Fill the car with friends or kids and make your way to as many of these fall festivals as you can. Each is worth the drive and some may warrant an overnight stay. Splurge during this fun season as you embrace the beauty and festivities of the Shenandoah Valley.
September 2-3 |Shenandoah Valley Music Festival | Orkney Springs
Wrap up the 60th anniversary season of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival with these last shows. Legends of Rock: Pure Prairie League and Firefall take the stage September 2, and a collection of artists are part of the Hot Strings and Cool Breezes Americana Minifest on September 3. Those include The Steel Wheels, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, and Wicked Sycamore. Don’t let these shows pass you by.
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September 9 | Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival | Lexington
One dozen breweries, two cideries, and nine wineries will settle in for tastings at the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival at Lime Kiln Theater in Lexington. Drink in craft beverages from all over Virginia. Six food vendors will offer bbq, wood fired pizza, and more. Two stages of entertainment will offer performances from 1 to 5 p.m.
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September 16-17 | Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival | Clear Brook
Enjoy the Shenadoah Apple Harvest Festival at the Frederick County Fairgrounds in Clear Brook. There’s much to see and do, including inflatables for the kids, an apple pie eating contest, classic car and hot rod show, vendors, axe throwing, free pony rides and petting zoo, and more! Get your fill of all things apple at this tasty festival.
September 23-24 | Queen City Mischief & Magic | Staunton
Potterheads, unite! Downtown Staunton transforms into a deliciously magical and mischief filled city each year for the Queen City Mischief & Magic event. Harry Potter themed, festivalgoers can expect to find costumed interpreters of Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, and more. Platform 9 3/4 will also be in full swing with special guests arriving and departing. Don’t miss out on the feast, which will be held at Trinity Church. Should you attend, you are encouraged to dress the part. Let us see your best wizards out and about!
October 7 | Shenandoah Autumnfest | Woodstock
The Shenandoah County Fairgrounds come alive for Shenandoah Autumnfest in Woodstock, a day chock full of family fun and merriment. Sample flavors from more than 35 craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Wander the festival grounds to peruse vendors and catch demonstrations like apple butter-making and whole hog barbecuing. Don’t miss the live music, log splitting contest, or the exciting Shenandoah Downs Harness Racing throughout the day.
October 13-14 | 51st Annual Festival of Leaves | Front Royal
Downtown Front Royal transforms with autumn’s beauty and the cordial cheer of residents celebrating the season. The annual Festival of Leaves will have three stages of live music, a fun zone for kids, more than 100 vendors, a beer garden, food trucks, and much more.
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October 14 | Mountain Day | Buena Vista
Peruse vendors, artisans, and crafters demonstrating their talents during Mountain Day, a fall festival in downtown Buena Vista. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a fantastic backdrop for this day-long event filled with children’s activities, food, music, dance, and more. Stay for a special After Hours delight of food trucks and beverage vendors.
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October 14 | Massanutten Fall Festival | McGaheysville
Chairlift rides are a highlight of Massanutten Fall Festival at Massanutten Resort. Kids get a thrill out of the experience and adults enjoy the spectacular view. Browse through many arts and crafts vendors while you enjoy food and drinks. Kids will find more fun, too, including pumpkin painting and tie-dye stations. Two bands are set to perform to keep things hoppin’.
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October 14-15 | 52nd Annual Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show | Waynesboro
Join in the fun of shutting down the streets of Waynesboro for the Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show! More than 150 artisans, craft breweries, and more will dot the streets while local music creates a vibe. Expect to find beautiful creations by weavers, potters, sculptors, painters, and more.
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October 20-22 | Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival | Staunton
If you love an excellent bike ride during peak fall foliage, the Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival is for you! Rides for the novice, families, and experienced riders are all set. Celebrate post-ride with a big feast and live music. It’s a great way to unwind and recuperate after an amazing day of routes. U.S. News and World Report calls it one of “America’s Best Fall Bike Rides.”
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Let us see your festival pics! Tag us on IG at @VisitShenandoahValley.
Header image by Sarah Hauser. Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.