Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia in October 2024
Fall is a wonderful time of year to live or visit Williamsburg, VA and its surrounding towns. There are a ton of fun activities for you and your family to do in October, the weather is nice so its enjoyable to be outside and the leaves are changing which is a beautiful experience. Don’t miss the highlighted events below.
William & Mary Theatre Presents Men on Boats
Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hal from October 3-5 at 7:30 pm & October 6 at 2 pm
The first production of the year is Men on Boats, October 3-6, 2024. From Dramatists Play Service: “Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. MEN ON BOATS is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.” Content Warning: Please be advised this performance contains profanity, depictions of alcohol consumption, and gunfire sound effects.
Rhythms on the Riverwalk in Yorktown – FREE Outdoor Concerts
October 3 – Paul Urban & Friends
October 10 – Good Shot Judy
Bring a lawn chair, blankets, your dancing feet and your favorite peeps. And there will be food trucks at each event. Coolers are allowed and many Historic Yorktown restaurants will be open before and after the concert for dine-in and takeout options. Concerts are FREE. MORE
Lighting of the Cressets in Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg from Thursday – Saturday from October 3 – 31 from 6 – 9 pm
FREE and open to the public. Head to Colonial Williamsburg at night on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street – they will be Lighting of the Cressets this fall! The 18th-century lighting brings the streets to life at night – so don’t miss the strolling musicians and make sure to take in an evening program like To Hang a Pirate, Cry Witch, Haunted Williamsburg, Capitol Concerts or Ghost Walk Jr. Enjoy the fall evenings – the cressets make the streets glow and it is a beautiful sight! Learn more here
King of Glory’s Children’s Consignment Sale
Sale Hours:
Consigner Presale – Friday, October 4 from 8 am – 11 am
Public Sale – Friday, October 4 from 9 am – 7 pm
Public Sale – Saturday, October 5 from 8 am – 12 pm
The King of Glory Children’s Consignment Sale features high-quality children’s clothes, toys, books, and equipment ranging from infants to juniors at a fraction of their retail costs. This is a huge sale so get ready to shop! More info including how to consign
Merchants Square’s Concert Series featuring Magnolia Blvd (FREE)
Merchants Square on Friday, October 4 from 6 pm – 8 pm
This concert wraps up the 2024 season on DoG (Duke of Gloucester St.) in the heart of Merchants Square! The final Merchants Square Concert Series event will feature Magnolia Blvd. a high-energy blend of rock and soul, that will leave you craving for more.
New Town Tunes Concert Series: Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
New Town on October 4 from 5:30 – 8 pm (gates open at 5 pm)
The New Town Tunes Concert Series wraps up with Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on October 4th. The concerts are free and performed live in the grassy area behind Legacy Hall in New Town. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the outdoors while you take in the tunes from some of our top area bands. Dogs welcome! Food and beverages available for purchase from New Town Restaurants, Local Food Trucks & Breweries! For more information, visit New Town Special Events.
Afrofuturist Afternoon & Symbolism and Storytelling with Ruth E. Carter: Hands-on Crafts
Jamestown Settlement on Saturday, October 5
Visit Jamestown Settlement on Saturday, October 5, to explore the “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” special exhibition. Enjoy drop-in, hands-on programs that focus on fiber art and crafts inspired by Ruth E. Carter’s costume designs, with all materials provided. Activities include fabric dyeing and zine making. While touring the museum galleries, stop by pop-up history stations to learn about African artifacts and view reproductions. After the craft sessions, join a gallery talk led by Harvey Bakari, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s curator of African History and Culture. All activities are included with museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County, and Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. The first half is free with admission to the museum and takes place from 10 am – 2 pm in Presentation Hall. The second half is in the afternoon and does require a ticket purchase ($15 for students with provision of school name & student ID number, $25 for everyone else).
Meet and Treat
Colonial Eye Care October 5 from 3 – 6 pm
Come out and meet our new docs at this fun FREE event! Enjoy lunch, games, candy, face painting, balloon animals, and a pumpkin patch. RSVP for a chance to win free AirPods!
