September in our area is the perfect time of the year to enjoy outdoor events. The weather tends to be mild with the emergence of early autumn. Fall festivals are full of farmers’ and vintners’ agricultural offerings, as well as artists’ and musicians’ creative works. Take a look at this sampling of experiences in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia area.
DC JazzFest
Aug. 30 through Sept. 3
The Wharf
1001 7th Street SW
Washington, DC
The Wharf
1001 7th Street SW
Washington, DC
Originally dubbed the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in 2005, the DC Jazz Festival features acclaimed and emerging artists and provides a rich education component for young and old alike. The festival presents free and affordably-priced performances and education programs serving a diverse populace.
Patsy Cline Block Party
Sept. 2
Patsy Cline Historic House
608 South Kent St.
Winchester, VA
Patsy Cline Historic House
608 South Kent St.
Winchester, VA
Celebrate Patsy Cline’s birthday in her hometown with live music, tours of her childhood home, food, and educational exhibits. The Patsy Cline Historic House stands as an icon for Patsy Cline fans and admirers hoping to know first hand the story of Patsy’s early years and offering insight into the famed singer’s early road to stardom. Parking and free shuttle rides are available from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center on 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road and will run continuously throughout the day.
Virginia Scottish Games
Sept. 2 through Sept. 3
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road
The Plains, VA
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road
The Plains, VA
Experience the sounds and influences of Scotland through live music, dance, and athletic competitions at the 49th Virginia Scottish Games. Eat haggis, meat pies, Scotch eggs, and drink whisky. Research your own Scottish roots by meeting other folks with Scottish heritage.
Labor Day Art Show
Sept. 2 through Sept. 4
Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD
Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD
Presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, this exhibition and sale is one of the largest art shows in the area. Admission is free, and the exhibition features the work of more than 200 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. The wide range of artistic media includes sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture, and works on paper.
Maryland Cider Festival
Sept. 9
Two Story Chimney Ciderworks
115 Damascus Road
Gaithersburg, MD
Two Story Chimney Ciderworks
115 Damascus Road
Gaithersburg, MD
Drink apples, listen to music, eat food, and visit craft vendors. The Maryland Cider Festival will feature ten local cideries showcasing their best hard ciders – some dry, some sweet, still or sparkling, modern to heritage. It will be a great way to enjoy a fall day.
The Great Frederick Fair
Sept. 15 through Sept. 23
Frederick Fairgrounds
797 E. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD
Frederick Fairgrounds
797 E. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD
“Cowboy Boots and Down Home Roots” – The Great Frederick Fair’s celebration of agriculture is unmatched. Gate admission includes tons to see and do for kids and grownups: a cowboy circus, a farm animal birthing center, comedy shows, traditional agriculture exhibits, musical acts, magic, and more. Carnival rides and games will also be available with the purchase of a wristband or individual tickets.
Wild Roots Music Festival
Sept. 16
Wilderness Presidential Resort
9220 Plank Rd.
Spotsylvania, VA
Wilderness Presidential Resort
9220 Plank Rd.
Spotsylvania, VA
Located just west of Fredericksburg, the Wilderness Presidential Resort is hosting the Wild Roots Music Festival featuring regionally and nationally known bands and musicians. Family friendly music, games, and vendors will keep every generation entertained in a spectacular lakeside setting.
Bluemont Fair
Sept. 16 through Sept. 17
33846 Snickersville Turnpike
Bluemont, VA
33846 Snickersville Turnpike
Bluemont, VA
Meander through the 200-year-old village of Bluemont nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 53rd annual Bluemont Fair features artisan crafts, local wine, beer, and music. Experience the history of the area including an archaeology demonstration. Children under 9 are free and can enjoy games and a petting zoo.
Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival
Sept. 22 through Sept. 24
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
1707 Old Leetown Pike
Kearneysville, WV
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
1707 Old Leetown Pike
Kearneysville, WV
Wander through the tents, buildings, and pavilions in the rolling countryside of Jefferson County, W.Va., and admire the crafts and fine arts of approximately 180 quality juried artists/crafters from over 20 states who will demonstrate their creative works. Bluegrass bands, kids activities, craft beer and local wine, food trucks, and more.
Apple Festival
Sept. 30
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
21668 Heritage Farm Lane
Sterling, VA
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
21668 Heritage Farm Lane
Sterling, VA
Watch how cider is pressed and enjoy hard cider, beer, and wine. Kids will have fun with apple games and a moon bounce. What else? Live music and food trucks.
Manassas Latino Festival
Sept. 30
9201 Center St.
Manassas, VA
9201 Center St.
Manassas, VA
This annual event has live music, dance performances, diverse foods, and fun activities for the entire family, all in celebration of the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community. The Manassas Latino Festival is a project of Abriendo Puertas, whose mission is to empower the Latino community to integrate, thrive, and fully participate in building a stronger, just and inclusive society for all.