October in Central Virginia has a way of capturing all the senses. The air is crisp, the leaves shift to a patchwork of amber and scarlet, and weekends brim with events that invite both locals and visitors outdoors. From heritage celebrations to film screenings and art showcases, the region offers something for every interest. This year’s calendar is no exception.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day surrounded by mountain views, browsing artisan work, or taking in a cultural performance, fall in Central Virginia offers countless opportunities to connect with the season. Here are some of the festivals and gatherings that define October.
Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Festival – October 11–12, 2025
Held at Claudius Crozet Park, this juried festival has become one of the premier art events on the East Coast. Each October, more than a hundred artisans gather to share their work. You’ll find everything from fine jewelry and ceramics to woodwork, paintings, and textiles. Alongside the exhibits, the festival features live music, local food and wine, and hands-on activities for children.
What sets this event apart is the backdrop – rolling Blue Ridge hills and brilliant fall color. It’s as much a chance to take in the landscape as it is to discover new art.
Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival – Weekends, October 5–20, 2025
Few traditions say “Virginia autumn” quite like an apple harvest. At Graves Mountain, weekends are filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season. Visitors can stroll through orchards, take a hayride, or simply enjoy fresh cider and apple butter while listening to bluegrass. Families return year after year because the event blends small-town charm with wide-open mountain scenery. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours and still feel reluctant to leave.
Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier – October 4–5, 2025
Set on the historic grounds of James Madison’s Montpelier, the Fall Fiber Festival celebrates the art and craft of textiles. Demonstrations highlight traditional techniques, from spinning to weaving, while vendors offer yarns, fibers, and handmade goods. The festival also includes sheepdog trials, workshops, and educational displays for all ages.
For those who appreciate history and heritage, Montpelier’s setting adds depth to the experience. The estate’s sweeping lawns and views of the Blue Ridge make it one of the most picturesque event venues in the region.
Virginia Film Festival – October 22–26, 2025
For more than three decades, Charlottesville has welcomed filmmakers, actors, and audiences from around the world to the Virginia Film Festival. Screenings span feature films, documentaries, shorts, and student work, hosted at theaters across the city. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions create opportunities for audiences to engage directly with the people behind the films.
It’s a rare chance to experience the energy of a major cultural event in an intimate, walkable town. The festival not only showcases cinema but also brings the community together in conversation.
Foxfield Fall Races – October 5, 2025
Another October favorite in the Charlottesville area is the Foxfield Fall Races. This steeplechase event combines thrilling horse racing with the timeless tradition of picnicking on the green. Families, students, and longtime racegoers gather for a day that blends sport, socializing, and the changing fall landscape.
The fall races are particularly family-friendly, with children’s activities and a welcoming atmosphere. The vibrant energy of the crowd, paired with the spectacle of the horses, makes this event a unique celebration of Virginia’s equestrian culture. For many, it marks the unofficial beginning of autumn weekends in the region.
Seasonal Favorites Across the Region
Beyond these cornerstone events, October weekends in Central Virginia are dotted with smaller celebrations that capture the spirit of fall. Farms in Albemarle and Nelson counties host pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest festivals. Local garden centers display mums, gourds, and seasonal décor. Heritage events highlight Appalachian music, foodways, and craft traditions.
Taken together, they create a calendar that feels abundant – a true reflection of the region’s character and the richness of the season.
Making the Most of the Season
What all of these events have in common is the way they draw people together. Friends gather for orchard hayrides, families explore art and crafts, and couples enjoy a crisp evening downtown for a film premiere. The joy of October is in the shared experience, in stepping away from routine and into something memorable.
Of course, with popularity comes crowded parking lots, full roads, and complicated logistics. Many of these events are held in rural settings or across multiple venues, which can make the day feel more hectic than it needs to be. Planning ahead allows you to focus on what matters most: enjoying the festival, the company you’re with, and the beauty of the season.
Experience Fall with Ease
October in Central Virginia is a reminder of how special this region is. From mountains and orchards to art and film, it’s a month filled with experiences worth savoring. The best way to enjoy it all is without distraction. When you don’t have to worry about directions, parking, or long drives home, the day unfolds with ease.
At Ambassador Limousine, we believe travel should be as memorable as the destination. This fall, let us handle the logistics while you immerse yourself in the festivals and traditions that make October in Central Virginia so remarkable. As you map out your October weekends, consider not just where you’ll go but also how you’ll arrive. From Crozet to Montpelier, from orchards in Madison County to city screenings during the Virginia Film Festival, each stop is a chapter in your autumn story. Let the day unfold around the event itself – not around parking, directions, or timing headaches – and immerse yourself fully in the season’s beauty.