Best Fall Festivals in Fairfax County, Virginia

Fall is one of the most exciting times of the year in Fairfax County. Between crisper weather (prime for exploring local trails) and looking forward to the holiday season (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 2024. 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 14-15

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 attend Mount Vernon? Check here.
 

Cox Farms Fall Festival
Opening weekend September 14-15; runs through November 5

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.

 

Perchfest Fall: Music & Mini Golf Festival
September 20-21

Have you ever attended a festival 11 stories high? Make sure to add PerchFest to your fall festival list because this is one event you won’t want to miss! Before or after catching the incredible Shrek the Musical, head up to Perch Putt for a special Shrek-themed surprise. Guests can enjoy Shrek-inspired activities, food trucks, Instagrammable moments, and FREE pop-up massages!

 

Mosaic District’s Annual Fall Festival
September 28-29

Enjoy live entertainment and music, a FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors, Beer Garden from Caboose Brewing Company and Wine Garden, and more at Mosaic District’s Annual Fall Festival on September 28 and 29!

October

Vienna Oktoberfest
October 5

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 12

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.

Clifton Day Festival
October 13

On October 13, attend the beloved Clifton Day Festival. The 2024 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! 

 

DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival
October 16-17

The top coffee shops and roasters are meeting up with the best chocolatiers, gourmet food purveyors, and artisans at an event so delicious you won’t even be able to stand it! Head to the Dulles Expo Center on October 16-17 to taste, sip, and get a head start on your holiday shopping at this family-friendly DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival in Chantilly.

 

November

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. 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). Want more light shows? Check here.
 

 

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 Fairfax County’s winter guide for updated events, travel ideas, and more.

Want more festival fun for 2024? Check out the full list of fall festivals here and keep tabs on our growing event calendar for the latest and greatest.

Article originally appeared on www.FXVA.com, Fairfax County, Virginia’s official source of travel information and inspiration. #FXVA @VisitFairfax