Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Old Town. From ghostly walks to pumpkin-spiced sips, here are some of the best fall things to do.
Fall Art Festival
First up, mark your calendars for the Annual Alexandria Fall Art Festival. This festival is held every September at Carlyle Square Park and showcases high-quality work from artists nationwide. The festival features a variety of art types, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and pottery. It’s free to attend and consistently ranked among the top art festivals in the U.S.
Oktoberfest
Next up is Oktoberfest. This yearly festival showcases the best of German culture, food, music, and fun at Carlyle Square. What makes Oktoberfest so memorable is the atmosphere. From the beer garden, to the lively music, to the authentic German food like bratwurst and strudel, there’s something for everyone. Beyond the food and drink, the festival features a vibrant arts and crafts market where local artisans showcase handmade goods and seasonal finds. Oktoberfest is free to attend, family and pet-friendly, and happens rain or shine.
Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
Every fall, a unique event is held that perfectly combines architectural splendor, neighborhood charm, and community spirit—the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour. This tradition began way back in 1941 and is one of the most popular events in Old Town. The Homes Tour is a self-guided walking experience, weaving through a selection of Old Town’s most beautiful residences and private gardens. While each year’s homes vary, past tours included some of Old Town’s most famous properties and even offered bonus access to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Explore homes that span eras, each meticulously maintained or restored to their former glory. The tour also includes the lush private gardens that complement many of these historic homes. Proceeds from the event support Inova Alexandria Hospital, making this not just a cultural outing but a meaningful way to give back. Tickets usually sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you want to attend.
Taste of Old Town
Taste of Old Town is a vibrant food and community celebration in Alexandria’s Old Town North neighborhood. This annual event is a free, family and pet friendly event that brings together the neighborhood's eateries, artisans, nonprofit organizations, and music for a lively fall evening. Sample highlights from popular spots like Hank’s Oyster Bar, Jula’s on the Potomac, and St. Elmo’s. Alexandria Children’s Theater hosts games and fun activities for kids. Local nonprofits such as the League of Women Voters, Hunger Free Alexandria, and Volunteer Alexandria participate, offering community resources and engagement opportunities. This event is an excellent reflection of Old Town's vibrant culture, blending culinary exploration, live entertainment, and local pride in a walkable setting.
Fall-O-Ween
Fall-O-Ween is Alexandria’s charming twist on fall festivities combining a mix of Halloween enchantment, artsy treats, and costumes, all wrapped up in a fun, family-friendly package. Come hungry, because there are plenty of festive sweets that both kids and adults will love. Browse booths filled with Halloween-themed handmade décor, fall-inspired jewelry, and one-of-a-kind home goods—perfect for adding seasonal flair or finding unique gifts. Keep the family entertained all day with pumpkin painting, face painting, and a costume parade for both kids and pets.
Ghost Tours
For those looking for some spooky entertainment, Old Town Alexandria delivers with a lineup of ghost tours. Expect eerie tales from historic homes, taverns, hotels and cemeteries—each filled with stories of tragic lovers, war-torn spirits, and unexplained phenomena. If you prefer your scares with a side of cocktails, check out a haunted pub crawl that takes you through landmark bars and taverns across Old Town. These tours are perfect for those who like a little mystery and want to learn about the darker side of Alexandria’s past.
These festivals and events are perfect examples of what makes Old Town such a great place to live. Drop us a comment with your favorite fall event.
