What's Going On Around Town
Welcome to What's Going On Around Town, my rolling guide to the community events that make Northern and Central Virginia such a great place to live. Below you will find real, upcoming events across the nine communities I know best: Spotsylvania, Stafford, Orange, Prince William, Caroline, King George, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, and Fairfax. Whether you are a longtime resident or a buyer scouting an area, these festivals, farmers markets, fairs, and seasonal highlights are the fastest way to feel the character of a town.
Events change: dates, times, and details can shift, so please confirm with the organizer or venue before you go.
Spotsylvania VA
Spotsylvania County Fair (Spotsy Fair, 2nd Annual)
Oct 8-11, 2026 · hours vary by day
Venue: Battlefield Boulevard, Spotsylvania County
A classic county fair with midway rides, livestock, food vendors, and family fun. Spotsylvania County events page
Spotsylvania Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. · Route 3/Gordon Road commuter lot; Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Spotsylvania High School (through Dec 20); Wednesdays · Spotsylvania Courthouse
Local produce, baked goods, and handmade goods across three weekly market stops. County farmers market page
Belvedere Plantation Harvest Festival
Sept 12 through Nov 7, 2026 · hours vary by day, Saturday-night bonfires in October
Venue: 1410 Belvedere Drive, Fredericksburg (Spotsylvania County)
Corn maze, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, zip lines, and fall family fun. Belvedere Plantation
Miller Farms Market Fall Festival
Saturdays in October · free admission and parking
Venue: 12101 Orange Plank Road, Locust Grove
Pick-your-own pumpkins, an 8-acre corn maze, and hayrides to the patch. Miller Farms fall page · County calendar
Fall Farm Season Across the County
Seasonal highlight: pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides at county farms and orchards all October long, plus fall foliage drives along Route 3 and the Wilderness area. Spotsylvania fall bucket list
For the full month-by-month schedule, see the Spotsylvania County events calendar.
Stafford VA
Stafford Fall Family Festival
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 · 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Venue: John Lee Pratt Memorial Park, 120 River Road, Fredericksburg (Stafford County)
Great Pumpkin Derby, live music, mechanical bull, petting zoo and pony rides, crafters, food trucks, and hayrides. Tour Stafford event page
Stafford County Agricultural & Homemaking Fair
Oct 15-18, 2026 · roughly 5 to 10 p.m.
Venue: 504 Poplar Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Carnival rides and games, demolition derby, monster trucks, live music, vendors, petting zoo, pony rides, and K9 demonstrations. Stafford Fair
Halloween 5K and Monster Mile
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 · Monster Mile 8 a.m., 5K 8:30 a.m.
Venue: Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford
Costume-friendly 5K and kids' Monster Mile benefiting Stafford schools. RunSignUp registration
Stafford County Farmers' Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. · year-round
Venue: Staffordboro Commuter Parking Lot, Staffordboro Boulevard (Route 684)
The county's year-round market with local produce and seasonal goods. Virginia.org listing
Harmony Farmers Market
Every other Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon · June through October
Venue: 60 Brimley Drive, Fredericksburg (Stafford area)
A smaller neighborhood market run by the C&T Produce team. C&T Produce markets
Orange VA
Orange Street Festival
Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. · free admission
Venue: Main Street, downtown Orange
150-plus booths with food, crafts, a beverage garden, kids' activities, and live music. Orange County Chamber
Music in the Park: Bang Bang
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 · free concert
Venue: Orange County parks (free concert-in-the-park series)
An evening of free live music in the county park series. Visit Orange County Virginia
Cornhole Series at Patch Brewing Company
Thursdays, Oct 1, 8, and 15, 2026 · evenings
Venue: Patch Brewing Company, Gordonsville
Single-elimination cornhole tournaments hosted by Orange County Parks & Recreation. Orange County calendar
Orange Farmer's Market
Weekly market · downtown Orange
Venue: Short Street, downtown Orange
Local produce, foods, and goods run by the Orange Downtown Alliance. Visit Orange County Virginia
Virginia Wine Month
October · all month
Venue: Wineries along Routes 20 and 33 in Orange County
Seasonal highlight: tastings, harvest events, and fall colors at Montpelier-area wineries all month. Orange County fall update
Street Festival details were still being finalized at publication, so confirm the date with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce before you plan around it.
