There’s something magical about autumn in the DMV — crisp air, golden leaves, pumpkin spice everywhere, and the chance to slow down a bit with family and friends. Megan here, fresh off planning some fall activities, and Shelby can’t wait to get outside with her camera again. It’s tough to be a photographer who can’t use a shoulder — but no worries, physical therapy is going well, and she’ll be back at it soon. Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here forever, fall gives us an excuse to explore, connect, and build memories. And of course our favorite part, is capturing all of the joy and sharing it with you!

Below we’ve pulled together a curated list of some of the best fall events in Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, and beyond — family-friendly, festive, and full of tradition.

🍂 Nothing says fall like diving into a giant pile of leaves! 🍁
📸: Shelby Leigh Photography, LLC

These are some of our favorites for this season (late September through mid-November). We’ve grouped them so you can pick what fits your vibe or schedule. And trust us, this is a short list! Wherever you are in the DMV, take some time to scout out what activities work best for you and your family!

🌾 Outdoor & Farm-Style Fun

Great Country Farms Fall Pumpkin Harvest (Loudoun area)
A staple for folks who love pumpkin patches, cider donuts, hayrides, and picking pumpkins. (Dates: full October, likely through end of the month; check local site for exact calendar.)
Leesburg Animal Park — Pumpkin Village Fall Fest (Loudoun County)
Opens September 20, 2025, through November 4. Preview weekend September 13-14. Attractions include giant hill slides, moon bounces, wagon rides, a corn bin, pedal carts, lots of animal encounters (petting, feeding), pony rides, weekend entertainment, seasonal food, and more.
Cox Farms Fall Festival (Centreville / Fairfax County)
Runs September 20 – November 9, 2025, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in September & October, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Their Fall Festival includes hayrides, the “Cornundrum” cornfield maze, giant slides, goat village, huge pumpkins, rope swings, toddlers’ play zones, live music, and much more. Big hit for families.

🎉 Festivals & Community Events

Reston Multicultural Festival (Reston, Fairfax County) — celebrate the many cultures that make up our community with food, performances, kids’ activities. (September 20)
Bluemont Fair — art, crafts, jams, music in Bluemont; lovely chance to wander, shop local, eat good food. (September 20-21)
Leesburg Air Show — aerial performances, static tarmac displays, kids activities, food and fun. (September 27)
Vienna Oktoberfest (Vienna, Fairfax County) — music, food, and festive atmosphere. (October 4)
City of Fairfax Fall Festival — crafts, kids’ play, everything to make an easy afternoon of fall fun. (October 11)
Manassas Fall Jubilee (Prince William County) — heritage crafts, food, music, community feel. (October 5)
Haymarket Day 2025 — a lovely hometown city-wide street festival, complete with parade, performances, live music, delicious food and fun. (October 18)
(we’d totally be remiss not to mention this one, as we love the small “Stars Hollow” vibe of our town!)

🍷 Arts, Wine, & Evening Events

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon — beautiful backdrop, good for couples who enjoy a relaxed evening with views and wine. This one may sell out, so get your tickets early if you plan to go. (October 10-12)
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival — bring the kids! Seasonal foods, crafts, tours of gardens, beautiful foliage to enjoy. (October 18-19)
Waterford Fair — arts and crafts fair, picturesque setting (historic village). (October 3-5)

🎨 Arts & Crafts / Markets

Heritage Harvest Festival at Loudoun Heritage Museum — offers a blend of history, harvest, and artisanal crafts. (September 27)
Fall Festival + Artisan Market at Fairfax Corner — shop local artisans, seasonal food, family-friendly environment. (October 18)
Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show — browsing vendors, nice walk, food options, good for a laid-back weekend. (September 27-28)

👍 Why Fall Events Make Great Tradition

Shelby here: there’s more to fall than pumpkins and leaves. These events are how traditions begin — the moments when kids’ faces light up on the hayride, the smell of cider donuts, that chill in the air just before sunset. They’re simple, but rich. Visiting the same farm, walking through the same fair every year, learning new things about your county — it builds roots.

Megan adds: for us photographers, fall is also one of the most magical seasons for lighting, color, and capturing warmth. Getting out to these events is a way to slow time, to see familiar places in new light. And for your family or friend group, these can become “the thing we do every fall.” Something to to look forward to.

🔎 Know…Before You Go

Always check event websites or social media beforehand — times, ticketing, or even schedule shifts can change. And as much as we hate to admit it, once in a while, we may get it wrong, too! We try hard to get it right, but better safe than sorry as we don’t want to be responsible for a date mistake!
Dress in layers. Fall mornings are crisp, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly.
Bring cash or small bills if there are artisan vendors or food trucks — sometimes payment options are limited.
Weekdays or preview weekends can be less busy, more relaxing if you want a calmer experience.

🌟 Which Event Should You Pick First?

If you’ve only got one weekend, here are two we think are must-does:

Great Country Farms Fall Pumpkin Harvest (Loudoun area)
A staple for folks who love pumpkin patches, cider donuts, hayrides, and picking pumpkins. (Dates: full October, likely through end of the month; check local site for exact calendar.)
Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — great mix of animals + classic fall fun + photo-friendly settings.
Bealeton Hot Air Balloon Festival — mostly because we wanted to make sure you are paying attention to ALLLL of the activities offered…and, it’s on our bucket list!

Let us know what you end up doing! If you go, share your photos. If you have an event we didn’t list but love, we’d love to hear about it.

🍁 Falling into Traditions That Last: Northern Virginia and DMV Fall Happenings