Fall festivals, especially free ones are one of my favorite ways to make the most of the season with my family. 'In this economy,' finding things to do that are actually free or super affordable really matters. That is why I put together this list of 22 fall festivals and events happening across Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Every one of them is free to attend but may have some costs once you get there.
Free Fall Festivals Near DC, VA and MD Table of Contents
- Washington DC
- Northern Virginia
- Maryland
- More Fall Events (Not all free)
Free Fall Festivals in Washington, DC
Hill-O-Ween – Capitol Hill’s Free Fall Festival Halloween Bash
Date: Friday, October 25, 2025 (usually the Friday before Halloween, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Description: Hill-O-Ween is a beloved Capitol Hill tradition where families gather for a festive Halloween block party filled with costumes, music, and community fun. Hosted in front of Eastern Market, the event features booths from local businesses, schools, and organizations.
Fun activities for kids: Trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, costume parade, moon bounce, face painting, and crafts. Local fire trucks and mascots often make an appearance too.
Address: Outside Eastern Market, 7th Street SE between Pennsylvania Avenue and North Carolina Avenue, Washington, D.C.
Nearby activities: Browse the Eastern Market vendors and the playground at 9th and Penn Ave.
Website: Check local updates at easternmarket-dc.org or community boards like HillRag.com
Library of Congress National Book Free Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 (9 a.m.–8 p.m.; doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Description: The 25th anniversary of this beloved literary festival features author panels, storytelling, and interactive zones for all ages. Organized by the Library of Congress and held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Fun activities for kids: Story District reading sessions, STEM District science-literacy demos, hands-on workshops, and giveaways.
Address: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, D.C.
Nearby activities: Visit the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall or grab lunch at nearby Penn Quarter.
Website: The Library of Congress
DC State Free Fall Fair
Date: September 6, 2025
Description: A showcase of local talent from DC area—baking, gardening, crafts, brewing, and more. A community fair with a homespun, neighborhood feel.
Fun activities for kids: Bake‑off judging, craft stations, interactive agricultural contests, live music, and people‑watching.
Address: Varies (often on Barracks Row or community fairgrounds in Southeast D.C.)
Nearby activities: Dine nearby on historic Barracks Row or walk to pop‑up art fairs in Capitol Hill.
Website: dcstatefair.org
H Street Festival - Free to attend in Washington, DC
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.)
Description: One of D.C.’s largest street festivals, with food trucks, art booths, community vendors, multiple live music stages, and local businesses along H Street NE.
Fun activities for kids: Live performances, craft booths, kids’ zone activities, street art displays.
Address: H Street NE between 3rd Street NE and Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.
Nearby activities: Pop into the Atlas Performing Arts Center, visit nearby Eckington or Trinidad for murals and playgrounds.
Website: hstreetfestival.org
Capitol Hill Pumpkin Patch Free Fall Festival in DC
Date: Mid‑ to late‑October weekends (exact dates TBA)
Description: Eastern Market transforms with pumpkins, fall décor, and community crafts offered by vendors and local businesses on Capitol Hill.
Fun activities for kids: Face painting, pumpkin picking, crafts, photo spots and trick‑or‑treating at nearby shops during holiday block parties. Hill‑O‑Ween often overlaps.
Address: Eastern Market, 225 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C.
Nearby activities: Explore Capitol Hill landmarks like the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, or play at Lincoln Park.
Website: easternmarket-dc.org or Capitol Hill community festival pages
PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park Free Fall Festival
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2025, 4 p.m. to ~7 p.m.
Description: NoMa BID hosts this lively, totally free fall celebration in the heart of NoMa with live music, a pick‑your‑own pumpkin patch (while supplies last), and neighborhood fun.
Fun activities for kids: Free pumpkins, live music, face painting, scavenger hunt, movie screening (Monsters, Inc.), costume contests, photo ops.
Address: Alethia Tanner Park, 3rd Street NE & L Street NE, Washington, D.C. (NoMa neighborhood)
Nearby activities: Stroll NoMa’s public art installations, visit NoMa Farmers Market or grab a snack at Union Market.
Website: PumpkinPalooza
Northern Virginia Free Fall Festivals 2025
Fall Jubilee – Historic Free Downtown Manassas Virginia
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Description: A beloved annual event hosted in Historic Downtown Manassas. Expect over 100 craft and community booths, live music, and entertainment across Main and Center Streets.
Fun activities for kids: Costume parade, pumpkin painting, inflatables, roving characters, a magic show, and kids’ games.
