Fall has arrived in the Richmond Region, and the calendar is overflowing! Whether you’re chasing folk tunes, savoring seasonal sips, or exploring markets and family fun, this guide gathers the standout events of the season in one place. Get ready to plan your perfect fall in the Richmond Region!
ONGOING
Alebrijes
Now through September 27 | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Discover the magic of Mexican folk art through this enchanting outdoor exhibition, that features towering, hand-crafted fantastical creatures, transforming the garden into a vibrant celebration of culture, imagination, and artistry.
Latino Farmers Market
Saturdays through October | Chesterfield Technical Center
Join this vibrant celebration of Latino culinary excellence and local craftsmanship, where you can shop for items like fresh produce, Mexican salsa, empanadas, and sweet delights from a stellar lineup of vendors. Whether you’re a foodie seeking your next culinary adventure or want to meet local vendors eager to showcase their craft, this is your invitation to be part of a cherished community gathering.
Ashland Farmers Market
Saturdays through November | Ashland Town Hall
Find local fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal creations at the Ashland Farmers Market every Saturday. This producers-only event features goods that are grown, baked, or crafted within 30 miles of Ashland, VA, providing a truly authentic taste of the region.
RESCUE
Now through January 17, 2027 | Science Museum of Virginia
Discover high-stakes heroics and hands-on adventure in RESCUE, an immersive new exhibition. From piloting a life-sized rescue helicopter to navigating emergency response simulations, visitors of all ages can step into the action and explore the science, technology, and teamwork behind real-world rescue missions.
Richmond Night Market
2nd Saturday of the Month, April-December | 17th Street Market
The Richmond Night Market is a monthly, open-air market in the heart of the arts and culture scene of Richmond. Stop by for a fun, local shopping experience featuring unique RVA artisans, vendors and creatives, plus live musical performances.
Painted on Paper: American Watercolors from the Permanent Collection
Now – February 15, 2027 | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Discover the expressive possibilities of watercolor in this new exhibit now open at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. On view in the Mary Ann Frable Works on Paper Gallery, this exhibition offers a fresh look at American art through works drawn from VMFA’s collection.
Ice Age Invasion
August 29 - October 31 | Metro Richmond Zoo
Take a journey thousands of years into the past as life-size woolly mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, and other prehistoric creatures take over the zoo. With realistic movement and sounds, these animatronic animals bring the Ice Age to life while offering a fun look at the incredible species that once roamed the Earth. Included with regular zoo admission for a limited time, it’s a prehistoric adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Halloween Haunt
Select Dates, September 18 – November 1 | Kings Dominion
Get ready for serious scares at Kings Dominion’s Halloween Haunt, returning with spine-chilling mazes, elaborate scare zones, spooky live entertainment, and some of the park’s biggest rides after dark.
Becoming
September 24 – December 16 | Branch Museum of Design
Featuring works by Thornton Dial and Sanford Kogan, this exhibition transforms salvaged materials, industrial scraps, and once-useful objects into thought-provoking works of art that explore history, possibility, and what it means to become something new. Don’t miss this compelling exhibition inside one of Richmond’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
Pumpkin Picking
Various Locations & Dates
Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin picking! Head to some of our local farms, like Gallmeyer Farms, Lloyd Family Farms, Chesterfield Berry Farm, and Holly Fork Farm, for pumpkin patches and plenty of classic autumn fun. These local farms have everything you need for a picture-perfect day at the patch, including hayrides, corn mazes, and farm animals galore!
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Barbie: A Cultural Icon
October 17, 2026 – January 18, 2027 | Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Think pink! Barbie™: A Cultural Icon arrives at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture this fall for its exclusive Mid-Atlantic engagement, tracing Barbie’s 65-year evolution from beloved toy to global pop culture icon. Featuring more than 250 vintage dolls, original fashion designs, advertisements, immersive environments, and five photo-worthy installations, the exhibition explores Barbie’s influence on fashion, identity, and social change.
The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art
November 14, 2026 – April 4, 2027 | VMFA
Experience the movement that changed the art world. Featuring works from the Dallas Museum of Art, this exhibition explores how boundary-pushing artists like Monet and their contemporaries defied convention, scandalized Paris, and helped set the course for modern art. See these revolutionary works up close and discover why Impressionism continues to captivate audiences more than 150 years later.
SEPTEMBER
VA Pridefest
September 12 | Midtown Green
Celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity at VA Pridefest, Virginia’s largest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. This festival promises unforgettable music, entertainment, and community spirit and will feature a performance by American Idol runner-up and singer-songwriter, David Archuleta. Proudly sponsored by OutRVA.
