Late August in Northern Virginia has that perfect “still-summer-but-fall-is-calling” energy. If you’re searching for Northern Virginia Labor Day events 2025 or a Northern Virginia fall guide to kick off September, this community-first roundup has you covered—festivals, farmers’ markets, outdoor escapes, and insider tips to make the most of Labor Day weekend in Northern Virginia.
Weekend Quick Picks (Aug 30–Sept 1)
- Festival: Virginia Scottish Games at Great Meadow
- Family Fun: Watermelon Bash at Great Country Farms
- Outdoors: Overlooks & trails at Great Falls Park (buy pass online)
- Markets: Leesburg Sat Market, Reston, Arlington Courthouse
- Plan Ahead: Cox Farms Fall Festival opens Sept 20
Festivals & Events to Bookmark
Virginia Scottish Games — August 30 & 31 at Great Meadow
Want bagpipes, kilts, and the kind of athletic competitions that make CrossFit look easy? Head to Great Meadow in The Plains. The Scottish Games are a yearly tradition and a blast for families or anyone who wants a fun, slightly quirky weekend outing—one of the standout NOVA fall festivals 2025.
Insider Tip: Bring folding chairs and sunscreen. The grounds are wide open, and the best events (like the caber toss) happen under full sun.
Watermelon Bash at Great Country Farms — August 30 & 31
Need a little summer one-last-splash? Head to Great Country Farms in Bluemont for family-friendly watermelon contests—eating, seed-spitting, water games, and a hilarious smash show—plus a stop at the Henway Hard Cider Barn.
Insider Tip: With kids, go in the morning when it’s cooler; swing by Henway afterward for a cider flight.
Cox Farms Fall Festival (Opening Sept 20)
It’s not Labor Day weekend, but pencil it in now. Cox Farms is the Disney World of fall around here: giant slides, hayrides, cider, farm animals…the works. Locals know: go earlier in the season if you want to avoid parking-lot gridlock.
Outdoors & Seasonal Favorites
Great Falls Park — Dramatic Potomac River views and shaded trails make it a perfect long-weekend hike and one of the best Northern Virginia outdoor activities in fall. Heads-up: it’s cashless, so grab an entrance pass online before you go.
Farmers’ Markets — Peak produce isn’t over yet. For classic Northern Virginia farmers markets fall vibes, try the Leesburg Saturday Market, the Reston Farmers Market, or the Arlington Courthouse Market for tomatoes, bread, flowers—you name it.
Apple Season Update — Traditionally, Labor Day kicks off apple picking. This year, Great Country Farms’ Apple Gala & Cider Fest is on, but PYO apples are paused due to a spring freeze. If pick-your-own is a must, check Mackintosh Fruit Farm for current availability.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Reston, Vienna & Leesburg
Reston — Walkable plazas, a bustling farmers market, and lakefront trails that make you forget you’re minutes from Tysons. Perfect balance of suburban and city perks—exactly why so many choose living in Northern Virginia.
Vienna — Small-town main-street energy along Maple Avenue: coffee shops, bakeries, and family-owned spots. Bonus: easy access to Wolf Trap for outdoor concerts.
Leesburg — Old Town charm, indie boutiques, and quick access to Loudoun’s wineries and farms. Think “Hallmark movie,” but with better food and cider.
If you’re new and compiling Northern Virginia things to do September, spend a Saturday exploring one of these towns—you’ll quickly figure out where you might want to put down roots.
Fall Vibes, No Travel Required
- Add mums or pumpkins to your porch planters.
- Sip ciders at Henway Hard Cider or Wild Hare Cider.
- Book tastings at Stone Tower Winery or Sunset Hills Vineyard—harvest views are unbeatable.
Light Real Estate Tie-In (Because It’s Me)
- Homeowners: Use the long weekend for a mini tune-up—clean gutters, swap HVAC filters, and boost curb appeal with seasonal planters.
- Buyers: Inventory is up compared to last year and rates have softened, so you’ve got more options without spring’s bidding frenzy. Tour Saturday, review comps Sunday, write Monday.
- Sellers: Fall buyers are serious. Stage it like “home for the holidays,” price with precision, and list before mid-November.
- Relocators: Pair a festival with a neighborhood stroll—you’ll know quickly which areas feel like “you.”
Save & Stay in the Loop
- Save this Northern Virginia fall guide to revisit all season.
- Want stay in the loop on all things NOVA? Subscribe to our the newsletter
Bottom Line
From festivals and farm fun to hikes and markets, this roundup spotlights the best Northern Virginia Labor Day events 2025 and easy ways to enjoy early fall. Whether you’re new to living in Northern Virginia or you’ve been here for years, this is the season NOVA does best.
