At a Glance: The Graves Mountain Apple Festival 2026
- The 2026 Graves Mountain Apple Festival will take place the first three weekends of October.
- Dates and times are Oct. 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 10:00 am — 4:30 pm each day.
- The Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges are located in Syria, VA, about a one hour drive north of Charlottesville.
- Adult admission is $5, anyone age 15 or younger can enter free. Attractions priced individually.
- Activities include petting zoo, pony rides, corn maze, moon bounce, and live music.
What Is the Graves Mountain Apple Festival?
Many Octobers, my family makes the scenic drive to Syria, Virginia, for one of our favorite fall traditions: the Graves Mountain Apple Festival. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this large-scale, family-friendly event is a joyful celebration of the season.
At the Apple Festival, you’ll find more than just an orchard full of apples and freshly made apple butter, though there’s plenty of both! There’s also live Appalachian music, handmade crafts, and many ways for children to play and explore. From hayrides to petting zoo animals to delicious local food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When Is the Graves Mountain Apple Festival in 2026?
The 2026 Graves Mountain Apple Festival runs the first three weekends in October:
- October 3 & 4, 2026
- October 10 & 11, 2026
- October 17 & 18, 2026
The Festival is open 10:00 am – 4:30 pm each day. With free admission for kids under 16, beautiful views, and something for every age group, it’s no wonder local families, including ours, return year after year.
What You’ll Find at the 2026 Graves Mountain Festival
From the moment you arrive, the Graves Mountain Festival hums with lively music and the scent of apple cider donuts and kettle corn. There’s so much to see and do, from shopping and snacking to active play areas and classic fall fun.
Some of the highlights include:
- Fresh-pressed cider, fried apple pies, and cider slushies
- Live bluegrass and country music throughout the day
- Pumpkin picking and a charming petting farm
- Apple picking at the on-site orchard
- Pony rides, a moon bounce, and hay maze for kids (some activities require tickets, priced at $3–$10)
- Over 70 vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats
The petting farm is always a favorite with little ones. You’ll find goats, sheep, and rabbits they can gently interact with while parents snap photos. And for those of us who love to decorate, the pumpkins are plentiful and beautifully arranged for picking and pictures!
Tips for Visiting the Graves Mountain Festival with Kids
Since this is a large event with rolling terrain, I always recommend bringing a heavy duty stroller or wagon for younger kids. It makes navigating easier and gives little legs a break. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as this is essentially a field party. Water bottles, sunscreen, and a hat are also wise to pack.
Parking is free, and there are plenty of restrooms and carnival food options on site. Don’t forget extra cash for ticketed kids’ activities like pony rides and the moon bounce.
Family Tip: Buy your apple cider donuts and apple butter early. These favorites go quickly, and they’re perfect to take home!
More to Do at Graves Mountain
One thing I love about Graves Mountain is that it’s more than just a day-trip destination. You can actually stay right on the property at Graves Mountain Lodge. The Lodge has cozy rooms and cottages, a farm-to-table dining room, and access to hiking trails and trout streams. Families can enjoy:
- Rustic lodging with scenic views in the lodge, cabins or tents
- Fishing and horseback riding
- Seasonal farm dinners made with local ingredients
- Quiet mornings and stargazing nights
It’s the perfect retreat after a festive day and ideal for families who want to slow down and savor the mountain atmosphere.
Graves Mountain Music Festival: A Central Virginia Tradition
If your family loves live music in a relaxed, natural setting, be sure to come back in the spring for the annual Graves Mountain Music Festival. This beloved bluegrass tradition has been going strong for over 30 years, drawing nationally known acts and fans from all over the East Coast. Pack your lawn chairs, bring the kids, and enjoy a weekend of music, dancing, and community spirit beneath the Blue Ridge skies.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Graves Mountain Apple Festival
Can I bring a pet to the Graves Mountain Apple Festival?
Pets are welcome at the Apple Festival, but they must be well-behaved and leashed at all times. If your pets become anxious or aggressive in crowds of people, it’s probably not the best place for them.
How much does admission cost at Graves Mountain?
Admission for those ages 16 and up is $5. Anyone age 15 and younger can enter the festival for free. Some attractions require extra tickets, including the moon bounce, petting zoo, hayrides, and pony rides. These tickets are priced at $3–$10, depending on the attraction. Some tickets are for a single ride, while others are all-day passes.
Where is the Graves Mountain Farm?
The Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges is in Syria, Virginia, a few miles west of Culpeper. It is about an hour drive north of Charlottesville.
What can kids do at the Graves Mountain Apple Festival?
There are many activities for kids of all ages at the Graves Mountain Apple Festival. Favorites include the:
- Petting zoo
- Hayrides
- Corn maze
- Hay maze & hay mountain
- Nature walks
- Moon bounce
- Pony rides
- Apple picking
A Charlottesville Fall Tradition at Graves Mountain Farm
From the first hayride to the last sip of cider, the Graves Mountain Apple Festival is a celebration of everything we love about fall. Come for the apples, the pumpkins, the music, the food, or the simple beauty of the mountains. No matter what you love, this event offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
We’re already counting down the days until our next visit. And we hope to see you there, too!
Looking for more fall fun? Check our guide to the best fall festivals in Central Virginia. Plan a visit to one of Charlottesville’s beautiful apple orchard or pumpkin patches. Plus, give the whole family a fun challenge at a local corn maze!
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JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, Co-founded CharlottesvilleFamily and is a mom of four. A believer in experiential education and an avid gardener, beehives, a fruit and veggie plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.