Fall Festivals in Pulaski County 2024

August 29, 2024

Pulaski County is brimming with community spirit, and fall is the perfect time to experience it firsthand.The county hosts a variety of festivals that celebrate the season with food, music, and family-friendly activities. Here’s your guide to four of the most exciting events happening this year.

1. Newbern Fall Festival

Date: October 12-13, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Historic Newbern, VA

The Newbern Fall Festival is a beloved tradition in Pulaski County, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and autumnal fun. This two-day event takes place in the picturesque village of Newbern, known for its historic charm and vibrant community.This event is hosted and is an annual fundraiser for the Newbern Volunteer Fire Department. The streets of Newbern fill with local arts, crafts vendors, food trucks, local churches and civic organizations. Don’t forget to stop by the Fire Department and get one of their famous ham sandwiches, and let the kiddos tour the station and see the fire trucks. The event is held rain or shine, so mark your calendars and plan to join the community of Newbern for a weekend of fall fun. Parking is a $5 donation that also helps with the fire department’s fundraiser.

Activities:

  • Craft Vendors: Explore over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and seasonal decor.
  • Live Music: Enjoy performances by local bands playing bluegrass, folk, and country music throughout the day.
  • Food Trucks: Savor a variety of delicious options, from BBQ to kettle corn.
  • Activities at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum: Take a guided tour of Newbern’s historic buildings at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum. Furthermore, the museum will be putting on various activities for guests over the weekend. Activities include live music, games, and interactive programs. You can see these activities for free;however, the museum does accept donations.
Newbern Fall Festival

2. Harvest and Harmony Festival

Date: September 27, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Jackson Park, Pulaski, VA

The Harvest and HarmonyFestival is a celebration of the county’s agricultural heritage, featuring live music, local foods, and family-oriented activities. Held in the heart ofPulaski, this festival is perfect for those who want to experience the community’s warmth and hospitality. Pulaski on Main hosts the event to help support local artisan, bakers, and farmers the last day of the Marketplace season.

Activities:

  • Farmer’s Market: Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts at the farmer’s market.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy a variety of musical acts, including bluegrass, country, and folk music.
  • Kids’ Zone: Let the little ones have fun with face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a petting zoo.
  • Food and Drink: Sample farm-to-table cuisine and locally brewed beverages.
Check out their website for more information! 

3. 4th Annual G.O.A.T. and Sheep Festival

Date: September 28, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: New River Valley Fairgrounds, Dublin, VA

The G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) and Sheep Festival is a unique event celebrating small livestock farming. Whether you’re a farmer or just an animal lover, this festival offers a chance to learn more about goats and sheep while enjoying a day out in nature.

Activities:

  • Livestock Demonstrations: Watch demonstrations on shearing, milking, and caring for goats and sheep. You can also watch demonstrations on yarn spinning and Herding Dog!
  • Workshops: Attend educational workshops on sustainable farming practices and livestock care.
  • Farmers Market: Purchase fresh, locally produced goat cheese, wool products, and other farm goods.
  • Family Fun: Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, photo booths, storytelling, silent auctions, Help Bo Peep find her lost purple sheep contest, and face painting.
  • Starter Flock Sale: There will also be a Starter Flock Sale where you can stock up on your own personal goat and sheep     herd.

For more information about the event, check them at here: https://www.nrvsheepandgoatclub.com/goat-festival/

Herd of goats at the Sheep and G.O.A.T Festival

4. Thornspring Pastures Farmfest

Date: Every Saturday and Sunday starting on September 28th ending November 3rd, 2024.
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturdays and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Sundays
Location: Thornspring Pastures, Pulaski, VA

Thornspring Pastures Farmfest is a pumpkin patch that celebrates farm life with a mix of entertainment, food, and hands-on activities. Set against the scenic backdrop of Thornspring Pastures, this reoccurring weekend festival is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Pulaski County’s countryside.

Activities:

  • Farm Tours: Take a guided tour of the farm to learn about sustainable farming practices and animal care.
  • Hayrides: Enjoy a leisurely hayride through the fields, offering beautiful views of the fall foliage.
  • Local Food Vendors: Sample delicious food from local vendors, including fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
  • Live Music: Relax to live performances from local musicians playing a variety of genres.
Picture posted by Steve Duncan.

Plan Your Visit

Pulaski County’s fall festivals offer something for everyone, from foodies and music lovers to families and history buffs. Mark your calendars for these special events, and experience the vibrant community spirit that makes Pulaski County a great place to visit in the fall.