The City of Fairfax’s Fall Festival began decades ago as a small market for artisans to display their merchandise. Now, it’s grown into a large operation with more than 400 vendors. Plus it features food, children’s activities, beer gardens, informational booths, and more. All the while, the festival has kept its sense of small-town community.
This year’s festival is Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is free to attend, but some children’s activities and rides do have a fee. The event is rain or shine, and pets are discouraged, except for service animals.
“Now in its 49th year, Fairfax City’s Fall Festival is more than just a seasonal celebration, it’s a beloved hometown tradition that brings our community together year after year,” says Deanna Payne, special events assistant manager with the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation. “Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Fall Festival captures the charm and spirit of Fairfax City, where neighbors gather, memories are made and fall truly comes alive.”
Entertainment
The main stage entertainment will include local acts The Rob Hornfeck Enterprise from 10 a.m. to noon, Alte Kameraden German Band from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sudden M Pact will be on deck. There will also be additional acts at the Old Town Square Stage and a Children’s Stage.
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center will be hosting an outdoor agility course for children ages 2 to 10. Coaches from My Gym will also be on hand to help children learn tumbling moves safely.
Attendees can check out free open houses and tours from the City of Fairfax’s Museum and Visitor Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Food and Drink
There will be plenty of options for food and drink, including three beer gardens and all types of cuisine. The food court at the festival will include food from Red, Hot & Blue Fairfax, Good Day Crepe, Sherri’s Crab Cakes, Colonial Kettle Corn, and more.
Vendors currently signed up to be at the festival range from Amanda’s Jewelry Box, Calm Connect Well Self-Care Gifts, and Lily and Sparrow Clay.
Parking, Road Closures, and Fair Information
Accessible parking locations include the Old Town Plaza Parking Garage (3925 Chain Bridge Rd.) and City Hall (10455 Armstrong St.). The public parking locations are the Old Town Plaza Parking Garage (3925 Chain Bridge Rd.) and Judicial Center Parking Garage B (10553 Page Ave.).
Shuttle buses will be running from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from three separate locations: Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run), the George Mason University Rappahannock Parking Deck (4393 University Dr.), and Parking Garage B (10553 Page Ave.).
There are even plans for a free bike and stroller valet at University Drive and Armstrong Street, inside the festival grounds. Guests can drop off their bikes or strollers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while attending the event.
Finally, there will be road closures in effect on October 11 from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. This applies to buses, bikes, and e-scooters as well. They include:
- Rte. 236/Main Street between West and East Streets. Traffic will be detoured to North Street.
- University Drive between North and Armstrong streets. Traffic will be detoured to Rte. 123/Chain Bridge Road via North Street.
- CUE Buses will be detouring from George Mason Drive and University Drive to Rte. 123/Chain Bridge Road.
Feature image courtesy City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation
