Roanoke Fall Events

Fall Events in Virginia's Blue Ridge

Fun festivals and events, along with stunning colors of the mountains, make fall a great season to visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

It’s a special time of year in the region, with the calendar full of popular annual festivals, farmers markets featuring the bountiful local harvest, and cooler temperatures that are perfect for enjoying the rich variety of outdoor activities, including hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and biking.

Looking for a list of this year's events? Check out our guide to 2023 Fall Festivals & Events >

The following is a list of some our most popular annual fall events in the Blue Ridge Mountains .

College Football - Fall

College football is one of our favorite fall traditions in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! Whether you’re watching the Virginia Tech Hokies in action at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, or making your way to Ferrum College to see the Panthers, a Blue Ridge Gameday is always a fun experience.

Jeter Farm - Fall

Nothing says “fall” like a visit to a farm in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jeter Farm in Botetourt County is the perfect spot for family fun. Get ready for pumpkin picking, racing through a corn maze, hay rides, and making special memories.

Franklin County Agricultural Fair - August/September

Livestock shows, tractor shows, great live music, agricultural exhibits, midway rides, and lots of fun all make the Franklin County Agricultural Fair a special annual event. The 4-day festival adheres to the classic purpose of agricultural fairs of bringing the community together as a way to celebrate the bountiful harvest, and visitors are invited to join the party.

Olde Salem Days - September

The charming Main Street of Downtown Salem is the setting for Olde Salem Days, one of Virginia’s biggest arts & craft festivals. Started in 1982, the festival features a variety of original, handmade, one-of-a-kind items from local artists, jewelers, craftsmen and more. The festival also includes classic cars, delicious food, and live music.

Henry Street Festival - September

Every fall, the Harrison Museum of African American Culture hosts the Henry Street Festival as a celebration of African-American heritage through performing arts, crafts, cuisine, customs, and merchandise. The talent show provides the opportunity for local performers to show off their abilities, and we’re always jealous of the judges who get to participate in the Dessert Contest.

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival - September

Drink in the flavors of Virginia vineyards and wineries along with the beautiful views of Smith Mountain Lake at this popular annual wine festival. For over 25 years, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival has showcased the varieties of local, award-winning wineries from around the region, as well as other well-known wineries throughout the Shenandoah Valley. There is also a great selection of food and craft vendors, and live music for entertainment.

Historic Fincastle Inc. Fall Festival - September

The Historic Fincastle Inc. Fall Festival is a wonderful community celebration of the arrival of the fall season in Botetourt County. The event showcases more than 40 local art & craft vendors, as well as a variety of kids activities, and history displays that feature the Revolutionary Era history & heritage of the town.

Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival - September

Typically held in September, Beaver Dam Farm in Botetourt County hosts the largest Sunflower Festival on the East Coast, showcasing more than 600,000 sunflowers in bloom. It's a spectacular scene that takes place over a full week, with multiple special events and activities that offer great opportunities to enjoy one of the most beautiful scenes on the year in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival - September - November

The Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival is a beloved fall tradition in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Families can enjoy walking through the pumpkin patch and a variety of other activities, including a corn maze, hayrides, giant slides, pony rides, farm animals, live music, food trucks, and more. The Pumpkin Festival is open on weekends - Friday - Sunday.

GO Outside Festival - October

The GO Outside Festival is three days jam-packed with incredible outdoor activities, live music, demonstrations, and everything that celebrates the awesome outdoor culture in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. You can be a spectator for fun things like BMX stunt shows, the Ultimate Air Dogs, or the Lumberjack Show, or you can take part in the fun by trying out some new gear from on-site vendors or joining one of the many races.

Blue Ridge Folklife Festival - October

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum has been praised by the New York Times for being “thoroughly authentic.” It’s an event that brings together musicians, moonshiners, farmers, craftspeople and others who share in the folklife traditions and ways of life that have helped shape the culture of the region for years. The festival takes place on the fourth Saturday of October.

Open Studios Botetourt - October

Open Studios - Botetourt is a self-guided tour of artist studios in Botetourt County in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. It’s a great way to get to know the work and stories of local artists in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, who showcase their art, including things that are both in progress and completed. Many studios provide the opportunity to purchase work, and it’s not uncommon to find an impromptu demonstration.

Smith Mountain Lake Chili & Craft Festival - November

Bridgewater Marina is the place to be for the Smith Mountain Lake Chili & Craft Festival! Find your favorite batch of chili from a selection of local vendors who are competing for the prize of the festival’s best chili, and pick up some crafts that could serve as gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

This list of featured events is only a sampling of what happens during the fall in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Check out our Calendar of Events for a complete list of what’s going on in the region and don’t forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter for monthly updates and special features.