Festival of Leaves: A Weekend of Community and Fun

In just a few weeks, the annual Festival of Leaves will fill the streets of Front Royal with music, food, and family-friendly entertainment. Celebrating its 52nd year, the festival kicks off on Friday, October 11, at 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday, October 12. Over the years, this festival has become a beloved community event, with locals and visitors alike coming together to enjoy a weekend filled with exciting activities.

The festival begins with Dancing Downtown on Friday night. This revived tradition from years past has been a major hit, drawing crowds eager to dance under the stars. The popular band Sold Out, a festival favorite, will provide the tunes from 7 to 10 p.m. Expect a lively atmosphere with food vendors, beverages, and a $5 cover charge to support the event. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Saturday promises a full day of excitement, beginning bright and early. The streets will be lined with more than 186 vendors offering everything from local crafts to delicious food. Sherry’s Crab Cakes, salty lobster rolls, empanadas, and barbeque are just a few of the culinary highlights. For families, there will be a kids’ area packed with activities, including bouncy houses, a Boy Scout archery setup, and more. Entertainment for children will be hosted near the Heritage Society on Crescent Street, adding a historical twist to the fun.

Music will fill the air all day on Saturday, with bands performing on multiple stages. The main stage at the Gazebo will feature a range of talent, starting with the Yesterday Swing Band at 10 a.m. and continuing with Another Fine Mess, The Sidemen, and Off The Cuff throughout the day. Street performers like stilt walkers, hula hoopers, and buskers will also entertain the crowds, creating a lively festival atmosphere up and down Main Street.

For classic car enthusiasts, this year’s festival includes a car show at the other end of Main Street, adding another layer of fun for attendees. Whether you’re there to admire the vintage rides or just take in the festival vibe, there will be plenty to enjoy.

Saturday’s schedule isn’t just about music and food. The Boy Scouts will host an encampment, adding an element of adventure and hands-on learning for kids. A wide variety of arts and crafts vendors, including woodcrafters, potters, and local artisans selling jams, jewelry, and quilts, will ensure there’s something for everyone.

The festival also offers a great opportunity to give back. Volunteers are the backbone of the event, and organizers are still looking for people to help out. Volunteers are only asked to work two-hour shifts, and in return, they’ll receive a festival t-shirt and a chance to be part of one of the town’s most cherished traditions. A volunteer meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd, at 5:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center, where you can sign up and get more details.

One of the key features of the Festival of Leaves is its strong connection to the community. Many vendors and performers are from the local area, and the festival provides a chance to showcase their talents and products. Several businesses on Main Street will also participate by setting up outside their doors and offering specials.

As always, the festival is a rain-or-shine event. Even if the weather turns cloudy, locals know to bring their umbrellas and enjoy the festivities regardless. With so much to see and do, it’s well worth braving a little drizzle.

Parking can be tricky with so many expected visitors, but the festival organizers have arranged with local businesses and public areas to ensure enough space for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to park a short walk away and enjoy the stroll into town.

The Festival of Leaves is a celebration of Front Royal’s heritage and a reminder of the town’s close-knit community spirit. It’s not just for out-of-towners—locals are the heart and soul of the festival, and the organizers make sure there’s something for everyone. From apple butter-making demonstrations at the Heritage Society to the diverse selection of vendors, the festival truly offers a little bit of everything.

So mark your calendars for October 11th and 12th and come out to support this amazing event. Whether dancing in the streets on Friday night or sampling some of the area’s best food on Saturday, the Festival of Leaves is a must-attend event for all ages.