CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN IN CHARLOTTESVILLE
With the spooky season quickly approaching, we’ve put together this list of Family Friendly Halloween Events in Charlottesville to guarantee that you and the whole family have a happy Halloween. Scroll on for a list of fun events involving trick-or-treating, hay rides and much more. Learn more about these events and discover more family outing ideas on our Events Calendar.
Trick-or-Treating Halloween Events
Trunk or Treat
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, October 29
Enjoy this free community event featuring candy, food, live music, train rides, games, crafts and first responders from the community. Kids will have the chance to trick-or-treat from the trunks of cars, including local firetrucks.
Trick-or-Treat at the Dairy Market
Dairy Market, October 30
Dress up in your kookiest costume and visit each of the vendors at this local Charlottesville favorite for a yummy treat. Kids of all ages are welcome and the event is open to the public for free.
Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn
The University of Virginia, October 31
Take part in this longtime tradition by visiting the lawn at the University, dressed in your best costume of course. Kids will have the chance to get candy from lawn residents and members of student groups. Free parking is available for families attending the event at the John Paul Jones Arena lot.
Halloween Events for the Pets
Strut Your Mutt! Halloween Pageant
The Shops at Stonefield, October 22
Join Fetch! for this ridiculously adorable event benefitting Caring for Creatures and the HOWS project. Dress up your mutts to enter the costume contest and go trick-or-treating with your dog as you enjoy music, raffle prizes and a big pumpkin selfie station.
Doggie Howl-oween
The Downtown Mall, October 28
Celebrate with Pawprints Boutique at this charming event featuring doggie trick-or-treating and the cutest parade and costume contest. All proceeds from the event benefit the CAT Action Team and all contest winners will be gifted a mystery prize.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Fest
Animal Connection in Charlottesville, VA, October 29
Dogs (and some families) will be dressed in costume for the chance to win over 500 dollars in costume contest prizes. Spooky goodies from the “Bone Yard” and treats for tricks will be given out. If you’re looking to expand the family, adoptable pets will also be showcased at the event.
Other Halloween Themed Events
Hocus Pocus Movie Night in the Orchard
Albermarle Ciderworks, October 22
Join the orchard for an enchanting evening centered around this family-friendly Disney classic. Light bites, movie snacks, cider and spooky cider sangria for the adults will be available to purchase. Both indoor and outdoor seating will be provided and a small complimentary popcorn will be awarded to anyone in costume!
Boo Bash
The Virginia Discovery Museum, October 27-28
Join the VADM for their annual family-friendly Halloween carnival. Kids are invited to enjoy frighteningly fun carnival games, activities and crafts including concocting spooky potions in the Witch’s Lab and dancing in the glow-in-the-dark Monster Mash room. Prizes will be available from the Little Shop of Prizes, so be sure to come dressed in your spookiest costume.
The Halloween Hangout
Palmyra, VA, Now-October 31
Hosted on a spooky old historic farm near Charlottesville, this Halloween event features a kid’s zone containing fun activities for the little ones, an enchanted hay ride complete with blankets for snuggling, a haunted forest and a playful pumpkin patch. The event is complete with food vendors and games for all to enjoy.
Halloween at Bellair Farm
Bellair Farm, October 29
Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween experience featuring outdoor activities like pumpkin carving, a sorghum maze and an interactive photo booth. The Barn Store will be open for shopping and local food vendors will be available. Costumes are highly encouraged.
Halloween Craft Cville
The Shops at Stonefield, October 29
This Halloween weekend pop up features 40 local makers, artists and vintage curators. Costumes are encouraged for both you and your dogs.
Downtown Safe Halloween Festival
Ting Pavilion, October 29
The annual family-friendly event returns featuring performances by the Brushwood School of Dance, AirRaid juggling and The Magic Brian Bence. Delight the whole family with a costume contest, inflatables, pumpkin bowling, crafts, games and much more! Round out the day with trick-or-treating on the downtown mall at participating stores.
Spooky Ninja Family Fun Fair
Uplevel Martial Arts, October 30
Visit this local martial arts studio for the chance to experience candy, games, costumes, contests, prizes and more. Free martial arts will also be available for families to particpate in.
Looking for adult spooky fun? See the Wine & Country Life events calendar for other harvest and halloween happenings.
Other seasonal info includes our Local Pumpkin Patch Guide, this delicious Apple Fritter Donut Recipe and Trick-or-Treating Tips.
A very special thank you to Charlottesville Orthodontics, Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville, and Tucker Griffin Barnes for sponsoring our Halloween content!
