosaic District |
| Cox Farms Fall Festival Opens for season September 14-15 Cox Farms |
Reston Multicultural Festival September 28 Lake Anne Plaza |
| Colonial Market Fair September 14-15 George Washington’s Mount Vernon |
Bonus: Start prepping for Halloween fun! |
Ramp It Up with Oktoberfest Revelries
Image courtesy Workhouse Brewfest
Want a little frothy beer to go with your festival? Don’t miss these special craft beer events happening this month:
| Workhouse Brewfest September 14 Workhouse Arts Center |
Aslin Beer Co. 4th Anniversary Party September 14 Aslin Alexandria Taproom |
| Fairfax County Brewfest September 21 Mustang Sally Brewing Co. |
Caboose Oktoberfest Birthday Bash September 21 Caboose Commons |
One-of-a-Kind Special Events
There are several other events and activities in Fairfax County that are either beloved annual gatherings, new exciting performances, or that offer you the last chance to attend this year. Here are our picks.
Dog Day at Fairfax County Waterparks
September 7
Give the pups one last summer cooldown at our area waterparks.
- Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole – 10am – 1pm
- NOVA Parks locations – 10am – 2pm
PBR: Professional Bull Riders Unleash the Beast – Fairfax Invitational
September 21-22
It’s not a rodeo – it’s an edge-of-your-seat, pyrotechnic, entertainment experience featuring the Top 35 bull riders in the world. Grab your tickets here.
5K/10K Dulles Day on the Runway
September 14
If you’ve ever wished you could run the length of Dulles International Airport’s runway, here’s your chance! Register to run or plan to be a spectator.
ChalkFest
September 14
Embrace public art or register to share some of your own at Reston Town Center’s annual creative ChalkFest. Tag your favorite chalk drawings #FXVA and share with us on Instagram!
ARTS, by George! Featuring Audra McDonald
September 28
Almost EGOT-winner Audra McDonald kicks off the annual benefit to support student scholarships at George Mason University which also features student showcases, creative cuisine and wine, a silent auction, and more.
Cirque du Soleil presents “VOLTA”
Through September 29
It’s your last chance to see the high-flying acrobatics that Cirque du Soleil performers are known for under the Big Top at Tysons. Don’t miss this spectacular show before it moves on to its next city.
NatureFest
September 29
This free annual event encourages exploration throughout one of Herndon’s locally beloved parks and features live animal shows, arts and crafts, and more.
Get in the Spirit for Virginia Spirits Month
Image courtesy George Washington's Mount Vernon
September has been designated Virginia Spirits Month, as the Commonwealth is the birthplace of American spirits dating back to the first batch of whiskey ever produced in 1620. Celebrate by visiting one of these unique spots.
- George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill
- Falls Church Distillers
- Workhouse Brewfest (serving up craft spirits from several local distilleries)
What are your plans for Fall? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on social using @VisitFairfax or #FXVA!
