15+ Great Events & Day Trips Near Washington DC in the Fall

Crisp cool weather, colorful leaves, apple & pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, and pumpkin-spiced anything (and everything) have hit the East Coast. Autumn is here and there are tons of celebratory festivals, art, and music shows happening in and around Washington DC in the fall.

Some of our favorite Washington DC events take place a drive away in towns and cities across the Mid-Atlantic states. From Philadelphia and Baltimore to smaller towns like Easton, PA, and Winchester, VA there is more than just pumpkin juice brewing this season.

When the Nation’s Capital is your main hub, fall is the perfect time to hop in the car and explore these great autumn events across the region.

Washington DC in the fall - A view of the Washington Monument surrounded by autumn foliage and clear skies. — *Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in Autumn*

PA Bacon Fest

Address: Downtown Easton, PA
Dates: early November
Website

Who can resist a bacon festival? Not us! Any time is the perfect time for bacon! Located in Easton, PA, the PA Bacon Fest takes place in early November.

Visitors can enjoy bacon-themed culinary treats, cheer on their favorite pig or pooch in the annual Pig and Wiener Dog Races, and sample beers from the Weyerbacher Brewing Company.

Philadelphia’s Mural Art Month

Address: Philadelphia, PA
Dates: October

Did you know that Philadelphia is the unofficial mural capital of the U.S.? It’s true! And I’m not just saying that because I grew up in Philly.

The Mural Arts Project started back in the 1980s to combat the rampant graffiti throughout inner-city Philadelphia. By hiring graffiti artists, the city was able to bring local pride into some of the poorest neighborhoods.

Philadelphia has so many murals that they are now in their second and third reinvention of the mural, while other cities are just starting to find their artistic voice.

Mural Art Month focuses on empowering a sense of community and civic voice through art across the city.

Watch artists while they create murals, sit in on panel discussions, participate in workshops, and watch as new mural projects are dedicated across the city. Each has a powerful message and ties back to the city and the community it is placed into in some way.

If you are new to the Philly mural scene, make sure you hop on an Art Walk to get a real taste for the mural history of this city.

Annual U.S. Oyster Festival

Address: St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown, MD
Dates: late October

Maryland doesn’t just love her OLD BAY® Seasoning and crabs, she loves her oysters too. Get ready to experience the National Shucking Championship with competitors from across the United States.

The winner gets to compete in Galway, Ireland for the World Shucking Championship. Yes, that is a real thing.

For those not participating in the contest, have no fear, there is plenty for you to do. There is live music, local foods, arts, and crafts, craft beer tasting, and loads of family fun.

Oh, and did we mention that there is also the National Oyster Cook-Off happening? Do not miss your chance to get inspired to create your amazing oyster dishes and maybe even enter next year.

Renaissance Festival-Maryland

Address: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, August through late October
Website

Maryland is home to the second-largest Renaissance Festival in the country. Enter Revel Grove, a 16th-century English village, where King Henry VIII and his court preside over the festivities.

Roam around the 24-acre site featuring more than 250 performers on ten different stages. The festival is home to 130 craft shops, 42 food and beverage emporiums, and a host of games and attractions.

LARPing (Live Action Role Playing/wearing period costumes) is highly encouraged. More than one fairy, goblin, and damsel in distress who does not work the festival will be in attendance. I guarantee it.

Richmond, VA 2nd Street Festival

Address: Jackson Ward, Richmond, VA
Dates: early October

The 2nd Street Festival, which takes place in Jackson Ward, an area once known as “the Harlem of the South,” celebrates the rich culture of the neighborhood.

The historically African-American community features four stages of live musical entertainment, food vendors, a marketplace, and Artists Row to Shop, and welcomes locals and out-of-towners to experience why this neighborhood is the place to be in Richmond. Go find some vendors selling local produce or showcasing farm animals.

Richmond Folk Festival

Address: Downtown Richmond, VA waterfront
Dates: late September

The Annual Richmond Folk Festival takes place on Brown’s Island (although the location can change from year to year) with performing groups on seven different stages and all the dancing, crafts, food, and beer you could want.

Themes change every year, but the 2018 favorite was “Masquerade.” Visitors could explore costuming traditions from across the globe, including Buddhist ceremonial masks and Carnival costumes.

Oktober Fest

Address: Old Town Winchester, VA. Loudoun Street Walking Mall, Taylor Pavilion, and the Courthouse Lawn
Dates: mid-October

Did someone say beer?! The Annual Oktoberfest happens throughout Old Town Winchester in mid-October.

Entertainment is free to everyone, kids included, and beer and wine tastings can be purchased via advance or day-of tickets (tickets get you six tastings and a souvenir beer stein).

Local and imported beer and wine are served, as well as several German edibles you and your kids will love.

Past bands and entertainment have included Alt Washingtonian Schuhplattler Verein the “Original Bavarian Dance Club of Washington DC” with over 30 dancers dressed in authentic German costume.

Please note: Lederhosen wearing is encouraged.

Winchester Frontier Days and Rodeo

Address: 2502 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester, VA
Dates: early October

The Winchester Frontier Days began as a tribute to Buffalo Bill and the 100th anniversary of his visit to Winchester in 1916. What better way to celebrate than with shootouts, roping demonstrations, artisans, crafters, and a nice lunch?

