The 2019 Fall Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday, September 28th |10am - 6pm
Sunday, September 29th | 10am - 5pm

Known by locals as one of the "MUST DO" festivals in Northern Virginia, the Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show is another enticing reason to experience a fall getaway in Prince William, Virginia.

This award-winning festival hosts approximately 250 arts, crafts and design artisans from around the U.S. Visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items and enjoy a variety of festive activities. Our guide offers tips and tricks to help you fully experience this unparalleled festival in Prince William, Virginia. 

1. What is there to do at the Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show?

Unlike other festivals, the Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show has a 50-year tradition of experience, attracting over 10,000 visitors to their annual Fall and Spring events. Festival exhibitors showcase handmade items including fine art, pottery and ceramics, jewelry, home décor, gourmet food items, bath and body, baby and children’s items, digital art and graphics, pet products, woodcrafts and furniture along the streets of historic Occoquan. The town's charming and unique shops are also open for business.

You'll want to hide your calorie counters and bring your appetite. Savor each mouth-watering morsel as you explore the variety of food trucks, food tents and local restaurants available.

Beer Garden & Live Music!

Enjoy live music, games, and a beer garden at River Mill Park both days from 12pm-5pm! The beer garden will feature local craft brews from Water's End Brewery and music by Just Wanna Play on Saturday and Mars Rodeo on Sunday. There will be plenty of food trucks and food tents for you to choose from. Tables and chairs will be provided in the park. By parking at the Lake Ridge Commuter Lot, visitors can board the “Beer Garden Express” Green shuttle straight to the Beer Garden at River Mill Park.

Bring the kids

They'll enjoy exploring a firetruck, traversing a new obstacle course by My Gym Burke, face painting and balloon art with Fairy Jennabelle and other free exciting events at the Mill House Museum.

Schedule of Events:

2. Where is Occoquan and how do you pronounce it?

Occoquan is a small town in Prince William County, Virginia that was established in 1804 that was known for its grist mills and tobacco warehouses. The Merchant's Mill in Occoquan was the first automated grist mill in the nation (but was later destroyed by fire). The post office in Occoquan was also where letters from the North and South were exchanged during the American Civil War. River silting and a shift to using railways to move items, reduced overall ship traffic to Occoquan. The town transformed and now thrives as an artistic community with unique shops and restaurants set amongst picturesque views of the Occoquan River.

The Town of Occoquan is pronounced like OCKA-KWON and is derived from an Algonquian Doeg Indian word meaning - "At the end of the water". 

3.  Where do I park for the Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show?

To make room for the many exhibitors, food trucks, and family fun spots, the town shuts down the streets of the small town. Patrons may park at designated lots listed below and be transported by shuttle bus into Occoquan.

Off-site parking with shuttle bus service is available at the Workhouse Arts Center; Lake Ridge Commuter Lot; Route 123 Commuter lot; and the I-95 Commuter lot.  There is a $5 round-trip shuttle fee payable at the event drop-off; kids 12 and under ride free.

The bus shuttle begins early and ends approximately 1 hour after the festival ends. Non-service animals are prohibited on the shuttles.

Purple Lot

• Lake Ridge Commuter Lot

• Corner of Old Bridge and Minnieville Roads

• Drop off/Pick Up located at Mom’s Apple Pie Shuttle Stop

Red Lot

• 1-95 Commuter Lot

• Just off 1-95 and Route 123

• Drop off/Pick Up located at Mom’s Apple Pie Shuttle Stop

Green Lot

• 123 Commuter Lot

• Corner of Route 123 and Old Bridge Road

• Drop off/Pick Up at Footbridge Shuttle Stop by River Mill Park

Yellow Lot

• Workhouse Arts Center Parking Lot

• 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton 

• Drop off/Pick Up at the Shuttle Stop under the Route 123 Bridge 

Remember your lot color for the return trip back to your vehicle.

Transportation Accessibility Information and Options

Shuttle Bus

• Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, therefore satellite parking may be an option.

• Patrons may opt to be dropped off at a shuttle stop and have a driver park at satellite parking. The Yellow shuttle stop (under the 123 bridge) is the flattest area for wheelchairs.

Parking

• Handicap accessible parking is available in town under the Route 123 Bridge, accessible by Poplar Lane during the run of the craft show.

• Handicap accessible parking is also available on Commerce Street. Patrons wishing to use this space should travel in on Washington Street, where they will be directed to spaces by police. Please note that there is a hill from Commerce to Mill.

4. I haven't been to Occoquan in years. What's New?

Occoquan is an artists' community filled with over 100 shops. This charming town combines over 200 years of history with the modern attractions of shopping and dining. Occoquan offers everything from antiques, arts, crafts, fashions, and gifts to unique specialty shops for miniature enthusiasts and much more. Below are just a few new shops, restaurants or attractions that have recently opened. 

5. ANY MUST-DO/ MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS WHILE VISITING OCCOQUAN?

• Birdwatching along the Occoquan River

• History buffs will enjoy the self-guided walking tour and a trip through Mill House Museum

• Strolling through the many art galleries in town

• Outdoor dining, many restaurants with waterfront views

• Ghost Tours!

• Unique shops with one-of-a-kind items

• Hiking the scenic trails

• Kayaking the Occoquan River

• Attend a free concert or movie

6. Make it a Weekend Getaway

Coming for the Arts & Crafts Show? Make it a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to stay close to Occoquan or one of our many attractions, Prince William, VA offers a wide variety of options for you to choose from. 

Exciting News for 2020:

Next spring, Occoquan will revamp its Spring Arts & Crafts Show, creating a dynamic new event celebrating the historic town’s natural beauty along the Occoquan River. RiverFest 2020 will feature a weekend of activities for all ages, including live entertainment, great food, a juried artisans’ market, a beverage garden, river activities, and more. More information to come...