Clarendon Day 2017
Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Local wine, craft beer, live music, dance performances and kids activities round out the roster at this annual festival. And don’t miss the Clarendon Chili Cookoff, providing victorious cooks the chance to compete in the World Championship Chili Cookoff in October. // Arlington
South Riding Fall Fest
Sept. 30, 1-6 p.m.
If you’ve always wished for one event that combines a business expo with a concert, kids rides, libations and a taekwondo demo, you’ve come to the right festival. Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fun and relaxation. // South Riding Center
Waterford Fair
Oct. 6-8
Artisans from across the nation journey to bucolic Waterford each year to share their wares, including jewelry, basketry and metalworks. They’re joined by folk musicians, period dancers, Civil War re-enactors, gourmet food and local beer and wine tastings. // Waterford
Fredericksburg Harvest Festival
Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Find decorative items for autumn, design your own miniature pumpkin and more at this Fredericksburg tradition. // Hurkamp Park, Fredericksburg
35th Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you love baking pumpkin pie—or are really good at eating it—you don’t want to miss this event. With contests in both pumpkin pie baking and eating, craft booths, games and a beer and wine garden, it’ll be easy to make the Fall Jubilee an all-day event. // Downtown Manassas
SterlingFest
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Now in its 30th year, SterlingFest begins with a Columbus Day parade hosted by the Knights of Columbus and continues with live music by Ocho de Bastos and Sub-Radio; Lebanese, Peruvian and Southern food; and kids activities. // Sterling Community Center, Sterling
Brambleton’s Fall Fest
Oct. 7, noon-6 p.m.
Gather outside Brambleton Town Center with an estimated 4,000 visitors for an afternoon of cornhole, music, rides, gaming and food and drink. Must-sees are the car and bike show and the Artist and Crafters Marketplace. // Brambleton Town Center
Clifton Day Festival
Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This yearly event serves as a fundraiser for the community and a gathering point for the town, offering plenty of fried food and baked goods, blues and rock bands and train and pony rides for the little ones. // Downtown Clifton
Fairfax Fall Festival
Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
This year’s festival, a four-decade tradition, features entertainment for all ages on three stages, a beer garden and more than 400 craft vendors. Children and parents will especially love Sparky the fire dog’s Harvest Bash, which includes a firefighting demonstration. // Downtown Fairfax;
PetOberfest
Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
October’s not just about beer—it’s also a time to focus on your feline, canine or whatever other creature may be running around your home. Meet PetOberfest, a veritable pet-palooza of events, from pet adoptions to a pet parade. // Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge
The Annandale Parade
Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-noon
Since 1950, community members have gathered in Annandale for this parade through the center of town, showcasing antique vehicles, marching bands, clowns and international dancers. Kids are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes as they take in the fun. // Parade begins at Columbia Pike and Gallows Road, Annandale
(October 2017)
