Every fall, the town of Occoquan draws in nearly 10 times more visitors than its population, adding 10,000 people to its just-over-a-thousand residents. It’s all for the Occoquan Fall Arts and Crafts Show, in which more than 200 vendors and artisans from across the region and country line up along the historic streets of downtown Occoquan to peddle more than 150 different categories of goods. Handmade items of all kinds are showcased, including fine art, pottery and ceramics, jewelry, home décor, and more.
Julie Little, event director for the annual festival since 2017, attributes the event’s popularity and success to its 50-year history. The downtown streets of Occoquan are closed to traffic, and shuttles take patrons into town from various parking lots. The town’s charming local shops are open for business, and a variety of food options are available to explore, from food trucks to award-winning restaurants. The beer and wine garden offers a relaxing place to enjoy a pour and live music. None of it would be possible without volunteer support from the community: A team of more than 100 Occoquan residents assists with the festival each year.
There are a few new additions planned for the festival this year. Through vendor demonstrations, guests can connect with artisans, talking to them about their art and watching them work with various craft techniques. The town will sponsor an “Emerging Artist’s Corner,” where brand-new businesses can participate in the craft show without committing to the full booth fee. Also new this fall will be the Kids’ Pavilion, where families can gather to create arts and crafts.
How did the little town of Occoquan come to be the host of such a big event? Occoquan has been an artist’s haven for many years, with several art galleries and more than 60 talented local artists residing in the town. In 2017, the town council cemented its relationship with the arts by establishing the NOVA Arts and Cultural District, which includes the town of Occoquan, the Workhouse Arts Center, and Occoquan Regional Park in Fairfax. This is Virginia’s first interjurisdictional arts and cultural district, and it was created with the goal of expanding the art and cultural opportunities that are available to visitors of the region.
The festival might be the best way to get a sense of that artistic spirit. Attendance is free for all. According to Little, “[Occoquan] will have you charmed from the moment you arrive.” Occoquan Fall Arts and Crafts Show: Sept. 24–25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Occoquan Historic District
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
