The 2024 Fall Arts and Crafts Show in Occoquan, held from September 27 to September 29, wrapped up with positive reviews, high attendance, and valuable lessons learned. Despite challenges, the community and vendors enjoyed a weekend filled with art, crafts, and unique experiences, establishing the show as a beloved event in the town’s calendar.
Organized by town employee Julie Little and her team, this year’s show featured hundreds of vendors offering handmade items, artisanal products, and creative experiences. Many vendors were excited to showcase and purchase items before the upcoming Christmas, recognizing the show as a prime opportunity to kick-start holiday sales and stock up on unique gifts and decorations.
“Imagination Alley,” spearheaded by team member Tammy, was particularly popular, capturing the attention of younger attendees with its interactive exhibits. Kids and families were also thrilled by the kid entrepreneurs showcased at the event, highlighting the town’s commitment to inspiring young business minds.
During a recent Town Council meeting, members and public safety teams worked closely to ensure the event ran smoothly despite some instances of traffic and parking enforcement. Six vendors received tickets due to traffic violations, which emphasized public safety. Feedback from the community suggested improvements, particularly in communicating rules around vehicle movement in restricted zones. Town Manager Adam and the team plan to implement more visible signage and other reminders for vendors in future events.
Vice Mayor Jenn M. Loges praised the event’s organization, noting the dedication of all involved. “It’s always fantastic to see our community come together to support creativity and small business,” she said. Council Member Nancy Freeborne Brinton echoed the sentiment, celebrating the “art-focused” atmosphere created by the beautiful installations and the diversity of the vendors.
The Occoquan Town Council and public safety staff will continue refining the show to enhance the experience for vendors and visitors, aiming to make future events more welcoming and safe. The town also acknowledges the contributions of sponsors like AARP, Kitchen Saver, and local businesses that added value to this year’s event, helping to offset costs and deliver a memorable experience for all attendees.
The next big events in Occoquan are Christmas-themed, with the town tree lighting ceremony planned for Saturday, November 23.
The 2025 Fall Arts and Crafts Show will be held in historic Occoquan on September 28 and 29 from 10 am to 5 pm, featuring over 300 vendors, live music, and a Beer Garden. Attendees can enjoy artist demonstrations, participate in painting lessons, explore Imagination Alley for kids’ activities, and use shuttle services from nearby parking lots for $8 round trip.
Press Release:
It’s a maker, creator, and shopper paradise during the 2025 Fall Arts & Crafts Show! Over 300 vendors will line the streets of historic Occoquan offering unique, handmade, and artisan goods. Meet experienced artisans, talk to them about their work, and watch demonstrations of some of their craft techniques. Indulge in delicious festival fare and enjoy live music in the?Beer Garden?in beautiful River Mill Park. Master your creative side! Sign up for a painting lesson and create a masterpiece. Kids will want to make their own art too in Imagination Alley.
The Fall Arts & Crafts Show will be open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday, September 28 & 29 and will take place rain or shine. There is no admission fee at the gate. Shuttle service from nearby satellite parking lots is $8 round trip or 2 for $15. More information can be found at occoquanfestivals.com.
“The Fall Arts & Crafts Show is a perennial favorite in the region. It’s two days packed with a huge range of?hundreds of makers and creators from all over the region,” says Julie Little, Events Director. “This show has an amazing legacy, and this fall marks the 54th year of the Fall Arts & Crafts Show in the streets of the historic district!”
ARTS & CRAFTS and LIVE DEMOS
Discover a myriad of artisans, crafters, and makers along the streets in Occoquan’s beautiful historic district. Here, craftmanship is showcased in a wide variety of mediums and price points. Find treasures from favorite crafters and discover new talents. Visitors may meet experienced artisans, talk to them about their work, and even view demonstrations of some of their craft techniques.?Look for signs on vendor tents that say, “Ask Me About My Work!”
BEER GARDEN and LIVE MUSIC
The Fall Arts & Crafts Show will include a Beer Garden in River Mill Park, both days from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Local eatery, Bar J, will offer Frito Bandito with a side of chili to go with that beer! With plenty of seating, the park situated along the river is the perfect spot to take a break and listen to live music. 9th Gear is new to Occoquan and is the featured band on Saturday. The D.C. Transit Band also makes its Occoquan debut on Sunday. Pro-tip: by parking at the Route 123 Commuter Lot on Old Bridge Road, visitors can board the “Beer Garden Express” Green shuttle straight to the garden at River Mill Park. The main Food Court is situated at this end of town as well.
