The hills and slopes of Virginia come alive each fall with vibrant foliage and a wide variety of seasonal festivals. Here are some notable events to consider attending:
- Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (Bristol, Sept. 15–17): Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, this weekend features panels, live performances and special premieres honoring the region’s musical legacy. Expect a mix of traditional and contemporary roots music across multiple stages.
- VA PrideFest (Richmond, Sept. 23): The Commonwealth’s largest annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community includes food vendors, family-friendly activities, entertainment and community programming that welcomes attendees of all ages.
- Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival (Smith Mountain Lake, Sept. 23–24): Now in its 29th year, this festival spotlights Virginia wines with more than two dozen wineries participating, over 85 craft and food vendors and live music throughout the weekend.
- Chincoteague Oyster Festival (Chincoteague, Oct. 7): Marking the start of the state’s oyster season, this festival showcases oysters prepared in many styles—raw, steamed, frittered and fried—along with live entertainment, family games and seaside activities.
- The Blacksburg Brew Do (Blacksburg, Oct. 7): Offering a wide selection of craft beers from local and national breweries, this event pairs tastings with food options, live music and home-brewing demonstrations for beer enthusiasts.
- Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival (Syria, weekends in October): Now in its long-running tradition, the 48th annual festival features live bluegrass music, artisan vendors, hayrides, horseback rides and opportunities for apple picking in a scenic mountain setting.
- Blue Ridge Folklife Festival (Ferrum, Oct. 28): A full day celebrating traditional Appalachian culture with demonstrations in moonshining history, fiddling, dulcimer making, spinning, tatting, tobacco twisting, rug braiding and more—designed to preserve and share regional crafts and music.
- Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival (Bedford County, Nov. 18): Set at Thomas Jefferson’s historic retreat, this festival highlights artisan foods, regional producers and a selection of exceptional wines and ciders in an elegant, seasonal setting.