Start with the big Saturday. Save room for Sunday outside.

Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Downtown Lovettsville around Zoldos Square and adjacent streets

Lovettsville brings its largest annual festival back into the historic downtown for a full day of German music, food, heritage, children's activities, and local vendors. This is the best all-ages pick if you want one event that feels specific to Loudoun rather than another generic fall festival.

Admission is free. Expect street closures and a busy downtown, so check the official site for parking, shuttle, and schedule details before leaving.

Friday, September 25 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM; Sunday, September 27 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM Loudoun Station, 43751 Central Station Drive, Ashburn

The touring one-ring circus turns Alice's trip through the looking glass into an acrobatics and comedy show under its custom tent. It is the weekend's strongest indoor family option, and the multiple Saturday and Sunday performances make it easier to plan around naps, meals, or another event.

Tickets are required, and availability varies by performance. Use the official ticket page for current prices and seating options.

Saturday, September 26; gates open at 4:00 PM, music starts at 6:00 PM Tarara, Leesburg

The Reflex closes the 27th and final Tarara Summer Concert Series with a full set of 1980s rock, pop, and new wave. Go for the music, but also because this is the last chance to see the long-running Saturday tradition at Shadow Lake.

Online general admission is $20 for guests over 21 and $10 for guests under 21, plus fees and tax. Adult admission is $25 at the door. The concert runs rain or shine.

Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Great Country Farms, 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont

The fall farm plan now shifts to pumpkins, with wagon rides to the patch, the 1.5-acre corn maze, pig races, cider-pressing demonstrations, marshmallow roasting, and the full play area. Choose this when the kids need a long, active day rather than a timed show.

Advance weekend admission is $14 per child and $16 per adult, plus a $1 fee. Gate admission is $18 for guests age 3 and older. Pumpkins cost 69 cents per pound and are not included. Weekend reservations are required.

Sunday, September 27 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, parking at Stumptown and Newvalley Church roads, Lucketts

Four self-guided trails open for one day at a sanctuary that normally limits public access to protect its sensitive habitat. Volunteers will explain the vernal pools, restoration work, and community science projects, and a guided nature walk starts at 11:00 AM.

Free registration is requested. Trail entry closes at 2:30 PM. Pets are not allowed, and insect repellent is a good idea.