Fall Events in Richmond

Summer is over, the kids are back in school and the weather is cooler.  Here in Virginia, the return of fall is a long-awaited event.  Fall signals nature to release its splendor in dazzling shades of yellow and gold, red, brown and green leaves.  September brings the promise of cooler weather and a hint of the holidays to come.

Fall is a time for celebration and Richmond is not lacking in events.  For the young, old and everyone in between, there are many things to do.  From food festivals, concerts, pumpkin fests to haunted tours, there is sure to be an event this fall that is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

In search of that perfect pumpkin?  Round up the kids and take them to Gallmeyer Farms or  Ashland Berry Farm.   The Harvest Festival at Meadow Park features a “punkin chunkin” to see who can sling a pumpkin the farthest.   On Saturdays and Sundays through October 30, families can enjoy kid-friendly fun at The Great Pumpkin Fest at King’s Dominion.  Want to grab a bite and listen to music?  Why not check out the Richmond Folk Festival, the Brunswick Stew Festival, and the annual Oystoberfest at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at Ginter Park.  If you’re looking for something to keep you in shape and support a good cause, you can participate in the Step Up for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival at Innsbrook on October 8th.

For all you history buffs, Virginia is chock-full of events in the fall that will fascinate and delight you.  You can explore 17th-century cooking to learn how soldiers and colonists smoked meat and prepared harvest stews and corn cake at Affairs of the Hearth at Henricus.  Or be part of a paranormal investigation complete with a psychic medium and investigative equipment at Spirited History at the John Marshall House.

October is the month of Halloween and many people love to be spooked.  For a haunt with a historic flair, check out Fancy Me Mad: Graveyard Tour + Tales from Edgar Allan Poe at St. John’s Church in Richmond.  Bring the family out to Haunted Halloween in Beaverdam for a special Halloween tour plus face-painting and crafts.  For all you hardcore scare-lovers, Busch Gardens’ annual Howl-O-Scream and King’s Dominion’s Halloween Haunt are sure to satisfy.  For a step up on the fright meter, dare to try Terror on the Farm at Ashland Berry Farm (warning:  not for young children or the faint of heart).

Fall is a spectacular time and Virginia is abundant with wonderful festivals and celebrations.  Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and join in on the fun!