🍁 EXPLORE FALL IN NOVA 🍁
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Everything, Plotted
A real, zoomable map with every farm, festival, race and foliage stop in this guide. Click a pin for details and directions. Use the category toggles here, then use the county and week filters directly below the map to narrow the list.
Fundraisers and community causes worth showing up for this fall.
Driving Out Hunger — Fore the Kids Golf Tournament
A charity golf tournament benefiting the Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, which sends food home with local kids facing hunger over the weekend. Sponsorship and foursome tiers available.
Fall Festival by Joshua's Hands
A free community festival honoring the memory of Joshua Guthrie, celebrating America's 250th this year — hayrides, pony rides, a petting farm, crafts, carnival-style games (everyone wins a prize!), an old-fashioned spelling bee, live entertainment, music bingo and an obstacle course, plus a 2pm charity auction supporting Joshua's Hands' volunteer and service programs. Free admission; donations welcome, and volunteer opportunities are available.
September UpDog Challenge
A dog agility competition at the region's premier performance-dog training facility — fun to watch even if you're not entering a dog.
Heroes and Harvest Festival
A veteran and community resource fair paired with harvest-season festivities on Stephens City's town common.
Blossoming — 45 Years of Teaching
A classical Indian dance performance from Konark Dance School & Jayantika Dance Company, marking 45 years of teaching. $20 tickets benefit MKK-USA.
Basset Hound Rescue Fall Festival
Meet adorable basset hounds and support a good cause while enjoying games, raffles, and pet-friendly activities. Bring the family — and your pup!
Pups in the Pavilion
A community dog-friendly evening at Reston Town Center's pavilion — meet local rescue pups and support the cause.
Paws & Pours: Dog Adoption Event
Meet adoptable dogs from local rescues while enjoying drinks and community vendors.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & Farms(29)
The region's big harvest-season farms — hayrides, corn mazes, cider, and enough pumpkins for everyone.
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Giant slides, world-famous hayrides, the Cornundrum corn maze, goat village, live music daily, and a pumpkin to take home. Sept/Oct hours 10am–6pm (last entry 5pm); November 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm). Tickets required, sell out on busy dates.
Apple Harvest + Corn Maze & Pig Races
Kick off September with the farm’s 1.5-acre corn maze, apple harvest activities, cider pressing, cider donuts and farm attractions. Apple picking is limited in 2026 because of the April freeze, so check what’s currently available before visiting.
Great Country Farms — Pumpkin Harvest Festival & Corn Maze
Pick pumpkins from the patch, explore the corn maze, roast marshmallows and enjoy cider donuts. Weekend pig races run at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Pumpkins are sold separately.
Family Flashlight Corn Maze Nights
Challenge the corn maze after dark with flashlights, then roast marshmallows on the bonfire.
Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival
Great Country Farms' end-of-season send-off for leftover gourds — launch pumpkins and close out the harvest.
LoCo Cider Fest
Kicks off Virginia Cider Week — small-batch hard cider tastings from Loudoun-area producers, live music, a local-vendor market, and full run of the farm. 21+ tastings; non-alcoholic option for kids.
Honeycrisp Festival
First Annual Honeycrisp Festival — a full day dedicated to one of everyone's favorite apples, plus the farm's usual fresh produce, bakery goods, and fudge. Note: an April freeze damaged most of the farm's apple crop this year, so there's no pick-your-own from the trees — apples will be available by the bin in the orchard on weekends starting in September.
Apple Harvest Festival
A weekend celebrating apples with multiple varieties in the farm market, apple cobbler, cider, pies, turnovers, apple pie ice cream and cider donuts, plus vendors, food, cow train rides and scenic wagon rides. Apple availability is limited this year after the April freeze, so check the orchard’s current picking update before visiting.
Marker-Miller Orchards Pumpkin Festival
Choose pumpkins, enjoy pumpkin treats from the bakery, browse vendors, grab food and let the kids ride the cow train. Scenic wagon rides are also planned during the festival.