LEARN TO PAINT
Explore your creative side at our Learn to Paint sessions at Town Hall! Painting fosters relaxation, sparks creativity, and produces a one-of-a-kind piece of art by YOU! Local artist, Rachael Bright will guide you to create your own make-and-take acrylic masterpiece. So, bring a friend and unleash your inner artist! Tickets include all the supplies needed to get creative. Each session is approximately one hour. Reserve your space at occoquanfestivals.com/learntopaint.
IMAGINATION ALLEY
Located in the center of town at 305 Mill Street, Imagination Alley will be packed with make-and-take projects, performances, and tons of family fun. Here’s a sneak peek into just some of the excitement in store:
- Make your own art project from recycled craft supplies at the Art Bar
- Create a one-of-a-kind?masterpiece at the Spin Art machine
- Make your very own creation at the bracelet bar (fee)
- Get your face painted with Fairy Jennabelle (fee)
- Be inspired by our Junior Entrepreneurs
- And much more!
In addition to all the fun making and playing with art, Imagination Alley will feature some wonderful free performances from our community partners. The Alley will be open both days, 10 am to 5 pm. Be sure to check the website at occoquanfestivals.com/imagination or the program for the most up-to-date schedule of activities and performances.
SHUTTLE INFORMATION
At a cost of $8 per rider round trip, or 2 riders for $15, visitors may park at designated lots and be transported by shuttle into Town. Kids 12 and under ride free. This fall, shuttle riders may prepay their shuttle fees online at occoquanfestivals.com/shuttle or use cash or credit via QR code at the door. Visitors that prepay may simply show the shuttle stop attendant their receipt once they disembark in Occoquan. The shuttle runs for patrons from 9 am to 6 pm. Satellite parking can be found at three locations:
Purple Lot
Lake Ridge Commuter Lot
Corner of Old Bridge and Minnieville Roads, Woodbridge, VA
Drop off/Pick Up located at?the corner of Commerce and Washington StreetsGreen Lot (Beer Garden Express!)
Rt 123 Commuter Lot
Corner of Route 123 and Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA
Drop off/Pick Up at the?Footbridge?by River Mill ParkYellow Lot*
Workhouse Arts Center
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA
Drop off/Pick Up under the Route 123 Bridge*The Yellow Lot offers wheelchair-accessible shuttle service from 10 am to 5 pm both days. For more accessibility options for the craft show, see occoquanfestivals.com.
(Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta) There is still time to register for Occoquan’s 2nd Annual “Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade,” which will take place this Saturday, June 1, as part of the RiverFest and Craft Show.
Town of Occoquan Government: “Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our visitors and vendors, we are canceling the Fall Arts & Crafts Show, September 23 & 24, 2024. This difficult decision was made in light of the high winds and rain expected from the oncoming tropical storm. This includes both days, Saturday and Sunday. All road closures in the Town scheduled due to the show will be lifted. No shuttles will be available from commuter lots. Prepaid shuttle passes will automatically be refunded. Paint & Sip attendees will be contacted individually.”
“For more information about other upcoming events in Occoquan, including Spirits & Spirits, October 27 and 28, and Occoquan HolidayFest, November 18 through December 3, please see visitoccoquanva.com.”
The craft show is one of two major events in Occoquan that generates most of the town’s annual revenue.
Press Release: “Historic Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show features two days of a wide range of nearly 300 makers and creators in over 20 categories.”
“You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy festival fare and live music in the Beer & Wine Garden in River Mill Park. Master your creative side by signing up for the Paint & Sip. Kids will want to create their own art too, in Imagination Alley.” Read More
Town of Occoquan: “The Town of Occoquan announces free shuttle service into the historic district, Saturdays this fall beginning September 2 and running through December 16, 2023. This free service runs from the VDOT lot on Route 123 & Old Bridge Road and drops off at Mamie Davis Park in historic Occoquan, Saturdays, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.”
“To catch the shuttle, park at the Old Bridge VDOT commuter lot, located at 1325 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge. Then catch the shuttle at the VDOT bus shelter.”