Address: Center Street, Main Street and side streets, Manassas, VA 20110
Nearby activities: Visit the Manassas Museum, grab lunch on West Street, or explore the historic train depot.
Website: VisitManassas tourism page
Burke Centre Fall Festival – Burke, Fairfax County, VA
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (plus evening events Sept 6)
Description: A classic community festival at the Conservancy Festival Grounds. Features a large arts and crafts show, live acts, emergency vehicles, and strolling entertainers.
Fun activities for kids: Pony rides, balloon artists, face-painting, puppet and magic shows, games, and fire/police vehicle displays.
Address: Conservancy Festival Grounds, 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, VA 22015
Nearby activities: Explore Burke Centre’s community walking paths, or grab a snack at nearby local spots.
Website: Facebook page
Vienna Free Fall Oktoberfest – Vienna, VA
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Description: A festive German-themed outdoor event in downtown Vienna. Live music, cultural performances, and community booths.
Fun activities for kids: Dance lessons, kids’ zone, traditional music, and family-friendly performances.
Address: Vienna Town Green and throughout Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA
Nearby activities: Walk along the W&OD Trail, explore local shops and cafes in Old Town Vienna.
Website: https://www.viennaoktoberfest.org
Clifton Day Free Fall Festival Festival – Clifton, VA
Date: Sunday, October 13, 2025
Description: A charming street festival in small-town Clifton. Local artisans, live music, food vendors, and family activities set against a historic backdrop.
Fun activities for kids: Pumpkin painting, train rides, crafting booths, live performances, and petting animals.
Address: Clifton Historic District, Clifton, VA 20124
Nearby activities: Stroll downtown Clifton, enjoy local parks, or visit nearby vineyards.
Website: https://www.cliftonva.org
Fairfax Fall Festival – Old Town Fairfax, VA
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Description: A hometown celebration featuring over 400 vendors, live music, craft booths, and local food along historic North Street. Admission and parking are free.
Fun activities for kids: Children’s stage acts, interactive crafts, family performances, and community booths.
Address: North Street between Chain Bridge Road and University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Nearby activities: Grab lunch in Old Town Fairfax or stroll local greenspaces.
Website: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/Events-directory/Parks-and-Recreation/Special-Events/Fall-Festival
Nalls Pumpkin Hill – Our family's personal favorite Fall Festival in Alexandria Virginia
Date: Late September through October 2025 (exact dates TBD)
Description: Hosted at Nalls Produce, this playful pumpkin display has been a local fall tradition for over 30 years. Visitors can climb hay forts and enjoy creative pumpkin landscapes.
Fun activities for kids: Hay tunnels, pumpkin tunnels, photo opportunities in colorful displays, and interactive play environments.
Address: 7310 Beulah Street, Alexandria, VA 22315
Nearby activities: Visit the on-site farm stand for fall produce or picnic among the festive displays.
Website: nallsproduce.com
Mosaic Free Fall Festival – Fairfax, VA
Date: Saturday–Sunday, September 28–29, 2025 • 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Description: A lively fall event in the Mosaic District featuring 90+ vendors, live music, selfie stations, and street food. Free to attend with festive autumn flair.
Fun activities for kids: Pumpkin painting, live children’s performances, craft stations, and music stages.
Address: Mosaic District, 2920 District Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031
Nearby activities: Check out public art, take a break by fountains, or watch a film at the Angelika theater.
Website: mosaicdistrict.com/events
Fall Harvest Family Days – National Landing, Arlington, VA
Date: October 2025 (specific weekend TBD)
Description: A community fall celebration along the Mount Vernon Trail in National Landing. Expect live music, local performances, and fall-themed family fun.
Fun activities for kids: Seasonal crafts, music performances, photo ops, and nature-themed games along the trail.
Address: Mount Vernon Trail green spaces around National Landing, Arlington, VA
Nearby activities: Walk the Mount Vernon Trail, visit parks, or stop by shops and cafes in the National Landing area.
Website: arlingtonmagazine.com
Maryland Free Fall Festivals
Takoma Park Street Festival – Takoma Park, MD
Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Description: A lively community event along Carroll Avenue showcasing over 185 vendor booths, live music from local bands, and plenty of street food and family fun. Sponsored by Montgomery Parks.
Fun activities for kids: Outdoor music stages, interactive crafts, balloon artists, street performances, and more family entertainment.
Address: Carroll Avenue from Eastern Avenue NW to Carroll Street NW, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Nearby activities: Explore independent shops and cafés in downtown Takoma; take the Metro’s Red Line to nearby DC.
