Halloween events, fall concerts, outdoor festivals and more to do this week

This week ushers in a wide variety of seasonal events. On Wednesday, children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat at Halloween with Heroes in James City County, and a free History of Jack-O-Lanterns program will be held at Freedom Park.

Fall and Halloween-themed activities continue throughout the weekend with Paws at the River in Yorktown, the Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival in Newport News, a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas at New Quarter Park and Ghost Night Hikes at York River State Park.

Hampton Horror Tours will also return to the Hampton History Museum with two 60-minute walking tours per night (Oct. 25-Oct. 30), and the Poquoson Museum will host Haunts of Poquoson (Oct. 28-29). Proceeds benefit the museums.

On the music scene, Flute Frenzy will present The Magic of Fall, and the William & Mary Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Halloween Concert.

-Christin

Special Events

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • Halloween with Heroes – James City County Law Enforcement Center (Williamsburg). Children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat at the Law Enforcement Center while visiting with our local first responders. Come meet police officers, firefighters and emergency communications officers. Costumes are encouraged. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
  • History of Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkin Painting – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Learn about the history of jack-o-lanterns and then paint your own pumpkin (while supplies last). Hot cocoa and apple cider will also be available. Good for all ages. Free. 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Thursday, Oct. 27

  • Sea Monsters! – Sadler Center/Commonwealth Auditorium (Williamsburg). Georgia Irby, Professor of Classical Studies at W&M, will discuss how sea monsters are conceptualized and what they represent. Irby will explore how many sea monster stories originate in Greek and Roman mythology. This event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow. Attendees are asked to RSVP here. 7:00 pm.