Yorktown Wine Festival
Riverwalk Landing Yorktown on Saturday, October 5 from Noon – 6:00 pm
Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or an aspiring novice—you don’t want to miss the Yorktown Wine Festival grand tasting. Not only will you sample some of Virginia’s finest vino, but you’ll take your palate on a trip around the world! Yorktown shares more than just history with our sister cities Zweibrücken and Port-Vendres. In a nod to both countries, you can sample Rieslings and Gewürztraminers from Germany and indulge bubbly from France—the only place where true champagne is created! Live music by Taste of Love with Bart and Jan at 12:30 p.m. and Brasswind at 3:30 p.m. More info.
Anniversary Party
Sunday, Oct 6 from 1 pm – 5 pm at Zoom Room Dog Training
Everyone loves a party—and this one’s for the whole family, including your dog! Why? Because Zoom Room Dog Training is celebrating their one-year anniversary and you’re invited to join the fun! Here’s what they’ve got planned: Pet vendors, Doggy painting, Adoptable dogs, Raffles & sales, Games, prizes, and kids’ activities galore! Learn more about Zoom Room Williamsburg
RichMahj 101 at Monkee’s of Williamsburg
Monkee’s on Thursday, October 10 from 6 – 8 pm
Join Monkee’s for a beginner American Mahjong lesson! Drinks & snacks included. All RichMahj class offerings include materials for play. Those materials include tiles, mats, how-to-guides, and PRIZES! American Mahjong cards available for purchase at events! Find out more here.
SMBC Men’s Ministry: Empowerment Conference
Smith Memorial Baptist Church – Saturday, October 12 from 8 am – 2:30 pm. Come enjoy this Men’s Ministry conference – your ticket includes:
- A delicious breakfast and lunch
- Two dynamic breakout sessions
- Two inspiring keynote speakers:
- Mike Kelly, Lifegroup Director at First Baptist Norfolk
- Bishop E.W. Jackson Sr., Pastor of The Called Church in Suffolk
Head over to smithmemorial.org to learn more. Don’t miss out on this powerful day of growth and connection!
Yorktown Fall Festival
Riverwalk Landing on Saturday, October 12 from 9 am – 3 pm
During this special, extended farmers market at the beautiful Historic Yorktown waterfront—shop more than 40 different vendors and artists selling seasonal favorites like pumpkins, mums, autumn-inspired art, kettle corn, and caramel apples. Enjoy free, family-oriented activities like face painting, a hay maze, a petting zoo featuring miniature animals, and pumpkin painting! Get the rundown on the days events at VisitYorktown
Visit Williamsburg Farmers Market
Merchant Square on Saturday, October 12, 19 & 26 from 8 am – 12 pm
The Williamsburg Farmers Market is in beautiful downtown Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area. Produce, Meat, and Baked Good vendors along with Flowers, Coffee and more. You can shop and then grab lunch at one of the many eateries in town. MORE on Williamsburg Farmers Market.
Boo Bash at the Beach
Jamestown Beach Event Park on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1 – 4 pm
Enjoy a day at the beach with a Halloween twist! Enjoy Trick-or-Treating, hands-on activities, music, games, food for purchase and more! Choose a pumpkin from the patch on the beach to carve and decorate available first-come, first-served while supplies last. Costumes welcome; please, no costume masks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more info on this event go HERE.
Parking Fee: $5/car (cash or check only)
2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival
Colonial Williamsburg on October 13 from 11 am to 5 pm
Stroll the streets of Downtown Williamsburg on Oct. 13 and take in unique handcrafts from more than 175+ artisans, live music, performing arts and food trucks in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. There’s something to be enjoyed by all! ADMISSION IS FREE. MORE
Halloween Williamsburg Old Time Radio Hour
Kimball Theatre on October 13 from 3 – 4:30 pm
Travel back in time to 1930s Williamsburg and attend a “live” radio broadcast. Sit on the edge of your seat and hear spine-tingling tales during our special Halloween performance. Immerse yourself in local legends, ancient superstitions, and spooky sound effects. This program is family-friendly and is designed to entertain all ages. Join us for an unforgettable show at the Historic Kimball Theatre. Tickets available for purchase by clicking here.
