Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia

Virginia is beautiful in the fall; colors are bountiful, the air is chilly and there is so much to do. Fall festivals in Virginia, and specifically Fairfax County, are a great time with the family, friends or even for a solo outing. Our most popular annual festivals include the Fall for Fairfax KidsFest, Vienna Oktoberfest, and the Fairfax County BrewFest. Explore all the great fall festivals that Northern Virginia has to offer!  For even more seasonal fun - check out our full seasonal calendar of events!

September in Northern Virginia

Kick off fall with fun fairs & festivals in September!

Herndon Labor Day Festival - September 2 - Virginia wine tastings, craft beers, great music, a craft show, outstanding sponsors, delicious food vendors and lawn games. 

The Virginia Native American Festival - September 7 - Enjoy hands on activities and live demonstrations including American Indian storytelling, shooting bow and arrows, and a marketplace of American Indian crafts, pottery and jewelry.

Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair - September 14 & 15 - Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares on the grounds of George Washington's estate. 

Taste of Falls Church Fall Festival - September 14 - Features include live entertainment, pony rides, children's amusements, crafters, businesses and civic organizations, and cuisine from city kitchens.

Workhouse Brewfest - September 14 - Enjoy more than 30 Virginia craft breweries, artisan distilleries, and Virginia wineries on tap! This unique event features live performances by some of the region’s most popular bands, unique food trucks, access to 12 air-conditioned art galleries and 65 artist studios, and some of the area’s most exciting beer, spirits, and wine.

Fairfax County Brewfest - September 21 - Mustang Sally Brewing Company hosts all of Fairfax County's Craft Breweries for this one-day beer extravaganza!

Cox Farms Fall Festival - September 21 - November 5 - Northern Virginia's largest and most famous Fall Festival celebrating more than 40 years of fun!

Reston Multicultural Festival - September 28 - This annual event brings together the people of Reston to celebrate our rich medley of cultures.

Merrifield Fall Festival - September 28 - Held in the heart of the Mosaic District, featuring food vendors, beer, crafts, and plenty of family-friendly activities. 

October in Northern Virginia

Halloween is always full of fun and frights but there is so much more to do in October in Fairfax than just Halloween!

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest - October 3-6 - Oktoberfest is a four-day festival that highlights authentic German cuisine, beverages, music, and dancing.

Fall for Fairfax KidsFest - October 5-6 - Exciting, interactive and educational programs, entertainment and activities designed for families with elementary and pre-K aged children.

THE GLOW: A Jack O' Lantern Experience - October 3-27 - Over 5,000 jack o’ lanterns will be on display in beautiful Lake Fairfax Park in Reston.

Vienna Oktoberfest - October 5 - Come to historic Church Street and enjoy beer, wine, food, music, vendors, kids activities, and free admission!

Clifton Day - October 13 - Festival includes arts and crafts, antiques, demonstrations, the Town Market, live music, children’s activities and lots of good food.

Fall for the Book Literary Festival - October 10-12 - Fall for the Book festival celebrates its 19th year with 150 writers, from emerging voices to established literary stars.

City of Fairfax Fall Festival -  October 12 - Enjoy over 400 arts, crafts, food & gourmet food vendors, children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages.

Washington West Film Festival - October 24-28 - A world class film festival bringing the best new films to greater Washington, DC, and giving away 100% of their annual box office net proceeds to aiding communities in various ways.

November in Northern Virginia

Holidays are here! There’s so much to do in November to celebrate.

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 half-mile, animated walk of lights.

Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village - mid-November-early January - 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.

Holiday's are Here! Celebration at Reston Town Center - November 24 - Reston Holiday Parade, tree lighting, and much more.