The 10 Best Fall Festivals in Virginia!
Virginians love fall. That much is evident from the extraordinarily diverse array of festivals and celebrations held each year. Ring in the new season in style by attending any of the following 10 best fall festivals in the Old Dominion.
1. Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, Charles City, VA
Every year, the Berkley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, celebrates the fall season by re-enacting the first Thanksgiving. In addition, the festival features a horse-drawn carriage parade, musicians, magicians, dancers, crafts, activities, and a corn maze. Get into the Thanksgiving spirit the old-fashioned way.
2. Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival, Staunton, VA
The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and the people of Staunton celebrate the coming of fall with the annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival. The festival attracts bicyclists from all over the mid-Atlantic, including families.
3. Craig County Fall Festival, New Castle, VA
The Craig County Fall Festival in New Castle, Virginia, is an old-fashioned jubilee, celebrating everything fall. Enjoy six blocks of antique car show, live music, book sales, and delicious food. Historians will particularly enjoy the demonstrations and exhibits showcasing the history of Craig County at the Old Brick Hotel museum.
4. Newport News Fall Festival of Folk Life, Newport News, VA
The Newport News Fall Festival of Folk Life is famous for its local indie music, acoustic bluegrass, multicultural folk dance performances, ciders, craft beers, craft demonstrations, and farm-to-table food. The long-running celebration attracts over 35,000 people and boasts more than 150 exhibitors each year.
5. Crab Carnival, West Point, VA
The Crab Carnival is the perfect family event. The free carnival includes a Firefighter’s Parade, children’s bike race, live music, fireworks, food, arts and crafts vendors, and, of course, the carnival, among other events.
6. Harrisonburg International Festival, Harrisonburg, VA
Take a trip to Harrisonburg, Virginia, for the annual International Festival, celebrating Harrisonburg’s diversity and hospitality. This family-friendly event features food, crafts, and activities, including traditional performances that highlight the different cultures on display, performed by people of that culture.
7. Virginia State Fair, Doswell, VA
Doswell, Virginia, hosts the annual State Fair of Virginia each fall. Features attractions include the Famous Rosaire’s Pig Race, Heritage Village Music Series, a rodeo, extreme pogo stunts, the Virginia Logger’s Association demonstrations, and more. Indulge in incredible state fair food while you peruse all that Virginia has to offer.
8. Fredericksburg Dog Fair and Masquerade Dog Parade, Fredericksburg, VA
One of the newer festivals on the list, the Fredericksburg Dog Fair and Masquerade Dog Parade is an event perfect for the entire family. It “brings together pet owners, lovers and enthusiasts with vendors that represent all aspects of the pet world.” Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, K-9 demonstrations, Ninja Warrior Dog Challenge Course, and more.
9. 43rd Street Festival of the Arts, Richmond, VA
Each fall, artists from around the state apply to participate in the 43rd Street Festival of the Arts in Virginia’s capitol, Richmond. Capped at 75 regional artisans, only the best are offered spots to sell their wares. Purchase from many of the best artists in the state and enjoy a live music line-up, too.
10. Virginia Wine Festival, Alexandria, VA
Much of rural Virginia is devoted to wineries, and every fall, Alexandria, Virginia, celebrates that fact with the Virginia Wine Festival. Enjoy the Virginia Oyster Pavilion, tons of food trucks, and wine from over twenty different Virginia wineries.