Run Richmond 16.19
September 12 | Abner Clay Park
Witness over 400 years of Black history up close during the Run Richmond 16.19 run-or-walk event. This cultural event offers 16.19k and 6.19k course lengths with sites and landmarks along the way commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of the African American community. Gear up to celebrate unity in diversity during this impactful event.
Festival of India 2026
September 12 | Greater Richmond Convention Center
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of India during two fun-filled days celebrating the country’s rich and diverse culture. Enjoy classical and modern Indian music and dance performances, savor authentic regional cuisine, and browse colorful vendors offering traditional clothing, jewelry, arts, and crafts.
43rd Street Festival of the Arts
September 12 | 1412 W 43rd Street
Discover unique art and crafts at the annual 43rd Street Festival of the Arts! Enjoy a day of creativity, live music, and delicious food while supporting CARITAS in RVA's Forest Hill neighborhood.
East Coast Expo
September 17-20 | Richmond Raceway Complex
Discover a fresh take on antique shopping at this highly curated showcase of timeless design, art and craftsmanship. Browse exceptional antiques, fine art, and artisan pieces from exhibitors while enjoying an experience that blends international finds with Richmond’s local flavors and culture.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest
September 18-20 | St. Benedict Catholic Church
St. Benedict Oktoberfest returns this fall, bringing German food, brews, and traditions to Richmond’s Museum District. Enjoy live music, dancing, kids’ activities, and a festive Christkindlmarkt shopping village. Don’t miss your chance to snag a commemorative stein or show off your strength in the steinholding contest!
Iron Blossom Music Festival
September 19-20 | Midtown Green
Get ready to rock at the Iron Blossom Music Festival at Midtown Green! Enjoy an incredible lineup featuring LCD Soundsystem, Jack White, and Portugal. The Man, plus unique eats and craft drinks for a weekend of good vibes. Get your tickets now for this iconic music festival!
Kings Dominion Oktoberfest
Select Dates, September 20 – November 2 | Kings Dominion
Celebrate Germany’s beloved Oktoberfest at Kings Dominion , featuring a delightful mix of authentic German cuisine, beverages, and live music. Immerse yourself in the festivities with traditional beer, hearty dishes, lively polka bands, and engaging activities for the whole family, all while taking on the park's thrilling rides.
15th Annual Richmond International Film Festival
September 22-27 | Byrd Theatre
Don't miss this exciting multi-day film festival featuring cutting-edge film premieres, live music and special events! Grab your passes and get access to daily film screenings, more than 30 live music performances, community and industry mixers, red carpets, panels, parties, and more.
RVA Wing Wars
September 26 | CarMax Park
Come hungry and get ready to taste your way through some of the region’s best wings as local restaurants battle it out for bragging rights. Sample plenty of creative flavors while enjoying live music, cold drinks, and a lively festival atmosphere. Bring your appetite, cast your vote, and see which local spot comes out on top!
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest
September 26 | Pocahontas State Park
Get outside and discover all the ways to explore Chesterfield at this free, family-friendly celebration of outdoor adventure. Spend the afternoon trying a variety of activities and connecting with outdoor-themed vendors while discovering the many ways to enjoy the county’s parks and natural spaces.
Maymont Bier-Garden
September 26-27 | Maymont
Get ready to raise your steins at Bier Garden this September! Experience the magic of Oktoberfest with authentic brews, Bavarian bites, and fun for all ages, happening on the Carriage House Lawn.
OCTOBER
Virginia Wine Month
October | Various Locations
Celebrate Virginia Wine Month this October! Make RVA your wine tasting destination and explore the variety of local sips our region has to offer. Stop by a scenic vineyard this fall in New Kent County or sample new sips at a cool wine bar in the Fan. Click here to browse winery locations across the region and start planning your perfect itinerary. Many locations are family and pet friendly!
ArtoberVA
October | Various Locations
Celebrate creativity all October long with artoberVA, a month-long showcase of arts and culture across the Richmond Region! From live music, dance, and theater to visual art, museums, and community events, artoberVA spotlights over 1,000 experiences presented by 100+ artists and organizations, uplifting the region’s vibrant creative scene.
2nd Street Festival
October 3-4 | Historic Jackson Ward
Enjoy two days of live music, delicious food, and local vendors while honoring the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood’s legacy as the “Harlem of the South.” Mark your calendars for this free community festival and be part of this beloved RVA tradition!
Korn Ferry Tour Championship
October 5-11 | The Federal Club
Calling all golf fans! Witness some of the sport’s rising stars compete in one of the most important events of the Korn Ferry Tour season. Follow the action across four days of championship play and get an up-close look at players ready to take the next step in their careers. Don’t miss this great chance to experience high-level competition right here in the Richmond Region.
