FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHARLOTTESVILLE EVENTS IN OCTOBER
Fall is in full swing, and it’s time for fall festival fun galore! Check out this Family Event Round-Up: October of just some of the many things to do and explore this month around Charlottesville. Learn more about these events and discover many other family outing ideas on our Events Calendar.
Orchard Events in Charlottesville
Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
Graves Mountain Farm, First three weekends in October
Enjoy apples, pumpkins, gourds, fresh farm cider, Graves Mountain preserves and apple butter, homemade treats, petting zoo, hayrides, hay maze, horses, ponies, craft vendors and much more at this fall festival. Kids will love the number of events to choose from.
HenleyFest
Henley’s Orchard, Weekends in October
Families can enjoy apples, cider, wine, live music, hayrides, pony rides and much more at this annual event in Crozet. They even have football on the big screen on Sundays for NFL fans!
Drumheller’s Orchard Apple Festival
Drumheller’s Orchard, October 15-16
Bring the whole family to the orchard and appreciate a wide range of activities for all ages, including hayrides, an apple sling shot, kids zone and pumpkin patch. Their very own apples, apple butter, apple cider, honey, country hams and baked goods will also be available for purchase. Vendors including Ruritan Club will be selling classic family foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, apple dumplings and more.
Hocus Pocus Movie Night in the Orchard
Albemarle Cider Works, October 22
Join the Orchard for an enchanting night of family fun sure to get the whole family in the Halloween spirit. Light bites, movie snacks and cider will be available for purchase. Indoor and outdoor seating will be provided, and a complimentary small popcorn will be awarded to anyone in costume!
Fall Festivals for the Family
Blue Ridge Mountain Maze
Lovingston, Now–November 6
See why this Virginia Corn Maze Fall Festival is a cherished family tradition. Get “cornfused” and have a blast “getting lost in fun!” Enjoy the panoramic mountain views, venture into the 5 acre corn maze, and pick your perfect pumpkin to bring home.
Oktoberfest
Frontier Culture Museum, October 1
Join the Frontier Culture Museum for their annual Oktoberfest featuring live music from Stadtkapelle Gersthofen band and Elbe Musikanten German Band. Local food vendors, including Bavarian Chef food truck and Rick’s BBQ, will also be on-site with delicious snacks.
Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
Claudius Crozet Park, October 8 & 9
This staple fall festival features over 120 jury-selected artists, craft demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, food, and Virginia wine and beer.
Bellair Farm Fall Festival
Bellair Farm, October 22-23
Come enjoy a weekend of fall fun including attractions such as a sorghum labyrinth, tasting table, photo booth, tractor sitting and farm animals. You can also choose to purchase food from local vendors including Albemarle Ciderworks, Rausse Winery, The Pie Guy and Ambrosia Greek Food. Or, you can make your own DIY pizza in their outdoor wood-fired oven!
Harvestfest
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, October 29
Celebrate all fall has to offer at this seasonal festival. Live music, food, adult beverages and a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Kids of all ages will delight in fairy house builidng, pie pumpkin painting,face painting, crafts and much more. The Garden Café and Bloemendaal House tent will offer a traditional German menu, so come ready to eat!
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Morven Park, October 29 – December 16
Wizards, witches and muggles of all ages are welcome to come experience this nighttime woodland trail filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from Harry Potter. The Wizarding World is brought to life with sounds, lights and special effects sure to delight the whole family. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase at the local village.
Be sure to check the Family Fun section of our site for even more fall activity and outing ideas. The Food & Home section features cozy decor ideas and recipes, including a delicious Apple Fritter Donut recipe.
Fall Events for Adults
The Virginia Fall Races
Glenwood Park, October 8
Root to Table Virginia Harvest Feast
Breaux Vineyards, October 16
Two Up Wine Down Festival
Blenheim Vineyards, October 23
For a full lost of adult-friendly events this fall, see the Wine & Country Life events calendar.
A very special thank you to our fall content sponsors: Charlottesville Orthodontics.
