Although it may not feel like it outside, fall is in the air. The gentle crunch of fallen leaves will soon be here, and these fall festivals all over NoVA will surely put you in the mood for sweater weather.
Fall Festival 2023 at Cox Farms
September 16–17; Thursdays through Mondays from September 23–October 30; November 2–7
This annual festival, hosted by family-owned and operated Cox Farms since the early 1980s, has a little bit of everything. You can take a hayride, learn farm chores, and find out how a cow is milked. Of course, you’ll want to travel across the straw bales and find out what’s in the fun tunnels, as well as check out Foamhenge. Walk through the farm’s crazy corn maze, and get ready to slide, slide, slide down the mountain slide, the barn slide, the castle slide, the treetops slide, the dino slide, and the volcano slide. Enjoy a caramel apple and an apple cider donut along the way. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, ticket price varies from $10 to $25, depending on the day, free for kids under 2, free parking
Occoquan Fall Arts and Crafts Show
September 23–24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Take in the sights and sounds of Historic Occoquan while perusing nearly 250 artisans and vendors. Enjoy a pint of beer from Water’s End Brewery in the beer and wine garden or create your own masterpiece during a Paint and Sip session ($45). Kids can get their faces painted, make art from recycled supplies, and paint a rock for somebody else to find. Entertainment includes performances from Collective on Saturday, and DC Transit Band on Sunday. Downtown Occoquan, free admission and parking at three lots, $8 for shuttle pass or 2 for $15
Corn Maze and Apple Harvest at Great Country Farms
Through September 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays
Fall wouldn’t be complete without taking a romp through a corn maze! And what better way to do it than with an apple cider doughnut in hand? But if getting lost in a field doesn’t pique your interest, the fall-themed market, cider press, or apple picking are sure to do the trick. Or try the obstacle course, rope maze, cow pie putt putt golf, or the giant jumping pillows in the 12-acre farm play area. Live music will be featured on the weekend, along with pig races, and a marshmallow roasting station. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $14 for children and $16 for adults at the gate, free for 2 and younger, apple picking and marshmallow station extra
Mosaic Fall Fest
September 23–24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
At Mosaic, you’ll be able to explore vintage goods and artisanal curios from more than 90 vendors or pick up fresh produce to complement your autumnal feast. You can even get cocktails to go from participating locations, so you can sip while you stroll. Plus, the kids will love the games corner, bounce house, and the paint-a-pumpkin station. Live music includes the Vienna Singing Princesses and School of Rock House Band. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, free admission, complimentary shuttle from Dunn Loring Metro Station, food and beer tickets extra
Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival
September 23, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Southeastern Tourism Society named this event one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeastern United States, so it’s no wonder the festival attracts between 25,000 and 30,000 people. The festival will have over 150 different vendors, showcasing everything from handmade jewelry and stained-glass goods to wood furniture and artisan candles. Plus, food vendors will be in attendance, serving up barbeque, crabcakes, and shaved ice. Historic Main St., Warrenton, free admission, food extra
Reston Farm Garden Market Fall Fest
Every weekend from September 23–October 29
Reston Farm Garden’s Fall Fest is back! Every weekend for a month you’ll have the chance to stock up on seasonal décor, fresh flowers, or local produce. For the kids, there will be a corn maze, pumpkin-shaped bounce houses, a 20-foot slide, a petting zoo, and the Garden Market Express Train. And if you get hungry, there will be a selection of food trucks on hand. Before you go, make sure to try the apple cider donuts. 10800 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston, $20 for children, $5 for adults, free for 2 and younger
Fort Belvoir’s Oktoberfest
September 28–October 1, hours vary by day
Bring the whole family for this four-day festival of all things German. Once a year, Fort Belvoir opens to the public. This year is the 25th anniversary of the event. The festival at Fremont Field includes carnival rides, traditional German dancing, loads of food vendors serving up German specialties, and the beer tent! Can’t get enough of Oktoberfest? Unlimited carnival ride passes are available for $27 to $35, depending on the day. On September 30, the event will host the Volksmarch 5K and 10K fun run races! While admission to the fun run and festival is free, non-military attendees must present a valid driver’s license. Additionally, non-military members must obtain a visitor’s pass to gain entry — it is highly encouraged to get a visitor’s pass ahead of time. And don’t forget to pick up a commemorative beer stein or mug. All bags subject to search. Fremont Field (Beside Wells Field House): 2104-6028 Goethals Rd., Fort Belvoir, free admission, free parking, carnival and food tickets extra, backpacks prohibited
Marshall Day Fall Festival
September 30, noon–4 p.m.
Originally established as Salem, Marshall gets its name from John Marshall, the longest-serving chief justice of the Supreme Court. In honor of its 225th anniversary celebration, this rural town will transform into a fall-lovers paradise. Sample mouthwatering bites, take in the local artist showcase, or browse artisan handmade goods. And after you’re done at the festival, consider taking advantage of the other events celebrating Marshall Day, like the self-guided historic walking tour of Main Street. 8374 W. Main St., Marshall, free admission
Manassas Fall Jubilee
October 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wander through Historic Downtown Manassas as it celebrates its 40th anniversary Fall Jubilee. This event draws up to 30,000 people every year. This family friendly event features over 100 booths selling artisanal and craft goods. For entertainment, there will be two stages with live music. 9201 Center St., Manassas, free admission
Fairfax City Fall Festival
October 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Take to the streets of Old Town Fairfax just in time for Halloween! This annual festival sports more than 400 vendors offering everything from local art to crafts and gourmet food. Enjoy a crisp pint at any of the three beer gardens throughout the festival or catch some tunes at one of three stages featuring music from area bands. The whole family is sure to love the comedic acrobatics duo, Haus of Marzipan. 10415 North St., Fairfax, free admission, free parking, food and beer extra
Arlington Fall Heritage Festival
October 14, 1–5 p.m.
Step back in time and celebrate fall the old-fashioned way. Try your hand churning fresh butter, play some old-time games, or make your own hand-dipped candle. The festival includes an old cider press demonstration and be sure to bring a pair of old pants to make into a scarecrow. Fort CF Smith Park: 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington, $7 per person, registration required
Mountain Run Winery’s Fall Festival and Craft Fair
October 21, noon–7 p.m.
Sample award winning wines and cider as you shop from over 40 craft vendors, selling everything from painted glass and crocheted goods to handmade baskets and ceramics. Don’t forget to bring the lawn chairs to enjoy entertainment from Get Down Jack and Lonesome Ryder Band. There will be food trucks on site all day, but if you’re someone who enjoys the sweet things in life, apple muffins and cider donuts will be available for purchase. 10753 Mountain Run Lake Rd., Culpeper, free admission, $5 for parking
Feature image courtesy Cox Farms
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