Website: Main Street Takoma or Montgomery Parks festival event page Montgomery Parks
Silver Spring Harvest Moon Festival – Silver Spring, MD
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 • Likely 1 p.m.–7 p.m. (based on prior years)
Description: A multicultural community fest in Veterans Plaza featuring arts, crafts, music, and cultural performances—free and family friendly.
Fun activities for kids: Live dance and music shows, creative art demos, family workshops, and interactive performances.
Address: Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD
Nearby activities: Visit nearby local shops, restaurants, and the Silver Spring downtown cultural arts district.
Website: Silver Spring Downtown or event-specific Harvest Moon Festival page Eventbrite
Greenbelt Pumpkin Walk & Festival – Greenbelt, MD
Date: October 12, 2025
Description: A creative, illuminated pumpkin trail community event featuring pumpkin sculptures, decorating stations, and family-friendly fall ambiance.
Fun activities for kids: Explore glowing pumpkins, do a scavenger hunt, and enjoy seasonal crafts or photo stations at Greenbelt Co‑op.
Address: Greenbelt Co‑op and surrounding Greenbelt neighborhoods, Greenbelt, MD
Nearby activities: Walk the Greenbelt community gardens or visit the Greenbelt Lake Park area.
Website: Look for Greenbelt Pumpkin Festival on local community boards or the Greenbelt Co‑op Facebook page Facebook
Hagerstown Harvest Hoedown – Hagerstown, MD
Date: October 11, 2025
Description: A free rural-style fall event featuring local crafts, farm games, hay mazes, and carnival-style family fun set in downtown Hagerstown.
Fun activities for kids: Hay rides, pumpkin painting, traditional games, and seasonal treats.
Address: Main Street and historic downtown area, Hagerstown, MD
Nearby activities: Visit the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts or explore City Park.
Catoctin Colorfest – Thurmont, MD
Date: Saturday–Sunday, October 11–12, 2025 • 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Description: One of the East Coast’s largest juried arts and crafts festival featuring over 250 vendors, live music, and community displays. Admission is free; parking fee may apply.
Fun activities for kids: Street entertainment, craft booths, live music, and seasonal walkable displays throughout Thurmont.
Address: Community Park & Thurmont streets, Thurmont, MD 21788
Nearby activities: Explore Cunningham Falls State Park or local historic downtown shops.
Website: colorfest.org or Visit Frederick/Thurmont tourism pages visitfrederick.org
South Mountain Creamery Fall Festival – Middletown, MD
Date: September 21 - October 27, 2025
Description: A fun small‑farm festival atmosphere at South Mountain Creamery offering live music, baby animals, and seasonal ambiance. Entry is free; optional extras like farm rides or food cost a little.
Fun activities for kids: Farm tours, animal petting areas, photo spots, and occasional live performances.
Address: South Mountain Creamery, Middletown, MD (check website for exact location)
Nearby activities: Take a scenic drive through South Mountain or visit nearby lakes and orchards.
Website: South Mountain Creamery event page https://southmountaincreamery.com/visit/corn-maze/
More Fall Events in the DMV
- 35 Northern Virginia Fall Festivals
- 20 Maryland Fall Festivals
- 20 Halloween Events
- 10 Fall Best Things to Do in Washington
Full List of Free Fall Festivals Near DC, Virginia and Maryland
- Capitol Hill Pumpkin Patch at Eastern Market - Washington, D.C.
- Hill-O-Ween- Washington DC
- National Book Festival - Washington, D.C.
- Capitol Hill Pumpkin Patch at Eastern Market - Washington, D.C.
- H Street Festival - Washington, D.C.
- DC State Fair - Washington, D.C.
- PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park - Washington, D.C.
- Fall Jubilee – Manassas, Virginia
- Burke Centre Fall Festival – Burke, Virginia
- Vienna Oktoberfest – Burke, Virginia
- Clifton Day Festival – Clifton, Virginia
- Fairfax Fall Festival – Fairfax, Virginia
- Nalls Pumpkin Hill – Alexandria, Virginia
- Mosaic Fall Festival – Fairfax, Virginia
- Fall Harvest Family Days at National Landing - Arlington, Virginia
- Takoma Park Street Festival - Tacoma Park, Maryland
- Silver Spring Harvest Moon Festival - Silver Spring, Maryland
- Greenbelt Pumpkin Walk & Festival - Greenbelt, Maryland
- Hagerstown Harvest Hoedown - Hagerstown, Maryland
- Catoctin Colorfest – Thurmont, Maryland
- South Mountain Creamery Fall Festival (free entry, some optional paid extras) - Middletown, Maryland
