In fall, it’s time to turn your clocks back an hour and give yourself more time to appreciate all the festivals and other autumn fun that co-op country has to offer!
THE VIRGINIA PEANUT FESTIVAL | SEPT. 20-21
Emporia and Greensville County are stoked on peanuts — the 62nd 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 craft fair, and plenty of delicious festival food. For more information, visit virginiapeanutfestival.com.
FIELD DAY OF THE PAST | SEPT. 20-22
Field Day of the Past is held in Amelia County at Redfield Farm, 11404 Circle Dr. 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.
27TH ANNUAL CULPEPER HARVEST DAYS FARM TOUR | SEPT. 21-22
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. For more information, visit culpeperfarmtour.com.
SOUTH BOSTON HARVEST FESTIVAL | SEPT. 28
The 33rd annual South Boston Harvest Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, in historic downtown South Boston. The Harvest Festival is a free community event sponsored by many great businesses, industries and community agencies. Attend a fun-filled day of shopping, live music, children’s activities, great entertainment and delicious food. Throughout the day, continuous live music and entertainment will take place on two stages. For more information, go to downtownsobo.com.
JOHN JACKSON PIEDMONT BLUES FESTIVAL | SEPT. 28
Woodville, Va. – 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 Farms at Clover Hill. Gates open at 10 a.m.
DINWIDDIE COUNTY FAIR | OCT. 4-6
The 2024 Dinwiddie County Fair will be held Oct. 4-6 at Virginia Motorsports Park. It will feature live music, variety shows, fireworks, carnival rides and fair foods! Fun for the whole family, for only $10 a carload. For more information, visit discoverdinwiddie.com.
KING GEORGE FALL FESTIVAL | OCT. 12
The 65th Annual King George Fall Festival theme is Cheers to 65 Years! There will be a craft and vendor show, parade, car show, pageant, races and entertainment. This family event will also feature live music, as well as free rides and games for the kids. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at King George Elementary School and ends at King George High School. The SkillsUSA Car Show and 10K/5K/1-mile races start at 7:30 a.m. The craft and vendor show at King George High School starts at 10 a.m. inside the gym, cafeteria and student parking lot. Food trucks will be on site all day. To sign up for the race on the Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail, or be in the parade, or to be a vendor, crafter or food truck, go to kgfallfestival.com. The Fall Festival Queen Pageant will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at King George Middle School. For more information, visit kgfallfestival.com.
CRAIG COUNTY FALL FESTIVAL | OCT. 12
Enjoy fall in Craig County while attending the Craig County Fall Festival in New Castle, Va., on Oct. 12 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Six blocks of vendors, antique cars, great food, and children’s activities. Experience live music including Blue Connection and The McDaniels. Don’t miss breakfast and lunch at the Old Brick Hotel and be sure to visit the restored log cabins. Vendors will display dried flowers, artwork, wood crafting, candles, home-baked goodies and lots of raffle tickets. The Marshall Reynolds Memorial Antique Car Show will fill Middle Street. For more information, visit visitcraigcounty.com or call 540-864-7023.
CZECH AND SLOVAK FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL | OCT. 19
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 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the lawn at the Historic Courthouse Complex.
RASSAWEK AUTUMN FESTIVAL | OCT. 19-20
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.
DINOSAUR KINGDOM | WEEKENDS THROUGH OCTOBER
Take a stroll through our dinosaur-filled woods (that means there’s shade!). Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with the last entry at 5 p.m. Buy tickets online at dinosaurkingdomii.com or on site at the ticket booth.
HAUNTING TALES | WEEKENDS THROUGH OCTOBER
Walk through dark streets and alleyways and in the very footsteps of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and his beloved horse, Traveler, as you listen to entertaining, enlightening and eerie tales told to you by professional tour guides. Experience the nightly phenomena in the heart of the famous Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. For more information, visit ghosttourlexingtonva.com.
WINCHESTER BEER & CIDER TRAIL
Winchester-Frederick County is excited about the brand-new Winchester Beer and Cider Trail. The Winchester area has six breweries and two cideries, all within a 5-minute drive, and most within walking distance. Visit and taste delicious hard cider made from local Frederick County apples, or try unique small batch brews from creative brew masters that are constantly refining their craft. Visit four breweries/cideries and collect a stamp at each location, then return your passport to the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor’s Center to get free swag. For more information, visit winchesterbrewtrail.com.