9-22-2026 5:40am

Catching Autumn: Late September and Early October Festivals in the DC Area

Eme Awa Editor

Published September 22, 2026 · 3 min read

We're in the season when the weather finally cooperates—sans humidity—and the DMV responds by throwing a party in every direction. Late September through early October is the densest stretch on the region's calendar: street fairs, beer gardens, pumpkin patches, wine tastings, and at least one festival where people literally push their art down the street. Here's what's worth your Saturday

City Streets: Neighborhood and Arts Festivals

Clarendon Day (Arlington, VA) — September 26, 11 AM–6 PM. A multi-block street festival around the Clarendon Metro with live music, local vendors, and a KidZone.

Alexandria Art Festival (John Carlyle Square, VA) — September 26–27, 10 AM–5 PM. A top-100 juried national collection, plus the Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser.

Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival (MD) — September 27, parade at 10 AM, festival until 5 PM. The premise alone earns it a spot: attendees and artists push, pull, or carry their work down the street.

Art on the Avenue (Del Ray, VA) — October 3, 10 AM–6 PM. Over 350 local and regional artists along Mount Vernon Avenue.

Takoma Park Street Festival (MD) — October 4, 10 AM–5 PM. Over 185 vendor booths and 18 local bands across Carroll Avenue.

Stein-Hoisting and Sipping

The Wharf Oktoberfest (DC) — October 3, 2–5 PM. Free. Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, stein-hoisting championship, and polka on District Pier.

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest (VA) — September 24–27. Four days of traditional German carnival energy, live polka, and authentic fare at Pullen Field.

Frederick's Oktoberfest (MD) — October 2–3. Frederick Fairgrounds. Schnitzel, strudel, and a kids' zone big enough to lose an afternoon in.

Mount Vernon Wine Fall Festival (VA) — October 9–11, 6–9 PM. Sunset views and unlimited tastings on George Washington's historic grounds. This one sells out.

DC Pickle Bash (DC) — October 10, 10 AM–5 PM. Boozy pickle drinks, pickle-making contests, and a dedicated pickle bar on Geranium Street NW.

Taste of Bethesda (MD) — October 3, 11 AM–4 PM. The region's great culinary sampler, spread across four entertainment stages in Woodmont Triangle.

Country Fields and Corn Mazes

Cox Farms Fall Festival (Centreville, VA) — September 19–November 8. Hayrides, the Conundrum corn maze, and Foamhenge—a full-scale foam replica of Stonehenge.

Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA) — September 1–25. Apple harvest festivals and expansive corn mazes.

Clark's Elioak Farm (Ellicott City, MD) — September 19–November 8. Enchanted forest attractions, petting zoos, and costume parades for the younger set.

Larriland Farm (Woodbine, MD) — September 8–October 31. Pesticide-free pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrides, and the Boo Barn.

Pro Tips for Navigating the Season

Book ahead. Timed and dated admissions for blockbusters like Cox Farms and the Mount Vernon Wine Festival disappear early.

Know what's free. Street festivals are typically free to enter—rides and food cost extra. Farm festivals and wine events are all-inclusive ticketed experiences.

Plan the drive. Urban fairs mean road closures, so take Metro. Farm visits mean rural routes, so map them before you leave.

This is the prime window. Grab the planner, check the forecast, and step outside—the region's seasonal spirit is on full display for the next three weeks, and then it's gray until April.

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