You’ve felt it… The extra little nip in the air that makes you grab a sweater before heading out the door; the shade of blue in the sky that only autumn can create; the occasional bright red leaf on a tree; and that itch to start drinking apple cider. The signs are clear: fall has arrived. In order to celebrate the beginning of this beloved season, we’ve compiled a list of Fall Festivals and Activities happening in and around Harrisonburg. So go ahead – put on that light jacket and embrace fall!
Located in Downtown Waynesboro this event includes a spicy People’s Choice chili cook-off, a cool line-up of Blues artists, and refreshing mega and micro brews.
Kick off fall with the Harvest Festival in Grottoes.
Enjoy two jam-packed weeks set aside to celebrate the diverse cultures and backgrounds that make up Harrisonburg. Check out the event line-ups!
The 18th Annual, family-friendly International Festival takes place at Hillandale Park and features food, dancing, crafts (and more!) that represent a beautifully diverse variety of countries and ethnic backgrounds.
Head on out to the Rockingham County Fairgrounds for a BBQ competition, face painting, a tug-o-war and cornhole tournament, a bounce house, and much more. Oh yes, and did we mention mouth-watering BBQ?
If you’re looking for a day full of brews and music, look no further than this community-filled festival at Turner Pavilion.
This very popular arts & crafts celebration (aka “Dayton Days”) is on its 36th year and takes place in historic downtown Dayton.
Set in the scenic Massanutten Resort, this Fall Festival features a wide variety of food vendors, arts & craft vendors, kids’ activities, family-fun activities, beer, wine, and music.
Showalters Orchard & Greenhouse welcomes visitors for a celebration of all things fall with food trucks, live music, apple cider slushies, lawn games, kids’ activities, and Old Hill Cider tastings.
This family-friendly event is a fun-filled afternoon with candy, games, crafts, and even a kids costume contest. Located at the Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center.
A great way to start Halloween with lots of Carnival activities, costume contests for kids and dogs, and trick-or-treating through downtown Harrisonburg.
Get out in the crisp fall air for VA Momentum‘s 5K or Kids Run through the vines at Cross Keys Vineyard. Bring your own picnic food and stay for the wine and live music after the run.
DIAMOND DASH //
Another VA Momentum special – enter to run or walk the 2-mile course at Bluestone Vineyard and you may be the lucky winner of a $10,000 diamond from Christopher William Jewelers. All proceeds benefit Mercy House.
FALL FLYOVER //
Dynamic Aviation will be hosting a fun day of plane rides, vintage planes and cars, and food.
Enjoy beautiful fall colors in the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum from the seat of a charming carriage drawn by beautiful Percheron horses.
A great place to start shopping for your holiday gifts. Crafts and food will be available for purchase throughout the day at the Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Center.
Join the community for a parade down Main Street and recognition ceremony at Harrisonburg High School.
Enjoy Harrisonburg’s culinary district during this week-long event where over 25 restaurants offer specials and showcase their mouth-watering dishes.
View these festivals and activities on our Event Calendar.
Valley AIDS Network is also having their 5th annual “Tour and Taste” event on October 3rd in Harrisonburg!
http://valleyaidsnetwork.org/
Also, the 49th annual Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale will be at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds Oct. 2-3.
http://www.vareliefsale.com/
Great! Thanks for this addition, Marcia!