Summer is almost over, and that means it’s about to be time for fall foliage, hayrides and all things pumpkin spice. After a long summer of hot, humid days, there’s no better way to celebrate the cooler temperatures than a day with the family at one of these charming fall festivals in Virginia. From wine and craft beer to music and fall foliage, there’s an autumn event for every taste, budget and interest.
Neptune's Fall Wine Festival, Virginia Beach
Wine enthusiasts will love this festival at Neptune’s Park, which combines delicious wines with beautiful oceanfront views. Visitors receive a commemorative wine glass and can have tastings of over 70 wines throughout the event, which includes more than a dozen wineries as well as several cideries. There will be live entertainment and two food trucks serving a variety of tasty dishes.
Dates: September 16th-17th, 2023
Official Website
Colonial Market and Fair, Mount Vernon
Held on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field, the Colonial Market and Fair celebrates both fall and American history. Numerous costumed artisans will be on hand to demonstrate traditional crafts like basket weaving, wood carving, ironwork, and furniture making, while wares made from wood, metal and textiles will be available for purchase. Listen to colonial tunes and watch costumed interpreters making chocolate using an authentic recipe from the 18th century.
Dates: September 16th & 17th, 2023
Official Website
St. Benedict Oktoberfest, Richmond
The St. Benedict Oktoberfest in Richmond is one of the largest Oktoberfest events in the entire state. The free fall festival includes different types of craft and German beer, authentic German food and German and Austrian wine. Live entertainment will keep you on your toes, including a Polka band and traditional German music and dance, while desserts range from apple strudel and German chocolate cake to black forest cake.
Dates: September 15th-17th, 2023
Official Website
Virginia Chili, Blues N' Brews Festival, Waynesboro
Every year, the Virginia Chili, Blues N’ Brews Festival welcomes nearly 2,000 visitors from all over the region to enjoy some delicious chili, amazing blues artists and a variety of micro and mega brews from both local and national brands. It’s the perfect way to kick back and enjoy a laid-back autumn evening. Plus… if you’re a chili-maker, you have the chance to go home with a $2,500 prize and the title of the best chili in Virginia!
Dates: September 16th, 2023
Official Website
Genuine Bourbon, Bacon and Beach Music Fest, Smithfield
You may be used to seeing a lot of chili cook-offs and wine festivals in the fall, but what about one that celebrates bacon and bourbon? Yes, dreams do come true! The Genuine Bacon, Bourbon and Beach Music Fest in Smithfield offers tastings of small-batch and specialty bourbons, craft beers, live beach music, and, of course…bacon. Each ticket holder gets their own 1/2 lb. of bacon – that’s eight thick slices that you can either eat as is or take over to the bacon condiment tent where you can add seasonings, turn it into a wrap, or even put it on top of some nachos. There’s even a bacon-eating contest where you can win a year’s worth of bacon!
Date: November 11th, 2023
Official Website
Festival of Leaves, Front Royal
Held in the quaint downtown district of Front Royal, the Festival of Leaves celebrates the arrival of fall with a parade, living history interpretations, arts and crafts vendors, food and live music. While you are downtown enjoying the festival, history buffs will also want to check out the historic Belle Boyd Cottage and Balthis House, where you’ll find re-enactors, living history demonstrations and apple butter making.
Date: October 13th -14th, 2023
Official Website
