As the hot days of summer give way to the crisp, cool, colorful days of fall, it’s time to explore Virginia’s diverse array of fall fairs, festivals and events. Below, you’ll find some special fall events that perfectly capture the magic of the new season.
FIELD DAY OF THE PAST — Amelia, Va. — Sept. 15-17
Field Day of the Past is held in Amelia County at Redfield Farm, 11404 Circle Drive. This is where you go for all the power-pulling action — tractor pulls and truck pulls. And, of course, live music, gold panning, carnival rides, heritage exhibits, animal exhibits, mechanical bull rides, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, and all the food and fun one can handle. For tickets and more information, visit fielddayofthepast.net.
26th ANNUAL CULPEPER HARVEST DAYS FARM TOUR — Culpeper, Va. — Sept. 16-17
Fun for all ages, the tour showcases both traditional and unique farms in the beautiful Blue Ridge foothills that make up Culpeper County. The event provides a wonderful educational experience and includes an array of hands-on activities and demonstrations. The 15 carefully selected farms and ag-related businesses on the tour reflect Culpeper’s agricultural heritage and the millions of dollars in production, wages and salaries generated by the agricultural industry in the county and state. Tours will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit culpeperfarmtour.com.
61st ANNUAL PEANUT FESTIVAL — Emporia, Va. — Sept. 22-23
Emporia and Greensville County are stoked on peanuts — the 61st annual Peanut Festival, that is. All your favorites will be on hand: a car show, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, a parade, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, a carnival and all that delicious festival food visitors enjoy each year. Visit virginiapeanutfestival.com for more info.
JOHN JACKSON PIEDMONT BLUES FESTIVAL — Woodville, Va. — Sept. 30
Don’t miss the John Jackson Piedmont Blues Festival, which pays tribute to Rappahannock County native John Jackson and his legacy while also celebrating the musical and cultural heritage of Rappahannock County. John Jackson’s life and legacy will be celebrated through Piedmont Blues music performances, cultural food vendors, historical displays and educational demonstrations. The festival is held at Eldon’s Farm, 4432 Sperryville Pike. Gates open at 10 a.m. Facebook @ John Jackson Piedmont Blues Festival.
SOUTH BOSTON HARVEST FESTIVAL — South Boston, Va. — Sept. 30
The 32nd annual South Boston Harvest Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, in historic downtown South Boston. The Harvest Festival is a free community event sponsored by many businesses, industries and community agencies. Enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping, live music, children’s activities and delicious food. Throughout the day, continuous live music and other entertainment will take place on two stages. For more information, go to downtownsobo.com.
HIGHLAND COUNTY HANDS & HARVEST FESTIVAL — Highland, Va. — Oct. 6-8
Nothing says fall like enjoying tours of farms and tastes of freshly made apple butter and cider. Shop with talented arts and crafts vendors, enjoy live entertainment, climb the Sounding Knob Fire Tower, and more! For more information, go to highlandcounty.org/hands-harvest-festival.
DINWIDDIE COUNTY FAIR — Dinwiddie, Va. — Oct. 6-8
The 2023 Dinwiddie County Fair will be held Oct. 6-8 this year at Virginia Motorsports Park. This year’s fair will feature live music, variety shows, fireworks, carnival rides and fair foods! It promises to be fun for the whole family, for only $10 a carload. For more information, go to dinwiddieva.us.
CZECH & SLOVAK FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL — Prince George, Va. — Oct. 21
During the late 19th century, more than 700 Czech and Slovak families came to live in Virginia. The greatest number settled in the counties of Prince George, Dinwiddie and Chesterfield. Come learn about the rich and unique culture of Virginia’s longtime Czech and Slovak-American community. There will be food, music and beer. You are guaranteed to enjoy yourself. This festival will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the lawn at the Prince George County Regional Heritage Center. For more information, go to bestpartva.org.
RASSAWEK AUTUMN FESTIVAL — Columbia, Va. — Oct. 21-22
The Rassawek Autumn Festival showcases a professional rodeo this year. Come and see trade demonstrations that include new and old heavy equipment, blacksmithing, welding and carpentry. Guests can also enjoy pig races, bluegrass music, market and food vendors, children’s activities, and beer and wine. Visit rassawek.com to save $5 by getting your tickets in advance.
FESTIVE FRIDAYS — Highland, Va. — Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
Come enjoy the old-fashioned holiday charm in historic Cape Charles’ Winter Wonderland each Friday from Nov. 24 to Dec. 22. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand. Bring the kids for free horse-drawn carriage rides. See the Northampton High School marching band on parade each week. Shops and restaurants will be open and there is a free holiday movie weekly.