Prince William VA
43rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Historic Downtown Manassas
The county's largest fall street festival: 100-plus craft and community booths, live music, food, and kids' activities. Historic Manassas
Historic Manassas Farmers Market
Thursdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. · Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street (through Oct 29); Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. · 9024 Prince William Street
Local produce and vendors with live music on market days. Historic Manassas market page
163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station
Oct 10-11, 2026 · 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Venue: Bristoe Station Battlefield, 9250 Lee Avenue, Manassas
History programs and tours marking the 1863 battle at this preserved Civil War site. Prince William County events
Movie in the Park: Minions & Monsters
Friday, Oct 9, 2026 · 7:45 p.m.
Venue: Veterans Memorial Park, Woodbridge
A free family movie night under the stars at the county park. PWC Parks & Recreation events
Dale City 50 Years Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 · 11 a.m.
Venue: 14300 Minnieville Road, Dale City
A community celebration marking half a century of Dale City. Prince William County events
Gainesville Market (Central Farm Markets)
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. · through Nov 21, 2026
Venue: Virginia Gateway shopping center, Gainesville
A new-for-2026 farmers market with local growers and vendors. Central Farm Markets
Caroline County VA
State Fair of Virginia
Runs through Sunday, Oct 4, 2026 · theme "Virginia's Best of Show"
Venue: The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Boulevard, Doswell (Caroline County)
Virginia's state fair with livestock, exhibits, rides, and concerts at the Meadow Event Park. State Fair announcement
36th Annual Bowling Green Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 · all day
Venue: Historic Main Street, Bowling Green
Caroline County's largest annual event: arts and crafts show, three stages of live entertainment, a farmers market, antique and vintage flea market, contest tent, and kids' Pumpkin Palooza. Town of Bowling Green
Bowling Green Community Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. · final 2026 dates Oct 3 and Oct 10
Venue: Main Street, Bowling Green
The county seat's weekly market for local produce, crafts, and community stalls. Caroline County markets
Seasonal Highlights Across the County
Fall color along the Mattaponi, farm stands and pumpkin patches on Route 207 and Route 301, and the county fairgrounds and Lake Land'Or community events as schedules firm up. Caroline County events calendar
King George VA
67th Annual King George Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Venue: King George High School, Route 3, King George
The county's big fall celebration with a parade down Route 3, a craft and vendor show, car show, food court, and the KG Scarecrow Showdown, under this year's theme "America the Beautiful, Celebrating 250 Years". King George Fall Festival
King George Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon · through Oct 31, 2026
Venue: King George Middle School parking lot, 8246 Dahlgren Road, King George
The county's weekly market for produce, baked goods, and handmade goods, running the last Saturday of October to close the 2026 season. King George Farmers Market
Trunk-or-Treat at Sealston Sports Complex
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 · hosted by King George County Parks & Recreation
Venue: Sealston Sports Complex, King George
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with decorated trunks and candy stations around the county sports complex. King George County Parks & Recreation news
21st Annual Caledon State Park Art & Wine Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Nov 7-8, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Venue: Caledon State Park, 11609/11617 Caledon Road, King George
A late-fall weekend of Virginia wineries, art vendors, and live music inside the park, with fall color along the Potomac. Visit King George events
Seasonal Highlights Across the County
Fall color along the Potomac and Rappahannock, sunset drives through the county's waterfront communities, and walks on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail now that it is part of the county park system. Visit King George events calendar · County parks news
Culpeper VA
Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market
Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to noon · through Oct 31, 2026 (Halloween-themed market on Oct 31)
Venue: Culpeper Baptist Church parking lot, 318 S. West Street, downtown Culpeper
Weekly market with local produce and vendors, plus a special Halloween edition to close the season. Culpeper Renaissance
Haunted Hustle 5K & Spooky Sprint
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 · 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: Yowell Meadow Park, Culpeper
Costume 5K and Spooky Sprint with a free community after-party, hosted by Culpeper Renaissance. Culpeper Renaissance event page
Hop N' Hog Culpeper Block Party & BBQ Competition
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 · noon to 5 p.m.
Venue: Train Depot, downtown Culpeper
Championship BBQ competition, live music, craft beer and cider, bourbon, a kids' corner, and artisan vendors. Culpeper Renaissance
Mountain Run Winery Fall Festival & Craft Fair
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026
Venue: Mountain Run Winery, Culpeper County
Fall festival with craft vendors at one of Culpeper County's signature wineries. Mountain Run Winery
Round Hill Farm Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
Runs through Nov 8, 2026 · weekends
Venue: Round Hill Farm, Culpeper County
Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a corn maze on a working Culpeper farm. Round Hill Farm
Culpeper Downtown Merchant Halloween Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 · 5 p.m.
