🍁 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.

Creating Family Traditions Through Travel: Why Vacations Matter More Than Ever

This summer, Shutter and Compass packed our bags for one of our biggest adventures yet. Megan and Shelby, along with their families—six teenagers and two husbands in tow—headed to Florida to experience the brand-new Epic Universe Theme Park at Universal Orlando, plus time at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and all four Walt Disney World parks.

To say it was EPIC just doesn’t do it justice.

Yes, it was a work trip (we’re already preparing guides and tips for Epic Universe!), but it was also a chance to slow down, laugh until our cheeks hurt, and make lasting memories with our families—especially with our oldest teens now 19. How many 19 year-olds do you know who willfully spend quality vacation time with the family still?!! We soaked in every moment.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about who you go with and the traditions you create along the way.

Why Travel Traditions Matter

For Megan’s family, Disney has been a thread woven into their story. Living close to Disneyland meant multiple visits over the years—park days filled with churros, fireworks, and watching her kids grow from toddlers on Dumbo to teens conquering Space Mountain. Those shared trips became a family tradition, one that has created lasting bonds.

Shelby’s family story looks a little different, but the heart is the same. After falling in love with all things Disney—Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and even Disney Cruises—her family decided to join the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) in 2019.

What is Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?

Think of DVC as Disney’s version of a timeshare—but much more flexible. Members purchase points that can be used for stays at DVC resorts, Disney’s deluxe hotels, or even adventures around the globe through Disney’s travel partners. It’s a way to guarantee future vacations while giving families the freedom to decide when and where to travel. For Shelby, DVC was an investment in tradition—ensuring that Disney magic can be passed down to her kids for years to come.

And here’s the truth: it’s never too early to start traveling with your kids.

Shelby’s first Disney trip with her children included a five-year-old and a one-year-old. Did the one-year-old remember it? No. But the family sure does. The sparkle in his eyes, the way he lit up at the sights and sounds—all of those tiny magical moments are etched into the family’s hearts. That’s the beauty of travel: sometimes the memories belong more to the parents, but they still shape the family’s story.

Big Vacations Aren’t the Only Vacations

We’ll be the first to admit—we love the big, splashy theme park trips. But you don’t have to go cross-country or across the world to create unforgettable family traditions. Some of the best vacations are the ones that become simple, annual getaways:

✨ A long weekend at the beach. Whether it’s the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, or a hidden coastal gem, families return year after year to sandy toes, seashell hunts, and sunset walks.

✨ A mountain retreat. Renting a cozy cabin in the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains can be just as magical. Hiking, roasting marshmallows, and sitting by the fire—those moments stick.

✨ An annual road trip. Pick a destination within driving distance (a favorite small town, a local amusement park, or a state park) and make it a yearly tradition. The drive itself often becomes part of the fun!

The destination doesn’t matter as much as the commitment to go. What your kids will remember is the laughter, the games, the food stops, and the shared adventures.

Travel Shapes Families—and Kids’ Futures

As our audience continues to get to know us, you’ll see that for both Megan and Shelby, travel is about so much more than vacations. Travel opens minds, sparks curiosity, and creates connections—to new places, new cultures, and most importantly, to each other.

When families prioritize travel—whether it’s Disney or a quick beach weekend—they’re investing in something bigger than a trip. They’re teaching their kids that it’s okay to pause the chaos of life, step into something different, and create memories that last far beyond the vacation itself.

Shutter and Compass

Magic Kingdom 2025

The Bekkedahl’s (minus 1)

and

The Whites (plus 1)

Also, Photo Credit goes to the photographers at Disney!
We highly recommend the Photo Pass/Memory Maker.

Did you know you can get a discount if you’re military?
More information HERE

Final Thoughts

Our trip to Orlando this summer was unforgettable—Epic Universe, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all gave us moments we’ll never forget. But what made it truly magical was sharing it with our families.

So here’s our encouragement to you: start your own travel traditions. They don’t have to be big or expensive. They just need to be yours.

Because when the kids are grown, and the photos are tucked away in albums, you’ll realize those vacations weren’t just trips. They were the heartbeat of your family story.
Also, if you’re wondering what all the fuss is over EPIC (and Universal and Disney, if you haven’t been)…we got you covered! We’ll be deep diving into our trip with fun anecdotes, tips, and so much more!!