Best Annual Festivals in Northern Virginia

There are about 70 festivals in Northern Virginia held throughout each year. From parades to fairs to holiday celebrations, there are several great options for families to enjoy, along with adults.

Whether you’re searching for the right family-friendly festival or you want to enjoy something with just adults, plenty of options are available. The festivals throughout Northern Virginia fall into a few main categories including:

Arts and Crafts
Animal and Farms
Holiday
Beer, Wine, and Food
History
Carnivals and Fairs
And More!

Many festivals are held throughout the spring, summer, and fall, but there are still plenty of great events in the winter months, too. Whether you love food and wine festivals or you prefer a family-friendly holiday event, living in Northern Virginia provides just what you’re looking for.

Here’s a look at some of the top annual festivals in Northern Virginia.

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Summer Festivals in Northern Virginia

Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival

Held at Bull Run Regional Park, the Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival is one of the most popular food and wine festivals of the year in Northern Virginia. Enjoy some of the finest wine made in Virginia, along with food truck fare and plenty of musical entertainment. There will even be local artisans on hand with unique products for sale.

Celebrate Fairfax!

Held at the Fairfax County Government Center, the Celebrate Fairfax event is one of the best of the year. It’s a weekend-long festival with concerts, fireworks, family programs, lawn games, carnival rides, and so much more. Over 130 acts will perform on eight stages throughout the weekend.

Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display in Centreville

A wonderful event held around Father’s Day every year, the Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display at the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center offer more than 50 planes to enjoy. Check out the vintage planes, military vehicles, and so much more with pilots on hand answering questions.

Other summer festivals found throughout Northern Virginia include:

The summer season is one of the busiest times for festivals and other events in Northern Virginia. With plenty of family-friendly events and adult events, you’ll be able to fill up your calendar with fun every summer.

Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia

Fall Annual Festivals in Northern Virginia — Mobilus In Mobili / CC BY

Virginia Scottish Games and Festivals in The Plains

A celebration of Scottish heritage, the Virginia Scottish Games and Festival features some of the top athletes across the country. It’s also filled with music, dance, children’s activities, food, drink and so much more. There’s even a car show with this annual event.

Bluemont Fair

A family-friendly festival, the Bluemont Fair offers plenty of fun with crafts, farm animals, local wine tasting, gourmet food, and plenty of blues & country music.

Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest

Held at the Fairfax Government Center, the Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest is perfect for the Elementary and Pre-k crowd. It’s filled with fun including a petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and live entertainment.

Other fall events in Northern Virginia include:

The fall is a very popular time of year to enjoy annual events with your family.

Winter Festivals in Northern Virginia

McLean Chocolate Festival in McLean

A family-friendly event offers all types of chocolate items for sale; the McLean Chocolate Festival provides plenty of fun. Games for children are provided and plenty of excellent chocolate dishes are served throughout the festival.

George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria

A special event held in honor of our country’s first president, George Washington, this parade is one of the most popular held every year. It’s the largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the nation with a one-mile route winding through the streets of Old Town Alexandria

The parade is held in conjunction with a festival in nearby Mount Vernon every year. This festival includes many activities and plenty of fun to celebrate George Washington on President’s Day.

Winter Ice Fest and Mega Block Ice Carving Competition

A huge event held every year in the Village at Leesburg, the Winter Ice Fest offers music, food, and plenty of fun. This winter festival in Northern Virginia also includes the Mega Block Ice Carving Competition with plenty of sculptures created by artists throughout the event.

Other popular winter festivals in Northern Virginia include:

These annual festivals in Northern Virginia offer something fun to do during the winter months of January, February, and March.

Spring Festivals in Northern Virginia

Founder’s Day Festival in Reston

Held at Lake Anne Plaza every year, the Founder’s Day Festival in Reston offers a fun day honoring the town. It’s a family-friendly event with music, children’s activities, film screenings, and so much more.

Festival of Spring in Nokesville

Burnside Farms is the host for the Festival of Spring every year, which includes Pick-Your-Own Spring Flowers and plenty of fun. This festival is known for the great photo opportunities and typically lasts three to four weeks through April.

Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour

One of the best events held every spring; the Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour offers a look at some of the finest historic homes in Alexandria, Virginia. Enjoy a closer look at the Carlyle House and many others found in Old Town Alexandria.

Other popular festivals held in Northern Virginian during the spring include:

Spring is a very popular time for annual festivals and events throughout Northern Virginia.

Whether you’re relocating to Northern Virginia or you’re just looking for something new to enjoy this year, there are plenty of great annual festivals to choose from each season.

Best Annual Festivals in Northern Virginia