Virginia’s fall festivals are a vibrant celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and seasonal bounty.
These events, held across the Commonwealth, offer a unique blend of local traditions, culinary delights, and outdoor activities that capture the essence of autumn in Virginia. From bustling urban centers to quaint rural towns, Virginia’s fall festivals are the perfect way to experience the state’s charm and hospitality during the cooler months.
September and October are peak months for fall festivals in Virginia. These festivals offer something for everyone, from foodies and music lovers to history buffs and families looking for a fun day out.
Virginia Chili, Blues ‘n’ Brews Festival
Location: Lumas Plaza, Waynesboro
Attendees: Chili enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and blues music fans
Theme: Chili cook-offs, craft beer, and live blues music
Held on September 21, 2024, this festival combines a chili cook-off with craft beer tastings and live blues performances. Local bands like The Jon Spear Band will provide the soundtrack as visitors sample a variety of chili recipes. Local celebrities like chef John Doe will judge the chili contest, adding to the excitement.
Suffolk Peanut Festival
Location: Suffolk
Attendees: Families, agricultural enthusiasts, and music lovers
Theme: Celebrating Virginia’s peanut heritage with food, rides, and entertainment
Taking place from October 10-13, 2024, the Suffolk Peanut Festival celebrates Virginia’s agricultural heritage. The festival includes amusement rides, tractor pulls, and free concerts by local favorites like The Rhondels. The event is perfect for families, with activities ranging from petting zoos to live music.
Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival
Location: Town Point Park, Norfolk
Attendees: Wine enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic outing
Theme: Wine tasting and gourmet food pairings
On October 19-20, 2024, wine lovers can indulge in tastings from Virginia’s top wineries, such as Williamsburg Winery and Barboursville Vineyards. The event also features live jazz performances by local artists like The Jae Sinnett Trio, creating a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.
Craft Beer and Wine Gardens
Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival
Location: Rebec Vineyards, Amherst
Attendees: Wine enthusiasts and adventurous foodies
Theme: Wine tasting and garlic-infused culinary delights
This quirky festival, held on October 12-13, 2024, pairs Virginia wines with garlic-infused dishes. Guests can sample wines from Rebec Vineyards while enjoying live music and unique garlic-themed foods.
Arts and Crafts Scene
Virginia’s fall festivals are a showcase for the state’s vibrant arts and crafts community.
Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Location: Occoquan
Attendees: Art lovers and families
Theme: Handmade arts, crafts, and family fun
This event, held on September 23-24, 2024, features fine art, handwoven textiles, and rustic wood crafts. Local artists like Jane Smith will be displaying their work, making it a great spot for unique, one-of-a-kind purchases.
Fredericksburg Fall Arts & Craft Show
Location: Fredericksburg Expo Center
Attendees: Craft enthusiasts and collectors
Theme: Handmade crafts and unique collectibles
Taking place on October 12-13, 2024, this show features a wide variety of handcrafted items, from jewelry to pottery. The event is a certified Virginia Green Tourism venue, highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainability.
Local Artisans and Craftsmen
Crozet Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
Location: Crozet
Attendees: Art collectors and craft enthusiasts
Theme: Celebrating local artisans and craftsmanship
Scheduled for October 12, 2024, this festival is a gathering of the region’s top craftsmen. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of pottery making, weaving, and more, while enjoying the beautiful fall scenery.
Musical Serenades and Performances
Virginia’s fall festivals offer a rich variety of musical performances that cater to all tastes.
Live Music and Bluegrass Influence
Rooster Walk Festival
Location: Axton
Attendees: Bluegrass fans and music lovers
Theme: Bluegrass music and community spirit
This festival, held on October 5-6, 2024, is a celebration of bluegrass music, featuring performances by local legends like Larry Keel and The Steeldrivers. The event also includes workshops where visitors can learn about traditional instruments like the banjo and fiddle.
Music Stages and Performances
Suffolk Peanut Festival
Location: Suffolk
Attendees: Music lovers and families
Theme: Celebrating Virginia’s peanut heritage with food, rides, and entertainment
The Suffolk Peanut Festival offers free concerts featuring country, rock, and blues acts. Local favorites like The Deloreans will perform, providing a lively soundtrack to the festivities.