Venue: E. Davis Street and downtown shops, Culpeper
Downtown merchants host an early evening of trick-or-treating to close out the fall season. Culpeper Renaissance
Fredericksburg VA
Fredericksburg Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park
Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. · main season April 11 through December 5, 2026
Venue: Hurkamp Park, 500 William Street, downtown Fredericksburg
The city's downtown open-air market with 30-plus vendors selling produce, meats, baked goods, honey, plants, and local wine. October highlights include Art in the Park on the first four Saturdays (through Oct 24) and a Halloween-themed market day with Senior Shopper's Day on Oct 31. City of Fredericksburg market page
Scarecrow Fest 2026
Oct 1-31, 2026 · all month
Venue: Local businesses across downtown Fredericksburg
A month-long scarecrow contest at downtown businesses with public voting, plus October activities including spooky stories under the stars and a Downtown Costume Stroll on Halloween. FXBG Scarecrow Fest page
Quacktoberfest
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 · 2 to 6 p.m. · free admission
Venue: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg
A free community fall festival with carnival rides and games, food trucks, vendors, live music, a beergarten, the Rubber Ducky Derby at 3 p.m., and a dusk Hocus Pocus screening. City of Fredericksburg
Braehead Farm Fall Festival Weekends
Sept 26 through Oct 25, 2026 · weekends
Venue: Braehead Farm, Fredericksburg
Hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and family fall fun on weekends at this longtime local farm. FXBG fall guide
Oktoberfests, Fairgrounds & Fall Season Highlights
October · all month
Venue: FXBG Fairgrounds and venues across the Fredericksburg area
Oktoberfest celebrations at local restaurants and brewpubs, plus fairgrounds events including the 3rd Annual Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival on Oct 24 and a Halloween event on Oct 31. FXBG Oktoberfests · FXBG Fairgrounds calendar
Details checked as of September 26, 2026 with the City of Fredericksburg and FXBG, the city's tourism office. Confirm dates and times with the organizers before you go.
Fairfax VA
Vienna Oktoberfest
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 · 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Venue: Church Street, Vienna
Beer and wine, food, live music, vendors, and kids' activities fill Church Street. Visit Fairfax fall festivals
Fiesta Fairfax
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 · 2 to 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax
A Hispanic heritage celebration with music, food, and family activities in the City of Fairfax. Old Town Fairfax events
50th Annual City of Fairfax Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Historic Old Town Fairfax
More than 400 art and craft vendors, food, and live entertainment in historic Old Town. Old Town Fairfax events
Clifton Day
Sunday, Oct 11, 2026 · about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Historic downtown Clifton
About 150 artisans, live music, children's activities, and pony rides in tiny historic Clifton. Visit Fairfax fall festivals
Rock the Block
Friday, Oct 23, 2026 · 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. · Fourth Fridays, May through October
Venue: Old Town Square, Fairfax
Free live music in Old Town Square on the final Fourth Friday of the season. Old Town Fairfax events
Fairfax City Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. · through Oct 31, 2026
Venue: Old Town Fairfax (see the market page for the exact lot)
The City of Fairfax's weekly market for produce, baked goods, and local vendors. Fairfax Farmers' Market
Seasonal highlight: Cox Farms' fall festival and Pumpkin Village in Centreville run through the autumn season, a favorite family stop across the county. Visit Fairfax fall calendar
Events change, so please confirm with the organizer or venue before you go. Listings above were checked as of September 26, 2026 from official county, town, tourism, and organizer sources; dates, times, and venues can shift, and some farmers markets wind down or adjust hours as the season turns.
Thinking About Making One of These Towns Home?
Whether you are relocating, buying a first home, or just exploring the area, I know these communities block by block and I am happy to walk you through them. Call Barbara at 540-840-1133 or book a free consultation below.
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Event details come from official and organizer sources, including the Spotsylvania County events calendar, Tour Stafford, Stafford Fair, Orange County Chamber, Visit Orange County Virginia, Prince William County events, Historic Manassas, Town of Bowling Green, Caroline County calendar, King George Fall Festival, King George Farmers Market, Visit King George events, and King George County Parks & Recreation news, Culpeper Renaissance Inc., Visit Fairfax, Old Town Fairfax, Belvedere Plantation, Miller Farms Market, RunSignUp, the State Fair of Virginia announcement, Mountain Run Winery, and Round Hill Farm, the City of Fredericksburg Farmers Market page, and FXBG, Visit Fredericksburg.
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Dates, times, and venues can change without notice; always confirm with the organizer before heading out.
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