Fall Festivals in Williamsburg, VA

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to experience Williamsburg – and luckily, it’s a long season as well so you can pack a lot in!

September is when the College of William and Mary students return and many of the families who spend their summer vacations with us return home. So, it’s no surprise that Williamsburg’s scene changes a bit.

September is Arts Month in Williamsburg and there are plenty of art galleries, shows and art events happening. The Occasion for the Arts is a two day event displaying a wide variety of paintings, jewelry and crafts.

It’s the time of year our taste buds anticipate all year – the Italian Festival: Italian food, wine tasting, musical entertainment, antique cars, arts and crafts and family fun will be had at the annual Italian Festival in Williamsburg on the grounds of Walsingham Academy.

Another great event in Williamsburg is the Greek Festival, with food and dancing, as well as free admission. For you wine lovers, there’s the Yorktown Wine Festival: Come and sample wines from premiere wineries throughout Virginia. Art and food vendors plus entertainment on the Riverwalk Landing in October.

As the weather gets a chill, so will you at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream event celebrating the spooky Halloween season. Enjoy the pleasures of the park and the fall atmosphere during the day and test your nerve at night with the variety of haunted houses and shows. It’s always a frightfully good time!

Other longstanding events can enhance your fall visit – join the Tribe at Zable Stadium for a football game, go apple picking across the river or enjoy the spectacular Williamsburg Farmer’s Market every Saturday until the end of October, and it really comes alive with fall harvest crafts, apples and pumpkins. Be sure to stop by and gather some fall-themed decorations or sample cider or savory chocolates.

Artful dining includes displays by local artists at local establishments, such as The Trellis, Aroma’s, Fat Canary, Center Street Grill and Berrett’s Seafood and Taphouse. Other specials will be running at local retail shops.

Colonial Williamsburg hosts an Early Music Festival--it’s not at the crack of dawn – it’s early American music featured at various locations throughout the historic area. No one knows how to celebrate the early history of our nation like the folks at Colonial Williamsburg.

For a lively time, join locals to celebrate their Celtic heritage with music, food, drink and games at the Virginia Celtic Gathering and Highland Games in Lanexa, just west of Williamsburg. Join the fun for games, music, storytelling and food.

So, when are you coming? Williamsburg is ready to show you an idyllic Southern fall full of culture. Book your stay at one of our Williamsburg Bed and Breakfasts and set off to enjoy it all!

Visit our other seasonal pages: Christmastime, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

View some of our fall recipes!