Updated September 29, 2022. Now that autumn is here, we are happily trading in sunny days at the pool for crisp weekends at the pumpkin patch. Plus, the change in seasons means it’s time to hit the fall festivals. Spend your days browsing local goods, munching on apple cider donuts, and sipping on a glass of Virginia wine at these October festivals.
39th Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee
October 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fall crafts, music, and entertainment will be in abundance at Manassas’s annual fall jubilee. With more than 100 booths anticipated for the event, and plenty of games ready for the kids, you’ll want to spend your whole day in the historic town as you ring in the fall season. 9201 Center St., Manassas; free
Virginia Wine Festival
October 1 & 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Experience more than 200 Virginia wines in the confines of One Loudoun. The two-day festival will feature unlimited wine tastings and additional cider and beer tastings from across the state. Before you fill up on drinks, make sure to head to the oyster pavilion for the best shucked oysters in the state. One Loudoun: 44600 Freetown Blvd., Ashburn; $15-$79
Braehead Farm Fall Festival Weekends
October 1-30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fall has bloomed at Braehead Farm. Take in the beautiful colors of fall as you trek the farm for pumpkins, sunflowers, and a corn maze. Have your camera ready just in case the great pumpkin makes an appearance during your visit to the pumpkin patch. 1130 Tyler St., Fredericksburg; $12
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
October 7-9, 6-9 p.m.
Celebrate Virginia Wine Month with George and Martha Washington. Wine lovers will be able to tour the estate after hours with a glass of vino from one of the 20 vineyards on hand. When you find your favorite glass, find a spot on the lawn to watch the sunset on the Potomac. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; $49-$63
City of Fairfax Fall Festival
October 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Plan a day at the 46th annual Fall Festival. What used to be a small artisan market has turned into a festival that hosts over 400 vendors. Whether you want to enjoy the local music, munch on delicious gourmet food, or meet the animals, the entire family will find something entertaining. 3999 University Dr., Fairfax; free
Fall Harvest Festival
October 22 & 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Travel back in time to see how they celebrated fall in the 18th century. Featuring a variety of farming demonstrations throughout the estate, your little ones can learn about horseshoeing, cooking, and textiles while the parents enjoy beer samples from local DMV breweries. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; included with admission, free for Mount Vernon members
Reston Farm Garden Market
Saturdays and Sundsays through October 30
Looking for pumpkins, mums, and fall flavors? Then plan your weekend trip to the market. While you shop, kids of all ages can run through the learning maze, ride the train, and meet the animals at the petting zoo. 10800 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston; $20 for children 2 and older, $5 for parents
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Through November 7
There’s nothing like fall at the farm. Not only can your family pick out the best pumpkins, but you can spend the whole day exploring the farm’s corn maze, play zones, and endless slides. Don’t forget to stop by the market to pick up a fresh bag of kettle corn and delicious cider for a true autumn experience. Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville; $10-$25
Feature image courtesy Reston Farm Garden Market
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