Richmond Folk Festival
October 9-11 | Historic Riverfront
This beloved festival draws fans each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. This free, three-day event hosts 200,000 people over the weekend and features six stages showcasing music and dance from around the world.
Fields & Farms Tour
October 10 | Various Locations
Hit the country roads and discover what’s growing in Hanover County during this free, self-guided tour of local farms. Meet the farmers, explore fields and greenhouses, and enjoy everything from fresh produce and flowers to alpacas, horses, horticulture, and hands-on agricultural experiences. Choose your own adventure and spend the day getting a behind-the-scenes look at the farms and people that help make Hanover County special.
Wags and Wine
October 10 | Saude Creek Vineyards
Sip for a good cause during a tail-wagging afternoon benefiting the New Kent Humane Society. Enjoy your favorite wines while meeting adoptable animals looking for their forever homes, plus grab a sweet treat for you or your four-legged friend. Come for the sips and snuggles, and you just might head home with a new best friend.
Garden Glow
October 14 – November 8 | Maymont
Get ready to see the historic Maymont property in a whole new light! Enjoy a beautiful fall night exploring colorfully illuminated trails and gardens. Plus, grab a bite from local food trucks and warm up by a fire pit. Grab your family and friends, and your camera for those photo-worthy moments.
Richmond Oktoberfest
October 16-17 | Richmond Raceway
Prost to over 50 years of tradition! The Richmond Oktoberfest is back at the Richmond Raceway Complex, bringing authentic German flavors, lively party bands, and traditional Bavarian dancers. Guests can enjoy a bustling beer garden, delicious hand-crafted sausages, German pastries, fun contests, and plenty of festive cheer.
Richmond Restaurant Week
October 19-25 | Participating Restaurants
Richmond Restaurant Week is a celebration of the city’s culinary scene, offering great deals on three-course meals at dozens of locally owned restaurants. More than just a food-lover’s dream, your dining supports a great cause with $5.25 from every meal donated to Feed More, helping provide meals for seniors, kids, and neighbors in need.
Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention
October 23-25 | Doubletree Midlothian
Immerse yourself in over 35 years of tattoo history at the longest running tattoo convention in the world and celebrate creativity and community. Hosted by world-renowned tattoo artist Jesse Smith and InkMaster winner and judge Ryan Ashley, this event brings together top tattoo artists, live painting, and performance art for an unforgettable weekend of self-expression and connection.
Indian Hill Estate Annual Masquerade
October 24 | Indian Hill Estate
Don your mask and step into an evening of mystery and elegance at Indian Hill Estate’s Annual Masquerade. Set against the estate’s picturesque backdrop, this enchanting celebration invites guests to dress for the occasion and enjoy a memorable night filled with masquerade magic. Grab your mask, gather your friends, and make a night of this one-of-a-kind experience.
Dominion Energy Cap Trail Classic
October 24 | Virginia Capital Trail
Lace up your running shoes and hit the Virginia Capital Trail for a scenic race with distances for every pace, including a new half marathon, 10-miler, 5K, and 1-mile Mummy Mile. Cross the finish line and keep the fun going with music, cold beer, local vendors, and an awards ceremony at the Finish Line Party Zone.
NOVEMBER
Hops in the Park
November 7 | Henricus Historical Park
The Henricus Foundation presents the annual Hops in the Park, a national award-winning hops & harvest festival celebrating the long and rich history of brewing in Virginia! Hops in the Park features dozens of Virginia craft beers, brewing demos, a farmers’ market, music, food, children’s activities, and of course, Virginia history.
47th Postcard & Paper Show
November 13-14 | Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
Calling all collectors and nostalgia lovers! Browse thousands of postcards alongside vintage paper treasures like advertisements, sports programs, books, posters, magazines, stocks, bonds, and more during this two-day show and sale. You never know what unique pieces of history will catch your eye.
Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon
November 14th | Downtown Richmond & Brown’s Island
See why the Richmond Marathon has earned its reputation as America’s Friendliest Marathon! With this year’s races already sold out, race day is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration. Come cheer on thousands of runners as they take on the marathon, half marathon and 8K, and experience the energy, excitement, and signature Richmond hospitality that make this event so special.
Bourbon, Brisket, and Brushes
November 14th | Perkinson Center for the Arts
Dig into mouthwatering barbecue, sip your way through a guided bourbon tasting and watch talented artists bring their work to life during live demonstrations. With great food, spirited pours, and plenty of artistry, this annual fundraiser is a delicious way to support the Perkinson Center’s mission of making the arts accessible to all.
The Fun Doesn't Stop Here!
For even more things to do in the Richmond Region this season, check out our full calendar of events!
