Free Fall Festivals for Families in Northern Virginia

by Micaela Williamson

The Northern Virginia area is filled with many wonderful fall events, but sometimes the admission prices for the whole family can get hefty. For those looking to have some fall fun on a budget, check out one of these upcoming FREE Fall Festivals: 


Fall Lakes FallFest
September 27, 2014
1 PM-4 PM
Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA 
Free!

Families will love this festival, packed with a live animal show, musical and dance groups, a free train ride, community booths, giant inflatables, carnival games and more!  Fairfax County fire and police vehicles will be on display.  Plus, tasty food and artisan crafts will be for sale.  View the full schedule of entertainment online here. 


Clarendon Day
September 27, 2014
11 AM-5 PM
Clarendon, VA
Free

Lots of talented artisans and yummy local restaurants will be at Clarendon Day.  Kids can climb, play, bounce, and have a blast in the special Kids' Zone. There is also face-painting, storytelling, kids' performers, and few surprises.  Everyone can take advantage of the live entertainment too! c


Manassas Fall Jubilee 
October 4, 2014
10 AM-5 PM
Old Town Manassas
Free!

Now in its 32nd year, this year’s Jubilee will include an assortment of live entertainment for both kids and adults. With over 100 crafter and community booths, live music and entertainment,  wine tastings, farmer’s market, children’s rides and activities and a pumpkin patch (sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets) you are sure to find something for everyone in the family!


Fall for Fairfax
October 4 & 5, 2014
10 AM-7 PM (Sat,) 10 AM-5PM (Sun)
Free

This is a massive festival that is free to attend.  All entertainment and most programs are also free of charge. Some activities have a minimal fee to participants, which are indicated within their activity descriptions.  The festival includes amazing train displays by the National Capital Trackers, a free ride on the trackless train, a petting zoo, rides, community booths, hands-on kids' crafts, and top notch entertainment such as The Great Zucchini, Mad Science, Wildlife Ambassadors and many more. This is a fun event geared towards toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school aged children. 


Art on the Avenue
October 4, 2014
10 AM-6 PM
Mount Vernon Avenue (Del Ray,) Alexandria
Free

Here visitors can experience over 300 artisans, taste amazing gourmet food and be entertained with live music and children’s activities.  Artist will be displaying and selling handmade items such as glassware, baskets, jewelry, hats, tiles, paintings, and much more.  Kids will enjoy the Kids’ Art corner with over a dozen activities hands on activities. The whole event is jam packed with live entertainment, and the special children’s stage features dance and musical groups, a magic act, and a puppet show.  


SterlingFest
October 11, 2014
Sterling Park, VA
Free

SterlingFest is a free admission community event filled with a variety of foods, crafts, businesses, community booths, and vendors.  Children will love interactive activities and rides, and local entertainers, such as the Sterling Playmakers, will charm the whole crowd. 


Clifton Day
October 12, 2014
9 AM- 5PM
Clifton, VA
Free

Visit quaint and historic Clifton for a festival packed with artisans, unique products, antiques, children's activities, and entertainment. For added fun, ride the VRE train from Burke or Manassas. 


Merrifield Fall Festival
October 18, 2014
11 AM- 6 PM
Mosaic District
Free

This year the festival will feature: food vendors, a pumpkin patch, a beer garden, musical entertainment, craft vendors, local artists, and children’s activities and rides at the fun Mosaic District. 


Air and Scare-Smithsonian Air & Space
October 25, 2014
2 PM-7 PM
Udvar-Hazy Museum, Chantilly, VA
(Must pay for parking,) Free admission

Dress up in your costume for this fun, safe, indoor trick or treating option. The event includes kids' crafts, science themed activities, characters from Star Wars & Ghostbusters, storytelling and more. Plus, all the great regular museum exhibits are also open.