Things to Do in Loudoun County: 2026 Fall Festivals, Events & More

If you’ve never been to the Potomac River Valley during sweater weather, you’re truly missing out. The landscape shows off with a vibrant splash of autumn foliage while historic towns and villages throughout the region host must-attend fall festivals and kid-friendly events. To help you plan your visit, we rounded up fun things to do in Loudoun County — and slightly beyond — from September through November.

Sept. 19 | 50^th Annual Falls Church Festival

Fun for the whole family, the Falls Church Festival offers live music, children’s entertainment and activities, a beer garden and the opportunity to sample local cuisine. This year’s Taste of Falls Church includes offerings from Audacious Aleworks, Badd Pizza, Cafe Kindred, Hot N Juicy Crawfish, Taco Rock and more. Come for the fun, stay for the food. Event admission is free. Ride and Taste tickets can be purchased on-site.

Sept. 19-20 | Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon

2026 has been a banner year for George Washington. It marked the 250^th anniversary of our nation’s independence (thanks to George’s strategy as general of the Continental Army). What better time to visit his estate? On Sept. 19 and 20, Mount Vernon will host its Colonial Market & Fair where you can browse 18^th-century wares made by craftspeople in an open-air marketplace, enjoy Early American entertainment and even meet Old George himself. Secure your admission in advance.

Sept. 19-Nov. 8 | Cox Farms Fall Festival

Visitors of all ages can experience down-on-the-farm fun during the seven-week run of Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centreville. 22 Individual attractions — from a world-famous hayride to its Cornundrum maze and a music stage to multiple themed slides — make this one of the top fall festivals in Northern Virginia. Purchase your tickets online.

Sept. 19 & 26 | Family Flashlight Corn Maze Nights

The sun goes down and the fun pops up for Family Flashlight Corn Maze Nights at Great Country Farms in Bluemont. Challenge your crew to find their way through the stalks guided only by flashlight (bring your own!) and moonbeams. Once you’ve beaten the maze, meet friendly farm animals and roast marshmallows over a bonfire. Tickets can be purchased on the farm or at a discount online.

Sept. 19-20 | Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival

Just a short drive from Loudoun County, Frederick County Fairgrounds is home to the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival. There are so many kid- and pet-friendly things to do here, including contests for apple pie baking (and eating!), live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable play places, artisans and concessions — plus a classic car and hot rod show. Get your tickets online.

Sept. 26-27 | 24^th Annual Alexandria Art Festival

John Carlyle Square comes alive every year when it hosts the Alexandria Art Festival. Named one of the top 100 shows of its kind in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this event showcases juried works that highlight the diversity and creativity of the artists. Admission is free.

Sept. 26-27 | Bull Run Wine Festival

The Winery at Bull Run Vineyard in Centreville is a true American original, growing Norton grapes that were born right here in Virginia! The Bull Run Wine Festival is the ideal time to sip and savor its varietals (plus more from other local wineries), listen to live music, gather up a food truck feast and spend the day amongst the vines. Purchase your tickets online.

Sept. 26-27 | Mosaic Fall Fest

The Mosaic Fall Fest brings family fun to Fairfax. Check out over 90 handmade and vintage vendors plus activities for all ages. The Saturday live music lineup includes performances by Roxanne Cook, Cassaday Concoction and more, and Sunday’s showcases School of Rock, Pebble of Pearl and others. 

Oct. 2-4 | 82^nd Annual Waterford Fair

Every year, American arts and history are celebrated at this one-of-a-kind fall event in Waterford. Enjoy offerings from 225+ craftspeople and artisans, tours of historic homes, the Waterford Craft School Tent and main stage entertainment. New this year — purchase a single pass to gain admittance all three event days.

Oct. 3 | BRAMtoberfest

Brambleton Town Center puts their own spin on Oktoberfest with their annual BRAMtoberfest. Kids love all of the carnival games and rides. Adults love the beer garden and everyone eats well from their choice of food trucks. This year’s options include Lupita’s Taqueria, Holy Smokes Cheese Company, The MoMo Cart and many others. Beer garden tickets and ride-all-day bracelets area available for purchase on-site. The event rain date is Oct. 4.

Oct. 3 | Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival

This fall event in Warrenton is so popular that the event organizer sold out of spaces for artisans, food trucks and community organizations. Join thousands of other attendees as you stroll up and down Main, Falmouth and Winchester Streets, perusing over 150 booths of handmade jewelry, candles, wood furniture and more craft goods.

Oct. 3 | Vienna Oktoberfest

Make your way down to historic Church Street to celebrate Vienna Oktoberfest. Sip the day away at a Beer & Wine Garden while the littles play in its Kid Zone. Feel the beat with three stages of live music. Feast on traditional German fare and check out the massive vendor marketplace. Admission is free and so is the shuttle to get you to the fun from Vienna Metro, James Madison High School and the W&OD Trail.

Oct. 8-11 | Morven Park International

Attention, horse lovers: The Morven Park International is an Olympic-level competition featuring the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final. Join other spectators in witnessing equine feats in cross-country jumping, dressage and fast-paced show jumping. Reserve your space for ticketed events online.

