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 21 – 22
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 23 – September 24
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 entertainment featuring acts like ‘Tea with Mrs. B’ and the ‘Vienna Singing Princesses.’ 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 14
On October 14, 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 14
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
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.
Cultural Festivals
6. Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 26 – October 22
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.
7. H Street Festival
September 16
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.
8. Fiesta DC
September 23 – September 24
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.
9. World Culture Fest
September 29 – October 1
Celebrate DC’s multicultural richness. As the founder of the festival, Gurudev, puts it: “The purpose of the World Culture Festival is to send a message that the whole world is one family, and we can all coexist with our differences”. There will be over 80 sustainable food trucks promoting international cuisines and performances from 35 countries. FREE tickets required.
Pumpkin and Harvest Celebrations
10. Cox Farms Fall Festival
September 16 – November 7
Don’t miss the world-famous hayride at Cox Farms! This 20-minute wagon ride, pulled by an antique tractor, takes you on an adventure through themed areas like aliens, jungles, an old west town, and an enchanted barn. The Cornundrum maze is also a unique experience, filled with pirates, caves, jungles, and other surprises, including the Vortex!
11. Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest
September 1 – October 31
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
12. Silver Spring Oktoberfest Arts & Crafts Fall Fair
October 1
Considered one of Maryland’s most beloved arts and crafts shows, the Silver Spring Oktoberfest Arts & Crafts Fall Fair features over 80 artisans and crafters offering handmade products. While you shop, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or hot apple cider and let your kids have a blast decorating pumpkins.
13. PIKEtoberfest
October 1 from 12-4 pm
There will be a craft beer garden hosted by Owens Ordinary, 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.
14. Oktoberfest at The Wharf
September 15-17
Immerse yourself in true Oktoberfest style at The Wharf, wearing your dirndl or lederhosen is highly encouraged! This three-day festival has plenty of events for everyone, including, polka dancing lessons, a Dachshund race, and stein hoisting competition.
15. Frederick’s Oktoberfest
September 29- September 30
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 also feature performances by Mr. Jon.
Food and Market Fairs
16. Lucketts Fall Market
October 13-15
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.
17. Bluemont Fair
September 16-17
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.
18. Taste of Bethesda
October 7
Discover the culinary delights of Bethesda by sampling dishes from its many restaurants at the Taste of Bethesda festival. Now in its 31st year, this festival also offers live entertainment and an activity area for kids. Check out the list of participating restaurants here.
