Embrace the Harvest Season: Must-Visit Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025
As summer fades to the golden colors of fall, Virginia transforms into a haven of fall festivals and harvest celebrations. From sunflower fields to apple butter simmering over open fires, fall in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains offers unforgettable seasonal experiences. If you’re planning a getaway near Lexington, Staunton, or the Blue Ridge Parkway, here’s your guide to the best fall festivals in Virginia 2025. Attending all these festivals can be tiring! Fall dates fill up quickly so check out our availability today and rest your weary feet. :)
1. Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival
Location: Buchanan, VA
September 5th-14th, 2025
The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival is a floral spectacle like no other and is one of the most photographed fall festivals in Virginia. This vibrant festival, set amidst the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, celebrates the majestic sunflower. Visitors can wander through over 100 acres of sunflowers, partake in hayrides, and browse local vendors offering handmade crafts and delicious food. This festival is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike, with endless opportunities for capturing the perfect shot against a backdrop of radiant blooms.
2. Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival
Location: Lexington, VA
September 6th, 2025
In the charming town of Lexington, the Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival celebrates Virginia's thriving craft beverage culture. Attendees can sample a variety of craft beers and local wines while enjoying live music and gourmet food offerings. The festival showcases the region's best breweries and vineyards, making it an essential stop for those looking to indulge in Virginia’s rich craft beverage culture. Some of our favorite wineries will be there to dazzle your taste buds like Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery and Jump Mountain Vineyards. . For travelers exploring Virginia wine festivals in the fall, this event is a highlight just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
3. Drumheller's Orchard Apple Festival
Location: Lovingston, VA
September 27th-28th and October 18th-19th, 2025
A visit to Drumheller’s Orchard Apple Festival is a quintessential autumn experience. This family-owned orchard invites guests to savor the taste of freshly picked apples, homemade cider, and mouthwatering apple pies. The festival features a wide range of activities, including hayrides, apple picking, and live music. Children can enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo, making it a perfect family outing.
4. Silver Creek and Seaman’s Orchard Apple Butter Makin’ Festival
Location: Tyro, VA
October 4th and October 18th, 2025
At the Silver Creek and Seaman’s Orchard Apple Butter Makin’ Festival, tradition is the star of the show. Here, you can witness the age-old process of making apple butter in copper kettles over open fires. The festival also includes apple picking, craft vendors, and delicious food. It’s a wonderful way to step back in time and appreciate the simpler pleasures of life.
5. Highland County Hands and Harvest Festival
Location: Monterey, VA and throughout Highland County
October 11th-12th, 2025
The Highland County Hands and Harvest Festival is a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore local farms, watch the making of maple syrup, and enjoy scenic drives through the picturesque countryside. The festival also features arts and crafts, music, and delicious food, offering a unique and immersive experience of rural Virginia. While Highland County isn't the closest to us, the breathtaking drive will make the trip worth it!
6. Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival
Location: Crozet, VA
October 11th-12th, 2025
Art enthusiasts will find their haven at the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival. This festival features a diverse array of artists and craftsmen, showcasing everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and woodworking. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the festival also offers live music, food trucks, and children’s activities, making it a cultural feast for all ages.
7. Wade’s Mill Apple Butter Festival
Location: Raphine, VA
October 18th, 2025
A fan favorite around these parts, the Wade’s Mill Apple Butter Festival is a celebration of all things apple. Visitors can watch the process of apple butter making and enjoy a variety of apple-themed treats. The festival also offers tours of the historic mill, artisan vendors, and live music. It’s a charming event that highlights the best of Virginia’s autumnal traditions. This is their 28th year hosting this event and they have it down right! Lucky for us here at Sugar Tree Inn, they are just down the mountain in the very nearby town of Raphine.
From the vibrant sunflowers of Beaver Dam Farm to the traditional apple butter festivals in Rapine and Tyro, these Virginia fall festivals near Lexington, Staunton, and the Blue Ridge Parkway showcase the very best of harvest season. 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.
