Autumn in Virginia is one of the most spectacular sights in the US, but there are more reasons to get out and enjoy the season than the leaves! The Fall Festivals near Staunton, Virginia offer a plethora of fun and unique experiences to share with friends and family. There are so many ways to make fun memories this Fall near Staunton – below are just a few of our favorites:
Lord Dunmore’s War Weekend
The Frontier Culture Museum hosts Lord Dunmore’s War Weekend, where you to travel to pre-revolutionary America and learn about the conflict between colonial Americans led by Colonel Andrew Lewis and the Shawnee people. Historians, guest speakers, and actors create a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives of the people on both sides. Talks and lectures, demonstrations, a fife and drum performance, a tree dedication, and more bring this interesting piece of history to life.
Staunton Multicultural Festival
Staunton’s African American Heritage and Multicultural Festival is a free, annual two-day festival complete with music, entertainment, presentations by historians, art, vendors, community outreach, and resources. Join local churches for an “under the tent” worship service on Sunday morning and an afternoon of gospel music that invites everyone to sing along. You can follow the event on Facebook for news and opportunities to celebrate both at and outside of the festival.
Staunton Jams
Staunton Jams brings you the Fall Equinox Jam, supported by a number of Staunton businesses. This free, weekend-long music and art event takes place in Staunton’s Wharf area and includes several acts representing a variety of musical styles. There’s even an after-party! The event features artists, demonstrations, vendors, silent auctions, food, street performers, and more. Check Facebook for news and updates.
Queen City Mischief and Magic
The annual Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival celebrates J.K Rowlings’ Harry Potter series and everything else mystical and magical. Staunton transforms into an enchanted village featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations, themed dining and shopping, and more. Get ready to experience the Hogwarts Express, Quidditch, the Firebolt 5K, murder mystery theater, wands, exotic animals, the sorting hat, dragon adoptions, butterbeer, mermaids, sidewalk art, and much more. Follow the QCMM Facebook page as events and activities are finalized.
Fall Foliage Bike Festival
The annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival was described in U.S. News and World Report’s Travel as one of America’s Best Fall Bike Rides. Enjoy bike rides along the gorgeous back roads of Augusta County at the height of fall color. The weekend invites hundreds of riders of all ages to tackle rides of varying length and difficulty. Choose between century rides, metric rides, 30-milers, gravel rides, family rides, and more. Join a community of like-minded athletes and enthusiasts to support community causes.
Staunton Pride Festival
Enjoy live music, drag, vendors, and food trucks at the Gypsy Hill Park bandstand during the annual Staunton Pride Festival. The festival will also feature a speed mingling event at Ciders from Mars and a screening (costumes encouraged) of Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Visulite earlier in the month. Proceeds from the festival support the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.
Parks and Rec
Staunton Parks and Rec events don’t end for the year when the Music in the Park series ends. Join in for fall fun with events like Scarecrows in the Park. Families and groups sign up to claim a scarecrow and then dress it in their choice of styles. You can also experience the annual Pumpkin Float at Lake Tams. Participants bring a carved pumpkin to light and launch on the lake. The event will feature family-friendly music, refreshments, and other activities.
These are just a few of the great Fall Festivals taking place in Virginia, and proof that the best festivals happen right here in Staunton! Invite your friends and family and make a new memory this year.