Although summer temperatures like to stick around, fall is approaching. Grab your favorite sweater and some boots and enjoy the slight breeze in the air as you wander through these Northern Virginia fall festivals.
Fall Festival at Cox Farms
September 14–November 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cox Farms throws quite the fall extravaganza with your typical pumpkins and apples, but also adds a hayride; multiple slides, including a dino slide; fun tunnels; and a goat village. Guests can learn how to milk a cow after an entertaining how-to from farmers. Closing time shifts to 5 p.m. starting November 1. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, $10–$25, free for kids under 2
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show
September 28–29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Visit historic Occoquan the last weekend in September to check out over 300 vendors lining the streets. They will showcase their distinct handmade artisan goods at this hugely popular event. There will be a beer garden and live music in River Mill Park and the family-friendly Imagination Alley will be packed with demos, performances, and face painting for the kids. Downtown Occoquan, free
Mosaic Fall Festival
September 28–29, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Celebrate all weekend with a fall celebration in partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM. NBC4’s Tommy McFly will return as Mosaic’s official emcee, along with over 90 vendors selling handmade and vintage goods, live music, pumpkin painting, and fall-themed selfie stations. Grab a cocktail from participating locations to enjoy as you shop too. District Avenue, Fairfax, free
The Reston Fall Fun Fest ‘24
Saturdays and Sundays, September 28–October 27, and Monday, October 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Get a free pumpkin for each paid children’s ticket and unlimited access to bounce houses and games. Tickets also get one train ride around the Garden Center and access to a petting zoo. Additional fees get you access to face painting, balloons, food, and drinks. 10800 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston, $20 per child plus $5 for each adult
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
October 4–6, 6–9 p.m.
Grab a blanket and enjoy the views of the Potomac River while sampling wine from area wineries at Mount Vernon. Listen to live music from Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders. Concessions will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. The Shops at Mount Vernon and Wine Valet Service will be open until 8:45 p.m. Note: The mansion will not be open due to ongoing conservation work. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $44–$64
Art on the Avenue
October 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Get ready to shop as Alexandria shuts down a stretch of Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray for the 29th Art on the Avenue. Typically, there are 300 or more artisans selling their works. There will be music, kids’ activities like scarecrow-stuffing and pumpkin painting, and lots of food. Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte avenues, free
Manassas Fall Jubilee
October 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This is the 41st year for this annual fall event that will feature over 100 booths selling craft goods. Show off your talents to locals too — there will be a Community Stage for musical acts, martial arts, and area bands. 9201 Center St., Manassas
48th Annual Fairfax Fall Festival
October 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fairfax’s Fall Festival started out as a small market and has since grown to over 400 crafts and food vendors, children’s stage, kids’ rides, three stages of live music, and more. There’s also an After Fest Concert in Old Town Square from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Old Town Square, 10415 North St., Fairfax, free but there are fees for the rides
Clifton Day 2024
October 13
This small town celebrates its 56th year of Clifton Day. Check out 150 arts and crafts vendors, antiques, live music, pony rides, a beer and wine garden, and food and drinks. Clifton Day is family-friendly, but pets should be left at home. The festival is hosted by the Clifton Betterment Association. Downtown Clifton, free
Feature image courtesy Cox Farms
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