Top Things To Do In Virginia Beach During Fall

There’s always a ton of action going on in Virginia Beach in the summer. Events like concerts, fireworks, and festivals seem to be happening every weekend at the beach. So, what about the fall? Do those events stop happening? Of course not! 

Read the following article for ten of the Top Things To Do In Virginia Beach During Fall. 

1. Attend One of The Most Popular Virginia Beach Festivals

The 2018 Neptune Festival will be its 45th year in celebration. There are so many things to do in one place at this festival. See amazing artists create out of this world sand sculptures. This is reason enough to come to the Neptune Festival! Bring your cameras because you’ll want to remember these works of art and share them with your friends and family. There will also be a sailing regatta to watch, an art and craft show to stroll through, a volleyball tournament to spectate, a grand parade, and much more! To end the Saturday night, the Fireworks Extravaganza will kick off at 9:30 PM to bring you a fantastic display of lights above the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The Neptune Festival starts on Friday, September 28th, and ends Sunday, September 30th.

2. Catch One of The Many Shows at The Sandler Center

There are many shows to check out at The Sandler Center! One great family friendly shows presented by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra is the Halloween Spooktacular Musical (October 27th, 2018). Check the Events Calendar for times of shows and even more concerts to plan.

3. Bring The Kids to Family-Friendly Halloween Events

Halloween events can be easy to find, but what if you want them to be more family-friendly? We have the perfect list for you! Click here for the Family Friendly Halloween Events. These events are made for the little ones in mind. You won’t have to worry about things too scary for your children at the events like the Harvest Festival at Hunt Club Farm,  We know your family will love these events.

4. Visit A Pumpkin Patch

Don’t spend money on buying pumpkins at the grocery store this year! Have memories to keep forever by visiting Bush Neck Farm in WIlliamsburg. They offer a Pick-Your-Own pumpkin patch. Pick your own pumpkins in the most beautiful piece of land in WIlliamsburg. While this is a drive from Virginia Beach, it is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the Chickahominy River. Even bring your own lunch to have a picnic at this farm. There is a playground for children to play, and don’t forget to play with their friendly farm pack of black labs! Many people who come to Bush Neck Farm in WIlliamsburg make it a tradition, and come back year after year.

5. Howl And Scream at Howl-O-Scream

When driving back to Virginia Beach from Bush Neck Farm in Williamsburg, you are going to pass the exit on the Interstate to go to Busch Gardens… Take it! If you are in the mood for some haunted houses and mazes, Howl-O-Scream is where to be. This is a spooky experience you won’t want to miss. You will without a doubt get scared here. Creepy clowns, werewolfs, and men with chainsaws will all be sure to have you shaking in your boots. The theme park changes into Howl-O-Scream at 6:00 PM, so if you want to enjoy the theme park without the monsters, you better leave before then! This Halloween special at Busch Gardens is not recommended for children.

6. Run The Wicked 10k or Monster Mile

This is one of the most fun runs at the oceanfront! Dress up in your best costume and run as much or as little as you’d like. If you’re not up for the 10k, you can run the mile. 

This event will include the following: 

• Live “monster mash” music
• Baker’s Crust Tomato and Cheese Soup
• Blue Moon beer

• Three separate haunted races with over 10,000 participants dressed in wacky costumes

• Pumpkin Smash Challenge where participants run the Monster Mile on Friday and the Wicked 10K on Saturday for extra bling

• Spooktacular Sports & Fitness Expo featuring over 30 vendors and exhibitors

• Huge Halloween costume contest on the beach with great prizes

• Technical shirts for 10K participants (men’s and women’s sizes) and cotton shirts for One Mile participants

• and more!

Check out the official Wicked 10k & Monster Mile site for all the info!

7. Check Out The Infamous Virginia Beach Haunted House

If you have ever walked on Atlantic Avenue at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, you know you have passed Nightmare Mansion. It’s hard to miss with the large blue-ish skull at the front of the building that is missing an eye-ball. It’s even more scary on the inside! The Nightmare Mansion is open all year round, but it seems to be especially fitting in the season of fall and all things scary. Walk through this mansion for screams and thrills. Nightmare Mansion is located at 2008 Atlantic Avenue, we know you won’t miss it!

8. Book A Photography Session

Fall in Virginia Beach is the season of color. The leaves are changing to oranges and reds, flowers are blooming yellows, and pumpkins are all around. It’s a great season to have beautiful photos of you and your family. KLR Photography is the best in Virginia Beach. With nature’s backdrop being as gorgeous as it is in the fall, you’ll want to capture the moments of your family, children, or yourself. If you want an outdoor session or indoor session, KLR Photography is the one to call. Think ahead and you can use these photos on your Holiday cards. Click to KLR Photography on the homepage of VirginiaBeach.com.

9. Fill Up Your Mug at Beer Festivals

Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival features tons and tons of beers from the region. It will take place at 31st Street Park in front of the King Neptune Statue. Here, you’ll love that there will be over 60 craft beers. Your taste buds will not go bored at this Virginia Beach festival, but please sip responsibly!

10. Hit The Beach

The water is still warm during the early fall! We have received many messages asking if the water is still swim-able, and the answer is YES.

When vacationing in the fall to Virginia Beach, you may find it to be your favorite time of year to visit. The beach is still warm, the sun is still hot, and much of the crowds have gone home. You’ll be able to enjoy the beach pretty much all to yourself. When finding a spot to set up at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, you’ll notice how much space you have. No more cramming into a spot to set up your beach chairs, blankets, and umbrella. It’s nice and roomy during the fall.

Another plus of hitting the beach during the fall is the ability of bringing your dog. If you have a water loving dog, you are allowed to let him or her romp around in the waves during the fall! If you’re not into dogs, don’t worry because they are still supposed to be on their leash when not playing in the water. Summer in Virginia Beach is awesome, and so is the fall! There are plenty of festivals, shows, and events to plan. Fall is a great time to vacation in Virginia Beach.

For even more information about the season at the beach, read our Virginia Beach Fall Guide, Fall in Virginia Beach.