Admissions are $5 a person, $20 a family, and children three and under get free entry. Not too bad for a weekend excursion.

2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival

Address: Williamsburg, VA
Dates: starts in March until early October

Taking place in Merchant Square, in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the Art and Music festival is free and open to all.

Artists from all over the country gather in Williamsburg, VA to showcase their work while consumers enjoy the local food vendors, watch live performances, and do a little early holiday shopping.

Have kids? Bring them along, too! A variety of activities await the kiddos.

The Mariners’ Park Fall Festival

Address: Harvey Field, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, Newport News, VA
Date: early November
Website

Kick off the fall season with The Mariners’ Fall Festival, a day packed with fun and adventure for the whole family! Enjoy family-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating, live music, and an array of food trucks. For the adults, there are beer and cider tastings available, making it the perfect time to spend a crisp autumn day.

Entrance to the festival is just $2 per person, with children 3 and under getting in for free. If you’re looking to indulge in unlimited beer and cider tastings, advance tickets are $45 per person ($35 for Museum Members) and include a souvenir tasting glass. Purchase by November 1 to enjoy free festival admission.

Note: Festival admission and day-of alcohol sales are cash only, but there’s an ATM on-site for your convenience.

AutumnFest, Shenandoah County

Address: Woodstock, VA
Dates: early October
Website

AutumnFest features over 30 craft beers, wines, and spirits, and a BBQ tasting. Enjoy the fall foliage, harness racing, log splitting, and shopping various craft vendors.

Dates, ticket information, and pricing are available online.

H Street Festival

Address: H Street NE, Washington, D.C.

Dates: Early fall
Website

The Nation’s Capital is great in the fall especially with H Street Festival happening. It is a vibrant annual event celebrating the diverse culture and community of the H Street corridor in the Nation’s Capital. This lively festival features a wide range of activities, including live music, delicious food, arts and crafts, cultural performances, and children’s activities.

We love the H Street Festival for its eclectic mix of vendors, the lively atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover new local businesses. It’s the perfect time to spend a day outdoors and enjoy the unique energy of DC autumn events.

DC Theater Week

Address: DC-area theaters
Dates: late September to mid-October
Website

DC Theater Week is a celebration of the vibrant theatre scene in the Nation’s Capital, offering a diverse lineup of performances from musicals and dramas to comedies and family-friendly shows. Organized by TheatreWashington, it’s a great opportunity to experience the rich variety of the area’s theatrical productions.

The event features special ticket prices of $20, $40, and $60 for some of the most anticipated shows across the DMV area, making it accessible for all theatergoers. Along with performances, DC Theater Week includes free entry public events happening like the Kickoff Fest, offering a chance to explore the best of the Nation’s Capital’s performing arts scene and engage with the theater community.

National Apple Harvest Festival, Gettysburg, PA

Address: South Mountain Fairgrounds, Gettysburg, PA
Dates: early October
Website

For more than 50 years, families have been flocking to the annual National Apple Harvest Festival to enjoy delicious food, live music and tons of craft vendors. It has become one of the favorite things to do in fall by families!

We love it because we can load up on our favorite hard cider made right in Gettysburg, PA. You can also check out antique cars, steam engine displays, orchard tours, a petting zoo for farm animals, and an appearance by the Pennsylvania Apple Queen!

Tickets are available online or at the door. Just don’t forget to take home a bushel of apples. Your kids will never forgive you if you don’t.

Find more things to do in Gettysburg PA.

Adams County Pour Tour

Address: Adams County, Gettysburg, PA
Dates: ongoing

Did you know that Gettysburg, PA (in Adams County) is the fifth largest apple producer in the country? They also make wine and brew beer year round, too.

You can now go on your very own Pour Tour with the Adams County Pour Tour passport booklet that helps you visit all of the wineries, breweries, cideries, and even a distillery or two across the county.

What better excuse to get out and explore one of Central PA’s most popular historical destinations, even if you don’t feel like sitting on a cannon.

Events With New Dates

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore

Address: Baltimore, MD (Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Canton and Locust Point, Rash Field, Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium.
Dates: early June

Head north from DC to Baltimore for the Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore taking place in early October.

Tour more than a dozen ships from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, Canadian and British Navy ships. The USAF Thunderbirds and demonstrations from the F-16 Fighting Falcon will be taking place over the weekend, and is definitely something young (and old) aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

In addition to the ships and planes, there are several different festivals scheduled throughout Fleet Week.

Two tips: Friday is when the Thunderbirds do their practice runs. The crowds are a lot smaller than the weekend too. Many of the ships are also open to tour. Go on Friday afternoon if you have time and the kids have a half day.

Oh and moms, you can take a selfie with a sailor at happy hour on Friday. Check the schedule for exact times and locations for that one.

Other Events In and Near Washington DC in the Fall

Washington DC Area

Night of the Living Zoo at the The Smithsonian Museums
18th Annual Parade of Trabants at the International Spy Museum
LocktoberfestDC at the National Mall
Police Weekend at the National Mall
National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center
Oktoberfest at The Wharf

Virginia

Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centerville, VA
Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival in Alexandria, VA
Oktoberfest in Alexandria, VA
Clarendon Day in Arlington, VA
Aslin Beer, Music & Art Festival in Alexandria, VA