10 Can't-Miss Fall Festivals Around Greater Alexandria

GREATER ALEXANDRIA, VA—Fall is coming into full swing with the leaves changing, kids in school and pumpkin spice everything being served. And that also means fall festivals are back.

From pumpkin patches in the countryside to cultural festivals in town, there's quite a few fun options in and around Greater Alexandria. With so many options around the area, we decided to round up the ones worth a longer trip and those close by Greater Alexandria. The events are in no particular order.

Do you enjoy another local fall festival not mentioned on the list? Let us know in the comments.

1. Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon

Sip wine and watch the sunset on George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Visitors can enjoy live blues music, taste wine and learn about our first president's winemaking while taking in views of the fall foliage and Potomac River. The event runs rain or shine Oct. 6-Oct. 8 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

2. Fall Harvest Family Days: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon

Take a trip back to the 18th century at George Washington's estate. Learn about what the fall harvest entailed in demonstration, or enjoy music and a straw bale maze. The event is Oct. 21-22 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and is included with regular admission.

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3. Virginia Wine Festival: Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria
The 42nd Annual Virginia Wine Festival will present Virginia’s best wineries, craft exhibitors, seminars and incredible music at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront Oct. 14-15. Enjoy the oldest wine festival on the East Coast, stop by the Virginia Oyster Pavilion, grab a cold one at the craft beer trucks, enjoy entertainment and more. General admission tickets include a tasting glass, unlimited wine tasting from many Virginia wineries, (and cider!)

4. Clarendon Day: 1200 N Herndon St, Arlington

Head over to Arlington for one of the most popular street festivals of the year. Clarendon Day offers music, a kid's area, arts & crafts vendors, business exhibitors, tasty local food, wine and beers. It's held Sept. 23 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

5. Cox Farms Fall Festival: 15621 Braddock Rd Centreville

Recognized as the largest fall festival in Northern Virginia, Cox Farms offers seemingly endless activities for the whole family. There's everything from hayrides to farm animals and a cornfield adventure, while the frightening Fields of Fear opens closer to Halloween.

6. Del Ray Halloween Parade: Mount Vernon AvenueDel Ray's Halloween tradition returns Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. The parade begins at Mt. Vernon Avenue, south of East Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to dress up, and awards will be given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller. The event is free.

7. Irish Folk Festival: 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax

Celebrate Irish heritage nearby in Fairfax. Come out for music, dancing, vendors, workshops and more Sept. 23 from noon-7:30 p.m.

8. Fall for the Book Festival: 3999 University Dr, Fairfax

Book worms can enjoy four days of the literary arts festival at George Mason University. From Oct. 11-14, over 150 authors will participate in readings, meet-and-greets, and more.

9. City of Fairfax Fall Festival: 3999 University Drive, Fairfax

Around 25,000 come out to this popular street festival every year. The festival features over 400 vendors, children's activities, amusement rides and musical entertainment. It will be held Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

10. Temple Hall Farm Fall Festival & Corn Maze: 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg

Beginning Sept. 29, Temple Hall Farm will transform into an autumn paradise with corn mazes and fun farm activities like the famous pumpkin blaster and paintball shooting. Whether you want to come with the kids during the day or wander through the corn maze at night, it's got just what you're looking for.

Image via Patch staff