The most colorful season of the year kicks off this September in Northern Virginia! With changing leaves and autumn breeze comes beer-forward Oktoberfests, scenic adventures, spooky activities, fabulous festivals, exciting performances, and more.
Here’s your go-to guide for enjoying September in Fairfax County.
Start Your Fall Festival To-Do List
Apple cider donuts, hayrides, fresh kettle corn, pumpkins bigger than your head, and local markets full of goodies. All things Fall are on the way! Festival season officially kicks off this month, and you won't want to miss the fun. Be sure to mark these special events, and bookmark our fall festivity guide for the full rundown of things to do.
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Cox Farms Fall Festival |
Falls Church Festival |
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Virginia Native American Festival |
Colonial Market & Fair |
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Streetfest |
PerchFest |
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Taste of Annandale |
Reston Multicultural Festival |
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Fall Festival & Artisan Market |
Mosaic Fall Festival |
Ramp It Up with Oktoberfest Revelries
"Willkommen zum Oktoberfest!" That's German for "Welcome to Oktoberfest!" To celebrate, there are plenty of special craft beer events happening here in Fairfax County to get your hops on. Check out our ever-growing list of Oktoberfests in Fairfax County. More events are on the way, but in the meantime, you'll find a few early announcements below. Be sure to bookmark our event calendar to stay updated on more Oktoberfests around Fairfax County!
Oyster and Sausage Fest September 14 Mustang Sally Brewing Company |
Oktoberfest September 15 The Swiss Bakery |
Oktoberfest Beer Dinner September 19 Caboose Tavern |
Oktoberfest at Settle Down Easy Brewing September 21- Oct. 5 Settle Down Easy Brewing |
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Oktoberfest German Kickoff |
Oktoberfest at The Boro September 21 The Boro Tysons |
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Oktoberfest '24 |
Vienna Oktoberfest October 5 Town of Vienna |
Participate in the National Day of Remembrance
23 Years After 9/11
Pentagon Memorial
In observance of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Fairfax County encourages the community to pay homage to those who were killed and injured on September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the many first responders who bravely rose to service during that time.
DC area commemorations include the Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial (September 11 at 7pm) and of course the annual flag unfurling ceremony at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington. Keep tabs on our calendar for more events as they are added.
One-of-a-Kind Special Events
There are several other events and activities in Fairfax County that are either beloved annual gatherings, anniversaries, or new exciting performances, that offer you a chance to celebrate summer one last chance this year. Here are our picks.
George Washington Patriot Run
September 8
Image courtesy Mount Vernon
Race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and finish with the Mansion in view at the George Washington Patriot Run 5k/10-mile race. The racecourse includes both lanes of a 5-mile stretch of the George Washington Parkway from the GW Parkway Circle to W. Boulevard Drive. Participants will receive a finisher medal and t-shirt.
For more Mount Vernon fun in September, don't miss the Colonial Market and Fair on September 14-15.
Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull® + Dulles 5K/10K on the Runway
September 14 + September 28
If you’ve ever wished you could pull a plane down the runway of Dulles International Airport, here’s your chance! Join a team so you can be a part of the strongest minute on the runway as teams of 25 attempt to pull an 82-ton FedEx Airbus A320 12 feet in record time all to support Special Olympics Virginia. *Open to preregistered team participants only.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Sign up and put your team’s determination to the test. All you need is 25 people who can raise $2,500 as a team to qualify for entry. Awards are handed out for the fastest pull, heaviest team, most money raised, and more! Now that's PLANE awesome! This year, the kids are getting in the game by testing their strength on a truck pull as well. Here's where to register your kiddo.
If you miss the Plane Pull, you can still take part in the Dulles 5k/10k On the Runway, taking place September 28 starting at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center.
Shrek The Musical
September 20 - 22
Image Courtesy Capital One Hall
"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away there was an ogre named Shrek." Luckily, this kingdom isn’t too far away because Shrek the Musical is coming to Capital One Hall from September 20-22, ready to make you fall in love all ogre again! The iconic DreamWorks animated film comes to life on stage, featuring beloved characters like Princess Fiona, the Gingerbread Man, and, of course, Donkey. With epic melodies and original choreography, this musical celebrates a new kind of love, self-love, and one another. Get your tickets here!
Capital One Center Turns Green: The Shrek characters are making a special appearance at Perchfest Fall: A Music & Mini Golf Festival on September 20 - 21! Head up to The Perch for a Shrektastic experience featuring rounds of mini golf, delicious food, and epic live music. It is the perfect pre and post-event for Broadway patrons.
Taste of Annandale
September 21
Image Courtesy Annandale Today
Whenever there is a food festival in the fall, you're likely to find a chili cookoff! Taste of Annandale is back this season, inviting everyone to celebrate Annandale’s rich culture. Beyond the food haven, get ready for race day, beer and wine tastings, live entertainment, crafts for kids, and the cutest pet contest. Mark your calendars and get your taste palate ready for the ultimate chili cookoff!
Craving other food experiences in Annandale? Sign up for an exclusive Korean Food Tour of Annandale through Virginialicious, a woman-owned tour company that takes you to a handful of Annandale's best Korean restaurants and guides you through the culture, cuisine and traditions of Korea. Look for tours every Saturday from October through December - but sign up now, they sell out quick!
Get in the Spirit for Virginia Spirits Month
Image courtesy George Washington's Mount Vernon
Did you know Virginia is the birthplace of American spirits? The first batch of whiskey was distilled right here in 1620. In fact, George Washington was the largest distiller of whiskey during his time, producing more than 11,000 gallons in 1798 alone. September has been designated Virginia Spirits Month, a time to celebrate our legacy by sipping handcrafted spirits from local makers. To commemorate the month, be sure to visit George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill at Mount Vernon and check out their calendar for weekly whiskey tastings!
For even more Distillery fun, the Open Road Distilling Company brings their passion for music and the spirit of the open road to Reston Town Center. The site handcrafts several different types of spirits and offers daily tastings, a full restaurant, and a second speakeasy-style dining and cocktail experience. Check out Heirloom here.
What are your plans for Fall? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on social using @VisitFairfax or #FXVA!
