Staunton’s Must-See Fall Festivals

Imagine dancing in the street to some of the best local and regional music, celebrating inclusion and multiculturalism, eating amazing food, and falling in love all over again with Staunton’s wonderful community. Picture a giant party with all the people who love magic and Harry Potter as much as you do. How about riding your bike down a quiet country road against a background of brilliant autumn-colored leaves? Or a history lesson taught through engaging hands-on experience. All of this is happening in the Queen City this fall. Here’s a guide to Staunton’s must-see fall festivals!

Lord Dunmore’s War Weekend: September 7-8

The Frontier Culture Museum will host Lord Dunmore’s War Weekend on September 7-8. Time travel to pre-revolutionary America in 1774 and learn about an important, but often overlooked, conflict between colonial Americans led by Colonel Andrew Lewis and the Shawnee people. Historians, guest speakers, and reenactors will help visitors understand the perspectives of the people on both sides. Events include talks and lectures, an artillery demonstrations, a fife and drum performance, a tree dedication, and more.

Staunton Multicultural Festival: September 21-22

Staunton’s African American Heritage and Multicultural Festival is a free, annual two-day festival on September 21-22. Expect music, entertainment, presentations by historians, art, vendors, and community outreach and resources. Area churches gather for an “under the tent” worship service on Sunday morning, and everyone can enjoy an afternoon of gospel music. This event is the largest and oldest in the Shenandoah Valley. Everyone, regardless of heritage, is welcome. Follow the event on Facebook for news and opportunities to celebrate culture outside of the festival.

Staunton Jams: September 20-22

Staunton Jams is back, bigger and better than ever with a Fall Equinox Jam, hosted by The Judy Chops and supported by a number of Staunton businesses. This free, weekend-long music and art event will take over Staunton’s Wharf area on September 20-22. Look for 16 acts representing a variety of musical styles to appear at the Sunspots Pavilion, Ciders from Mars, Ramulose Ridge Vineyard, and Redbeard Brewing. There’s even a FundRAGER Gala after-party scheduled at the Mill Street Grill. The event will also showcase artists, demonstrations, vendors, silent auctions, food, street performers, and more. Check Facebook for news and updates.

Queen City Mischief and Magic: September 28-29

Calling all wizards and magical beings: On September 28-29, the annual Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival will return to Staunton for its ninth year. Since 2016, this home-grown fan festival has celebrated J.K Rowlings’ Harry Potter series and everything else mystical and magical. Much of downtown Staunton transforms into an enchanted village. Visitors can explore hands-on activities, demonstrations, themed dining and shopping, and meet their favorite characters. Look for the Hogwarts Express, Quidditch, the Firebolt 5K, murder mystery theater, wands, exotic animals, the sorting hat, dragon adoptions, butterbeer, mermaids, sidewalk art, and much more. Follow the QCMM Facebook page as events and activities are finalized.

Fall Foliage Bike Festival: October 18-20

The third weekend in October marks the annual Fall Foliage Bike Festival, which U.S. News and World Report’s Travel calls one of America’s Best Fall Bike Rides. The festival earns that title! Not only do the rides wind along the gorgeous back roads of Augusta County, it also happens at the height of fall color. The weekend brings hundreds of riders of all ages to town to tackle mapped and supported area rides of varying length and difficulty. Choose between century rides, metric rides, 30-milers, gravel rides, family rides, and more. Better yet, cyclists have plenty of chances to a community of like-minded athletes and enthusiasts. Proceeds from the festival support community causes

Staunton Pride Festival: October 26

Live music, drag, vendors, food trucks will come to the Gypsy Hill Park bandstand on October 26 for the annual Staunton Pride Festival. The festival will also feature a speed mingling event at Ciders from Mars and a screening (costumes encouraged) of Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Visulite earlier in the month. Proceeds from the festival support the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.

Parks and Rec

Staunton Parks and Rec events don’t end for the year when the Music in the Park series ends. Join in for fall fun with events like Scarecrows in the Park (Saturday, September 28, 9 am – noon). Families and groups sign up to claim a scarecrow and then dress it in their choice of styles. Funny? Scary? Your doppelganger? Your choice. And just think of how spooked the pre-dawn joggers will be when they come across this crowd of motionless figures. The annual Pumpkin Float will happen at Lake Tams on October 26 (5:30 – 8 pm). Participants bring a carved pumpkin to light and launch on the lake. The event will also have family-friendly music, refreshments, and other activities.

Nearby Fall Festivals

Here are some noteworthy festivals just a short drive away!

September 7: Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival at Lime Kiln Theater

October 5: Dayton Days Autumn Celebration in the Town of Dayton

October 12: Mountain Day 2024 in downtown Buena Vista

October 12: Massanutten Fall Festival 

October 12-13: Fall Foliage Art Festival in downtown Waynesboro

October 19: Wade’s Mill Apple Butter Festival

There are tons of reasons to travel to Staunton this fall! Plan your visit for a festival weekend!