Social Terrace: Tide to Table
Williamsburg Inn on Sunday, October 13 from 5 – 8 pm
Join Colonial Williamsburg for their 2nd Annual Tide to Table event featuring local brews, oyster farmers, seafood, and music. Make your reservations!
2024 Director’s Series – Conversations with Christy S. Coleman: Dr. Julian Zelizer
Jamestown Settlement on October 16 from 7 – 8 pm
Julian E. Zelizer is the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University, a New York Times best-selling author, CNN political analyst and a regular guest on NPR’s “Here and Now.” His latest book is “Myth America.”
Now in its third year, enjoy thought-provoking evening conversations in-person or virtually for $10 per program or $50 for the entire series. Admission is limited and tickets must be purchased online in advance. Conversations will take place in Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater.
Spooky Spectacular Halloween Party with Tabitha Sewer Studio
Tabitha Sewer Studio on October 18 from 5 PM – 7:30 pm
Get ready for a night of spooky fun! There will be a costume contest with awesome prizes, exciting games, delicious pizza, and plenty of giveaways. Don’t miss out on this Halloween adventure! Costumes must be DIY to be eligible for prizes! Ages 7+. Additional fun includes: cookie decorating & crafts. ign up your child for Spooky Spectacular Halloween Party today!
Yorktown Victory Market
Riverwalk Landing October 19 from 9 am to 3 pm
The red, white, and blue will be on full display as local artists will be selling patriotic handiwork such as glassware, paintings, and woodwork. If the celebrations have you craving an all-American meal or one with a French flair, you can shop our vendors for apples, cookies, meats, oysters, honey, macarons, and more! The free, accessible Yorktown Trolley will be in operation beginning at 11 am during this event!
Victory at Yorktown 243rd Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, October 19 from 9 am – 5 pm
The 243rd anniversary of America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown will be celebrated at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, military programs and music. Visitors can interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors and take part in interpretive demonstrations. On Yorktown Day, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers free admission to active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members with military identification. See the full schedule of the days events here
Yorktown Day Parade & Patriotic Exercises
Yorktown, Saturday, October 19 from 9 am – 5 pm
Join in the festivities to commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory that paved the way for America and freedom.
The official Yorktown Day Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Colonial National Historical Park wreath-laying ceremonies at the Monument 11 am
Patriotic exercises will commence at the Monument to Alliance and Victory at 11:15 a.m
The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street. Enjoy a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town and be sure to visit all of the town’s historic sites, such as…read more here
Fantasy PhysicsFest at William & Mary
William & Mary Campus on October 19 from 10 am – 3 pm
William & Mary’s 13th Annual Physics Open House. Free and open to the public! Bring the kids for a day of why science is so cool! More details
William & Mary Homecoming Tailgate Party
Sweet Tea & Barley Patio on Saturday, October 19 from 3 – 10 pm
Join us at the Sweet Tea & Barley Patio on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3 PM – 10 PM, for the ultimate W&M Homecoming Tailgate Party! Enjoy a mouthwatering array of grilled smoked chicken wings, marinated shrimp, and our special beer cheese bratwurst. Sip on a refreshing Teramana Tequila Blood Orange Margarita or a “1939” Copper Fox Rye Whisky Old Fashioned. Reserve your spot now for just $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 1-888-447-8679 or book through OpenTable. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event!
Friends & Family Fall Festival
Freedom Park on Sunday, October 20 from 11 am – 3 pm
Join us at James City County’s Freedom Park in the Free Black Settlement area on October 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for our Friends & Family Fall Festival. This FREE, public event will feature a petting zoo, Bubbles the Clown, music, activity tents, games, and educational exhibits, with food and drink available for purchase from Old City Barbeque and Shoofly Dairy Bar.