Friday, Oct. 28

  • Haunted Williamsburg – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Dr. Jamie Pearce, Ph.D. (parapsychologist) will discuss her paranormal experiences from the past 25+ years, her Historic Haunts book series, and some of her favorite investigations. 4:00 pm.
  • Ghost Tour: The Thin Veil of Yorktown – Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters (Yorktown). Hear historical accounts of ghosts and otherworldly experiences that have passed down through the centuries in Yorktown. $15/person; children 12 and under are not permitted. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
  • The Ghost Train: A Search for the Paranormal – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). Come take part in the first-ever paranormal investigation of historic Lee Hall Depot. Associates of Virginia Paranormal Investigators lead an exploration of the station. There will also be a haunted caboose, music and other activities to round out the evening. Recommended for ages 12 and over. Tickets are $10; reservations are required. Tickets are available here. 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
  • 31st Anniversary Fundraiser – Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (Newport News). The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center will host its 31st Anniversary Fundraiser, “Keeping the Torch for the Next Generation,” on Oct. 28. Attendees will enjoy dinner, music and stand-up comedy by Phenomenal Sounds and Steven Alexander. Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds benefit The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center Foundation. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
  • Revel at Chowning’s Tavern – Chowning’s Tavern Garden (Colonial Williamsburg). Head to Chowning’s for an evening of 18th-century merrymaking. You never know who may stop by to share stories, converse, ignite a bit of treason or lead the room in boisterous song. 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • Yorktown Market Days: Paws at the River – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). The annual Paws at the River event is designed to bring awareness to local animal rescue organizations and help adoptable pets find their “furever” homes. Visitors will be able to get free photos with their canine companions from 9 am to 12 pm. Afterward, catch the annual Halloween Pet Costume Parade at 1 pm. This popular trick-or-treating event will also feature several Yorktown businesses and rescue organizations. Free. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Legacies of African American History – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). This panel discussion, featuring distinguished scholars, historians, and Interpreters, will discuss research on how African History has developed over the years. This event is open to the public; free reservation is required. Visit a ticket office or call the Guest Services phone number on the website to reserve your seat. 9:00 am – 10:00 am.
  • Howl-O-Ween Pet Photos – Fort Monroe Community Center (Hampton). Dress up your pet (cats or dogs only) and stop by for pet pictures! There will be treats, Halloween fun and vendors. Call the phone number listed on the website to register. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
  • Disability Awareness Trick or Treat – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Trick or treat in a fun, sensory-friendly environment while learning about community resources for kids and adults with disabilities. This event will feature activities for all ages, allergy-free treats, a sensory break room and trackless train rides (weather permitting). For more information, email Tracy Newsom. Free. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
  • Drug Take Back Event – Williamsburg Police Department (Williamsburg). The WPD will host a Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, Oct. 29 in the parking lot of the Municipal Building (401 Lafayette St). The public is invited to bring expired or unused prescription or over-the-counter medication, including those that contain controlled substances, to be safely and securely gathered and disposed of. Sharps containers will be available for the disposal of sharps or needles. All medications collected will be destroyed. This is a drive-thru event; participants do not need to exit their vehicles. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
  • Shredding Event and DEA Drug Take Back Day – York County Public Works Office (Yorktown). The York County Beautification Committee is partnering with the Poquoson Sheriff’s Office to offer citizens an opportunity to shred personal papers and dispose of expired or unneeded prescription pills and patches. This event will be held at 105 Service Drive in Yorktown (the Public Works office). Citizens are invited to bring up to 5 boxes of paperwork and plastic bags will also be collected in a container. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed food item for donation to a local pantry. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
  • Frameworks for 18th-Century History – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). A distinguished panel of scholars, historians and interpreters will lead a discussion on how research frameworks for 18th-Century History developed over the years. They’ll also explore how new research and discoveries are incorporated into public programming. This event is open to the public; a free reservation is required. Reserve your seat by visiting a ticket office or calling the Guest Services phone number listed on the website. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
  • Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival – Warwick Blvd. & Main St. (Newport News). Enjoy a day of fall fun at the annual Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival. There will be over 70 artisans, crafters and vendors; fresh market foods; a pet parade; kids’ activities; food trucks and more. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
  • Logy Bear 8K – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Participate in the Logy Bear 8K, Gummy Bear 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the LL12 Foundation in memory of Logan Koontz. Logan was a sophomore at Tabb High School who was killed in a tragic car accident, in which he was a passenger, on October 26, 2019 after leaving the homecoming dance. He was a talented student-athlete who loved life, sports, clubs, church, cruising, and his family. See the website for additional details and race times.
  • Aquaplex Opening Event – Hampton Virginia Aquaplex (Hampton). Come out to the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex Grand Opening Event, Saturday, Oct. 29. This event will feature free entertainment, interactive games and giveaways, refreshments and pool demonstrations. 4-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones will also give remarks. Click here for the full schedule of events. Free. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • FandomFest ’22 – Grissom Library (Newport News). Head over to FandomFest at the Grissom Library for a celebration of all genres, all fandoms, gaming, crafting and more. You’ll be able to get your picture taken with a Dalek, patrol with the troopers of the 501st Legion, make chain maille armor or learn to fold paper into your favorite ship from a galaxy far, far away. There will also be cosplay contests, door prizes and a D&D campaign all day. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
  • The Thin Veil – Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters (Yorktown). Learn about the history of Yorktown, which will help explain why the veil is thin and where spirits might reside today. This tour begins in the backyard of Mobjack Bay and follows in the haunted upstairs dining room. $15/person; children 12 and under not permitted. 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). The Movies in the Parks series returns Saturday, Oct. 29 with a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Bring chairs and a blanket. Concessions will be available. Begins at sunset.
  • Stargazing with Virginia Peninsula Stargazers – York River State Park (Williamsburg). The Virginia Peninsula Stargazers will point out different elements of our solar system in the night sky. Equipment will be provided. 7:00 pm – 12:00 am.
  • Stargazing with NASA Skywatcher Club – Upper County Park (Williamsburg). Stargaze with NASA Skywatchers Astronomy Club. The Skywatchers Astronomy Club is offering this observing session to share their knowledge and love of astronomy. 8:00 – 10:00 pm.

Yorktown’s annual Paws at the River will return to Riverwalk Landing on Saturday, Oct. 29. (Photo provided by York County).

