Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia in October 2025
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.
Rhythms on the Riverwalk in Yorktown – FREE Outdoor Concerts
October 2 – The Heather Edwards Band
October 9 – 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
Merchants Square’s Concert Series featuring Kevin Burt and Big Medicine – (FREE)
Merchants Square on Friday, October 3 from 6 – 8 pm
This concert wraps up the 2025 season on DoG (Duke of Gloucester St.) in the heart of Merchants Square! The final Merchants Square Concert Series event will feature bluesman Kevin Burt, known for his powerful, soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. His music is rich with emotion and authenticity, blending traditional blues with a modern touch.
King of Glory’s Children’s Consignment Sale
Sale Hours:
Consigner Presale – Friday, October 3 from 8 am – 11 am
Public Sale – Friday, October 3 from 9 am – 6 pm
Public Sale – Saturday, October 4 from 8 am – 11 am
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
Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival
Riverwalk Landing Yorktown on Saturday & Sunday, October 4 & 5 from Noon – 6 pm
Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or an aspiring novice—you don’t want to miss the Yorktown Wine Festival grand tasting. Yorktown’s Wine & Oyster Festival pairs the finest Virginia wines with the freshest local seafood—including succulent oysters served raw, roasted, and steamed. More info.
Witchcraft in Colonial Virginia 1626-1730
Jamestown Settlement on Saturday, October 4 at 2 pm
Witchcraft mania swept through Salem, MA long after its southern counterparts in Virginia. Colonial Virginians shared a common belief in the supernatural with their northern neighbors and sought to quell suspected witchcraft in the colony. The 1626 case of Joan Wright, the first woman to…More Info
William & Mary Presents Noli Timere
Glenn Close Theatre on Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 pm
NOLI TIMERE is a soaring aerial performance featuring a custom designed, voluminous Echelman net sculpture and 8 outstanding, multidisciplinary performers. The work is a fusion of contemporary dance and avant-garde circus; art installation and advanced engineering; public sculpture and social practice exploring how we navigate an unstable world.
Anniversary Party
Sunday, October 5 at 2 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 second-year anniversary and you’re invited to join the fun! Here’s what they’ve got planned: Pet vendors, Adoptable dogs, Raffles & sales, Games, prizes, and kids’ activities galore! Learn more about Zoom Room Williamsburg.
Counts Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens Williamsburg select nights through November 2
During the daytime there are lots of fun kid-friendly activities. These include trick or treating, a hay maze, character fun, and more. Be sure to head out by 5 pm, the park will begin to transform into its haunted self. Counts Spooktacular runs on Saturday’s and Sundays and is made for kids.
Get ready for 5 haunted houses, 6 terror-tories™, 4 sinister shows, and plenty of creepy surprises lurking around every corner. Learn more
New Town Tunes Concert Series featuring Revelation Band
October 8 from 5:30 – 8 pm featuring Revelation Band
October 15 from 5:30 – 8 pm featuring Cody Christian Band / Cawson’s Coop
The New Town Tunes Concert Series wraps up with Revelation Band. 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.
BurgQuest Tabletop Gaming Festival
Sadler Center from Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12
A three day tabletop gaming festival featuring board games and RPG free play, panels, guests, game demos, game design workshops, and more in Williamsburg. All ages and interest levels welcome. Attend all three days or just 2 days…Registration info
Lighting of the Cressets in Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg on Fridays & Saturdays from October 10 – 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 or Capitol Concerts. Enjoy the fall evenings – the cressets make the streets glow and it is a beautiful sight! Learn more here.
Yorktown Fall Festival
Riverwalk Landing on Saturday, October 11 from 9 am – 3 pm
During this special, extended farmers market at the beautiful Historic Yorktown waterfront—shop more than 60 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.
Boo Bash at the Beach
Jamestown Beach Event Park on Saturday, October 11 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 Sunday, October 12 from 11 am to 4 pm
Take in unique handcrafts from more than 190 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
Wild & Wicked a Museum Mixer
Virginia Living Museum on October 16 from 7 – 8 pm
A spooky soirée exclusively for ages 21 and up at Virginia Living Museum. Enjoy an evening filled with festive fun, food, and dancing surrounded by the Museum’s decorated exhibits and trails. More
VLM’s Night of the Living Museum
Virginia Living Museum on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm
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. And, back by popular demand, is the beloved “Not the Mythbusters Science Show”! More Info & Tickets
W&M Libraries Author Breakfast and Book Talk
Swem Library on Saturday, October 18 from 8:30 – 10:30 am
Bring the family for a morning of books, breakfast, and conversation with Virginia authors Korena Di Roma Howley and Lamar Giles. Korena is the author of the picture book, “Sarang Saves the School,” a Junior Library Guild Selection. Lamar is the author of “Star Wars: Sanctuary” and “Ruin Road,” among others. The Fallen Acorn Bookshop will be on-site with books for purchase, and the authors will be signing books. Free and open to all! More info
Yorktown Victory Market
Riverwalk Landing October 18 from 9 am to 12 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! View the schedule of events.