Farm-mooo-za
Just across the state line from Frederick County — a fall farm day worth the short drive. Confirm hours and activities directly with the farm before you go.
Wayside Farm Fun — Fall Festival
A 120-acre working farm off Route 7 with a 10-acre corn maze, 8-acre u-pick pumpkin patch, pig races, hayrides, farm slides and a jumping pillow. 2026 season dates weren't posted yet as of this check — the farm's site says they're "busy planning" for fall.
Pumpkin Village — Leesburg Animal Park
20+ acres of fall fun at the animal park — giant hill slides, a zip line, pedal carts, wagon rides, moon bounces, live music weekends, plus camels, zebras, lemurs and more. 2026 dates hadn't posted yet as of this check; runs roughly late Sept through early Nov most years.
Temple Hall Farm — Pumpkin Patch & Sunflower Fields
A NOVA Parks property — pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers, wagon rides, farm animals, and jumping pillows on a working regional-park farm.
Maple Tree Farm — Fall Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkins, a corn maze, train rides, farm animals and puppet shows on a family-run farm just outside town — confirmed open weekends throughout October 2026 per the farm's own site.
Messick's Farm Market — Fall Festival
Hayrides, a corn maze, zip line, candy cannon, bounce pillow and a u-pick pumpkin patch at this family-owned farm market, alongside their farm-fresh food and frozen custard.
Butler's Orchard — Pumpkin Festival
A DC-area institution and one of the region's biggest pumpkin festivals — hayrides, corn maze, giant slides, a rubber duckie derby, and 300 acres of pick-your-own. About 45 minutes from Dulles-area Loudoun.
A Decade of Ponies — A Mountain of Memories
Ten years of hand-led pony rides — a family-run, teacher-owned operation known for being especially good with kids. A milestone-anniversary weekend event.
NOVA Fruit Festival 2026
Meet the growers behind 400+ varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts and edible plants, including a geothermal greenhouse full of tropical fruit trees you won't see anywhere else in the region.
Fall Harvest Weekend
A weekend of harvest-season activities just across the state line — confirm hours and activities directly with the venue before you go.
Sunflower Festival
A field of blooming sunflowers open for photos and picking, alongside the farm's usual fresh produce and fall treats.
Homestead Harvest Festival
A big, well-loved harvest festival at a working orchard — one of the most popular fall gatherings in the area.
Baby Goat Snuggles
Exactly what it sounds like — a hands-on afternoon with baby goats on a Clarke County farm. A guaranteed hit with young kids.
Harvest Festival
A family-friendly harvest celebration with hayrides, s'mores, hot chocolate, and fall games.
Succulent Pumpkin Workshop
A hands-on workshop planting succulents into mini pumpkins — a cute, low-key fall craft night.
Watermelon Pickers' Fest
A community farm festival at the Ruritan Fairgrounds, wrapping up the last of the summer produce season.
Annual Apple Butter Festival
A long-running fall tradition just across the state line — apple butter made the old-fashioned way, plus vendors and community food.
Fall Festival Fun
Moon bounces, bouncing animals, games, crafts, music and autumn-themed adventures — including a visit from Mr. Turkey. Parents don't pay.
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.
The Pumpkin Patch at Hill High Farm
A working Century Farm with pick-your-own apples, a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, an 8-acre corn maze, and antique farm equipment on display. Free to visit; corn maze and hayride ticketed separately.
Ramble 2026
A morning ramble through the historic working farm at Frying Pan Park — animals, gardens and open fields to explore.
2026 Fall Festival at Magnolia Meadow Farms
A fall festival at a working farm — hayrides, farm animals, and pumpkins in a picturesque country setting.
Fall Festivals & Craft Shows(50)
Historic villages, town Main Streets, and county fairgrounds turned into juried craft markets and harvest festivals.
Waterford Fair
The mid-Atlantic's quintessential fall craft fair — 85+ juried heritage and contemporary artisans exhibiting in the National Historic Landmark village, plus home tours, live old-time music, and a wine & beer garden. 82nd annual.
Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival
The 47th annual festival — Main Street fills with 160+ booths of handmade goods, artisan crafts, live music and food. One of the top 20 events in the Southeast, drawing up to 25,000 visitors.
Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival
Over 50 years running — local and regional artisans across two open-air buildings, a Kidzone, apple pie baking & eating contests, a classic car show, and a "Tap & Cork" craft beer/cider section. Pet-friendly.
BRAMtoberfest
An Oktoberfest-style fall celebration — live music, food and drink vendors, and family activities in the town square.
Lucketts Fall Market
200+ "vintage hip" vendors — antiques, repurposed furniture and one-of-a-kind design finds — now in its 25th year. Live music and beer garden on-site.
Fall Shred
Free community document-shredding event at South Riding Center — shred only, no electronics or donations accepted.
Art in the Plains (Grace Episcopal Church Art Show)
77th anniversary of this juried regional art show — nearly 100 local artists, 300 original works, live music, food trucks and wine tastings on the church green Saturday; show continues Sunday 12–4pm.
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Flying Circus Aerodrome's annual balloon festival — weather-dependent morning and evening hot air balloon launches both days, plus their regular afternoon airshow (biplane barnstorming, wing walking, aerobatics). Suitable for all ages.
National Jelly Roll Day Sew-along
A day of sewing, community, and jelly-roll inspiration in the Learning Loft at Webfabrics — bring a machine and your own project, or pick up a bundle from the shop. Beginners welcome.
3rd Annual Paws N' Pumpkins
A free, dog-friendly community day hosted by Ridgeside K9 — live music, local vendors, food and drink, and pet-friendly activities in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Family Movie Night — PenFed Plaza
Free outdoor movie screenings on PenFed Plaza — bring a folding chair and blanket for family-friendly films under the stars.
Fairfax County LEGO Exhibit
An immersive LEGO installation celebrating Fairfax County's 250th anniversary — free, indoor, spans the whole fall season.
Fall Festival by Joshua's Hands
A beloved Loudoun tradition celebrating America's 250th this year — free family festival with hayrides, pony rides, carnival-style games, a petting farm, crafts, live entertainment, music bingo and an obstacle course. Also benefits Joshua's Hands' charity work (see the Charity section above).
Oktoberfest
A family-friendly Oktoberfest with Kiddie Academy on board for kids' activities alongside the usual German food and beer-garden atmosphere.
The 54th Annual Festival of Leaves
One of the region's biggest and longest-running fall festivals — worth the drive out to Front Royal for the full downtown-takeover experience.
50th Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival
A major milestone year for this long-running craft festival — worth the trip across the state line for the 50th anniversary.
Quad State Holiday Pickle Fest
A National Pickle Day celebration drawing visitors from four states — a quirky, food-forward pick if you're up for a slightly longer drive.
Nature Bobsledding
A dry-land bobsled-style ride through the woods — a fun, unusual family outing. Ages 8+, $15.
Wildfest 2026
A native-plant nursery's community festival — hands-on activities, local food vendors and a chance to learn about native landscaping.
Archwood Green Barns Farmers' Market
A historic restored horse barn turned weekly market — up to 40 local farmers and artisans, indoor and outdoor, rain or shine.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
The 30th annual Lovettsville Oktoberfest returns to its roots this year — moved into the historic downtown for a walkable, community-centered celebration of the town's German heritage. Stein hauling, stein hoisting, the famous wiener dog races, live German entertainment, and a kinderfest for the kids. Dog-friendly, rain or shine.
Stampede Rodeo & Bullriding
A real rodeo — bull riding and Western-style entertainment for the whole family. Draws a big crowd every year.
3rd Annual Fast & Furious Autos (FFA) Car Show
A family car show at a working vineyard — classic and custom cars on display, plus the vineyard's usual food and drink.
Centreville Day
Centreville's annual community festival — vendors, food, live entertainment and family activities on the town green.
