While fall hasn’t officially started, it’s safe to say we have the new season on our minds. Especially with the region’s best fall festivals around the corner. Whether you plan on browing local artisans and munching on seasonal snacks or enjoying a German beer with friends, these are the can’t-miss festivities coming to NoVA this fall.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
Sept. 23–24
Lovettsville’s Oktoberfest has been an annual delight since 1994, although the town saw celebrations of Oktoberfest as early as 1976. Today, the festival spans two days and includes food trucks serving authentic German food, a ceremonial keg tapping, a 5K race and kids’ fun run followed by a pancake breakfast, and a “Biergarten on the Green,” a Munich-style outdoor beer garden. 6 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville
Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival
Sept. 24, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival is an arts and crafts fair featuring more than 150 displays. The event is visited by about 20,000 attendees annually. Warrenton’s historic Main Street becomes a vibrant hub of artisans, crafters, food vendors, and entertainers, who come from all over to be a part of this town’s autumn tradition. 21 Main Street, Warrenton
Vienna Oktoberfest
Oct. 1, 11 a.m.—7 p.m.
Oktoberfest is for the whole family at Vienna’s annual event. Be prepared for a festival full of kiddie fun, as previous years’ children’s activities have included obstacle courses, golf putting, and face painting. But don’t fret — just because this Oktoberfest is kid-friendly doesn’t mean it’s lacking in amazing options for beer, wine, and food. Vienna Town Green, Church Street, Vienna
Fairfax Fall Fest
Oct. 8, 10 a.m.—5 p.m.; concert at 5:30 p.m.
The City of Fairfax’s Fall Festival began as a small market for artisans to peddle their wares and has since grown into a bustling event with 400 arts, crafts, and food vendors, as well as children’s activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy classic fall festivities during the day and stick around for an evening concert beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Old Town Square. Old Town Fairfax
Farm Day
Oct. 8, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.
Looking for old-fashioned fun for the whole family? Check out Falls Church’s Farm Day. Kids will be enthralled with the petting farm, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and scarecrow painting, and adults can enjoy the live music and blacksmith demonstrations. Cherry Hill Park, Falls Church
Brambleton Fall Festival
Oct. 22, noon–6 p.m.
Brambleton’s Fall Festival is the town’s biggest event of the year, so you won’t be disappointed by the spread of activities available. Enjoy live entertainment and food vendors, as well as rides and inflatables for the kids — or the young at heart. Evergreen Mills Road, Brambleton
Feature image, Cavan/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
