Fall Festivals & Events
Also see the Fall in Lexington for outdoor recreation activities and the Fall Leaf-Peeping Guide.
In Lexington, red-brick sidewalks link boutique hotels and renowned eateries to a slew of locally owned shops and galleries. Across the Maury River, Buena Vista is a launch pad to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail. Plus, downtown is experiencing a retail renaissance. Throughout Rockbridge County, antique shops, country stores, craft beverage makers, the Virginia Horse Center, and old time music shows all add a powerful oomph to the overall vibe of the region. To sum it up: you're missing out if you're skipping all this.
The energy is palpable in downtown Lexington in fall. Returning coeds and cadets flock to Main Street to see what’s new. Fall produce impresses foodies at farm-to-table restaurants. Young and old bump elbows at piano jams and acoustic shows. And the Lexington ghost walk? It reaches maximum spooky. On campus at W&L, VMI, and SVU, concerts, plays, and football games take the spotlight. Indeed, it's time to enjoy fall in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. What better way to be introduced than with a fall festival?
8 Fun Fall Festivals for All
For years, the Rockbridge Mountain Music & Dance Festival has been one of the best jam sessions around. There are no contests and no headlining performers. Rather, musicians near and far simply come for the joy of making music. Join in September 5 through the 6th at Glen Maury Park.
The 31st Annual Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival will be held at Lime Kiln Theater September 6 starting at noon. Taste your way through the day while musicians bring continual entertainment on two stages. Don't skip the amazing local food trucks!
The official annual 23rd Annual Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival is on for September 18-20 at Glen Maury Park. Come out to enjoy the band as well as others like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Tony Jackson, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Jimmy Fortune, and more. New and improved camping is available!
The Annual McCormick Farm Mill Day is October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the historic mill on the beautiful grounds of Cyrus McCormick Farm. Hay rides, traditional craft demonstrations, live music, local BBQ chicken, and education activities for kids are all on the agenda for this day of fun on the farm.
If life is stressing you out, release the tension with grape stomping at the Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery Harvest Festival October 4. Afterwards, you can rest your feet on a hayride and enjoy a glass of Tuscarora white while Greenhouse and The Late Night Stumblers sing you to merriment.
If you have a love of big trucks or a perhaps a little one who loves big trucks, don't miss the 16th Annual LargeCarMag Southern Classic Truck Show at White's Travel Center in Raphine, October 10 and 11.
Mountain music and culture are the draw October 11 in Buena Vista at the annual Mountain Day celebration. Enjoy traditional arts & crafts, history, and music. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and features a new, appealing evening event from 5 to 7 p.m.: food and beverage trucks.
October 18 is the 29th Annual Apple Butter Festival at Wade's Mill in Raphine. Holding true to tradition, the festival will include old fashioned apple butter making (that you can take home!), artisan demonstrations and sales, excellent food, tastings by local craft beverage makers, food trucks, and so much more. Admission and parking are free!
Fall by Foot
Get some exercise while enjoying the crisp air of fall. To kick off the season, join in the 8th Annual Run of the Mill 5K from Wade's Mill on September 27. Run America’s most enchanting rail trail - the seven-mile Chessie Trail. On October 25, racers have the option of running the Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, or the 26.2 Relay.
Take in the dark, clear skies at Natural Bridge State Park, an International Dark Sky Park with a Fall Peeks Wagon Ride, stargazing events, and The Illumination light display.
Peruse the pumpkins at Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden for Pumpkin Walk, a tradition that lights up the night! Date TBA
Ghosts in the Graveyard
On the Haunting Tales Ghost Tour, a guide in black Victorian garb leads a “spirited” evening walk past Lexington’s many haunted sights, with an eerie stop in Oak Grove Cemetery. Tours are available Friday and Saturday through the end of October plus additional dates and times around Halloween.
NEW: Haunting Tales now has a mobile option! Inquire about the narrated van tours.
Looking for more ghost stories? Keep an eye on Buena Vista Historic Ghost Tours as it grows to offer more tours.
"Things that Go 'Bump in the Night' Hike" is a ranger-led nighttime hike to learn about nocturnal wildlife beneath the stars at Natural Bridge State Park. Registration is required, and the cost is $3 per participant or $8 per family. Hikes are offered October 4 and 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot.
Trick-or-Treat!
There are typically trunk-or-treats aplenty in our area, and we think you'll agree: the more candy, the merrier!
- October TBA: Hull's Drive-In HULLOWEEN
Downtown Lexington Trick-or-Treat will be held Monday, October 31 starting at 3:30 p.m. Children under 12 are welcome to collect candy when accompanied by their parent or guardian. Main Street will be closed to ensure pedestrian safety and live performances will boost the fun of the afternoon.
Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Buena Vista - the SPOOKTACULAR Halloween event includes games, candy, and more! It's happening October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Find more fun via the Calendar!
Pleasant Downtown Distractions
One of the best things about downtown Lexington? Its walkability. Sidewalks link the top historic and cultural attractions, and most of them sit within a half-mile stroll.
Check out Apple Day at Stonewall Jackson House on September 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's a great look into 19th century life, including cider pressing, games, period music, lively dancing, and more.
If you're visiting midweek, you'll want to check out Lexington Farmers Market. That's especially true September 25 when the vendors celebrate the Annual Apple Fest! You'll find baked goods, teas, treats (even for puppers), and of course, plenty of apple varieties themselves.
When you tire of walking or want a narrated overview of downtown, hop a ride with Lexington Carriage Company for a horse-drawn tour. Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday unitl October 31.
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Campus Connections
If you can, time your visit to coincide with a VMI Dress Parade, when the entire corps of cadets marches in full formation and pageantry. The parades occur most Fridays and some Saturdays.
In a football state of mind? Then follow the cheers on Saturday afternoon. A cannon blast from “Little John” rallies the corps at Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium while the Washington & Lee Swing rallies W&L Generals at Wilson Field. Both fields are a short walk from downtown. Alumni and fans may want to head to TAPS, Haywood’s, Macado's, or Juniper Lounge for a post-game celebration.
Acclaimed orchestras, ensembles, and dance troupes take the stage at W&L’s Lenfest Center for the Arts. The theatre gang at Southern Virginia Theatre in Buena Vista likes to mix it up every year with both musicals and classics.
Live Music and Outdoor Entertainment
Downtown Lexington is a vibe with a toe-tapping line-up of weekly performances. Piano players often complement the cocktails at Haywood’s, and musicians also descend upon Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse and Brew Ridge Taps throughout the week. Keep an eye on The Patton Room at The Georges. They're known to toss in a gig here and there, too.
Beyond Lexington? Visit Ecco Adesso Vineyards in Fairfield. They keep a steady flow of musicians on the calendar.
- Sundays, 12 p.m.: Sip & Savor Sundays
Sit outside, sip chardonnay, and listen to bluegrass, folk, and pub tunes during Uncorked at Rockbridge Vineyard. This series runs from 2-5pm on select Sundays through the end of October.
- Sundays, 1 p.m.: Uncorked Live Music
- October 4, 10 a.m.: Fall Harvest Festival
What views will you enjoy from deck at Devils Backbone Outpost Kitchen & Tap Room? The Blue Ridge Mountains, historic Route 11, and beer, mmm, beer. Their expanded deck is a top-notch place to be seen.
South of Lexington is Great Valley Farm Brewery, which also welcomes food trucks and musicians to their majestic Blue Ridge Mountain patio and lawn. A visit to nearby Halcyon Days Cider Co. is a sweet treat for the fall season, and a wander through their labyrinth is pure joy.
We'll see you soon for a fabulous fall in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County!
Last Updated 8/18/25
