ALEXANDRIA, VA — Live music, free plants, pumpkins, and a garden scavenger hunt will welcome visitors to Del Ray this Saturday, October 17. The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia will host their vibrant Fall Festival at the popular Duncan Library Garden.
Music, Mud, and Heritage
This family-friendly celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2501 Commonwealth Avenue. Throughout the afternoon, guests can discover hands-on gardening activities, plant sales, live demonstrations, and seasonal entertainment.
“Last year the event was a huge success,” said Cindy Robertson, festival co-coordinator. “This year we have even more fun activities, including live music, and lots of garden-related games. We will show you just how much fun it can be to learn about gardening!”
Festival Co-Coordinators Cindy Robertson (left) and Lauren Kleissa are all smiles at the Duncan Library Garden as they put the finishing touches on this Saturday’s Fall Festival. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 17 to say hello, grab some free plants, and enjoy the festivities. Photo: Courtesy of MGNV
A Growing Del Ray Tradition
The Fall Festival represents one of three annual plant sales hosted by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. This dedicated group serves both Alexandria and Arlington.
Moreover, the Duncan Library Garden serves as the ideal home for this autumn gathering. The event brings an expanded celebration of sustainable gardening, youth activities, and community education to Del Ray.
At Fall Fest 2025: L to R: Linda Carney, Annette Sigillito, Beth Kramer, and Claire Wade staff a kids’ craft table. This year’s Fall Festival promises even more learning and educational activities for adults and kids at the Duncan Library Garden. Photo: Courtesy of MGNV
While plant sales fund local Master Gardener outreach, organizers emphasize that community education remains the primary purpose.
Explore Autumn Blooms and Win Prizes
Visitors can wander through the library’s thriving pollinator garden, seasonal pumpkin patch, and tall sunflower stalks.
Along the way, several garden-themed games offer attendees exciting opportunities to win free plants and decorative pumpkins.
Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary
Further, this year’s festival will also recognize America’s 250th anniversary. To mark the occasion, organizers plan to highlight historic gardening traditions alongside colonial crafts.
“In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are highlighting historic horticulture practices and crafts,” said Lauren Kleissa, festival co-coordinator. “There will be something for everyone at the Fall Fest!”
Shop Plants, Pottery, and Expert Advice
Shoppers will find a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants for purchase. In addition, guests can take home complimentary saplings and seedlings.
Jessica Kaplan sells her pottery with Wendy Mills assisting. Handcrafted pottery remains a top draw for gardeners looking to dress up their indoor and outdoor greenery. Photo: Courtesy of MGNV
Meanwhile, Master Gardeners will offer practical guidance on garden maintenance and indoor plant care. As a result, local residents can readily prepare their green spaces for the colder months ahead.
Family Fun, Food, and Tool Sharpening
Beyond botany, visitors can browse handcrafted artisan pottery and enjoy interactive children’s crafts. Local food trucks and the Roaming Stone Tool Sharpener will also be on-site.
Ultimately, the event offers seasoned green thumbs and beginner gardeners a wonderful chance to embrace sustainable practices.
This Saturday’s Fall Festival at Duncan Library Garden is a jammed packed day with live music, historic crafts, free seedlings, and plenty of family fun. “There will be something for everyone!” Image: Courtesy of MGNV
Green Thumbs And Great Fun
The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Fall Festival takes place Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event site is Duncan Library Garden, located at 2501 Commonwealth Avenue in Alexandria.
For complete event details, visit http://MGNV.org
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