Family-Friendly Fall Events in and Around Richmond, VA

Fall in Richmond is one of our favorite times of year. The weather cools down, the leaves begin to change, pumpkin patches pop up around the region, and the calendar fills with festivals, outdoor adventures, and plenty of ways to enjoy the season with the whole family.

Here are some of the family-friendly fall events to add to your calendar.

Richmond Folk Festival

October 9–11, 2026 | Downtown Richmond

One of Richmond’s biggest fall traditions returns to the city’s historic riverfront October 9–11.

The Richmond Folk Festival is a FREE three-day celebration featuring performers representing a diverse array of cultural traditions from around the world. With six stages, live music, food, and the beautiful James River as a backdrop, it’s a wonderful way to spend a fall weekend exploring downtown Richmond with the family.

The festival began in Richmond in 2005 as the National Council for the Traditional Arts’ National Folk Festival and has grown into one of Virginia’s largest annual events.

Family tip: Bring comfortable shoes and plan to spend several hours wandering between stages. Since admission is free, you can easily make this a relaxed, come-and-go family outing.

Maymont Garden Glow

October 14–November 8, 2026 | Maymont

When the sun goes down, Maymont takes on an entirely different look.

Maymont Garden Glow, presented by Kroger, transforms the grounds into a colorful nighttime experience filled with spectacular light displays. The event is Maymont’s largest annual fundraiser and has become a favorite Richmond fall tradition.

The event runs on select dates from October 14 through November 8, with opening times varying and last entry at 9 p.m. There are also select Monday dates.

Entrance: Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive

Family tip: Garden Glow is a great choice when you want a fall activity that feels special without requiring an entire day. Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and enjoy the lights after dark.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream

September 11–November 1, 2026 | Williamsburg

For families with older kids and teens who enjoy a little fright with their fall fun, Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream returns September 11 through November 1.

The entire park transforms for the Halloween season with haunted houses, Terror-tories™, sinister shows, and nighttime thrills. And, of course, the park’s world-class coasters take on a completely different feel after dark.

Event hours: 6 p.m. until park close

Family tip: Howl-O-Scream is designed around scares and horror, so it may not be the right fit for younger children. Families with older kids and teens can make a night of it by combining the Halloween attractions with nighttime coaster rides.

Richmond Oktoberfest

October 16–17, 2026 | Richmond Raceway Complex

Break out the lederhosen and celebrate the season at Richmond Oktoberfest.

The event brings together German-inspired food, music, and plenty of festive atmosphere at the Richmond Raceway Complex. It's a fun way to experience a different side of Richmond's fall event calendar.

Family tip: Check the event schedule before heading out for specific activities and entertainment that are appropriate for your family.

Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival

October 31, 2026 | Midtown Green

Looking for something to do on Halloween day? Head to Midtown Green for the Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival on October 31.

The festival brings together pumpkins, costumes, local vendors, and Halloween fun in the heart of one of Richmond’s most popular neighborhoods.

Family tip: Have the kids wear their costumes and make an afternoon of it before heading out for trick-or-treating later in the evening.

Pick Your Own Pumpkin at Local Richmond-Area Farms

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch. Fortunately, Richmond families have plenty of options, ranging from full-blown fall festivals to quieter farm experiences.

Ashland Berry Farm

12607 Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam

Ashland Berry Farm’s 30-acre pumpkin patch offers plenty to keep families busy. Weekend visitors can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking, Fort Pumpkin, a 3D Boo House, an animal corral, and the popular $30 All-You-Can-Carry Pumpkin Challenge.

Pumpkin-picking hours: Weekends, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Chesterfield Berry Farm

26002 Pear Orchard Road, Moseley

Chesterfield Berry Farm goes big on fall fun with an 8-acre corn maze, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pig races, rubber duck races, hay mazes, a fun zone, and an animal corral.

General admission starts at $19.99 online or $24.99 at the gate.

Family tip: With so many activities in one place, this is an easy choice for families looking to turn pumpkin picking into a full afternoon adventure.

Gallmeyer Farms

4506 Millers Lane, Richmond

For families looking for a simpler, more laid-back pumpkin-picking experience, Gallmeyer Farms is worth a visit.

Admission and hayrides are free, and families can enjoy a straw bale maze, picnic and play area, and pumpkins grown right on the farm.

The pumpkin patch is open daily through October 31, from 8 a.m. until dusk.

Family tip: Pack a picnic and let the kids enjoy some unstructured outdoor play while you pick out the perfect pumpkins.

Hanover Vegetable Farm

13580 Ashland Road, Ashland

Hanover Vegetable Farm packs plenty of fall activities into one family outing. The pumpkin season includes hayrides, a corn maze, petting barn, giant pumpkin jump pad, corn cannons, a corn bin, inflatable village, Charlotte’s Web Hide and Seek, and food trucks.

Hours:

Weekdays: Hayrides 2–6 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 4–17, free for children 3 and younger.

Pumpkins are 89 cents per pound, with a $15 maximum per pumpkin.

Family tip: If your kids have lots of energy to burn, this is one to put near the top of your fall-day list!

Swift Creek Berry Farm

17210 Genito Road, Moseley

Swift Creek Berry Farm offers a more relaxed pumpkin-picking experience with free admission and a selection of carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, and more.

Families can also enjoy backyard games such as cornhole and giant checkers, personal fire pits, and fall plants at the greenhouse.

Family tip: This is a nice option when you want to enjoy the fall atmosphere without committing to a full festival day.

Make the Most of Fall in Richmond

One of the best things about fall in Richmond is that you don't have to choose just one way to celebrate the season. Spend one weekend picking pumpkins at a local farm, another listening to music at the Folk Festival, and another wandering through Maymont under the glow of thousands of lights. Start planning your Richmond-area fall bucket list!