By Steven Saucedo

Fall in Maryland means cool mornings, changing leaves, and weekends spent at the pumpkin patch. From the farms around Frederick to the Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, there's a lot to do between now and early November, and most of it is an easy drive from anywhere in Maryland or DC.

We checked dates and prices for 2026 so you can plan. Here are our favorite Maryland fall festivals this year.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest

Mt. Airy, MD | 5501 Detrick Rd, Mt. Airy, MD.

Gaver Farm is a full-day outing. People come back every year for the giant slides, the pumpkin patch, and a corn maze big enough to get a little lost in.

What to expect: 65+ attractions, including a 7-acre corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillows, barnyard animals, and plenty of photo spots. Pumpkins are sold separately.
Dates & hours: September 4 – November 1, 2026, open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Getting there: Just off I-70 in Mt. Airy.
Good for: Anyone who wants a full day at the farm.
Admission: Weekdays $14.50; September weekends $20.50; October weekends $24. Online is a bit cheaper than the gate. Season pass $55. Kids under 24 months free.
Website: gaverfarm.com

Magnolia Meadow Farms Fall Festival

Thurmont, MD | 13001 Creagerstown Rd, Thurmont, MD

Magnolia Meadow sits right below the Catoctin Mountains, so the views alone are worth the trip. The farm calls its corn maze the largest in Maryland, and after an hour inside it, you'll believe them.

What to expect: 20+ activities included with admission, like hayrides, a jumping pillow, slides, mini ziplines, pedal karts, and farm animals. Pumpkins, sunflowers, apple cannons, and food cost extra.
Dates & hours: Weekends only, September 26 – November 1, 2026. Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Don't miss: Moonlit Maze nights on October 10 and October 24, open until 10 p.m. Bring a flashlight.
Getting there: Easy to reach from US-15.
Good for: Couples, families, and anyone who wants the big maze and mountain backdrop for photos.
Admission: $17 online or $22 at the gate. Season pass $50. Kids 2 and under free.
Website: magnoliameadowfarms.com

Summers Farm Fall Festival

Middletown, MD | 5620 Butterfly Ln, Middletown, MD

Summers Farm has been a fall stop for Frederick-area families for years. This year's 6-acre corn maze honors Capitals star Alex Ovechkin and his record 895 career goals, with his #8 cut right into the field. Hockey fans, this one's for you.

What to expect: 45+ attractions, including a pumpkin patch, pumpkin train, wagon rides, giant slides, corn pits, and farm animals. Grab a cider slushie or wood-fired pizza at the Watering Trough.
Dates: September 26 – November 1, 2026. Hours vary by day, so check the farm's calendar before you go.
Don't miss: Fireworks on Saturday nights in October around 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. Private campfires can be reserved online.
Getting there: Just west of Frederick in Middletown.
Good for: Families who want to stay into the evening.
Admission: $14.95 online, $23.95 at the gate. Kids 2 and under free. Some activities cost extra.
Website: summersfarm.com

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

Upper Marlboro, MD | 1720 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD

If you're closer to DC or Southern Maryland, Montpelier Farms is the easy pick. It runs a week longer than most farms, and it's open on Friday nights in October too.

What to expect: A 7-acre corn maze, a Spookley the Square Pumpkin maze for little ones, hayrides, pig races, giant hill slides, a pumpkin patch, animals, and a public bonfire. New this year: the Combine Slide, Red Barn Twister, and Barnyard Ball Wall.
Dates: September 12 – November 8, 2026. Weekday Playdays (Tuesday – Thursday) run through October.
Hours: September and November: Saturdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. October: Tue – Thu 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fridays 5 – 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Last entry is one hour before close.
Getting there: Right on US-301.
Good for: Families, groups, and dog owners. Dogs get in free.
Admission: General admission from $19.95 online or $29.95 at the gate. Super Pass from $38.95 online. Season pass $65.95. Add $5 on peak weekends (Oct 17–18, Oct 24–25, Oct 31–Nov 1). Kids 2 and under free with general admission. Tickets are tied to a date and arrival time, so book ahead.
Website: montpelierfarms.com

Catoctin Colorfest

Thurmont, MD | Downtown Thurmont, MD

2026 marks the 62nd year of Colorfest, one of the biggest craft shows in the state. Thousands of people come to Thurmont for one weekend to shop handmade goods and eat their way through town.

What to expect: A juried arts and crafts show in Thurmont Community Park, plus more vendors all over town. Think pottery, jewelry, home décor, and a lot of food.
Dates & hours: October 10–11, 2026, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Getting there: Park at one of the stop-and-park areas or a private lot in town, then take the free shuttle. Buses run 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Get there early; traffic backs up fast.
Good for: Shoppers, crafters, and anyone starting their holiday list early.
Admission: Free. Parking fees vary by lot.
Website: colorfest.org

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Crownsville, MD | 1821 Crownsville Rd, Crownsville, MD

The Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 50th season in 2026. Jousting, costumed performers, artisan shops, and yes, the turkey legs. It's one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the country.

What to expect: Live jousting, music, street performers, Shakespeare, artisan shops, pub food, and games.
Dates & hours: Weekends, August 29 – October 25, 2026 (plus Labor Day Monday), 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The last three weekends are Oct 10–11, 17–18, and 24–25.
Getting there: About 25 miles from Washington, DC. Parking is free.
Good for: Families, history fans, and anyone who likes to dress up.
Admission: Ages 16–61 $31; seniors 62+ $27; ages 7–15 $17; 6 and under free (still need a ticket). Tax and fees are added. Tickets are online only, so buy before you go. Crowds peak 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: rennfest.com

Make the Most of Fall in Maryland

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, craft shows, or a day at the joust — there's something on this list for just about everyone. Buy tickets online when you can (it's almost always cheaper), and check each website before you head out, since hours can change with the weather.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Maryland or DC? The Saucedo Team has helped buyers and sellers across Maryland and DC for more than 10 years. We're one of the top-performing teams in the DMV and one of the top bilingual (English/Spanish) teams in the region. Reach out anytime at steven@thesaucedoteam.com or (240) 778-8260.

The Saucedo Team | Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland, 231 Najoles Road, Suite 100, Millersville, MD 21108 | (410) 729-7700. Equal Housing Opportunity.

🍂 Maryland Fall Festivals 2026: Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches & More 🍂