Fairfax Fall Festival: The Place for Family Fun 49th annual celebration is Saturday, Oct. 11.

At last year’s festival, artist Brianna Camp draws a chalk portrait that she designed.

When pumpkin-spice beverages are everywhere and the leaves start changing color, it’s time for the Fairfax Fall Festival. This year’s event, the 49^th annual, is Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in downtown Fairfax City. 

The fun includes three stages of live entertainment. food, crafts, beer gardens, plus children’s rides and activities. Admission is free, and the festival goes on rain or shine, with activities for all ages. (Except for service animals, pets are discouraged). 

More than 400 crafts booths and displays will line both sides of University Drive, Main Street and Sager Avenue. And at Fire Station 3 at 4081 University Drive, the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department will host Sparky’s Harvest Bash with Sparky the Fire Dog, teaching children fire prevention and safety. Children may check out a fire truck, meet some volunteer firefighters and even take a photo with Sparky.

“The Fairfax Fall Festival on the second Saturday of October is an event this entire region looks forward to every year,” said Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read. “Our dedicated crafters, food vendors, entertainers, service clubs and City volunteers make this a true, hometown celebration for people of all ages. Next October will mark a full, half century of hosting this event in our City, and we’re looking forward to celebrating it, as well.”

At this year’s event, a wide variety of food will be offered at two food courts – one on Sager Avenue and the other on University Drive next to the fire station. And four more food vendors will be at Old Town Square, 10415 North St. 

* A trio of beer gardens will be at the Main Stage at University Drive and South Street, in Old Town Square, and at University Drive and Sager Avenue. Wine will also be available, and members of local charities – VFW Post 8469, Kiwanis Club of Fairfax, and Fairfax Host Lions Club – will be the servers. And Monster Organics will provide compostable beer cups.

* The Children’s Stage in the Truist Bank parking lot at 4020 University Drive will feature singers, dancers and musicians. Children’s rides, moonbounces and slides will be in that area, too. (Rides are weather-dependent). In addition, a full slate of entertainers will perform on the three festival stages. See Entertainment Schedule for details and addresses. 

* Fall for the Book – featuring books and interactive activities for children, teens and adults – will run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Children’s Stage (see below). And My Gym Children’s Fitness Center will offer an outdoor, agility obstacle course where children, ages 2-10, may balance and dash through several fun challenges. And trained coaches will teach them how to do cool tumbling moves in a safe, playful way.

* Open houses and tours will be held at the City of Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., as well as at the Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House, 10386 Main St., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

For parking, shuttle bus and further festival information, go to fairfaxva.gov/fall festival.

Entertainment Schedule

* Main Stage

University Drive and South Street

10 a.m.-noon – The Rob Hornfeck Enterprise

1-2 p.m. – Alte Kameraden German Band

3-5 p.m. – Sudden M Pact 

* Old Town Square Stage

10415 North St.

10-11 a.m. – Main Street Community Band

12:30-2 p.m. – Shelley Star and The Galaxy

3-5 p.m. – The Devil's Brigade 

* Children’s Stage

4020 University Drive (parking lot)

10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Fall for the Book

1:15 p.m. – Jubilee Performance Company

1:45 p.m. – Tene Band

2:15 p.m. – Bull Run Cloggers

2:45 p.m. – Holy Spirit Varsity Cheer Team

3:15 p.m. – Melina’s Dance Co.

4:15 p.m. – Bach to Rock, Fairfax