Looking for a reason to escape D.C. this fall? Massanutten Resort is bringing back its annual Fall Festival on October 10, giving visitors a chance to combine an autumn event with a mountain getaway.
The 6,000-acre resort sits on Massanutten Mountain in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by colorful forests and scenic mountain ridges that make the region especially beautiful in the fall.
And with roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Washington, D.C., it can make for an easy one- or two-night fall escape.
When is Massanutten Resort’s Fall Festival taking place?
The 2026 Massanutten Resort Fall Festival takes place Saturday, October 10th, from 11:30 am to 6 pm at the resort in McGaheysville, Virginia.
The festival will feature live music throughout the afternoon, with performances from Spilling Dew, The Judy Chops, and The Six Piece Suits.
There will also be food vendors, artisans and family-friendly activities including giant yard games and CaveSim, a mobile educational cave experience.
Admission is $11.79 when purchased in advance through October 9th, or $20 at the gate.
Children ages 6 and under are free.
Why Massanutten makes a great fall escape
The festival is really just an excuse to explore the resort and surrounding Shenandoah Valley during one of the prettiest times of year.
Massanutten covers 6,000 acres and offers hiking, mountain biking, golf, a waterpark, a spa and numerous other outdoor activities.
One of the best ways to take in the fall colors is from above — The resort’s scenic chairlift travels toward Massanutten Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Scenic chairlift tickets are $22 during the Fall Festival, although the resort warns that they can sell out.
Golfers can also choose between two 18-hole courses, including the PGA-rated Mountain Greens Golf Course, while nearby Harrisonburg and Elkton offer additional options for dining and exploring.
For D.C.-area residents, that combination makes Massanutten an appealing option for a fall weekend without having to travel particularly far.
How much does a Massanutten fall getaway cost?
The festival itself is relatively inexpensive, but you’ll want to budget separately for lodging if you’re turning the event into a weekend getaway.
Massanutten offers everything from hotel rooms to larger condo accommodations, with prices varying considerably depending on the dates and type of accommodation.
Current fall lodging options advertised by the resort include some condos starting at roughly $247 per night, while larger premium accommodations can cost considerably more.
The resort is also offering select fall discounts, including 15% off eligible midweek stays and 10% off Friday or Saturday nights.
For anyone craving colorful mountain scenery, outdoor activities and a break from the city, Massanutten’s Fall Festival could be a particularly fun excuse to make the trip this October.