Pop-Up Fundraiser with Pure Barre Williamsburg at Frothy Moon
Frothy Moon on Sunday, October 20 from 12 – 2 pm
Join a Pure Barre Williamsburg donation-based Pop-Up fundraiser benefiting JWCW Scholarship & Mini-Grant Program. Come enjoy Pure Barre + Frothy Moon all for a good cause!
ADULTS: MEET & MAKE- Custom Fall Candles with Tabitha Sewer Studio
Tabitha Sewer Studio on Sunday, October 20 from 3 – 5 pm
Looking to expand your friend group? Join in a bright, fun environment to connect and create! This month’s project features custom candles and room sprays with Beeswax Candle Co. As always, the monthly Meet & Make includes music, wine, and light snacks. More info and get your spot.
Disability Awareness Trick or Treat • All Ages with Disabilities FREE!
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center on Saturday, October 26 from 9 am – noon
Come Trick or Treating in a fun, sensory-friendly environment while learning about community resources for children and adults with disabilities. Enjoy activities for all ages, allergy-free treats, and a sensory break room. If you’re interested in presenting as a vendor or would like more information, please call 757-259-5354 or email Tracy.Newsom@jamescitycountyva.gov.
The FISH Costume Sale
William & Mary Sadler Center on Thursday, October 24 from 10 am to 5 pm
(Twilight Sale Wednesday Oct. 23 from 8 – 11 pm)
This annual event is a local favorite. Clothes that were donated to FISH but were not able to be used make the best Halloween costumes and this sale will not disappoint! The proceeds benefit FISH our local food pantry & clothes closet. There is a twilight sale on Wednesday if you are a night owl (mostly for the WM college kids). More info.
Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement on Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26
“Family Frights,” a Halloween-theme, “must-do” museum night for the entire family, returns to Jamestown Settlement on Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26. Ghosts and graveyards will greet families from the main entrance into a “Sleepy Hollow” themed lobby to the outdoor areas, where they will pass by opportunities for facepainting, and on to “Alice in Wonderland” for fun and games! The riverfront will be transformed into elements of Greek mythology, costume-clad guests will encounter Poseidon, Athena and other gods and goddesses. Power-up with the “Mario Brothers” by climbing aboard the Godspeed or discover “Thing 1” or “Thing 2” with “Dr. Seuss” on board the Discovery. Trick-or-treating, ghostly tales and grisly games will be among the festivities available at 6-7:30 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. on both dates. Tickets must be purchased online, tickets not sold at the door. More info
VLM’s Night of the Living Museum
Virginia Living Museum on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 from 5:30-8:30pm
This is a non-scary Halloween event for families with kids ages 12 and under. Come dressed as your favorite character or wild animal. Trick-or-treat throughout the museum as you walk through themed galleries filled with characters and themed decorations! Make creepy crafts and play Halloween games. Live animal shows featuring fierce and not-so-fierce Halloween critters. Take a nighttime hike along the outdoor boardwalk and see the Dinosaur Discovery Trail by night! And, back by popular demand, is the beloved “Not the Mythbusters Science Show”, in the Amphitheater! VLM’s Night of the Living Museum’s advance tickets are $12 for members/$17 for non-members. All-access passes are $15 for members/$23 for non-members and include the Fright Lights laser show. Each party must include one adult 18 years or older. Ticket prices for each weekend increase that Friday to $15 ($18 all-access) for members / $20 ($26 all-access) for non-members. Children ages 2 and under are free but require a free ticket.
Paws at the River
Riverwalk Landing on October 26 from 9 am to 3 pm
This awesome market has a pet parade (costumes…YES!) a spot on the waterfront where you can get your pet portrait or family picture with the pet – it is free! There is a wonderful market that day and many activities for the whole family. You don’t want to miss this themed market.
