Virginia’s autumn months are packed with events to appease all tastes. Do not miss these Virginia fall events.
Virginia is for Oyster Lovers
Virginia is the largest producer of fresh, farm-raised oysters on the East Coast, providing eight regions of distinctive flavor. From salts of the Eastern Shore to sweets of the Rappahannock River, seafood lovers enjoy oysters of all shapes, sizes and flavors.
- Chincoteague Oyster Festival, Oct. 7, 2017 in Chincoteague, VA – Marking the start of oyster season, the 45th annual festival features oysters in all forms raw, steamed, fritters and fried. In between slurps, enjoy live entertainment, family games and small-town charm.
- Fire, Flour & Fork, Nov. 2-5, 2017 in Richmond, VA – Designated gathering for the food curious, this annual festival highlights the best of Richmond’s thriving restaurant scene. Oysters have been known to take center stage, with White Stone, Rappahannock and James River as frequent participants.
- Urbanna Oyster Festival, Nov. 3-4, 2017 in Urbanna, VA – For 60 years, the charming town of Urbanna has closed their streets for two celebratory days of all things oyster, marking the longest running oyster festival in the U.S. The highlight is the oyster shucking contest drawing spectators from around the world.
Virginia is for Craft Beer and Wine Lovers
Virginias craft beer and wine scenes are booming. With more than 200 breweries and over 285 wineries and vineyards, a Virginia beverage does not disappoint. This should be on your must list for Virginia fall events.
- Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, Sept. 23-24, 2017 in Smith Mountain Lake, VA – The 29th annual festival features 27 Virginia wineries, 85+ quality craft & food vendors and live music. Rain or shine, fun will be had by all.
- The Blacksburg Brew Do, Oct. 7, 2017 in Blacksburg, VA – Watch live home brewing demonstrations and/or music performances, all the while enjoying over 40 local and national craft brews. Local culinary creations will also be available.
- Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival, Nov. 18, 2017 in Charlottesville, VA – In celebration of American wines founding father, this annual event takes place at TJs secluded Bedford County retreat. Festival-goers can experience pours from some of the Commonwealth’s finest vineyards and cideries, sample savory bites from local food purveyors and shop the festival market brimming with works by local artisans. Live music will play throughout the day.
Virginia is for Festival Lovers
Festivals are a main theme of the fall season in Virginia, and perfect for sampling the state’s authentic flavors. From fresh pies to seasonally-flavored craft beer, the tastes alone will keep travelers coming back.
- Pumpkin Village, Sept. 16-Nov. 17, 2017 in Leesburg, VA – Each fall, Leesburg Animal Park opens their doors for a daily fall celebration. Expect pumpkin carvings, hayrides and kid-friendly activities.
- VA PrideFest, Sept. 23, 2017 in Richmond, VA – The largest annual celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) community in the Commonwealth. Planned and implemented by Virginia Pride, this free, family-friendly day of festivities feature a variety of vendors, local fare, activities and entertainment.
- Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival, weekends in October in Syria, VA – This year marks Graves Mountain’s 48th annual Apple Harvest Festival. Enjoy Graves famous food, live bluegrass, arts & crafts, hayrides, horseback rides and apple picking.
- Go Outside Festival, Oct. 13-15 and 19-21, 2017 in Roanoke, VA – Presented by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, this festival encourages healthy living and outdoor recreation. Discover new adventurous hobbies with free equipment rentals (kayaks, fly rods, mountain bikes), or watch from the sidelines of various active competitions (Half Marathon, Cyclocross races). Visitors are encouraged to bring a tent to camp overnight.
- Fall Harvest Family Days, Oct. 21-22, 2017 in Mount Vernon, VA – Mount Vernon is putting on an 18th century style fall celebration. Highlights will include wagon rides, early-American demonstrations, games and music, and straw bale mazes.
Virginia is for Music Lovers
Whether considering the history of country music, the evolution of blues or current musical influences, Virginia has contributed to changing the American music scene in a big way. This fall, discover dozens of upcoming Virginia artists and sounds that may quickly turn into new favorites.
- American Music Festival, Sept. 1-3, 2017 in Virginia Beach, VA – The sounds of rock, jazz, country, blues, R&B and more flood Virginia Beach’s oceanfront for three sun-filled days, Labor Day Weekend. The largest outdoor musical event on the East Coast brings together local, regional and national acts.
- Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Sept. 15-17, 2017 in Bristol, VA – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is currently celebrating the 90th anniversary of the legendary 1927 Bristol Session recordings with an exciting series of panels, performances, premieres and promotions. To conclude the celebration, the award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will pay tribute to the 90th anniversary with a once-in-a-lifetime showcase featuring an array of festival artists yet to be announced.
- The Richmond Folk Festival, Oct. 13-15, 2017 in Richmond, VA – Celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft and food. Over 30 performing groups on seven live music stages will be featured, along with a Virginia Folklife demonstration area, children’s activities, folk arts marketplace and regional and ethnic foods.
- Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Oct. 28, 2017 in Ferrum, VA – Described by many as thoroughly authentic, this 40-year-old festival, held at the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, offers a candid view of Virginia’s folklife history. Participants will peak into ancient folklife traditions, ranging from moonshiners and blacksmiths, to horse pullers and fiddlers.
For more information on Virginia fall events, visit Virginia.org/fall.