LoCo/PRCS Kids Fest
Loudoun County's award-winning Labor Day tradition — a free, full day of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages.
Bluemont Fair (56th Annual)
Breathe in some mountain air, shop craft vendors, and get an early start on the holiday gift list. $10 admission, children 9 and under free.
Douglass Legacy Day
A free community celebration honoring the history, impact and enduring legacy of Douglass High School — Loudoun County's first and only Black high school, 1941–1968. Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and educational experiences.
Colonial Market & Fair
Step back in time — colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts, live period music, and 18th-century games on the 12-acre field. Adults $30, youth 6–11 $16, under 6 free.
Venardos Circus
Broadway-style, animal-free circus under the big top — aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and comedy performers backed by an original score. Founded by former Ringling Bros. ringmaster Kevin Venardos. Ticketed.
Mosaic Fall Festival
A weekend of family-friendly fun with over 90 handmade and vintage vendors, live music and performances, a Kids' Zone, and pumpkin painting.
Bug Fest
Get up close with the creepy and crawly world of insects — hands-on learning, games, and bug-themed fun for the whole family.
Vienna Oktoberfest
Beer, wine, food, music, vendors and kids' activities on historic Church Street. Free admission.
City of Fairfax Fall Festival
More than 400 arts, crafts, information and gourmet food vendors, children's activities, and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages.
UCP Fall Art and Craft Fair
Browse handmade art and original works from talented local artists — jewelry, pottery, seasonal décor and more, supporting the community's creativity.
Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts
An immersive two-day festival transforming the streets of Capital One Center into a multi-block celebration of the arts — interactive installations, hands-on workshops, live music and culinary experiences for every generation.
Bluey x CAMP: Bluey's House
Step inside the home of Bluey at this immersive pop-up experience for the littlest fans. Ticketed.
Theatre in the Park: Woody Guthrie's American Song
A musical journey through the songs and spirit of Woody Guthrie, staged outdoors in the park.
Ashburn Village Fall Fest
Free community fall festival with live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and a beer garden. Optional activity wristbands cover bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides and a video game truck.
The Big Flea — Fall 2026
A big seasonal flea market and antique sale in downtown Berryville — seek, discover, and explore.
38th Annual Leesburg Car Show
Downtown Leesburg fills with classic and custom cars for one of the region's longest-running car shows.
Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival
A quirky food festival built around two beloved comfort foods — pickles and grilled cheese — with vendors, music and family activities.
LoCo Fest 2026
A big community festival celebrating all things Loudoun County — local vendors, food and live entertainment.
DTFest 2026
A carnival takeover of One Loudoun — rides, games and family fun for the whole neighborhood.
Oktoberfest Market at Bear Chase Brewing Co.
A German-style market day at the brewery — vendors, food and family-friendly Oktoberfest fun.
Fabbioli's Diagon Alley Market 2026
A Harry Potter-themed vendor market at the winery — wizarding wares, crafts and family-friendly fun.
Leesburg Airshow
Hosted by Leesburg's Parks and Recreation — a full afternoon of aerial performances and ground displays for the whole family.
2026 DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival
A weekend celebration of chocolate and coffee makers from across the region — sampling, vendors and family-friendly treats.
47th Annual Mid Atlantic Police Motorcycle Rodeo
Police motorcycle skills competitions and demonstrations from agencies across the region — a fun, family-friendly spectator event.
Movie Nights: Paddington in Peru
A free outdoor movie night on the lawn at One Loudoun — bring a blanket and settle in.
Middleway Day — Village Street Festival
Celebrating the village's 250th anniversary — a street festival with local vendors, food and community history in one of the region's oldest villages.
5Ks, fun runs, and races that double as a good excuse to be outside while the weather's perfect.
Freeze Your Gizzard Cross Country 5K & Fun Run
A 5K and 1-mile fun run benefiting Loudoun Hunger Relief — a Leesburg late-fall tradition.
