The seeds of Loudoun’s agricultural heritage provide a bounty of experiences that really make a visit here memorable. Whether you love craft beer and corn mazes or artisan fairs and autumnal foliage, Loudoun has something for everyone to enjoy this fall. Since these perfect conditions last just a few short months, we like to take advantage of every autumnal activity possible.
Fall Harvest and Pick-Your-Own in Loudoun
Apple Harvest at Great Country Farms
Through the rest of September, Great Country Farms' apple orchard is open for apple picking and freshly pressed apple cider tasting. Hop on the wagon to the orchard to pick ripe, delectable apples every day until the end of September - starting at 9:15 a.m. Mon-Fri. Weekends are for those who enjoy sleeping in. Starting at 11 a.m. apple picking is accompanied by live music, marshmallow roasting, pig racing and cider pressing demos. It’s everything apple, and if apples are not your choice of harvest, the pumpkin patch is also open the last week of September through October. Make your fall adventure your own!
Temple Hall Farm Pumpkin Patch
Celebrate harvest at Temple Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Patch and Sunflower Fields, which are open through October. Bounce on the giant jumping pillows, participate in the farm animal scavenger hunt and don’t forget to enjoy the infamous cornbox – filled with corn not sand. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or visit the new sunflower field to pick flowers or snap a season-friendly selfie. A portion of the proceeds of pick-your-own sunflowers benefits apprenticeship programs for neurodivergent individuals at Legacy Farms, which is also on site.
Leesburg Animal Park Pumpkin Village and Fall Festival
Bring the whole family to Leesburg Animal Park for the annual Pumpkin Village and Fall Festival! This exciting festival opens to the public on September 16 and runs through November 5 at the beautiful animal park facility in Leesburg. The Fall Fest features giant hill slides, wagon rides, pedal carts, moon bounces, petting zoos, pony rides and so much more! Come on the weekends for live music and entertainment, face painting and give the kids a taste of flying on their own zip-line.
Fall Fairs & Festivals in Loudoun
79th Annual Waterford Fair
The Waterford Fair is truly a fair like no other. This historic festival in Loudoun brings thousands every year to get a glimpse into what the Village of Waterford is really like. Take advantage of the opportunity to tour historic homes in the area, watch juried artisans demonstrate the techniques of traditional craftsmanship, take a tour of the Old Mill and vintage barns that have been transformed over the years into galleries for paintings and other vendors. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s fair with live entertainment, children’s activities and more.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
Get an inside look at Lovettsville's German heritage during the Annual Oktoberfest September 22 and September 23. There will be authentic German cuisine, live music, street performers, local beer, wine, artisans and so much more. Kick off the weekend with live 80’s music and German food trucks, followed by the beer tapping ceremony. Saturday events begin with a wiener dog race followed by a kids 5k fun run race and ending with a big parade through town.
Sterling Festival 2023
Melt into the crowds at the Sterling Community Center on October 7 for Sterling Fest 2023. Explore booths featuring local businesses and artisans and sample fine food from a variety of local restaurants. While the kids enjoy games, obstacle courses and crafts, parents can sit down in the Beer Garden for a pint of locally brewed beer or a lovely glass of Virginia’s finest wine.
Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials
Spectators are welcome to the worldwide equestrian event of the year at Morven Park on October 14 and October 15. People who attend this event will witness a show like no other with this internationally recognized horse competition - watch horses show off in sophisticated dressage, jump over obstacles and complete cross-country course in this triathlon-style race coined "eventing." To get up close and personal, reserve a tailgate spot in the middle of the cross-country field for prime viewing.
Loudoun Fall Farm Tour 2023
The Loudoun Fall Farm Tour is back this year with more than 30 participating farms showcasing their Loudoun made, Loudoun grown products - the newest participant being Brookfield Dairy Farm, which will have their locally made ice cream truck on site. The tour takes place October 21 and October 22. Attendees will enjoy cuddly animals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple presses and other seasonal activities.