Precarious Beer’s Field Dayz
Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on October 26 from 4 pm – 8 pm
6th annual Field Dayz is all about the boos and the brews, celebrate spooky season alongside some favorite craft breweries. Tickets go on sale September 1 A portion of every ticket sold, in addition to event raffle tickets, will benefit the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD)! You can also bring a toy to donate (brand new and not wrapped). Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Yorktoberfest Riverwalk Landing Yorktown
Riverwalk Landing on October 27 from 12 – 5:30 pm
Sample more than 40 beers (unlimited tastings), ciders, and more, from Coastal Virginia at this annual event hosted by the York County Chamber of Commerce. With live music, beer classes, and vendors, you’ll definitely have something to yodel about! This is a tented event and will be held rain or shine. Learn more Get your tickets here.
Halloween Afternoon Tea
Williamsburg Inn on Tuesday, October 29 – Thursday, October 31 from 2 – 3:30 pm
Enjoy a spooky afternoon with your family and friends while indulging in the fine Afternoon Tea at the Williamsburg Inn with a Halloween-inspired menu. Expect handmade scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, and more with a signature tea from the Chef Collaboration with the Tea and Spice Exchange! More info.
William & Mary’s Trick or Treat on the Row
William & Mary Community Building, October 31 from 5 – 6:30 pm
The Fraternity & Sorority Community will be handing out candy to Williamsburg community members during Trick or Treat on the Row. FREE & Open to local families! The Fraternity & Sorority Community Building is at 650 Ukrop Way.
Holly Fork Farm
They are open through Oct 31st so check back for October’s updated hours! Fun at things to do at the Farm includes: Scarecrow Slide… Jump castles.. Jump Pad…Petting Farm Animals..Hayrides…Fun Photo Ops…Awww Shucks Corn Maze…Pumpkin Picking..Ice Cream, Country Store… and so much more!
On late evenings – Jump Pad is the only evening activity open. The store will be open for shopping, food offerings will be available and ice cream too! Bags will be searched if you bring them in. The only bags that are allowed need to be CLEAR (no outside coolers, cups, etc.) Admission is $6.50 PER PERSON (** 2 and under and 60 & older are FREE for general admission)
Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Tours
Colonial Williamsburg, Nightly, October 1 -31 from 7 – 8 pm or 8:30 – 9:30 pm
Hopefully you’ve walked through the beautiful streets and buildings of Colonial Williamsburg (if you haven’t add that to your list). Try walking through CW at night with a ghost teller relaying authentic ghost stories from the 1700s. And perhaps they may mention a few creepy recent encounters too. Haunted Williamsburg is the official ghost tour experience of Colonial Williamsburg MORE.
Don’t forget to bring your Good Neighbors Pass if you are a local resident as you will get a 25% discount. Your Good Neighbor Pass offers discounts on food and beverage and shopping in Colonial Williamsburg stores and resort eateries. If you are a local resident or you teach or work in the area you may qualify for the Good Neighbors pass which gives you unlimited entrance to Colonial Williamsburg museums, historic trade house and discounts on tickets you purchase for friends and family. MORE on all the benefits of this pass!
Ongoing Events:
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design Exhibition
Jamestown Settlement from May 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
A new special exhibition is opened May 11 at Jamestown Settlement, featuring the works of two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. Carter has created powerful pieces for acclaimed films and television such as “Yellowstone,” “Roots,” “Amistad,” “Malcom X,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Black Panther.” The special exhibition also showcases the work of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation historical tailors who dress interpreters depicting people living in early America, some based on period portraits and surviving garments on display in the museum’s gallery exhibits.
The traveling exhibit, organized by Ruth Carter Costume Design and curated by Julia Long, will be on display for six months through January 5th, 2025. This exhibit is part of admission. Learn more.
Fall Fun – It is our big list of all things fall – from festivals to hayrides to fall leaves – if it has to do with fall – it’s there!
Fall Fun – we just have too many great events in the area to fit in to one post so this page has tons of events that are linked to it – it is a BIG list of Fall Fun Events!
Best Pumpkin Patches & Farm Events
Check out the full list of Pumpkin Patches and Farms in and around Williamsburg who are hosting fall events.
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