Fall Festivals in DC Area 2025
Discover 25+ Amazing Autumn Celebrations Perfect for Families
View Festival CalendarAs the leaves begin to change colors and the crisp autumn air arrives, the Washington DC area transforms into a celebration hub with incredible fall festivals and events. From traditional harvest celebrations to cultural festivals, there's something magical happening every weekend this fall season.
🍂 Complete Festival Guide
September Festivals & Events
Kick off fall festival season with these early autumn celebrations featuring perfect weather and vibrant community events.
Fiesta DC
Celebrate Latino culture at the largest Latino festival on the East Coast! Pennsylvania Avenue transforms into a vibrant celebration featuring live music, traditional dance performances, authentic cuisine from across Latin America, and interactive children's activities.
Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair
Step back in time at this authentic 18th-century market featuring colonial-attired artisans demonstrating traditional crafts. Watch blacksmithing, pottery making, and textile production while exploring the historic estate's beautiful grounds.
Historic Activities
- Live demonstrations of 18th-century crafts
- Traditional wares and handmade goods for sale
- Colonial cooking demonstrations
- Historic estate tours and gardens
- Educational programs for children
Alexandria Art Festival
One of the top-rated art festivals in the DC area, featuring over 200 artists from across the country. Browse original artwork, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy family-friendly activities in historic Old Town Alexandria.
Ukrainian Festival of Washington DC
Experience the rich traditions of Ukrainian culture at this 22nd annual festival. Enjoy traditional dance performances, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, handmade crafts, and a family-friendly atmosphere celebrating Ukrainian heritage.
Cultural Highlights
- Traditional Ukrainian folk dance performances
- Authentic cuisine including pierogies and borscht
- Handmade Ukrainian crafts and artwork
- Kozak beer garden for adults
- Children's activities and games
October Harvest Celebrations
Peak fall festival season brings pumpkin patches, Oktoberfest celebrations, and the most spectacular autumn events.
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Northern Virginia's most famous fall festival celebrating over 40 years of autumn fun! This massive 90-acre celebration features giant slides, hayrides, rope swings, farm animals, and the famous Cornfield of Terror for older kids.
Featured Attractions
- Adventure tube slides and rope swings
- Cornfield adventures and straw bale maze
- Farm animals and educational tours
- Fresh apple picking and cider making
- Food vendors and autumn treats
- Open Thursday-Monday through November
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
Experience the magic of autumn at George Washington's historic estate with authentic 18th-century farming demonstrations. Watch candle making, horseshoeing, and textile production while enjoying the stunning fall foliage along the Potomac River.
18th-Century Activities
- Live farming and craft demonstrations
- Meet "General Washington" in character
- Historical laundry and cooking demonstrations
- Straw bale maze and period games
- Farm-fresh bread and produce for sale
- Educational programs about colonial life
Frederick's Oktoberfest
Transform into a German village for the day with authentic Oktoberfest celebrations! Enjoy traditional German music, dancing, bratwurst, authentic bier, and family-friendly activities in a festive Bavarian atmosphere.
Mosaic Fall Festival
Kick off your holiday shopping at this vibrant fall festival featuring over 90 handmade and vintage vendors. Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, beer and wine gardens, and dedicated kids' activities including moon bounces and face painting.
Festival Features
- 90+ handmade and vintage vendors
- FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors
- Live music and entertainment stages
- Beer and wine gardens
- Kids' zone with bouncy activities
- Fall-themed photo opportunities
Bull Run Wine Festival
Sample Virginia's finest wines in a picturesque countryside setting. This scenic festival features wine tastings, live music, local food vendors, and beautiful autumn views perfect for a romantic getaway or adult-friendly outing.
Homestead Farm Fall Festival
A budget-friendly autumn adventure featuring tractor rides to pumpkin patches, apple picking, farm animals, and the best caramel apples in the area. Perfect for families looking for authentic farm experiences without breaking the bank.
Farm Activities
- Tractor rides to pumpkin patches
- Apple picking in orchards
- Hot apple cider and farm treats
- Farm animals and petting areas
- Scarecrow displays throughout farm
- Famous caramel apples (must-try!)
Cultural Celebrations
Experience the rich diversity of the DC area through authentic cultural festivals celebrating communities from around the world.
Maryland Italian Festival
Maryland's biggest Italian festival featuring three days of authentic Italian cuisine, carnival rides, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and traditional entertainment. Experience Little Italy at its most vibrant!
Ethiopian Fall Festival
A joyful celebration of Ethiopian culture, community, and connection. Experience traditional music, dance performances, authentic cuisine, and family-friendly activities while learning about Ethiopian heritage and traditions.
Cultural Experiences
- Traditional Ethiopian music and dance
- Authentic Ethiopian cuisine and coffee ceremony
- Local vendors with handmade goods
- Educational activities for children
- Community resources and information
- Welcoming atmosphere for all families
November Holiday Preparations
As fall transitions to winter, enjoy the last harvest celebrations and early holiday festivities.
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
Begin the holiday season with this magical half-mile animated walk through thousands of twinkling lights. The botanical garden transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for family photos and romantic evening strolls.
Día de los Muertos at the Wharf
Celebrate the beautiful Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead with colorful altars, traditional music, authentic Mexican cuisine, face painting, and educational activities about this meaningful cultural celebration.
Cultural Activities
- Traditional Día de los Muertos altars and displays
- Face painting with sugar skull designs
- Authentic Mexican food and beverages
- Live mariachi music and performances
- Educational activities about Mexican traditions
- Family-friendly cultural celebration
📅 2025 Fall Festival Calendar
Plan your autumn adventures with our comprehensive month-by-month festival guide.
September
October
November
🎯 Essential Planning Tips for Fall Festival Success
Before You Go
- Check weather: October can be unpredictable - dress in layers
- Buy tickets early: Popular festivals like Cox Farms sell out
- Plan parking: Arrive early or use public transportation
- Bring cash: Many vendors prefer cash payments
- Download apps: Some festivals have mobile guides
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes: Expect lots of walking on uneven ground
- Hand sanitizer: For petting zoos and food areas
- Camera: Capture beautiful fall foliage and memories
- Stroller or wagon: For tired little festival-goers
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during activities
💰 Money-Saving Festival Tips
Fiesta DC, Alexandria Art Festival, and Mosaic Fall Festival offer completely free admission and entertainment.
Use code FAIRFAX10 for 10% off Bull Run Wine Festival tickets and check social media for other promotions.
Many festivals allow outside food for kids, helping you save on concession costs.
Some festivals offer group rates for families of 6+ or school groups.
🗺️ Festival Locations Map
All fall festivals are within 60 minutes of downtown Washington DC