Fall is the ideal time to visit the mountains and valley to our west. In our September 2023 issue, we reveal where to go for great hikes and how to see the area by plane or by car. Plus, we’ve found the best places to eat, drink, and shop — and where to kick back and stay awhile.
Planning a trip to Shenandoah this fall? From bobbing for apples to chili contests, these festivals are great opportunities to celebrate the season.
Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
First three weekends in October
Apple picking, apple-themed festival food, and bluegrass music come alive at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges. There will be a petting zoo, hay maze, and pony rides. 205 Grave Mountain Ln., Syria, gravesmountain.com
Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival
September 16–17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
With an apple pie eating contest, apple pie baking competition, and apple-themed concessions, there’s no secret as to what this festival celebrates. Craft vendors, a car show, inflatables, a petting zoo, and axe throwing add to the fun at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. 250 Fairground Rd., Clear Brook, winchesterappleharvest.com
Virginia Chili Blues & Brews
September 16, noon–9 p.m.
Warm up with a bowl (or two, or three) of Virginia’s finest chilis. Taste a variety along with your beer at Lumos Plaza. Listen to blues music by Honest Labor, Don’t Look Up, Ken Farmer and the Authenticators, Eli Cook, and Sol Roots. Waynesboro, virginiachili.com
Shenandoah Autumnfest
October 7, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
This festival at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds brings together more than 35 craft beers, wines, and spirits. There will be several events you won’t want to miss, including the whole-hog barbecue demonstration, the flippin’ chicken contest, and a log-splitting contest. Note: This event is for those who are 21 and older. 300 Fairground Rd., Woodstock, shenandoahvalleyproductions.com/autumnfest
Heritage Festival
October 7–8
Page County celebrates its heritage with a variety of homemade goods and demonstrations. There will be food vendors and live entertainment. 15 Fairlane Dr., Luray
Massanutten Fall Festival
October 14, 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a day of family fun at the resort with arts and crafts vendors, beer and wine, food, and live music from Big City Band and Dell Foxx Company. 1822 Resort Dr., massresort.com
Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival
October 20–22
Take advantage of Virginia’s breathtaking fall scenery by cycling through farmlands, forests, Civil War battlefields, and historic towns. After Saturday’s ride, refuel at the festival’s large lunch buffet and dance to the sounds of the Everyday People Band at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 2000 Shutterlee Mill Rd., Staunton, shenandoahbike.org
Feature image of Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival courtesy Graves Mountain
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This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
