The coolest thing about fall is that there are many events to choose from. We’re here to help and these are fall experiences that should be annual to-dos for you and yours.
Tunnel After Dark
Just in time for the Halloween willies is the 3rd Annual Tunnel After Dark Self-Guided Tour of the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. October 27 is the date for this event that includes special craft beer by Blue Mountain Brewery. Enter the tunnel from the Nelson County side, as this is a ticketed event to raise funds for the Nelson Food Bank. Tickets go on sale October 4.
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Fall Foliage Train Ride
Don’t miss the first slate of what we hope will be consecutive fall foliage train rides from Goshen to Staunton and back again. The iconic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 steam locomotive will pull cars and their passengers each weekend from October 6 through early November. The route winds through the amazing foliage of National Forest during a 3- to 4-hour Shenandoah Valley Limited excursion. Tickets are on sale now.
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Sip a Lil’ Hellion for Oktoberfest
Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg is hosting their annual Oktoberfest on October 7, and they’re pouring all their best German styles, including their award-winning Lil’ Hellion Helles Lager. German music, food, and games are expected. The festivities are from noon until 10 p.m.
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Mountain Memories at Bryce Resort
A peak foliage mountaintop is the perfect setting for outdoor fine dining, and you can find exactly that at Bryce Resort on October 12. Dinner on the Mountain will start after your glass of champagne on the lift to the top. The five-course meal will be served as the sun goes down. It’s quite a memorable experience worth treasuring with your favorite person.
On October 14 Bryce hosts their Oktoberfest from noon until 5 p.m. It’s a free event with plenty of German food and beer to purchase. Enjoy performances by The Edelweiss Band and Alt Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein, as well as kids activities like pumpkin painting and a corn maze.
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Fall Festival on Massanutten Mountain
From 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 14, Massanutten Resort is rolling out the fun for their Massanutten Fall Festival. It’s a family-friendly event with a tie-dye station, pumpkin painting, and bongo lessons! For the big kids, check out the arts and crafts vendors, plenty of food and beverages, and of course, live music. The Hungry Hard Luck Heroes are playing a tribute to Jimmy Buffett, so be sure you’re Parrothead ready.
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Shuttle through the Foliage for Whisky and Wine
The best seasons at Shenandoah National Park (in our opinion) are spring and fall. So here we are in fall, and the foliage on the mountains is about to be glorious. Enjoy the park, of course, but add on a special shuttle trip for sipping. Hop aboard the Whisky-Wine Shuttle from Skyland any Monday until October 30. Reservations are required and your stops will include Copper Fox Distillery, Quievremont Winery, and Gadino Cellars. A picnic style lunch is included but tasting fees are not. Reservations required.
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Celebrate Apple Butter at Wade’s Mill
The oldest continuously operating commercial grist mill in the Shenandoah Valley is Wade’s Mill in Raphine, and they are hosting their 27th annual Apple Butter Festival on October 21. The treasured 130+ year old copper pot is the chosen vessel for making the slow-simmered apple butter. Be sure to take home a jar or two. Food trucks, craft beverage vendors, musicians, and artisans enhance the day.
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Get Familiar with the Old Ways
The 54th Annual Heritage Festival in Luray features hundreds of crafters offering demonstrations of old traditions. Learn how to make baskets, throw pottery, blacksmith, and much more. A key draw is the Steam & Gas Engine Show which includes wheat thrashing and corn husking powered by the antique tractors. Catch it all October 7 and 8 at Page County Fairgrounds.
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One More Opportunity for Lederhosen
The Valley’s most authentic Oktoberfest is held at Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. October 7 from noon to 7 p.m. is when the fun is unleashed, and you’ll be able to see how 18th century German beer was brewed. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about German influence on the settlement of the Shenandoah Valley, as well as enjoy lively music and dance.
Oktoberfest at Frontier Culture Museum
Header Image: Dinner on the Mountain. Courtesy of Bryce Resort