7 fun fall activities around the Virginia Peninsula

From pumpkin patches and fall festivals to ghost tours and family-friendly Halloween fun, here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate autumn in the Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Hampton Roads area.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year in Yorktown and Williamsburg! The cooler temperatures, changing leaves, pumpkin patches, and festive community events make this season especially fun for families and visitors alike.

As a local Realtor who has spent nearly 20 years helping people buy and sell homes in Yorktown, Williamsburg, and surrounding communities, I love sharing what makes our area such a wonderful place to live.

And one of those things is definitely our fall traditions!

Whether you're searching for the best pumpkin patches near Williamsburg, family-friendly Halloween events in York County, or spooky ghost tours in Colonial Williamsburg, there's plenty to enjoy.

Here are seven ways to make the most of fall in the Virginia Peninsula area.

1. Pick the perfect pumpkin at a local patch

Nothing says fall quite like visiting a pumpkin patch!

Two of my favorite local spots are Holly Fork Farm, Produce & Pumpkin Patch and College Run Farms.

Holly Fork Farm in New Kent County is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy seasonal farm activities and pick out pumpkins. It's a great excuse to get outdoors, take some fall family photos, and embrace the autumn atmosphere.

College Run Farms in Surry is another wonderful option for a seasonal outing. A visit can also make for a fun day trip from Williamsburg or Yorktown.

If you're looking for pumpkin patches near Yorktown, VA, or fall activities for kids in Williamsburg, these two farms deserve a spot on your list!

2. Celebrate Halloween at Boo Bash at the Beach

October 3 | James City County

Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? Boo Bash at the Beach combines the spirit of Halloween with a beach-themed celebration. Hosted through James City County Parks & Recreation, this seasonal event offers a fun alternative to traditional fall festivities.

It's the kind of creative community event that makes living in the Williamsburg area so enjoyable. There's always something a little different happening! lthough this year's October 3 event has already passed, keep an eye on James City County Parks & Recreation for future seasonal celebrations and family activities.

3. Enjoy the Fall-O-Ween Festival in Newport News

October 4 | Newport News

The Fall-O-Ween Festival is another seasonal celebration worth keeping on your radar. Newport News offers plenty of opportunities for families to get into the Halloween spirit, and community fall festivals are a fun way to spend time together while exploring the area.

If you missed this year's October 4 celebration, follow Visit Newport News for information about future events.

One thing I love about living on the Virginia Peninsula is how easy it is to explore neighboring communities. Whether you're in Yorktown, Williamsburg, Hampton, or Newport News, you're never too far from another local adventure.

4. Experience Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement

October 23–24 | Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg

Looking for Halloween activities for kids that aren't too scary?

Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement is a fantastic option!

This special evening event transforms the museum's outdoor areas into a Halloween-themed experience with trick-or-treating, crafts, games, festive entertainment, and spooky surprises.

It's a wonderful way to combine the history of the Historic Triangle with a little Halloween magic.

Family Frights is scheduled for October 23 and 24, 2026, with evening sessions available. Check the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation website for tickets and event details.

5. Celebrate fall at Yorktoberfest

October 25 | Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown

Yorktoberfest is another local fall event worth checking out! Presented by the York County Chamber of Commerce, this celebration brings together local breweries, food trucks, vendors, live music, and a cornhole tournament.

The 2026 event takes place at beautiful Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown from noon to 5 p.m. I love events that bring our local businesses and neighbors together, especially with the York River as a backdrop.

If you're searching for things to do in Yorktown in October, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the waterfront while supporting our local community.

6. Bring the family to Bethel Baptist Church's Fall Fest

October 31 | 6–8 p.m. | Yorktown

For a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween night, consider the Fall Fest at Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown. Local church festivals can be wonderful opportunities for families to connect with neighbors, enjoy seasonal activities, and celebrate together.

The event has been advertised for Halloween evening, from 6 to 8 p.m. Check with Bethel Baptist Church directly for the latest details. It's another reminder that some of the best fall activities in York County happen right in our own neighborhoods!

7. Explore Williamsburg's haunted history on a Ghost Tour

If you're looking for something a little spookier, Williamsburg ghost tours are a must! With centuries of history, Colonial Williamsburg provides the perfect setting for an evening of ghost stories, mysterious legends, and haunted history.

Several local companies offer ghost tours, including The Original Ghost Tour, Spooks and Legends Haunted Ghost Tours, and Colonial Ghosts.

Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting Williamsburg for the first time, a nighttime walking tour is a fun way to experience the historic district from a completely different perspective. And honestly, is there a better time for ghost stories than October?

Fall is just one more reason I love living here!

From pumpkin picking and Halloween festivals to waterfront celebrations and historic ghost tours, there's no shortage of fall activities in Yorktown, Williamsburg, and the surrounding Hampton Roads communities. As a longtime local Realtor, I know that finding the right home is about so much more than square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms. It's also about finding a community where you can build memories, establish traditions, and truly feel at home.

I'd love to help you discover everything that makes living in Yorktown, Williamsburg, and the Virginia Peninsula so special. Whether you're looking to buy a home in Williamsburg, sell your house in Yorktown, or relocate to the Hampton Roads area, I'm here to help you navigate the local real estate market with experience, knowledge, and personal attention. And if you know of another great fall event in our area, please share it! I'm always looking for more ways to enjoy this wonderful place we call home.