Fall festivals can be some of the best parts of the season. Celebrate with hayrides, pumpkin picking, historical festivals, and more.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
September 12, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Rosslyn Business Improvement District and Arlington Arts are sponsoring the 34th annual event, which features live jazz, food trucks, local vendors, and lots of family-friendly activities. Performers include New Orleans’ Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, instrumental organ trio Parlor Greens, and Afro-Caribbean jazz group Plena Libre, among others. 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington, free
Hot Air Balloon Festival
September 20 and 21, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Tethered hot air balloon rides for children and adults are the main attraction at this festival in Bealeton. Balloons do best in light winds and no thermal activity, so they will be flying in the early morning hours and late evening. Rides are first come, first served and there are also plans for airplane rides from an open cockpit biplane. Co Rd. 644, Midland, $30 per adult, $20 for children 11 and under, and children 2 and under are free
Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair
September 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional colonial marketplace at this weekend festival. There will be artisans giving demos using 18-century techniques, games of the time like cricket, and live music using historical instruments like hammered dulcimers. Conjurer Peter Gardiner will be performing, and of course, our President George Washington will be sharing stories from his life at Mount Vernon. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $30 for adults ages 12+, $16 for youth ages 6 to 11, and children 5 and under are free
50th Annual Falls Church Festival
September 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This free, rain or shine event at the City of Falls Church Community Center will have plenty of activities for children, including inflatables and pony rides, bounce houses, an obstacle course, and spinning rides. There will be a special scavenger hunt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festival too. Local restaurants and businesses will be open for patrons throughout the day. 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, free admission
Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival
September 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The entire family (including pets) are welcome to attend this festival featuring the traditional fall fruit. There will be a petting zoo, apple-themed concessions, and both pie eating and pie baking contests. 250 Fairground Rd., Clear Brook, $10 for ages 10+
Alexandria Oktoberfest
September 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate German culture at John Carlyle Square in Alexandria. The family-friendly afternoon includes traditional German fare like pretzels and strudel, music and dance performances, and handmade arts and crafts. There will be whimsical competitions throughout the day like a beer stein holding contest and a Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest contest. 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free admission
Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts
September 19, noon to 6 p.m. and 20, noon to 5 p.m.
The second annual outdoor festival takes place over two days. Presented by Capital One Arts and the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, expect to see an open-air celebration with plenty of visual art, music, and food. There are also plans for hands-on workshops and immersive art exhibits. 1820 Capital One Dr. South, Tysons, free
Cox Farms Fall Festival
September 19 to November 8
Kick off autumn with Cox Farms’ annual festival celebrating the season. Take a 20-minute hayride, race down slides, a try your hand at a cow milking demo. If you’re craving fall foods, the festival will have apple cider, kettle corn, and plenty of pies. Don’t forget to grab a pumpkin or two before you leave. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, $15 to $30
Clarendon Day
September 26, 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
This festival spans the Clarendon Metro Park and adjacent eight blocks. There will be a family-friendly afternoon of live music and balloon animals, and the first 500 children who visit the Clarendon Alliance booth get free prizes. Kids can try their hand at a tropical-themed obstacle course and do some autumn-themed crafts too. 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free
Harvest Happenings in McLean
September 26, 10 a.m. to noon
This indoor and outdoor celebration at the McLean Community Center will have pumpkins available to decorate and take home. There will be also interactive games and a petting zoo too. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, free admission
Feature image of Rosslyn Jazz Fest courtesy of the Rosslyn BID