Oct. 9-11 | Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival

Head back to George’s estate to raise a toast to Virginia’s Wine Country and our first president. He will, of course, be in attendance at the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival. You’ll sample Virginian varietals from 20 local vintners, take home a souvenir wine glass and enjoy an evening tour of George’s mansion as well as live music from Bruce Ewan & Johnny Burgin Blues Band. Purchase your tickets online.

Oct. 10 | 50^th Annual City of Fairfax Fall Festival

This fall event in Fairfax is celebrating 50 years in 2026. It’s also your chance to connect with and support more than 400 crafters and artisans. Fuel up with fare from food vendors. Relax in beer gardens. Treat the kids to ride tickets. Hit the Main, Old Town Square and Children’s Stages for live entertainment all day long. This event will be held rain or shine and general admission is free.

Oct. 10 | Fauquier County Fall Farm Tour

If you like horses and seeing where your food, milk and fiber come from, the self-guided Fauquier County Farm Tour is for you. Explore nine family-owned farms — Cool Lawn Farm, Messicks Farm Market, Picturesque Farm, Powers Farm & Brewery, American Heritage Farm, Tweedside Farm, Dorato Performance Horses, Hidden Creek Farm and Liberty Farm — all at your own pace. Learn more on the event website.

Oct. 17 | 34^th Annual Centreville Day

You can feel the local pride at Centreville Day. Kids can play the day away with a scavenger hunt, make-and-take crafts, rides, activities and a parade. Your pets can even get in on the action with programming designed just for them! Historical reenactors will also put you in touch with the region’s past. This event is free to the public.

Oct. 17-18 | Loudoun Fall Farm Tour

Over 30 local farms are participating in this year’s Loudoun Fall Farm Tour, each offering a unique agricultural experience. Meet friendly llamas, alpacas and donkeys. Get your fill of dreamy ice cream. Sip craft beverages. And learn how honey, mushrooms, veggies and garlic are harvested. Visit the event website to map out your day!

Oct. 24-25 | Breaux Vineyards Harvest Festival

Celebrate the harvesting of grapes in the age-old vine-to-glass process at the Breaux Vineyards Harvest Festival. Pair your favorite varietals with delicious foods. Listen to live music throughout the day and make time to check out the local vendors. Festival admission is free.

Oct. 24-25 | Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days

George is hosting yet another fall event at Mount Vernon. The estate’s Fall Harvest Family Days transport visitors back to the 1700s in the best way. Horses perform wheat treading in his replica 16-sided barn. Interpreters demonstrate how soap and other household necessities were made and more. You can also meet animals and play popular 18^th-century games. Reserve your admission online.

Nov. 1-3 | Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival

Great Country Farms in Bluemont hosts one of the most fun things to do in Loudoun County — their Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival. BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) to get chunked in one of the farm’s many smashin’ stations. Don’t worry — the smashed pumpkins will be eaten by the farm’s pigs and cows or be turned into compost. Check out the farm’s website for admission pricing and details.

Nov. 14 | LoCo Cider Fest

After all the pumpkin chunks from the Nov. 1-3 festival have been consumed or composted, Great Country Farms in Bluemont is happy to host the LoCo Cider Fest. This is your chance to sip hard cider in the Loudoun County countryside. These tastings can be paired with seasonal food, hands-on farm experiences and live music. Get your tickets today.

Nov. 21-22 | LoCo Wine Festival

After sampling Loudoun County’s hard cider, it’s time to sip its varietals at the LoCo Wine Festival hosted by Old Farm Winery at Hartland. Several local vineyards will be pouring out their best just for you while live music dances through the air. Be sure to fuel up at the food trucks and check out the artisan market, too. Secure your tickets online.

All The Fall Things (yes, there’s more!)

This season is also ripe for apple and pumpkin picking — some of our favorite local u-pick spots include Harland Orchard, Hollin Farms, Mackintosh Fruit Farm, Temple Hall Farm Pumpkin Patch, Cox Farms, Wayside Farm and Great Country Farms. Many of these locations also offer corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoos and more family fun. Top Tip: Due to unusual weather conditions earlier in the year, we recommend checking with your preferred orchard or farm for crop availability before heading out.

Can’t get enough of our Wine Country? We don’t blame you. October is actually Virginia Wine Month so you can plan a full itinerary to include all of your favorites among NoVA’s acclaimed vineyards. Many of them also host special events throughout the month and all year-round.

Next Up: The Holiday Season

If you’re already feeling stressed about hosting family at home for the holidays, may we suggest a new tradition? Gather your loved ones at Lansdowne Resort for a Thanksgiving feast and in celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. In addition to festive dining and events on the resort, we also transform our hotel and grounds into a magical Winter WonderLansdowne that places you nearby Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights and the Bull Run Festival of Lights.

Lansdowne Resort is the perfect home base for you to embrace all the fall feels and fun things to do in Loudoun County. We recommend reserving a Bundle Up stay package to enjoy AAA Four Diamond accommodations plus a welcome bottle of wine and charcuterie as well as a Lansdowne Resort blanket and s’mores kit to make the most of your cozy time beside our welcoming fire pits.