October in Charlottesville brings an abundance of fall festivities and Halloween fun. From family-friendly outings to haunted adventures, there are countless ways to celebrate the season throughout the month.
Kicking off the excitement is JackFest at Foxfield. a family-friendly festival and fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville. The event begins at noon with elementary and middle school cross-country races, followed by a full day of entertainment and community activities. The Superhero Dash and Child-Parent Relay follow, along with bounce houses, slides, games, arts and crafts, and even a petting zoo. Guests can also explore emergency and work vehicles up close, always a favorite for children. Add in local food trucks, beer and wine offerings, and you have a fantastic event for all ages.
Looking for something a little spookier? Hallowine’s Spooky Wine Walk at Southwest Mountain Vineyards on October 24thoffers a hauntingly fun experience. Brave guests can venture into the vineyard after dark and follow a haunted path winding through the property. Enter if you dare!
King Family Vineyard never disappoints during the fall season. Enjoy a day filled with costume contests, tailgate competitions, and plenty of festive fun as they wrap up polo season. Families can also bring the kids for trunk-or-treating and seasonal activities.
On October 25, the annual Doggie Howl-o-ween takes over the Downtown Mall. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., dogs and their owners can trick-or-treat their way through downtown before the parade and costume contest begins at 6:30 p.m. Categories include funniest, most creative, most Halloween-inspired, best group theme, and Best in Show. With more than $2,000 in raffles and prizes, it promises an evening full of laughs and memorable costumes.
Ever wanted to step inside one of the magnificent estate homes along Route 231? Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard is hosting a Halloween celebration on October 31 featuring elegant lounges, lively bars, and a dance floor guaranteed to keep the party going. Arrive dressed to haunt or enchant and enjoy a magical evening in one of the area's most beautiful settings.
Of course, UVA students always find a way to join the Halloween festivities. The Great Rotumpkin transforms the Rotunda into a larger-than-life canvas filled with projections, animation, music, and playful displays of ghosts, skeletons, pumpkins, and more. One of Charlottesville’s most beloved traditions is also back on October 31st, Trick-or-Treating on the historic UVA Lawn! Students dress in costume and hand out candy to thousands of visitors as families stroll through the iconic Lawn in their Halloween best. It is truly one of the season’s signature events and not to be missed.
After a day of exploring Charlottesville’s fall celebrations, there is no better place to unwind than Clifton Inn. Whether you spend the day at a vineyard, a family festival, or a Halloween event, our peaceful countryside setting offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of autumn in Virginia. We look forward to welcoming you this October!
Cheers,
Ann