Things to Do This Fall
The temps may be cooling off, but that doesn’t mean the fun has been put on the back burner in Williamsburg. From funk to opera, beer to wine, Halloween candy to locally grown veggies — and much more in between — there’s plenty to tempt the senses this fall.
Treat yourself: Get the Halloween thrills and chills started early during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. Expect haunted houses, spooky shows, and yummy seasonal eats, running Friday through Sunday, along with select Thursdays through October 31.
Low-key: Guitarists, crooners, comedians, and poets alike are welcome to step into the spotlight every Wednesday for acoustic open mic night from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Brass Cannon Brewing.
On point: Jamestown Settlement is a must-see, but this fall, visitors will want to check out “FOCUSED,” a year-long photography exhibit highlighting Virginia Indian resiliency. The collection includes several impressive items on loan from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.
Press and impress: Brass Cannon Brewing keeps the fun rolling with pints and bingo every Tuesday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., and trivia on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekend fun more your thing? Select Saturday nights feature a different musical act in the taproom.
Toast of the town: Sit outside and enjoy the flavors of fall with locally-brewed craft beer. Head to Billsburg Brewery for a German-style Oktoberfest lager with local flare. Next, warm up with Elbow Patches, an oatmeal stout from the Virginia Beer Company. Finish your tasting tour with a fall classic, Pumpkin Ale, from Alewerks Brewing Company. Visit each brewery’s website for special events while you’re there.
Go to market: Support local farmers and artisans Saturdays during Yorktown Market Days at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, which features live music and food trucks, too. Fill your picnic basket with ripe fruits and veggies, honey, meats, flowers, and sweet treats.
Tune in: Grab a cooler and get ready to spend an entertaining evening outdoors during the Rhythms on the Riverwalk Concert Series. The six-week series runs Thursday evenings through October 14, with local favorites playing everything from country to big band and jazz tunes.
Make it count: The Count’s Spooktacular starts September 25 at Busch Gardens Sesame Street Forest of Fun. This family-friendly event runs every Saturday and Sunday through October featuring costume parties, free trick-or-treating, age-appropriate entertainment, and more.
Sip: Take your palate on an international journey by sampling Riesling and bubbly from Yorktown’s sister cities in Germany and France at the Yorktown Wine Festival on October 2. The best and brightest of Virginia’s vino will be ready for quaffing, too, and this year, the Riverwalk Landing festival will also feature distilled spirits. Further tempt your senses with food from local restaurants, artwork on display, and live music.
Celebrate art: For more than 50 years, An Occasion For The Arts has celebrated outstanding artists, stage performers and youth activities. Back in person this year, October 2 – October 3, the arts extravaganza will feature local musicians and an art show featuring works from local students.
Commemorate: October 19 isn’t just your average Tuesday — Yorktown Day marks the 1781 siege that was one of the most important victories in the Revolutionary War. Salute the red, white, and blue during a patriotic parade down Main Street, replete with a fife and drum performance. The town’s historic sites including: the Custom House, York County Historical Museum, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, will all be open to greet visitors. Round out the day with a drive along the Battlefield Tour Roads to visit siege lines, the redoubts, and Surrender Field.
Toast: Get ready to sip, savor, and slurp at Yorktoberfest on October 24. While the main event is the opportunity to sample more than 30 beers brewed in Coastal Virginia, there’s something for everyone. Expect food, coffee, live music, and entertainment, booths with regional artisans, and more.
Go retro: Browse collectibles, antiques, art, accessories, and unique home décor during the Vintage Market at the McReynolds Athletic Complex on November 6. Adding to the festive ambiance will be live entertainment and food trucks.
Looking forward to all that Williamsburg has to offer? Check out our trip planning tools and the full events calendar for what to see and do on your next adventure.
Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, all events are subject to postponement or cancellation.
