The DC area’s oppressive summer heat is finally making way for milder weather, and everyone from seasoned locals to new transplants can look forward to autumn vibes in the outdoors. As you rotate out the shorts in your wardrobe to welcome sweater weather, there is no shortage of ways to embrace the season of harvest.

Click here for our Bhlen Link with a complete list of things to do this Fall!

Cox Farms – (Centreville, VA)

Apple cider donuts, giant themed slides, hayrides, and a goat village make this a local fall classic. If you’re looking to get into the autumn mood, look no further. This has been the biggest and most well-attended fall festival in the DMV since it launched as a family business in 1974. From September 14 through November 5, you can forge a family tradition of an action-packed day that culminates in selecting a pumpkin.

Clifton Day (Clifton, VA)

For residents of this tiny town seemingly plucked from the past and tucked amid the rolling hills of Fairfax Station, Clifton Day puts them on the map. On October 13, streets are closed to traffic, and artisans and food vendors line the streets. At the town green, a bounce house and a variety of performers create the perfect atmosphere to entertain children. The best way to maximize your autumn mood? Take the train! The VRE runs a special train that stops in downtown Clifton for one day only, and the view of the leaves changing colors is unparalleled. 

Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD) Something about a hand-picked apple just tastes better. At Butler’s Orchard, you can pick your own apples on weekends. You can pick out the perfect jack-o-lantern starting September 21.  Be sure to also check out Front Porch Kitchen from 10:30 – 3, which serves apple cider and beer. If you are celebrating something special, consider booking one of their magical after-hours hayrides or bonfires.

Mount Vernon (Alexandria, VA)

In addition to being the home of the father of our country, Mount Vernon also boasts an exciting line-up of autumnal events. Check out the Fall Harvest Festival on October 19 and 20 and step back in time by seeing 18th-century demonstrations and activities. Slow down at the Mount Vernon estate, and take in a calmer pace of life in the crisp autumn weather. Down the road at the Grist Mill, you can even sample whiskey of the era.

Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, MD)

If you enjoy chowing down on a turkey leg while dressing as a lord or lady, then the Renaissance Festival is for you. Multiple theaters are nestled throughout the village, and you can watch just about anything, from bards to jousters. Bring cash to the event to ensure you can purchase something from one of your favorite artisans. (Online ticket sales only.)

Wharf Oktoberfest (Washington, DC)

Brat summer might be over, but brat autumn is just beginning! If you love German food, put on your lederhosen on October 5 and head down to the Wharf, where you can chow down on all of the sauerkraut and brats you can muster. If you’re a weiner enthusiast of the canine variety, check out the annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. There will also be a stein-hoisting championship, where qualifiers from local restaurants come to show off their hoisting skills (and drink some German beer while they’re at it). Finally, dance the night away with Polka on the Pier from 5 to 7 PM.

Click here for our Bhlen Link with a complete list of things to do this Fall!

VIRGINIA

Fall Market at the Lucketts Store

DC

Georgetown Fall Market

H Street festival 

MARYLAND

PIKEtoberfest 

Gaver Farm

Maryland Corn Maze (Gambrills)