Dog Days of Summer 5K & 10K
A dog-friendly 5K/10K on the rolling hills and trails around WARF, benefiting the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. Strollers and walkers welcome.
Running on Lemonade 5K
A community 5K and 1-mile run in Warrenton supporting children and families battling cancer.
2026 Pleasant Valley 5K Run/Walk & Aquathlon
A 5K run/walk, a swim/run aquathlon, a virtual 5K option, and an afternoon dog swim — proceeds support the Pleasant Valley Pool and two local charity partners.
Run On The Rocks — 10 Miler, Half Marathon & 20 Miler
A flat, scenic out-and-back on the C&O Canal Towpath along the Potomac — just across the river from Loudoun. Chip-timed, custom finisher medals.
Muddy Mamas Mud Run + Obstacle Course
A big, family-friendly mud run and obstacle course — 971 people already marked interested. A different kind of fall outing.
Heeling House 5K
A charity 5K supporting a local dog rescue organization — a family-friendly run through Ida Lee Park.
Second Annual Waterford Bicycle Classic
A scenic ride through Loudoun's historic countryside, starting and ending at the brewery — multiple route lengths for all riding levels.
Farm tours, orchards and drives to catch peak color in the Blue Ridge foothills.
Fauquier Fall Farm Tour
Self-guided tour of local farms — field crops, livestock, hayrides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos and farm-fresh flavors across the county.
Bluemont Vineyard & the Blue Ridge foothills
Right across from Great Country Farms — sweeping mountain-view foliage with a glass of wine, easily paired with a farm visit the same day.
VHSA Hunter Show Series
Family-friendly spectator horse shows at a welcoming, family-oriented equestrian center — great footing, spectator seating, and a fun atmosphere for all riding levels.
Fall Starter Horse Trial and Combined Test
An eventing competition open to spectators — cross country, dressage and jumping in one family-friendly outing.
VHSA/BHSA/TIP Jumper Show
A regular jumper show that happens to land near Halloween — not holiday-themed, just a great weekend for horse-loving families to watch some jumping.
Full Moon Hike — Hunter's Moon
An evening guided hike timed to October's Hunter's Moon, hosted by Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
Reel Memories Trout Derby
Anglers of all ages cast in for a whopper of a good time — prizes for the most fish caught in each age category. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Twilight Canoe Paddle
Paddle into the golden glow of evening and take advantage of twilight to watch birds return to their roost. Life jackets provided and required.
Morven Park International
A world-class equestrian driving competition set on Morven Park's historic grounds — a beautiful fall spectator event for the whole family.
First Saturdays at Sky Meadows
A monthly state park program with hikes, history and hands-on nature activities for families.
Hiking Meet-Up at Dirt Farm
A community hiking meet-up starting at the farm, exploring the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills.
7th Annual Polo Classic
An afternoon of polo matches, tailgating and family fun at a picturesque farm setting — presented by MARS.
Wildlife and Waves: Evening Kayaking Tour
A guided evening kayak tour along the Potomac — watch for wildlife as the light turns golden over the water.
Ticketed concerts and shows worth the drive this fall.
Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration ft. National Symphony Orchestra
The National Symphony Orchestra performs a symphonic tribute to Jerry Garcia at Wolf Trap's outdoor Filene Center. Tickets required.
Turkey Trots & Thanksgiving Preview(2)
A quick preview of what's coming in Thanksgiving week — the full guide (parades, food drives and more) lands at thanksgiving.joyinnova.com when it's ready.
Berryville Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run
Celebrating 5 years — a chip-timed 5K and kids fun run hosted by John H. Enders Fire Company & Rescue Squad, with top-3 age-group awards and a food drive for FISH of Clarke County.
Gobble Gobble Run or Wobble
A community Thanksgiving-week fun run/walk in Old Town Warrenton — open to all paces.
Also on the way for Thanksgiving week: the Lansdowne, Herndon, Purcellville and Reston turkey trots — 2026 dates aren't confirmed yet, so check back or watch thanksgiving.joyinnova.com once it's live.