The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and there’s a certain magic in the air. Fall is by far my favorite season, and if you live in Virginia, you know that there are endless opportunities to enjoy all that this time of year has to offer.
Here are some of the best.
Autumn activities in Virginia
Be sure to check out our articles on Virginia in the spring, in the summer, and at Christmas!
1. Pumpkin picking
Pumpkin picking is a popular autumn activity in Virginia. People go to pumpkin patches to find the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve into a jack-o-lantern. Pumpkin picking is a great way to enjoy the fall season.
Some of our favorite pumpkin patches in Virginia are Millers Farm in Spotsylvania County, Cox Farms in Centreville, and Mt. Vernon Farm in Alexandria.
Most pumpkin patches have hayrides, farm stands, and corn maze too. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled day, pumpkin picking is the activity for you!
2. Apple picking
What’s better than going to an apple orchard and picking your own apples? Apple picking is another popular autumn activity in Virginia. Like pumpkin picking, it’s a great way to enjoy the changing leaves and cool weather.
Apple picking is a fun, family-friendly experience that can be enjoyed by all. It is a great opportunity to get your hands on some fresh, local apples. Apple picking season typically runs from late September to early November, so be sure to check out a local orchard during your visit to Virginia in the fall!
Some of our favorite apple orchards in Virginia are Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, Chiles Peach Orchard in Bedford, and Wickham Park Fruit Farm in Hampton.
3. Cider tasting
There are many cider farms throughout Virginia, each with its own unique flavors. So if you’re looking for something fun and festive to do this fall, be sure to check out some of Virginia’s cider farms!
Fall is a great time to enjoy Virginia’s cider offerings. There are many different types of cider, from sweet and fruity ciders to dry and complex ciders. Whether you’re looking for something new to try or want to stick with your favorites, there’s sure to be a cider that suits your taste.
4. Wine festivals
Wine lovers will find plenty to love, as there are wine festivals happening pretty much every weekend in September and October. From the Virginia Wine Festival in Richmond to the Loudoun County Wine Festival in Leesburg, there are plenty of opportunities to sample some of Virginia’s best wines.
5. Hiking
Fall is a great time to get out and explore the natural beauty of Virginia. The humidity and temperatures have dropped and the foilage is beautiful. There are many great hikes to choose from, each with its own unique scenery and features. Hiking can be a great way to get some exercise, see beautiful landscapes, and make new friends.
6. Check out some beautiful fall foilage
Virginia is known for its beautiful fall foliage, and there are many great places to witness the colors change. Some popular destinations include the Shenandoah Valley orchards, Appalachian hardwood forests, coastal trails, and mountain tops. So if you’re looking for some inspiration, add a few of these spots to your bucket list and visit them later in the fall season when things really start to get colorful.
Another great option for viewing Virginia’s fall foliage is Skyline Drive. This attraction is located in Shenandoah National Park and is especially popular during the fall season. If you want to avoid the crowds, though, you might consider visiting during a weekday or early in the morning.
7. Halloween at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
If you’re looking for a spooky experience this fall, look no further than Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Every year during the month of October, Busch Gardens transforms into Howl-O-Scream, a Halloween special that is not recommended for children. With haunted houses, scare zones, and roller coasters transformed into terrifying experiences, it’s sure to get your heart racing.
8. Fall festivals
There are many fall festivals happening all around Virginia this season. From Oktoberfest celebrations to arts and crafts festivals, there’s something for everyone. These events are a great opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and family, sample local foods and drinks, and take part in some fun activities.
Some of our favorites:
- Oktoberfest in Downtown Fredericksburg
- The Virginia State Fair
- The Charlottesville Fall Festival
9. College football games
What better way to enjoy the season than by attending a college football game? College football is a major part of the summer season and there are plenty of games worth traveling for. If you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or family, head to Blacksburg to see the Virginia Tech Hokies take on their rivals.This can be a great opportunity to catch a game of your favorite team or check out a new school. There are often concerts and other events happening around the same time as the games, so you can make a weekend out of it!
10. Neptune Festival and Sandcastle Contest at Virginia Beach
The Neptune Festival is a yearly event that takes place in Virginia Beach. The festival features sand sculptures, as well as beer tastings from local breweries. It is a popular event and often draws large crowds.
There are a variety of activities to enjoy at the festival, including art and craft shows, a sailing regatta, a volleyball tournament, and a grand parade. The Fireworks Extravaganza at the end of the festival is especially popular.
11. Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
The Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour is a great opportunity to enjoy the fall season. The event includes wine tastings and a tour of Washington’s home. It’s an ideal opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the fall season.
12. Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
The Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is a great event to attend if you’re looking for something fun to do in Virginia this fall. There will be a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations, as well as exhibitors with handmade items. This is a great opportunity to find unique gifts for the holidays!
Families can enjoy the Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Festival together with a variety of kid-friendly activities. There will be an interactive music area, face painting, and art-making for children to participate in. This is a great opportunity for parents to expose their children to the arts and crafts scene.
13. Graves’ Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
The Graves’ Mountain Apple Harvest Festival is a great opportunity to get close to the country lifestyle and experience some of the local culture in Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the fall, check out the Graves’ Mountain Apple Harvest Festival. The festival includes activities such as live music, cloggers, leaf-turning, and more. Plus, it celebrates the traditions of apple picking and cider making with music, arts, food, and more.
Admission is free!
There are plenty of things to do in Virginia during the fall season. From attending college football games to going on wine tastings, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or family, be sure to check out one of these events!