As the leaves turn into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, Williamsburg, Virginia transforms into a fall wonderland filled with historic charm and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or just someone who loves exploring in the cool autumn air, you'll find plenty of fun fall activities on tap. Add some of Williamsburg's best fall highlights to your itinerary and plan the ultimate autumn escape!
Here are the top 10 things to do in fall:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream
1. Experience Busch Gardens® Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream®
Embrace the thrills and chills of the season at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream®. Those who enjoy frightful delights with their fall fun shouldn't miss this annual event, which runs select nights from September 11 through November 1, 2026. Wind your way through haunted houses, dare to explore terrifying scare zones, and catch spine-tingling live shows, all while 10 world-class coasters take on a whole new thrill after dark. For a less scary, family-friendly alternative, check out Busch Gardens® Halloween Spooktacular, held select weekends in September and October in the Sesame Street Forest of Fun.
Fall colors in Colonial Williamsburg
2. Admire Fall Colors
See the area’s iconic sites decorated with nature’s fall colors. In Colonial Williamsburg, admire colorful beech trees, maples, and more lining the historic streets and dotting the gardens and green spaces. The regenerating forest and Tidewater landscapes around Historic Jamestowne also promise a taste of fall scenery. In Yorktown, the sacred grounds of Yorktown Battlefield are also ablaze in autumn colors during the season’s peak. Looking to do more leaf-peeping? Head to local parks and find the top spots to see fall foliage.
York River State Park Woodstock Pond
3. Explore Scenic Parks
Go hiking, biking, or paddling in the area's lush parks and green spaces to enjoy the fresh autumn air and even more fall colors. Explore Waller Mill Park with its forest trails and water views, or stroll the wooded paths and historic sites of Freedom Park. Many parks blend colorful leaves with serene trails and waterways, including Chickahominy Riverfront Park, York River State Park, and Jamestown Island. Discover more local parks.
After dark, ghost tours show another side of Colonial Williamsburg
4. Take an Epic Ghost Tour
Fall is prime time for a stroll through haunted history. On the Haunted Williamsburg walking tour, you can admire the area’s autumn splendor and go inside some of the most haunted buildings. You’ll hear about the real history of Colonial Williamsburg along with chilling tales of supernatural encounters. Hear more spooky, centuries-old stories with Colonial Ghosts Ultimate Tour, where you’ll explore legendary haunts like The Precious Gem, Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, and Market Square. In Yorktown, don’t miss the Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour. There are many more experiences to discover – see our guide to the best ghost tours.
Family at Pumpkinville
5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy classic autumn fun at a pumpkin patch. Pumpkinville in Toano delights with games, a corn maze, hayrides, and seasonal treats throughout October. Pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch or choose from a large pre-picked selection, and browse mums, gourds, and fall decor for a festive outing surrounded by crisp air and colorful foliage.
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
6. Hit the Treetops for Halloween-Themed Adventure
For an active take on fall fun, check out the Halloween and fall festivities at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park in Freedom Park. Set among vibrant fall colors, this popular outdoor attraction features zip lines, rope courses, swinging obstacles, and an axe-throwing range. Daytime activities include pumpkin decorating and scavenger hunts, while select nights from mid-September through Halloween bring "Frights at Height" and "Forest EscAPE," a haunted outdoor escape room.
7. Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping
Kick off your holiday shopping at the area’s popular outlet stores, fashion-forward boutiques, unique specialty shops, or eclectic shopping hubs like Merchants Square. Whether you’re looking for designer accessories, nostalgic trinkets, chic home décor, or one-of-a-kind antiques, you’ll find plenty of treasures in Williamsburg. Browse all the shopping options.
Couple at Williamsburg Winery
8. Do a Wine Tasting at the Williamsburg Winery
Sample some of Virginia’s finest wines at Williamsburg Winery, whose historic Wessex Hundred farm spans 400 acres of woods, fields, gardens, and vineyards. The storied winery offers a variety of tastings and estate tours, from cellar tours to reserve wine tastings, and hosts seasonal events including harvest-themed dinners and Thanksgiving celebrations.
Virginia Beer Co. fire pit
9. Cheers to Local Craft Beer
Toast to the season with delicious local craft beer. Savor a flight or settle in for the afternoon at favorite local breweries like Precarious Beer Project in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Nearby, enjoy the beer garden at Virginia Beer Co., soak in marina views at Billsburg Brewery, or try the seasonal flavors at Alewerks Brewing Company. Many breweries offer regular live music. Explore more local breweries and be on the lookout for beer-centric events like Yorktoberfest.
Fall Farmers Market
10. Celebrate with Fall Events
Whether you're an art lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone who loves a festival atmosphere, An Occasion for the Arts is a colorful celebration of art and music. Held the first weekend of October (October 3-4, 2026), this free event invites you to experience the magic of the arts in historic downtown Williamsburg. Prefer to indulge the palate? Don't miss the Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival, also October 3-4, 2026, at Riverwalk Landing.
Cat people come to celebrate their beloved felines at the Virginia Cat Festival on November 7-8, featuring celebrity cat meet-and-greets, a costume purr-ade, vendors, workshops, games, cat adoptions, and more. As Thanksgiving approaches, the Yorktown Market Days - Harvest Festival on November 21 embraces the season with artisan vendors, balloon art for kids, and plenty of your favorite holiday foods available for purchase. From market days to historic commemorations, see the lineup of fall events in Williamsburg.
More Fall Fun
For more fall getaway ideas, explore all fall events and experiences, or check out the spooky Halloween festivities happening in the Historic Triangle.