Disability Awareness Trick or Treat • All Ages with Disabilities FREE!
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center on Saturday, October 18 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.
Victory at Yorktown Celebration
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19 from 9 am – 5 pm
Celebrate America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown with artillery firings, exhibits and interpretive programs. 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.
Fresh Views of the American Revolution
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Saturday, October 18 from 10 am – 5 pm
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will present the special exhibition “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” from October 18, 2025 through May 3, 2026. This commemorative exhibit explores America’s 250th through contemporary voices and artistic perspectives. More info
Harvest Festival
Chippokes State Park on Saturday, October 18 from 10 am – 5 pm
The festival will feature live music and family activities such as an antique tractor pull, pumpkin painting, corn cob dolls, corn hole, tractor-drawn hayrides, and an active sawmill site. A wide variety of local food and craft vendors will also be on site. More info
Halloween Extravaganza with Tabitha Sewer Studio
Tabitha Sewer Studio on Saturday, October 18 from 5:30 – 7 pm
Get ready for family friendly spooky fun! There will be a costume contest with awesome prizes, exciting games, and of course a spooky craft. Don’t miss out on this Halloween adventure! This is a drop-off event (families are welcome to stay) perfect for kids 6+ to enjoy a night of Halloween fun! Signup today!
Yorktown Day Parade & Patriotic Exercises
Yorktown, Sunday, 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 day begins with a Commemorative Ceremony followed by wreath-laying ceremony, then a patriotic parade down Main Street. Enjoy a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town…read more here.
Friends & Family Fall Festival
Freedom Park on Sunday, October 19 from 11 am – 3 pm
Join the Historic Virginia Land Conservancy for our fifth annual Friends & Family Fall Festival. Activities include a petting zoo, face painting, balloon sculptures, an inflatable obstacle course, music, activity tents, educational exhibits and door prizes. Food and drink available for purchase. More info
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 24 and 25
“Family Frights,” a Halloween-theme, “must-do” museum night for the entire family, returns to Jamestown Settlement with “Stories, Myths and Legends” featuring trick-or-treating, creative crafts and games, festive music and face painting, haunted houses and spooky ships. Tickets must be purchased online, tickets not sold at the door. More info
Paws at the River
Riverwalk Landing on Saturday, October 25 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! There is a wonderful market that day and many activities for the whole family. Children activities include Trick-or-treating at Historic Yorktown businesses and a dog bandana craft. Vendors selling seasonal produce; fresh baked goods; meats; fresh-cut flowers; honey; and more! You don’t want to miss this themed market. More info
Precarious Beer’s Field Dayz
Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on Saturday, October 25 from 4:30 pm – 8 pm
7th annual Field Dayz, a day of craft beer, food, music, and yard games — this is gonna be an exciting Halloween Hoedown! A portion of every ticket sold, in addition to event raffle tickets, will benefit the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD)! Festival goers are asked to bring a toy to donate (brand new and not wrapped). Learn more and purchase tickets.
Yorktoberfest Riverwalk Landing Yorktown
Riverwalk Landing on October 26 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. Get your tickets.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
The Pampered Bath on October 26 from 12 – 2 pm
Hunt for hidden rubber ducks at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. You could win a FREE bath bomb. Alternatively, keep your lucky duck as a souvenir.
6th Annual CDR Oyster Roast
Lawn of Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg on October 26 from 3 – 6 pm
Get your tickets for the 6th Annual CDR Oyster Roast. This fun event features oysters, BBQ, clam chowder, Brunswick stew, beer, wine, music, a silent auction and much more.
William & Mary’s Trick or Treat on the Row
William & Mary Community Building, October 28 from 5:30 – 7:30 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.
Halloween Afternoon Tea
Williamsburg Inn on Wednesday, October 29 – Friday, 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.
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:
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!
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