There's something truly special about fall in Northern Virginia. The air turns crisp, the leaves ignite in a fiery display of reds and oranges, and our vibrant communities come alive with festivals, farm fun, and festive gatherings. As your trusted local real estate team at Debbie Dogrul Associates, we're not just here to help you navigate the housing market; we're passionate about helping you discover the rich and fulfilling lifestyle that comes with living in this incredible area. Let’s check out some of the most anticipated local events of the year.

Whether you're a long-time resident or considering making Northern Virginia your new home, this guide is your ticket to the most notable and fun fall events happening this month. Grab your pumpkin spice latte, put on your coziest sweater, and get ready to create some unforgettable autumn memories.

The Granddaddy of Them All: Cox Farms Fall Festival

No list of Northern Virginia fall events is complete without a mention of the legendary Cox Farms Fall Festival in Centreville. This isn't just a festival; it's a rite of passage for every local family. Open on Thursdays through Mondays from late September to early November, Cox Farms is the "Big Kahuna" of autumn fun. It's easy to spend an entire day—and still not experience everything!

What can you expect? The famous Hayride of Terror is a classic, but for family-friendly fun, the pumpkin patch, giant slides, rope swings, and a vast corn maze are the main attractions. Kids love the farm animals, the Cornundrum Cornfield adventure, and the playground. For those looking for a scare, the "Fields of Fear" haunted attraction opens on select Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are sold online only and sell out quickly on peak weekends, so be sure to plan ahead.

• Location: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20120
• Dates: Opens late September and runs through early November. Check their website for specific 2025 dates and hours.
• Highlights: Hayrides, giant slides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and the "Fields of Fear" for older kids and adults.
• Sources: Coxfarmsva.com, Fxva.com

A Community Tradition: City of Fairfax Fall Festival

On Saturday, October 11th, downtown Fairfax transforms into a bustling hub of autumn celebration for the annual City of Fairfax Fall Festival. This event is a true community gem, having grown from a small artisan market into a massive street fair that draws visitors from all over the region. With over 400 vendors, including artisans, crafters, and informational booths, you're sure to find something unique to take home.

The festival features multiple stages with live music and entertainment, a wide variety of food and gourmet food trucks to satisfy any craving, and a dedicated area with children's activities and rides. It's the perfect way to spend a Saturday, soaking in the festive atmosphere and connecting with the heart of Fairfax.

• Location: Downtown Fairfax, VA
• Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
• Highlights: 400+ vendors, live music, food trucks, and children's rides.
• Sources: Fairfaxva.gov, Oldtownfairfax.org

Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park

For a perfect blend of fall festival fun and a chance to get up close with some amazing animals, Leesburg Animal Park's Pumpkin Village is a must-visit. From late September to early November, the park is completely transformed. In addition to their permanent animal residents—from camels and lemurs to sloths—the festival offers a host of autumn-themed activities.

Pumpkin Village features a corn maze, giant slides, a bounce pad, a moon bounce, and a kids' zip line. You can take a wagon ride, get your face painted, and, of course, find your ideal pumpkin in the patch. With different entertainment and shows on weekends, including magic shows and live music, there's always something new to enjoy.

• Location: 19270 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175
• Dates: Open late September through early November.
• Highlights: Access to a full animal park, moon bounces, giant slides, pedal carts, and wagon rides.
• Sources: Leesburganimalpark.com, Fxva.com

More Fall Fun in October

While those are the major players, Northern Virginia is packed with other incredible October events to fill your calendar.

• Burke Nursery Fall Festival & Pumpkin Playground: Open daily throughout October, Burke Nursery in Burke, VA, offers a classic pumpkin patch experience with a fun, festive twist. Families can find the perfect pumpkin, shop for fall plants and decorations, and snap photos with the charming, Halloween-themed backdrops. It's a fantastic, low-key spot for beautiful fall photos and a fun outing.
• Nalls Produce "Pumpkin Hill": For over 30 years, Nalls Produce in Fairfax Station has been a beloved spot for a free, old-fashioned fall experience. Their "Pumpkin Hill" is a large display where kids can climb on a pumpkin fort and hay bales. It's a simple, perfect spot for picking a pumpkin and letting the little ones play.
• Frying Pan Farm Park's Harvest Days: This park, a part of the Fairfax County Park Authority, hosts an annual Harvest Days event in mid-October. It’s a great way to experience a 1930s-style farm harvest with antique farm equipment, cider pressing, and traditional farm games. It’s a perfect educational and fun event for all ages.
• Local Farmer's Markets: Many local farmers' markets, like the one in Reston or Manassas, will have special fall-themed weekends. Check their calendars for pumpkin decorating, seasonal produce, and special performances.

Beyond the Festivals

October in Northern Virginia is about more than just festivals. It's about a lifestyle. It's about enjoying a scenic drive along the scenic byways of Loudoun County to see the fall foliage. It's about picking your own apples at a local orchard like Marker-Miller Orchards. It's about getting lost in a corn maze at Great Country Farms or exploring the haunted attractions at a local venue.

At Debbie Dogrul Associates, we understand that a home is more than just a building—it's the center of your life and your connection to the community. Whether you're looking for a home in the heart of Fairfax with easy access to all the festivals or a more rural property in Loudoun County with stunning fall views, our team is here to help you find the perfect match.

Embrace the season, explore these amazing local events, and fall in love with the Northern Virginia lifestyle!

Sources: FuninFairfaxVA.com, Fxva.com, DullesMoms.com