Sweater weather is here, bringing with it some of the region’s most anticipated events. From harvest festivals and horse races to film screenings and food-filled celebrations, here are some happenings you won’t want to miss this fall.
Waterford Fair
October 2–4
Tour historic homes, shop handcrafted goods, and enjoy live music and local food at this annual Loudoun County tradition. Waterford, $20+
Manassas Fall Jubilee
October 3
Downtown Manassas comes alive with artisan vendors, live entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities (including a meet-and-greet with Cinderella) during this community festival. Historic Downtown Manassas, free
Art on the Avenue
October 3
Browse works from hundreds of artists, enjoy live performances, and sample food from local restaurants along Mount Vernon Avenue at one of the region’s largest multicultural arts festivals. Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, free
DC Coffee Festival
October 3–4
Coffee fanatics can try samples from local and regional roasters while watching demonstrations, enjoying educational experiences, and tasting specialty foods. Dock 5 at Union Market, Washington, DC, $31+
Morven Park International & US Equestrian Open
October 8–11
Watch elite equestrian athletes compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping during this internationally recognized horse trials event. Morven Park, Leesburg, free
Washington West Film Festival
October 8–12
This annual film festival hosts screenings and filmmaker discussions around Reston while supporting local nonprofit organizations. Multiple locations in Reston, tickets prices vary
Parktober Fest
October 10
Enjoy live music, local craft beer, food vendors, artisan shopping, and nature-themed activities for kids at this annual celebration. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly, free
The Virginia Fall Races
October 10
Pack a picnic and spend the day watching steeplechase racing at Glenwood Park, the oldest continuous race course in Virginia. Glenwood Park, Middleburg, $50 per vehicle
Fairfax Fall Festival
October 10
Celebrate the 50th anniversity of this festival featuring live entertainment, more than 400 local craft and food vendors, and family activities throughout Old Town Fairfax. Downtown Fairfax, free
Apple Harvest Festival
October 10–11
Indulge in apple season with cobbler, cider, pies, ice cream, doughnuts, and more, accompanied by live music, crafts, and family activities. Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market, Winchester, free
Fall Arts & Crafts Show
October 10–11
Shop handmade jewelry, home décor, artwork, and seasonal gifts from more than 175 local artisans and makers. Fredericksburg Convention Center, Fredericksburg, $9
Middleburg Film Festival
October 15–18
Screenings of award-season favorites, filmmaker conversations, and special events make this nationally recognized festival a must for movie lovers. Multiple locations in Middleburg, $125+
Celebrate Purcellville Festival
October 17
Enjoy live music, carnival games, children’s activities, food, and community entertainment at Purcellville’s signature fall celebration. Dillon’s Woods, Purcellville, free
International Gold Cup
October 24
Dress for a day at the races as top equestrians compete at one of Virginia’s most celebrated steeplechase events. Great Meadow, The Plains, $81+
Annandale Parade
October 24
Watch marching bands, floats, dancers, and vintage cars take to the streets at this annual parade. Columbia Pike, Annandale, free
Fall Garage Sale
October 24
Hunt for antiques, collectibles, furniture, clothing, and hidden treasures from hundreds of vendors — all under one roof. Fredericksburg Convention Center, Fredericksburg, $6+
Fall Harvest Family Days
October 24–25
Experience 18th-century harvest traditions with farm activities, music, and demonstrations at George Washington’s estate. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, $16 ages 6–11, $30 ages 12+
Harvest Festival Fly-In
October 31
Celebrate Halloween weekend with aircraft displays, aviation-style trick-or-treating, and family-friendly festivities such as candy drops. Shannon Airport and Air Museum, Fredericksburg
Feature image of The Virginia Fall Races by Douglas Lees
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
