15 Can’t-Miss Fall Festivals in the D.C. Area

There is almost nothing more perfect than fall weather. Between the colors and the cool weather, attending outdoor festivals and activities is a must this season. We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite upcoming fall festivals. Bring your friends, your family and for some of these – your dog!

1. Oakland Autumn Glory Festival

Oct. 11-15 | Visit visitdeepcreek.com/50th-annual-autumn-glory-festival for more info.

Oakland, MD

Celebrate the beauty of fall at the annual Oakland Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland, MD.  Voted as one of the ‘Top 50 Small Towns with the Best Fall Foliage’ by Good Housekeeping, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This five-day celebration consists of parades, live music, art exhibits, shopping, food and so much more!

2. All Things Go Fall Classic

Oct. 6-8 | Visit allthingsgofallclassic.com/for lineup and ticket info.

Union Market, 1309 5th St., NE, D.C.

From the shining sun ‘til the glowing moon, anything goes at this fall festival in Washington, D.C. A slew of artists like Galantis, Foster the People and Bleachers will bring their feel-good sounds to compete with the sound of rustling leaves and enthusiastic fans. Local D.C. chefs will also be there to cook you up some delicious flavor to keep you fueled throughout the festival.

3. Das Best Oktoberfest

Oct. 14, Noon-2 p.m., VIP admission 2 p.m.-6 p.m. | Visit dasbestoktoberfest.com for more info.

M&T Bank Stadium Lots, Baltimore, MD

Great beer, great food and great times! Das Best Oktoberfest offers over 150 international, domestic, and local beers, wines and Schnapps. Live oompah bands, fun contests and tons of chances to win prizes.

4. Fairfax Fall Festival

Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | Free admission.

Old Town Fairfax, 3999 University Dr., Fairfax, VA

Come celebrate the 41st annual Fairfax Fall Festival. What began as a small art market has turned into a festival with over 400 vendors including arts and crafts, gourmet food, live entertainment and children’s activities. Fun for all ages!

5. Cox Farms Fall Festival

Sept. 22-Oct. 31 | Visit coxfarms.com for more info.

15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA

Looking for a fun-filled day? The most beloved fall celebration is here. Complete with giant slides, hayrides, petting zoo and the famous Cox Farms apple cider. Don’t forget to check out the Fields of Fear for a spooky night!

6. Taste of DC

Oct. 7-8, Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Taste After Dark 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Visit thetasteofdc.org for more info.

Lot 8 at the festival grounds of RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St., SE, D.C.

Bringing food and family together since 1989, Taste of DC is a deliciously packed weekend bringing you all that D.C. has to offer. This culinary festival is a cultural gathering of the best local food in the nation’s capital. Don’t miss the chili eating championship on Saturday!

7. Boo at the Zoo

Oct. 20-22, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Visit nationalzoo.si.edu/events/boo-zoo for more info.

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, D.C.

The National Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is fun for the whole family. Enjoy some treats, animal demonstrations and magicians. Let the little one dress up and have after-hours access to the Great Ape House, Think Tank, Great Cats Circle and so much more!

8. Northern Virginia Brewfest

Oct 21-22, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Visit novabrewfest.com for more info.

7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, VA

Enjoy the fine tastings of local breweries from the Northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland and the Pennsylvania area all in one location. Compete in the cornhole tournament or enjoy the TV tent. And for the kids, there is a moon bounce, face painter, balloon twister and a family area. At the Northern Virginia Brewfest there is plenty of beer, food and entertainment to go around.

9. Oktoberfest at the Kentlands

Oct. 8, noon to 5 p.m. | Free admission.

Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg, MD

Enjoy all things fall at the 26th annual Oktoberfest at the Kentlands in Gaithersburg. There’ll be pumpkin carving and apple cider pressing demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting and five stages of entertainment, including the ever-popular Alte Kameraden German Band and Alt-Washingtonia Bavarian Dancers. Enjoy German food, visit with artists and crafters, and stop by our tasting areas featuring local microbreweries and Maryland wines. Admission and shuttle service from Orchard Ridge Drive are free.

10. Flavors of Fall

Oct. 7-8, Noon-11 p.m. | Free admission.

11900 Market St., Reston, VA

Sample all of Reston’s favorite fall menus at the Flavors of Fall festival at Reston Town Center.  Friends, family, children and pets are all welcome! Enjoy live music, the pumpkin 5K run, cornhole tournament and so many activities for the kids. This is an event that the whole family will love.

11. VA StrEats Trucktoberfest

Oct. 28 | Visit vastreats.com for more info.

G. Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA

Pair some of the best truck food with the best brews this fall at the VA StrEats Trucktoberfest. Try new beers from some of the best breweries around the world and new foods from some of the best food trucks in the D.C. area.

12. Pumpkin Village Fall Festival

Sept. 16-Nov. 7 | Visit pumpkinfestleesburg.com for more info.

19270 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA

Pumpkin Village Fall Festival at Leesburg Animal Park is a must this fall season. With tons of great performers, games, animals and pumpkins – who wouldn’t have fun? There is so much to do and to see at this fall-filled event.

13. Wildlife Festival

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free admission.

10901 Sc1arlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD

Visit the Patuxent National Wildlife for crafts, live music, live animals and tram tours! All ages are welcome. Refreshments are available for purchase.

14. Fall Jubilee

Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free admission.

The annual Fall Jubilee is held in the Historic Downtown Manassas. The Jubilee includes an assortment of crafts, live entertainment and a wine and beer garden. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with over 100 vendors!

15. Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Fest

Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-15, Oct. 21-22, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Free admission.

3626 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA

Come and see a breathtaking view at Graves Mountain this fall. Live Bluegrass music, arts and crafts vendors, hayrides, and horseback riding, are just a few of the activities available. On the way up to the orchards for some apple picking, stop by and say hello to the farm animals. Rain or shine, Graves Mountain is open.

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