Top 10 fall events to harvest the fun in September and October 2024.
CHARLOTTESVILLE – EVAN FRISS: THE BOOKSHOP
Sept. 14: Author and Harrisonburg resident Evan Friss presents his new release The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore (Viking, 2024), described as “a love letter to bookstores,” at New Dominion Bookshop. It’s books on books on books—what more could a reader ask for?
RICHMOND – IRON BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Sept. 21–22: Two days of summery folk and breezy rock tunes hit Richmond as the sweltering heat fades into fall. Down-to-earth Ohio trio Caamp, known for their fireside-esque rhythms, and indie rock band Mt. Joy, hot off the heels of their third album release, headline.
STAUNTON – QUEEN CITY MISCHIEF & MAGIC
Sept. 28–29: A weekend of wizardry and whimsy takes over downtown Staunton in an annual celebration of magic in fiction, drawing thousands of Harry Potter fans and other magic enthusiasts alike. Ride a mock Hogwarts Express, join a Quidditch match, and dress in your spellcasting best.
WILLIAMSBURG – HALLOWEEN WEEKENDS
Oct. 4–26: Both family-friendly and spooky, Williamsburg Campground’s Halloween weekends throughout October feature costume parades, decorating contests, and trick-or-treating. Pack your bags with all things ghoulish and ghostly, and enjoy a scary fun outdoor retreat in boo-tiful autumn woodlands.
FAIRFAX – BALLET HISPÁNICO
Oct. 5: Concert Hall at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts welcomes the critically acclaimed, New York City–based ballet company to bring rhythms of Spain, Cuba, and more to the stage. The breadth of Hispanic cultures is explored in captivating dance form, influenced by mambo, rumba, and other styles.
SALEM – SALEM HALF MARATHON
Oct. 12: It’s not the Olympics, but you can still go for gold at Salem’s scenic Blue Ridge fall races, with a half marathon, 8K, and kids’ fun run through neighborhoods and the Roanoke River Greenway. A portion of event proceeds go to local charities.
TYSONS – DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Oct. 18–20: Both humorous and poignant, the six-time Tony Award–winning show became a quick Broadway sensation in 2016, spotlighting the emotional intensity and awkwardness of growing up and fitting in. Broadway in Tysons recommends the musical for audiences 12 and up.
ROANOKE – ANTHEM GO OUTSIDE FESTIVAL
Oct. 18–20: An event for all those outdoorsy, adventurous Virginians, Roanoke’s destination sports fest offers hiking, fishing, camping, climbing, kayaking, and more. Learn a new survival skill like knot-tying, catch a concert, or watch mega athletes defy physics in far-out sports like highline slacklining.
FISHERSVILLE – BRICKUNIVERSE
Oct 19–20: Elaborate architectural feats, high-tech robots, oversized intricate murals, and more come together under the roof of the Augusta Expo—in Lego form. One of the most expansive, diverse, and talked-about exhibitions of Lego-building talent in the world, it impresses guests brick by plastic, colorful brick.
NORFOLK – MEAN GIRLS
Oct. 22–27: Broadway performances at Chrysler Hall go big and go pink with Mean Girls, a fresh, fun hit musical from a slew of star creatives like Tina Fey and Nell Benjamin. Dedicated devotees of the 2004 film of the same name will find familiar favorite characters and surprising new laughs.
This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue.
