Small town fall festivals worth a drive from D.C.
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Middleburg, Virginia. Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Nothing says fall fun like a road trip, and these small town fall festivals are worth a drive.
Between the lines: Small towns = fewer accommodations. If you're going overnight, book yesterday.
📽️ Middleburg Film Festival (Oct. 17-20)
45 miles from D.C.
Hollywood (actually) comes to Virginia wine country for this star-studded film fest. Four days of screenings often include Oscar winners and indie hits, plus filmmaker talks and lots of backstage partying.
- While you're there: Book a spa appointment (well in advance) at the Salamander, and snag a meal at the stellar wine bar Tremolo.
🦆 Easton Waterfowl Festival (Nov. 8-10)
70 miles from D.C.
Whether you're an avian enthusiast, duck hunter, or just like oysters and beer, this Eastern Shore festival has it all. Don't miss the dock dog competition where pups compete to jump high and far into an outdoor pool, or food tents dishing out Maryland delicacies including oyster stew and goose gumbo.
- While you're there: Check out Easton's thriving new food scene, or head to nearby St. Michaels to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (which has its own festival for oysters, Oct. 26)
🦪 Urbanna Oyster Festival (Nov. 1-2)
123 miles from D.C.
This oyster-obsessed Virginia riverfront town, which calls itself the "oyster capitol" of the East Coast, goes all out for their fall festival. You'll taste the bilvalve in many forms alongside local wines and entertainment like oyster shucking competitions.
- While you're there: Hop on Virginia's oyster trail, where you can visit oyster farms, seafood houses and more.
⛰️ Blue Ridge Folklife Festival (Oct. 26)
275 miles from D.C.
Now in its 51st year, the family-friendly festival celebrates Virginia folk traditions with musicians, crafts, moonshine, country cooking, horse pulling, and more mountain fun.
- While you're there: Visit the Blue Ridge Museum where the festival takes place, or plan a hike.