Virginians can’t get enough of fall. Throughout the state, festivals celebrating everything from the harvest season to the changing of the leaves are taking place this autumn, giving visitors a chance to soak in all the season has to offer. There are plenty of fun festivals going on in NoVA, but you don’t have to stop there. Hop in the car to check out these six Virginia fall festivals happening in other parts of the state.
Apple Harvest Festival
October 5–6, 12–13, 19–20
Who doesn’t love a crisp apple in the fall? Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges celebrates the harvest with a festival that spans the first three weekends in October. Guests can expect to find live bluegrass music, a petting zoo with farm animals, hayrides through the orchard, and a hay maze and hay mountain. There will be more than 70 vendors on site. For food, there is a buffet lunch for $25, plus festival food available for purchase. 205 Graves Mountain Ln., Old Blue Ridge Tpk., Syria, $5
The Festival of Leaves
October 11 and 12
Where better to celebrate the beauty of fall foliage than in the Shenandoah Valley? Visitors at the 52nd annual Festival of Leaves will enjoy food, crafts, and live music across three stages in the town’s historic district. There will be an Oktoberfest celebration with drinks from Vibrissa Beer, Saga Meadery, Philip Carter Winery, and Quièvremont Wine. New this year, there is a car and bike show. 414 E. Main St., Front Royal, free
Chincoteague Oyster Festival
October 12
Fall is a great time to enjoy fresh seafood, especially oysters. This annual festival on Chincoteague Island promotes the area’s seafood industry with a festival dedicated to the bivalve, plus other tasty bites like clam fritters and clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, hush puppies, and boardwalk fries. Tom’s Cove Park: 8128 Beebe Rd., Chincoteague Island, $65 per person
Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival
October 18–20
This annual festival encourages people to get outside and enjoy the autumn leaves by bike. Cyclists gather to take part in group rides, plus food and live music. Some participants even choose to camp on-site during the festival for an additional fee. The festival kicks off with registration and food trucks on Friday evening, followed by two days of rides on Saturday and Sunday. 2000 Shutterlee Mill Rd., Staunton, $40–$165
Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
October 19–20
October is Virginia Wine Month, so head to Norfolk for a festival made for oenophiles. You’ll get to sample or purchase wines from area wineries such as Bright Meadows Farm, Notaviva Vineyards, Stone Mountain Vineyards, and Barboursville Vineyards. With a tasting ticket, you’ll receive admission plus a souvenir glass and tasting privileges, and a general admission ticket includes only admission. Town Point Park: 201 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, $35–$40 for tasting tickets, $25–$30 for general admission
Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
October 26
Hear from musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, and more during this 51st annual celebration of the Blue Ridge region’s folk traditions. The festival, held at Ferrum College and the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum’s living history farm museum, offers live music, horse pulls, coon dog contests, sheep herding demos, vintage tractors and engines, and more. 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids aged 6 to 15
Feature image courtesy Festival of Leaves
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