By Eliza Berkon and Rachael Keeney
Summer temperatures are starting to simmer down, and it’s finally starting to feel like fall—just in time for the long list of Northern Virginia’s community festivals to commence. Stop by fairs in South Riding, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Waterford and more, or check out Disney on Ice, wagon rides and a circus airshow.
South Riding Fall Fest
Sept. 30, 1-6 p.m.
If you’ve always wished for one event that combines a business expo with a concert, kids rides, libations and a taekwondo demo, you’ve come to the right festival. Bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fun and relaxation.
Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest
Sept. 30-Oct. 1
This 25th annual event is geared toward kids aged 12 and under with over 100 activities with a focus on education, personal health and the environment. Featuring a full kiddie carnival with over 20 mechanical rides, this event aims to give back to the community. Parking and attendance are free.
The Flying Circus Airshow
Oct. 1, 2:30 p.m.
At the The Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, families will see a parachute-jumper, a wing-walker and a barnstormer performing daring stunts. Before and after the show, kids can also enjoy biplane rides. Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-12 and free for children under 5. Motorcyclists can gain admission for $10. Ride tickets can be purchased at the gift shop.
Hot Dog, S’mores, Wagon Ride and Campfire at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m.
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is welcoming families to fall with a wagon ride through the Rocky Run stream valley, s’mores and a relaxing evening by the campfire. While the kids are having fun, parents can also enjoy learning about the area’s natural history. The event costs $10.
Waterford Fair
Oct. 6-8
Artisans from across the nation journey to bucolic Waterford each year to share their wares, including jewelry, basketry and metalworks. They’re joined by folk musicians, period dancers, Civil War re-enactors, gourmet food and local beer and wine tastings.
Fredericksburg Harvest Festival
Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Find decorative items for autumn, design your own miniature pumpkin and more at this Fredericksburg tradition.
35th Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you love baking pumpkin pie—or are really good at eating it—you don’t want to miss this event. With contests in both pumpkin pie baking and eating, craft booths, games and a beer and wine garden, it’ll be easy to make the Fall Jubilee an all-day event.
SterlingFest
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Now in its 30th year, SterlingFest begins with a Columbus Day parade hosted by the Knights of Columbus and continues with live music by Ocho de Bastos and Sub-Radio; Lebanese, Peruvian and Southern food; and kids activities.
Brambleton’s Fall Fest
Oct. 7, noon-6 p.m.
Gather outside Brambleton Town Center with an estimated 4,000 visitors for an afternoon of cornhole, music, rides, gaming and food and drink. Must-sees are the car and bike show and the Artist and Crafters Marketplace.
Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!
Through Oct. 8
At EagleBank Arena, Disney stars will take to the ice and inspire the crowd with their Dare to Dream theme. The show, hosted by Mickey and Minnie, will feature Moana, Frozen‘s Anna and Elsa, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and classic characters like Belle and Cinderella. Tickets start at $20.
Fall Pumpkin Harvest
Oct. 1-31
Nothing can match a harvest festival like one at a farm. Pick pumpkins, watch pig races, traipse through the corn maze and indulge in cider doughnuts. There are also wagon rides, marshmallow roasting and live music. And once this festival is over, head back to the farm for the Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival Nov. 4-7 where you can smash, chuck, drop and annihilate the holiday gourds.
Snead’s Belvedere Plantation Fall Harvest Festival
Sep. 30-Nov. 4
Belvedere Plantation’s Fall Harvest Festival includes hayrides, a trike track, zip lines, extreme pedal carts, pony rides, flower cutting and more. The main attractions are the Maize Maze and the pumpkin patch.