Serenades at Noon
Location: Staunton
Attendees: Classical music lovers and culture enthusiasts
Theme: Intimate classical performances in a historic setting
This concert series offers classical music performances in a historic church setting, perfect for those looking to enjoy beautiful music in an intimate atmosphere.
Family Fun and Activities
Virginia’s fall festivals are packed with activities that families will love.
Agricultural Experiences and Petting Zoos
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Location: Centreville
Attendees: Families with children
Theme: Farm fun, pumpkin picking, animal encounters, and corn mazes
Running from September 14 to November 5, 2024, this festival is a family favorite. Kids can pet and feed farm animals, take hayrides, and explore the giant corn maze. The festival also offers educational exhibits about local agriculture, including one of the largest pumpkin patches in the area, perfect for picking the perfect jack-o’-lantern. The corn maze is a hit with visitors of all ages, offering fun challenges and educational trivia. Attendees will also love the giant slides, rope swings, and hayrides. These attractions offer a unique blend of farm charm and amusement park excitement.
Historical Harvest Celebrations
Colonial Market and Fair
Location: Mount Vernon
Attendees: History buffs and families
Theme: Experiencing 18th-century Virginia life
This event, held on September 14-15, 2024, brings 18th-century Virginia to life with historical interpreters, artisan demonstrations, and traditional crafts. Visitors can meet George Washington reenactors and learn about colonial life.
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
Location: Mount Vernon
Attendees: Families and history enthusiasts
Theme: Celebrating the harvest season in colonial Virginia
This festival, held on October 19-20, 2024, recreates an 18th-century harvest celebration with wheat treading, cider pressing, and colonial games. It’s a great way to experience the history and culture of Virginia’s early settlers.
Parades and Costume Events
Festival of Leaves
Location: Front Royal
Attendees: Families and parade enthusiasts
Theme: Celebrating autumn colors and local history
The Festival of Leaves parade features vintage cars, local organizations, and performers in period costumes. This event is a great way for the community to come together and celebrate the beauty of the season.
Spectacular Natural Beauty
Virginia’s fall festivals offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the state’s stunning natural beauty.
Fall Foliage and Scenic Views
Shenandoah National Park
Location: Shenandoah Valley
Attendees: Nature lovers and photographers
Theme: Exploring Virginia’s vibrant fall foliage
Visitors can drive along Skyline Drive for panoramic views of the fall foliage. The park’s hiking trails offer even closer encounters with the vibrant colors of the season.
Great Country Farms Pumpkin Harvest
Location: Bluemont
Attendees: Families and outdoor enthusiasts
Theme: Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and autumn adventures
This festival offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides. It’s a great way to spend a day outdoors enjoying the crisp autumn air and beautiful scenery.
Planning Your Fall Getaway
Virginia’s fall festivals offer a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making them a must-visit for locals and travelers. Careful planning is essential to ensure a memorable experience with so many diverse events.
Start by securing your accommodations early, as the peak season draws large crowds and lodging fills up quickly. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, a historic hotel, or a charming vacation rental, booking in advance will help you find the perfect spot near your chosen festival.
Transportation is another key consideration. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore multiple events and scenic routes, while some festivals offer convenient shuttle services from designated parking areas. For those looking to combine travel with a scenic journey, Amtrak offers routes that can bring you close to many festival locations.
Admission prices vary across events, with many offering free entry and others charging a small fee. For an enhanced experience, consider purchasing VIP tickets, which often include perks like priority parking, exclusive tasting areas, and meet-and-greet sessions with performers. These packages can sell out quickly, so buying tickets in advance is wise.
Virginia’s fall festivals also celebrate the state’s rich cultural diversity, with events highlighting various communities’ traditions and cuisines. From the vibrant colors and flavors of the Festival of India in Richmond to the international sand sculpting at Virginia Beach’s Neptune Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
No matter which festival you choose, Virginia’s autumnal celebrations promise a season filled with unforgettable memories, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. So pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to experience the best of Virginia’s fall festivities.
