Fall Festivals Near Bethesda MD

This fall festival at Mount Vernon gives you a peek into the life of our first founding father – George Washington.  You can  celebrate fall in colonial style at George Washington’s historic estate on October 20 and 21. The event features 18th-century farm activities, crafts, music, and demonstrations like wheat treading, blacksmithing, and cooking over open fires.

Celebrate Halloween on a zany tour around the O Street Mansion’s museum.  Come in costume and explore the 100 rooms decorated for Halloween! Search for one of the 80 secret doors and enjoy the candy!  They say that the secret doors are hard to find.  Identifying 3 or 4 makes you outstanding!

This annual event at the Derwood Agricultural History Farm Park gives visitors a glimpse into Montgomery County’s agricultural past.  Activities on October 5 include hayrides, traditional farm demonstrations, live music, crafts, and kids’ activities. There are also opportunities to meet farm animals and tour the historic buildings.

A family-friendly festival inspired by German traditions, the Kentlands Oktoberfest on October 13 features live music, dancing, beer gardens, German food, and crafts. There are also carnival games, face painting, horse-drawn carriage rides, and performances by traditional Bavarian dance groups.  This fall festival takes place at the Kentlands Mansion.

If you are looking for a change of pace, you might explore the Silver Spring Arts and Crafts Fall Festival on October 6 at the Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring.  This arts and crafts fair brings together local artisans and makers, offering a variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, pottery, textiles, and artwork. It’s a great place to shop for unique items while enjoying live entertainment and food vendors.

On October 5 you should check out this community-focused fall festival features a variety of activities including live music, crafts, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, and games. It’s a fun, low-key way to celebrate the fall season with family and neighbors.

November 10 is your only chance to run or walk across the majestic Chesapeake Bay Bridge which is typically closed to pedestrians.  Now organized by Corrigan Sports,  Maryland’s premier race company, you can expect a fun, well managed event open to runners and walkers alike.  Tickets to walk across the bridge run about $100, which goes to charity.

Though not exclusively a fall-themed event, Taste of Bethesda on October 5 celebrates the local restaurant scene with outdoor dining, music, and activities. This food festival is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall with seasonal dishes from over 50 local eateries.

This puppet show in Glen Echo is a funny competitive variety show where the audience gets to vote for the winner.  This not-so-spooky show is filled with puns and Halloween humor, entertaining both kids and parents, making it a perfect way to spend time as a family any weekend in October.

A classic farm experience, the fall festival at Homestead Farm in Poolesville includes apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a farm market stocked with seasonal produce, apple cider, and baked goods. It’s a great spot for a traditional fall outing with the family.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is guaranteed to get you in the fall festival mood.  A beloved fall tradition, the Pumpkin Festival at Butler’s Orchard offers hayrides, giant slides, corn mazes, pony rides, and pumpkin picking. The farm also has a barnyard full of animals, a straw maze, and farm market treats like apple cider and homemade pies.

This festival is perfect for nature lovers, offering activities like guided hikes, nature crafts, pumpkin painting, hayrides, and educational programs about local wildlife. The beautiful park setting enhances the fall experience with its scenic views and walking trails.  There is a blacksmith demonstration and a cider press demonstration too.

After an afternoon spent at the Glen Echo Puppet Theater or riding the train at Cabin John, there must be something more adult-like! Check out the Rockland Farm winery for a more laid-back, adult-friendly festival featuring wine tastings, live music, and farm-to-table food offerings. You can enjoy the crisp fall air while sipping wine and touring the vineyard and farm.  You can even sip your wine and listen to some great music on Friday evenings.

Hop on an “Eye Spy” train at Cabin John Park and keep an eye out for the seasonal items you might spot along the way.  Each rider will receive a card with items to look for in the woods,, including pumpkins, black cats and ghosts.  This fun family event takes place every weekend in October. If Cabin John is not convenient, you might check out the same event at the Wheaton Park.

If you are looking for a home in the DMV, you certainly want to call the Lise Howe Group at 240-401-5577.  Licensed in all three jurisdictions, we can help you find the best home for your needs and wants.  It definitely won’t be a spooky experience!