Pumpkins, craft fairs, apple cider — what's not to like about a fall festival? There are plenty of great options coming up this fall!
Image courtesy of Waterford Fair
VC Garrison, for her painting “Waterford Shadows,” chosen as the 2025 cover art for the Waterford Fair.
One of the most anticipated fall festivals each year is the 81st annual Waterford Fair, a vibrant fall event celebrating Americana with contemporary craft artisans, a juried art show, historic home and garden tours, music and street entertainment, food and local libations (including a beer and wine garden), and many hands-on activities for children. This year, the fair is held Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
It’s held in the historic village of Waterford, about 50 miles from Alexandria. The setting—a beautifully preserved 18th-century village—adds a unique historic charm to the experience. The fair is the primary fundraiser for the Waterford Foundation, supporting historic preservation and educational programs in the village.
Here are a few more options coming up this fall in Northern Virginia:
Burke Centre Fall Festival – Burke, Fairfax County
Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (plus evening events on Sept 6)
Entry Fee: Free admission
Address: Conservancy Festival Grounds, 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, Va. 22015
A beloved community celebration featuring arts & crafts, live performances, emergency vehicle displays, pony rides, face painting, puppet and magic shows, and roaming entertainers—a perfect family outing. Approximately 19 miles from Alexandria
Mosaic District Fall Festival – Fairfax
Date & Time: Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 28–29, 2025 • 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Mosaic District, 2920 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va. 22031
This lively festival features more than 90 vendors, live music, street food, pumpkin painting, and selfie stations spread across the vibrant Mosaic District. Approximately 18 miles from Alexandria
Vienna Free Fall Oktoberfest – Vienna
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (time not specified, typically midday to evening)
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Vienna Town Green and Maple Avenue, Vienna, Va.
A German-themed outdoor festival with live music, cultural performances, community booths, dance lessons, and a dedicated kids’ zone. Approximately 22 miles from Alexandria
Fairfax Fall Festival – Old Town Fairfax
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free admission and parking
Address: North Street between Chain Bridge Road and University Drive, Fairfax, Va. 22030
Northern Virginia’s most highly anticipated autumn extravaganza, featuring over 400 vendors, live music, gourmet food trucks, and family-friendly activities including farm animals. Approximately 20 miles from Alexandria
Clifton Day Free Fall Festival – Clifton
Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2025 (time typically around 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Entry Fee: Free admission (parking may cost)
Address: Clifton Historic District, Clifton, Va. 20124
A charming street festival set in historic Clifton with local artisans, live music, food vendors, crafting booths, petting animals, pumpkin painting, and even train rides. Approximately 28 miles from Alexandria
Fall Jubilee – Downtown Manassas
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Main and Center Streets, Manassas, Va. 20110
This beloved annual festival features over 100 craft and community booths, live entertainment, costume parades, pumpkin painting, inflatables, magic shows, and more family fun. Approximately 33 miles from Alexandria
Apple Harvest Festival – Syria (Graves Mountain Farm)
Date & Time: Various weekends—Oct. 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, 2025 (times likely daytime hours)
Entry Fee: Likely paid admission (typical for farm festivals)
Address: Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Syria, Va.
Celebrate apple season with hay rides, live music, petting zoo, cider and pies, and plenty of farm-based fun set along the picturesque Rose River. Approximately 90 miles from Alexandria
Ravenwood Faire – Clear Brook
Date & Time: Two weekends in October—Oct. 17–19 and 24–26, 2025
Entry Fee: Likely paid admission (typical for Renaissance fairs)
Address: Ravenwood Faire, near Clear Brook, Va. (venue address via RavenwoodFaire.us)
This Renaissance spectacle offers archery, medieval contests like chess and dance, swordplay, handcrafted goods, lively entertainers, and rustic food in full period flair. Approximately 70 miles from Alexandria
