A Perfect Day in Haymarket, VA: Small-Town Charm, Local Flavor, and Haymarket Day 2025

We’ve covered some of the major events happening in the Northern Virginia / DMV area this fall (did anyone get out to see Bealeton’s Balloon Festival?!), but we really wanted to spend some time sharing a bit about our little hometown, Haymarket. If you want to see Haymarket at its very best, plan your visit around Haymarket Day—the town’s biggest event of the year. But even on a quiet weekend, this historic small town has a Hallmark-movie charm that’s impossible to resist. If you’re into Gilmore Girls at all…think Stars Hollow…we even have our everyday hangouts that never get old! Now if we could just find Luke…ha! With roots tracing back to 1799, Haymarket has always been a crossroads for travelers and locals, and today it still shines as a place to slow down, shop small, and savor the moment.

Strolling and Shopping in Downtown Haymarket

One of the best ways to experience Haymarket, Virginia, is by browsing its locally owned shops. At Details for the Home, every shelf feels like a curated treasure chest, filled with seasonal décor, artisan candles, stylish kitchenware, and hostess gifts. The ever-changing inventory—from cozy autumn accents to breezy summer pieces—makes it a place you’ll want to revisit often. Less than two minutes away (by car) is Peace & Laughter Holistic Boutique, located in a little shopping square in the heart of Haymarket. This charming, new-age store invites you into a calming space full of crystals, teas, journals, and wellness finds. The boutique also hosts unique community events like moon circles and tarot nights that give it an extra layer of charm. For a treasure-hunt vibe, step inside The Copper Cricket, an upscale consignment shop that earned a Best of Virginia 2025 Award. From gently loved furniture to vintage décor and statement pieces, it’s a place where every item feels like it has a story.

And of course, Sundays (April–November) bring the Haymarket Farmers Market, the true heartbeat of the community. Some of our favorite regular vendors include Love Bites Company (@lovebitescompany) with natural dog treats - which also means that the market is pet-friendly, Bejeweled Era offering permanent jewelry and more, Jimmy’s Hatch Pepper Salsa (@jimmyshatchpeppersalsa) with bold salsa flavors, and Marshamello Desserts (@marshamellodesserts) for handcrafted sweets, including amazing homemade marshmallows in varying flavors and refreshing lemonade in the summer. Haymarket has been a gathering place since its founding, and the market keeps that spirit alive today.

Where to Eat and Drink in Haymarket

Start your morning at Hidden Julles Café, a cozy spot known for fresh pastries, bold coffee, and smoothies that taste like vacation in a glass. The stuffed French toast, Mediterranean avocado toast, or a power-packed smoothie are all highly recommended. Their lunch menu—sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls—makes it a perfect mid-day stop (and since Peace and Laughter is in the same square, it makes sense to do both!). Also, if you want to check out our Hidden Julles reel in Instagram (along with the fabulous Meghan Bogue), you can check in out HERE.

For a sweet pick-me-up, Cupcake Heaven of Haymarket is just across the street, and it delivers with its famous cupcakes (don’t miss the Butterbeer cupcake - just trust us as Megan swears by it!), plus seasonal lattes that rotate throughout the year. When dinner time rolls around, Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is the local go-to. With homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and dishes like the lemony Chicken Francese (Shelby’s favorite), it’s a staple for date nights, family gatherings, and everything in between. Pair your meal with a glass of wine on their covered patio for the perfect evening. For bold flavors and about a two mile drive from Haymarket’s center, Tacos & Tequila hits the spot with street-style tacos, trio dippers, loaded nachos (get the short rib!), and colorful margaritas. The vibrant murals by local artist Meghan Bogue of Wholeheart Murals (@wholeheartmurals) make the dining experience as much about atmosphere as flavor.

What to Do in Haymarket

The Haymarket Museum, housed in an 1883 schoolhouse, is a meaningful stop where you can learn about Civil War history, see original artifacts, and even enjoy rotating exhibits of local artwork. When we visited, we had the museum to ourselves, which made the experience both quiet and memorable. If you’re craving fresh air, James S. Long Regional Park is just minutes away, offering trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and even a late-summer sunflower patch. It’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind outdoors. Sometimes the best way to enjoy Haymarket is the simplest—boutique browsing and porch sitting. With a coffee in hand, stroll along Washington Street, chat with shop owners, and embrace the small-town friendliness that makes Haymarket so special.

Haymarket Day 2025

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 AM–4 PM. Haymarket Day is the town’s signature annual festival, drawing over 15,000 visitors each year. The event begins with a lively parade at 10 AM, followed by 200+ vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Regular vendors include A Pup’s Valley, known for handmade dog treats, toys, and accessories, alongside artisans, jewelers, and crafters. Food trucks serve up everything from barbecue to international eats, making it a foodie’s dream. Parking is available at Tyler Elementary School and the Healthcote Blvd Park & Ride, with free shuttles running all day.

Haymarket Day has been voted Readers’ Best Annual Event by Haymarket Lifestyle Magazine five years in a row!! This special day is truly the ultimate way to experience the town’s community spirit.

Haymarket is a town that doesn’t rely on flashy attractions—it shines with authenticity. From sipping coffee on a sunny porch to wandering the farmers market, every moment feels personal and memorable. But if you really want to see Haymarket at its best, don’t miss Haymarket Day 2025 on October 18th. Bring friends, family, and even your pup—you’ll leave with a full heart, a happy belly, and maybe a few treasures to take home.

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

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:

1. 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.)

2. Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — great mix of animals + classic fall fun + photo-friendly settings.

3. 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.