FALL in love with Virginia all over again as the leaves begin to change beginning in October.
From the mountains to the sea, the entire state becomes a feast for the eyes beginning with western Virginia's famous mountain region with tours along "America's favorite drive", the Blue Ridge Parkway in Shenandoah National Park. (Remember that, especially in Virginia, "it's elevation, not location" in the early part of the season. The higher you go the more breathtaking the vista.)
By mid-October, central Virginia begins taking on the rich reds, vivid oranges, and bright yellows of fall in places like Richmond, where always-scenic Rte. 5 awaits lined with historic plantations and warm fall color. Finally, by late October, the season is in full swing with colors to match in Virginia Beach and along the eastern coast (just in time for Halloween!) continuing on into early November.
Enjoy the whole day, or the entire weekend, during Virginia fall fetival season. Have fun!
Virginia kicks off its biggest event of the season at
the State Fair of Virginia featuring fried foods,
carnival rides, farm animals and lots more,
.
September 26 - Ocotober 5, 2025 - State Fair of Virginia Doswell -- Get an early jump on fall with a trip to the state's biggest seasonal event including food, fun, carnival rides, country music concerts, farm animals and the ever popular pig races!
September 27, 2025 - Harrisonburg International Festival Harrisonburg -- Celebrate fall with a world tour of international foods, musical entertainment and dance troupes, arts & crafts, jewelry and fashion.
October 11, 2025 -- Festival of Leaves Front Royal -- Join everybody downtown for a parade, lots of festive foods, plus bluegrass music, arts and crafts vendors, and don't miss a tour of Belle Boyd Cottage and Balthis House, where you’ll find re-enactors, living history demonstrations and colonial apple butter making.
November 2, 2025 -- Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at Berkley Plantation Charles City -- Travel back in time to Virginia's own first Thanksgiving feast with colonial period re-enactors, a parade, musicians and dancers, a kids' magic show, plus vendors showcasing handmade art, crafts and jewelry.
Virginia is for Lovers - Fall Foliage - Check out the official site, with a comprehensive guide for best views statewide including forest trails and recreation areas.
Virginia's Appalachian Trail - More from the official tourism site with a guide to scenic wonders found on the 500-mile plus stretch of roads & highways, winding its way through mountains, forests and spectacular overlooks.
George
Washington & Jefferson National Forests - Find directions, maps and tips for scenic drives for best fall foliage viewing, with information on related hiking and biking trails, and contact phone number for updates during peak season.
Virginia Byways - Browse pictures, overview & directions for cruising Blueridge, Colonial and George Washington Memorial Parkways, Skyline Drive, Highlands Scenic Byway
and more.