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Travel & Lifestyle · news

Dawn at Grayson Highlands State Park, 2023
Dawn at Grayson Highlands State Park, 2023 · Gary Peeples / USFWS · resized and cropped · Public domain

Make a mountain weekend of Grayson Highlands’ fall festival

Old-time music and traditional food demonstrations are on the September 26–27 schedule.

By The Virginian News · Published September 25, 2026

Grayson Highlands offers a particularly Virginia way to welcome autumn: mountain scenery paired with old-time music and traditional food-making. The state park's fall festival is scheduled for September 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

The Virginia State Parks September calendar describes local bands, food vendors and demonstrations recalling the making of sorghum, cider and apple butter.

Keep the itinerary simple

Our suggestion is to make the festival the centerpiece rather than trying to fit an ambitious hike around it. Leave time to listen, eat and enjoy the landscape. Food is offered for purchase; confirm admission, parking and any weather changes with the park before leaving.

This is a southwest Virginia outing worth planning around its actual operating details. A long drive is more enjoyable when arrival, meals and the trip home have room in the schedule.

Use the official park calendar for the latest listing, and browse our travel desk for more Virginia escapes.

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