“The shuttle runs roughly every 20 minutes, depending on local traffic. Get dropped off at the gazebo in the middle of historic Occoquan. From your drop off at Maimie Davis Park, go shopping. eat out, have fun!”
“To get back, hop the shuttle from Maimie Davis Park back to the VDOT lot. The shuttle takes you back to the same spot you parked.”
“Due to various events in Occoquan this season, shuttle service will be extended on the following Saturdays:”
- “Sept. 2, from 12 p.m.-9:30 p.m, to include music on Mill’s concert in River Mill Park;”
- “Oct. 28, from 12 p.m.-11.p.m., to include Spirits & Spirits’ Haunted Maze experience;”
- “Dec. 2, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m, to include events for HolidayFest.”
“Excluded from the free service is Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Fall Arts and Crafts show, when the festival shuttles will run 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. all weekend for $8 per person, 2 people for $15. Fall Arts & Crafts Show shuttle tickets will be made available in advance of craft show weekend, Sept. 23 & 24.”
The shuttle service is free to the public, and service animals are welcome.
For more info on Occoquans free Saturday shuttle service this fall, and other events, see visitoccoquanva.com
Occoquan kicks off the fall season with the Fall Arts & Crafts Show on September 24 and 25, 2022.
More than 200 crafters, artisans, and local boutique owners will fill the streets of the historic district with vendor booths in just a few short weeks. The Craft Show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will take place rain or shine.
There is no admission fee at the gate. The fee for shuttle service is $8 round trip.
“The Fall Arts & Crafts Show is a perennial favorite in the region,” says Julie Little, Events Director. “And this fall, we’re offering some exciting new experiences too, such as artisan demonstrations and a fantastic art space called Imagination Alley, where kids can create while they are here for the show. Plus, we’ll host our popular beer and wine garden and some new foodie vendors in the food court. Our award-winning restaurant scene will be open for business too. We’re looking forward to a fantastic weekend.”
ARTS & CRAFTS
Discover artisans, crafters, and makers along the streets in Occoquan’s historic district. Here, craftmanship is showcased in a wide variety of mediums and price points. Find treasures from favorite crafters and discover new talents from emerging artists.
Visitors may meet artisans, talk to them about their work, and even view demonstrations of some of their craft techniques. Look for signs in vendor tents that say, “Ask Me About My Work!”
BEER & WINE GARDEN
The Fall Arts & Crafts Show will include a been and wine garden in River Mill Park, both days from noon to 5 p.m., featuring local craft brews from Water’s End Brewery and a variety of handcrafted wines from Woodlawn Press Winery. The park situated along the river where visitors may sit and listen to music.
Collective will be the featured band on Saturday, and The Ashleigh Chevalier Band returns to Occoquan on Sunday.
IMAGINATION ALLEY
Children will want to stop by Imagination Alley to create their own art through demonstrations and workshops or add to our community art project. A teen art display and local community groups’ performances are also scheduled all weekend. Located in the center of town at 305 Mill Street, Imagination Alley will feature make-and-take projects and family fun.
- Create a card
- Transform paper into an animal
- Make a mosaic
- Learn to stitch
- Add to our community paper art project
- Get your face painted with Fairy Jennabelle
- Enjoy performances from local community groups
- Be inspired by a stroll through the Teen Art Challenge Display
Imagination Alley will be open both days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
SHUTTLE INFORMATION
At a cost of $8 per rider round trip, (children 12 and under ride free), visitors may park at designated lots and be transported by shuttle into Town. This fall, shuttle riders can use the EventBrite app to prepay their shuttle fees. Visitors may show the shuttle stop attendant their EventBrite receipt once they leave Occoquan. The shuttle runs for patrons from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Satellite parking can be found at three locations:
Purple Lot
Lake Ridge Commuter Lot
Corner of Old Bridge and Minnieville Roads, Woodbridge, VA
Drop off/Pick Up located at Mom’s Apple Pie Shuttle Stop
Green Lot (Garden Express!)
Rt 123 Commuter Lot
Corner of Route 123 and Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA
Drop off/Pick Up at Footbridge Shuttle Stop by River Mill Park
Yellow Lot (New location)
Workhouse Arts Center
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA
Drop off/Pick Up at the Shuttle Stop under the Route 123 Bridge
There are several options for accessibility for the craft show. See occoquanva.gov/thecraftshow for more information.
