As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather cools down, it’s the ideal season to explore the best fall festivals and events in and around Washington, DC. This guide will introduce you to a wide array of autumn celebrations. Find:
- Fall Festivals
- Pumpkin and Harvest festivities
- Cultural events
- Oktoberfest gatherings
- Holiday food and market fairs
Best Fall Festivals In and Around DC
1. Fall Harvest Festival at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
October 18 – 19
Experience the magic of autumn with a visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon during their Fall Harvest Festival. Dive into 18th-century activities and farming demonstrations, such as candle making, cooking, horseshoeing, and textile production. You’ll have the chance to meet General Washington himself, witness how laundry was done in the 18th century, participate in 18th-century games, navigate a straw bale maze, and shop for freshly-baked bread and farm-fresh products. It’s a historical and entertaining experience rolled into one!
2. Mosaic Fall Festival
September 27 – September 28
With over 90 handmade and vintage vendors, the Mosaic Fall Festival is the perfect place to kickstart your holiday shopping. In addition to shopping, you can enjoy live music, fall-themed selfie stations, sip & stroll, and more. There’s even a dedicated game corner, complete with a moon bounce, pumpkin painting, and face painting, to keep the kids entertained.
3. City of Fairfax Fall Festival
October 11
On October 11, the City of Fairfax welcomes autumn with open arms. Over 400 arts, crafts, information, food, and gourmet food vendors, as well as children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment, create an atmosphere of pure celebration. It’s a day filled with fun and festivities for all ages.
4. Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival at Montgomery Village
October 4
Experience the one-of-a-kind Pumpkin Race at Montgomery Village, where contestants decorate and attach wheels to their pumpkins (learn how to build a racer), and then compete for the Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy. Alongside the racing excitement, enjoy live music, carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, and a beer and wine garden. It’s a fall celebration like no other!
5. Waterfowl Festival
November 14 – 16
Make a day trip to the Eastern Shore to this quirky and fun festival. Watch the dogs diving competition, duck and goose calling competition, fly fishing casting lessons, retriever demonstrations, a kids’ fishing derby, and savor the taste of Maryland wine, beer, and crab soup.
6. DC State Fair
September 6
The 16th annual DC State Fair will offer a variety of contests, highlight local vendors, and celebrate the District’s talents in agriculture, cuisine, and the arts.
Cultural Festivals
7. Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 24 – October 20
A magical festival celebrating the Renaissance is held in a medieval town called ‘Revel Grove.’ This town is set in the epoch of kings, queens, and knights. The King and Queen welcome you at the door when it opens at 10 AM. Don’t miss the jousting show at the arena and the knighting ceremony for the little ones.
8. H Street Festival
September 21
The H Street Festival is one of Washington D.C.’s most anticipated single-day festivals. Spanning 11 blocks and featuring 14 staging areas, it offers a wealth of music, performances, and children’s programs, making it a family-friendly experience like no other. Watch the festival highlights.
9. Fiesta DC
September 28 – September 29
This festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and provides an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment while savoring food from various Latin American and Caribbean cultures.
10. Adams Morgan Day
September 28 – September 29
DC’s oldest neighborhood festival is a free, family-friendly event featuring music, art, lawn games, face painting, sports, and a variety of activities for all ages. Guests can also purchase food and goods from local vendors.
Pumpkin and Harvest Celebrations
11. Cox Farms Fall Festival
September 20 – November 9
Cox Farms’ Fall Festival in Virginia is a fun-filled, family-friendly tradition offering something for everyone. Enjoy live music, farm animals, hayrides, giant slides, and interactive play areas across the sprawling farm. Seasonal treats, pumpkins, and local goods are available for purchase, making it a perfect autumn outing for all ages.
12. Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest
August 29 – November 2
Gaver Farm boasts the most attractions for your fall fun. With over 60 unique attractions, it’s essential to plan your visit carefully to ensure you have enough time to enjoy everything this fantastic farm has to offer!
For more information on the the Best Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farms, check out our comprehensive guide HERE.
Oktoberfest Events
13. Silver Branch Brewing 7th Annual Oktoberfest
September 20
Music, brats hot off the grill, and plenty of cold beer. Highlights include face painting for all ages, a stein-hoisting competition, and an Oktoberfest fashion show.
14. PIKEtoberfest
October 5
There will be a craft beer garden, as well as live music and DJ, Makers Market, and fun games and activities for the kids. It’s a day of Oktoberfest-inspired fun for the whole family.
15. Oktoberfest at The Wharf
October 4
Immerse yourself in true Oktoberfest style at The Wharf, wearing your dirndl or lederhosen is highly encouraged! This festival has plenty of events for everyone, including, polka dancing lessons, a Dachshund race, and stein hoisting competition.
16. Frederick’s Oktoberfest
September 26- September 27
If you want to immerse yourself in Bavarian tradition, while drinking and eating for charity, Frederick’s Oktoberfest is the place to be. Enjoy brats, strudel, pretzels, schnitzel, live music, and of course beer! The kids’ zone will have arts and crafts all day on Saturday with the Hood College Rotaractors.
Food and Market Fairs
17. Lucketts Fall Market
October 17-19
More than 200 of the best “vintage hip” vendors on the East Coast gather for this event. There will be live music, beer gardens, enticing food trucks, and fun workshops.
18. Bluemont Fair
September 20-21
Spend the day at the 200-year-old village nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Enjoy local wine, beer, and music, while experiencing the history and traditions of the area. Children can enjoy free games in the Children’s Fair and visit the petting zoo.
19. Taste of Bethesda
October 4
Discover the culinary delights of Bethesda by sampling dishes from its many restaurants at the Taste of Bethesda festival. Now in its 33rd year, this festival also offers live entertainment and an activity area for kids. Check out the list of participating restaurants and entertainment here.
