Must-Visit 2026 Fall Festivals and Events near Lexington and Staunton Virginia

Looking for fall festivals in the Shenandoah Valley in 2026? From September festivals and live mountain music to antique shows, ghost tours, arts and crafts, and the Virginia Film Festival, there are plenty of fall events near Lexington, Staunton, and Sugar Tree Inn.

Sometimes you want to escape your day-to-day by sitting in a quaint B&B in the mountains and not leave your room at all (there is this cute place called Sugar Tree Inn you can do this at 😉) …but sometimes you want to get out and see what the area has to offer! Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is spectacular, with all the colors surrounding you and a crispness in the air, and what better of a time to jump in the car and head to one of the local towns/cities to check out the exciting events on offer during this time. We have picked some of our favorites fall activities and festivals for you to check out while staying with us this year.

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When: Every Friday and Saturday (until the last weekend in October), 11:00am

Where: Staunton Visitors Center, Staunton, VA

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 25 miles/35 minutes

We’ve written many times about what a cute, historic, and artsy town Staunton is, but don’t just take our word for it—check it out yourself! This 90 minute walking tour will take you through the Beverley and Newtown Districts, pointing out Victorian architectural features and learning about the history of the area, from early settlers to the Civil War. While this is primarily a walking tour, if you are lucky, you might get the chance to ride the trolley! 

More info about the Historic and Architectural Tours

 

When: Sept 11-12, 2026

Where: Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista, Virginia

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 27 miles/35 minutes

The Annual Rockbridge Mountain Music & Dance Festival is back again this year from Friday September 11th to the 12th! Not only will you be listening to some bluegrass and mountain music in the evenings, workshops will be hosted during the day on Saturday, giving you a chance to learn more about the banjo, fiddle, harmony singing, guitar, and flatfooting. While the festival is small, the chance to hear local music played by locals can’t be missed.

More info about the Rockbridge Mountain Music & Dance Festival

 

When: Sept 12, 2026 12:00-6:00pm

Where: Lime Kiln Theater, Lexington 

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 26 miles/35 minutes

After so much success the past few years, the Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival is coming back with much anticipation. With 25 different brands of beer, cider, wine, and pre-made cocktails, it would be hard to not find something you enjoy. Kick back with a beer while you listen to live music featured throughout the day, but don’t forget to stop at one of the food trucks to get a little soakage in your stomach!

More info about the Rockbridge Beer and Wind Festival

 

When: Sept 26-27th, 2026

Where: Downtown Staunton, Staunton, VA

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 25 miles/40 minutes

 Have you ever watched a fantasy movie and thought “I’d love to be a part of that world for even just a day”. Well, good news, with the Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival you can! Organized by passionate volunteers yearly, they bring the world of magic and fantasy to downtown Staunton, where people from all different fandoms, but particularly Harry Potter, can come together and have a bit of fun for the afternoon. Broomstick (or cars for the muggles) parking is limited, so get there early!

More info about the Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival

 

 

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When: March-December (check schedules)

Where: Staunton, VA (starting location dependent on tour)

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 25 miles/40 minutes

While this one isn’t exclusive to the fall time, October is automatically the best time of year to do a spooky ghost tour! What better way to get into the Halloween spirit then by learning of the ghosts and ghouls that haunt Staunton. Being such a historic town that has seen battles and blood, there isn’t a corner that hasn’t seen some level of paranormal activity. The Ghosts of Staunton have numerous tours available whether you’re looking for a walking type or staying put in one location. All we ask is you don’t bring any ghosts back with you!

More info about the Ghosts of Stauton tours 

 

When: Oct 9-10, 2026

Where: Augusta Expo, Fishersville VA

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 26 miles/35 minutes

If you have read our past blog on antique hunting near us, you will know we love antique shopping, which means we can’t write a blog on things happening near us and not include a mention on the Fishersville Antique Expo! Find yourself a hidden gem that you can take back home with you, but be sure to show us your finds before you pack up!

More info about the Fisherville's Antique Expo

 

When: Oct 10th, 2026 10:00am-4:00pm

Where: Downtown Buena Vista

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 25 miles/35 minutes

Mountain Day is an annual arts and crafts festival held in downtown Buena Vista to celebrate our community and local artists through music, craft stalls, dance, food, and history. Running for over two decades, Mountain Day is a cherished annual event in the Valley supported by the Buena Vista Arts Council, Main Street Buena Vista, and Rockbridge Regional Tourism.

More info about the Mountain Day

 

When: Oct 21-25, 2026

Where: Charlottesville (multiple venues across the city) 

Distance from Sugar Tree Inn: Approximately 57 miles/60 minutes

Hosted by the University of Virginia, this renowned annual film festival has been taking place for nearly 40 years. From independent films to high budget productions, the festival highlights over 100 films with discussions from film makers and actors. Each year brings an honored guest, but with this year’s yet to be named, we can have a bit of fun speculating which big name will be in attendance. Maybe we can tempt them with a night or two at Sugar Tree Inn…

Want to learn more about movies and TV shows filmed in Virginia? Read our blog post Mov(i)e Over Hollywood! Virginia is Where it's at for Film and T.V

More info about the Virginia Film Festival

 

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No matter what type of traveler you are or what your interests are, the Shenandoah Valley will surely deliver. From crafts (both the art kind and the beer kind!) to music to ghosts, why not venture off for the afternoon or evening and see what has made locals fall in love with their area over and over again.

Whether you’re sipping local wines, browsing artisan crafts, or savoring the sweet taste of fresh apples, the Shenandoah Valley is alive with autumn traditions. So grab your favorite sweater, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable fall adventure in the scenic landscapes of Virginia. After a day of festivities, sign-up to enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Gerry! Fall dates fill up fast so don't delay! Book your room today.

Published July 31, 2026

About the Author: Brenda Needham is the owner of Sugar Tree Inn, a mountain bed and breakfast located less than one mile from Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway. She writes about hiking, scenic drives, small towns, local attractions, and travel experiences based on firsthand knowledge of the region and conversations with guests visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.