September weekends don’t get much busier than this!
From big festivals and cultural experiences to high-flying thrills, creative fun, and plenty more, your calendar will be packed:
Sept 18, 2026
Opening Day! Venardos Circus
Loudoun Station ∙ Ashburn, VA
The American circus gets a Broadway makeover! Created by former Ringling Bros. ringmaster Kevin Venardos, this one-of-a-kind production combines daring aerial acts, trampoline stunts, and comedy with the heart and soul of a live stage show. Catch it at Loudoun Station from September 18-October 4, 2026 — get your tickets in advance!
Sept 19, 2026
Fall Festival @ Claude Moore Park
Sterling, VA
Welcome fall with free family fun at Claude Moore Park! Paint pumpkins, enjoy live music, and browse handmade crafts from local makers and artists — all in a beautiful setting alongside Frogshackle Pond.
Sept 19, 2026
Falls Church Festival
Falls Church, VA
Taste, toast, and celebrate — the Falls Church Festival is turning 50! This milestone edition brings restaurant tastings, a beer garden, live entertainment, local crafters, and a kids’ stage packed with magic, science shows, and Rocknoceros. Little ones will love the inflatables, rides, and pony rides, and the Big 50 Scavenger Hunt is a must. Admission is free!
Sept 19, 2026
National Gymnastics Day Open House
Gym America ∙ Chantilly, VA
Flip into fall at Gym America’s free National Gymnastics Day Open House! Explore the 14,500-square-foot facility during open gym and demo classes, then stick around for moon bounces, a balloon artist, arts and crafts, and more. A great chance to meet the coaches and find the perfect class for your child!
Sept 19, 2026
Reston Multicultural Festival
Reston Town Center ∙ Reston, VA
One of the region’s most beloved celebrations of culture and community returns to Reston Town Center! With three stages of live music, immersive street programming, global food, arts and crafts, and family activities, this free festival draws more than 12,000 attendees. Guests are encouraged to wear clothing representing their cultural roots — and it’s easily accessible via the Silver Line Metro!
Sept 19, 2026
Celtic Festival
Arlington, VA
Slainte! Campbell Avenue closes down for a festive afternoon of traditional Irish music and dance, food and drinks, family-friendly fun, and a pop-up makers market at Samuel Beckett’s Irish Pub. Sip and stroll your way through the Village and soak up the Celtic spirit!
Sept 19-20, 2026
Bluemont Fair
Bluemont, VA
A 200-year-old Blue Ridge village transforms into an old-fashioned country fair for one spectacular weekend! The Bluemont Fair is packed with juried crafters, live demonstrations, three stages of Americana and bluegrass, a petting zoo (past guests have included a camel and a wallaby!), model trains, a real caboose, fiber arts, hands-on history, and a Pickle & Pie Contest. Kids 9 and under get in free — this one is a true community gem!
Sept 19-20, 2026
Colonial Market & Fair
George Washington’s Mount Vernon ∙ Mount Vernon, VA
Step into the 18th century at Mount Vernon’s beloved Colonial Market & Fair! Browse handcrafted ceramics, textiles, glasswork, fresh-baked bread, and more from artisans across the nation, then catch colonial-era games, live music, a Punch and Judy puppet show, and a conjurer’s performance. Don’t miss the chance to meet General Washington himself!
Sept 19-20, 2026
Hot Air Balloon Fest & Airshow
Flying Circus Aerodrome ∙ Bealeton, VA
The biggest weekend of the year at Flying Circus is here! Morning balloon launches, afternoon airshows, and evening balloon launches make for a sky-high spectacular across two unforgettable days. Tethered and free-flight balloon rides plus open-cockpit biplane rides are available weather permitting. Arrive early — this one draws a crowd — and check their Facebook page for weather updates before you go!
Sept 19-20, 2026
Celebration of the Arts
Capital One Center ∙ Tysons, VA
Tysons goes all-in on the arts for a free, outdoor, multi-block festival at Capital One Center! Art workshops, immersive activations, a local artisan market, live music, a Battle of the Artists competition, kid-friendly fun, and even a pop-up Art Bark for dogs and their humans fill the 35-acre campus. Register in advance and come ready to be inspired!
Sept 19-20, 2026
Monster Truck Wars
PWC Fairgrounds ∙ Manassas, VA
Hold on tight — Monster Truck Wars is back in Manassas with three giant shows! Watch national TV monsters like Shark Attack, T-Rex, Outlaw, and the debuting Locomotive tear up the track, plus Quad Wars racing and hilarious children’s Power Wheels Races. Arrive early — general admission fills up fast!
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