Multi-Day

  • Ghost Night Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet around a campfire and then head out on a spooky hike through the woods of the park to discover some of its haunted past through storytelling and period-dressed interpreters. Limited space is available; call the park office for information and reservations. Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29, 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
  • Haunts of Poquoson – Poquouson Museum (Poquoson). The Poquoson Museum hosts Haunts of Poquoson – featuring a haunted maze, haunted graveyard, Dolly’s Mammy and Ghost Hunters and more – October 28-29. Admission is $5 per person (children under 5 are $1). 6:30 – 9:00 pm
  • Lighting of the Cressets – Duke of Gloucester Street (Colonial Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century streets will come alive at night with strolling musicians during the Lighting of the Cressets. This event is open to the public and will be held on select evenings throughout the month. This week, Lighting of the Cressets will take place on Thursday, Oct. 27, Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29, 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
  • Hampton Horror Tours – Hampton History Museum (Hampton). The Hampton Horror Tours have returned to bring tales of mystery and the macabre to the streets of Hampton. This year’s tour will feature new stories, new personages to meet from the mists of time and plenty of surprises. The 60-minute tour begins at Hampton History Museum and includes eerie stories of old Hampton and the Coastal Virginia area. Tickets: Adults $14 in advance ($16 at the door); children 12 and under $12. Not recommended for children under 8. Proceeds benefit Hampton History Museum. There will be two tours a night – 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm – starting Monday, Oct. 25 and ending Sunday, Oct. 30.

Live Music

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • Flute Frenzy Presents The Magic of Fall – Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (Williamsburg). Williamsburg-based flute choir, Flute Frenzy, will perform an eclectic program of pieces inspired by Autumn, Nature, and the Supernatural. This will be the first concert of their season and the first conducted by their new Artistic Director, Sean Arawjo. The concert will be held Wednesday, October 26th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (7479 Richmond Road). Free admission; donations welcome. Flute Frenzy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax-deductible. 7:00 PM

Thursday, Oct. 27

  • Organ & Harpsichord Recital: Music of the 18th C. – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Hear sacred music by candlelight in Historic Bruton Parish Church. This recital of 18th-century music will be led by Rebecca Davy, Music Director & Organist at Bruton Parish Church. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Friday, Oct. 28

  • Junior Wilson – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Junior Wilson outside at the 1619 Wine Pavilion. 4:00 – 7:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • Organ Recital: Dr. Martin Sunderlund – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Experience a candlelit recital featuring Dr. Martin Sunderlund, organist from Chesapeake. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Sunday, Oct. 30

Multi-Day

  • Live Music Weekends– Virginia Beer Company (Williamsburg). Celebrate the fall season in Williamsburg’s Edge District with live music throughout the weekend. On Friday, catch a live concert featuring The Connection (6:00 – 9:00 pm). VBC will also host live music on Saturday, Oct. 22 (featuring the Griff’s Room Band, 4:00 – 7:00 pm) and Sunday, Oct. 23 (featuring Tre. Charles, 2:00 – 5:00 pm).

https://www.facebook.com/flutefrenzyfans/videos/775878353470317

Art ️

Monday, Oct. 24

  • Gesture: Abstract Expressionists – Virtual, hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library. This lecture explores the role of the artist’s mark in several iconic paintings from the 20th- and 21st-century collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Register here for the Zoom lecture. 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • “I Made This” Exhibition Tour – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Tour the museum galleries and view the new “I Made This” exhibition, which explores decorative arts and folk art made by Black artists and artisans. Reservations are required. Included with Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 3:00 – 3:30 pm.

Films

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Thursday, Oct. 27

Crafts & Creativity

Tuesday, Oct. 25

  • Crafternoon: Adult Crafting Club – Main St. Library (Newport News). Adults are invited to attend this crafting club on the last Tuesdays of October and November. Bring your own supplies and work on your crafting project in the library’s spacious meeting room. There will also be opportunities to swap craft supplies with others. 3:00 – 4:00 pm.

Thursday, Oct. 27

  • Get-Ready-For-Halloween Makerspace Hours – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Stop by to work on your spooky projects while the Makerspace stays open an extra two hours. You can put the finishing touches on your costumes, cut out decorations using Cricut machines and more. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
  • Writer’s Workshop – Grissom Library (Newport News). Drop in every fourth Thursday of the month for this Writers’ Workshop. Instructors Howard Manly and Angie Taliferro will discuss a different writing element – or common writing problem – at each meeting. For ages 18 and up.

Health & Wellness

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • Slow Flow Yoga – Grissom Library (Newport News). Ce’Ara Cannon will guide participants through a gentle and engaging yoga flow. For patrons 18+. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Greensprings Interpretive Trail (Williamsburg). A walking coach will guide participants through the trails of James City County during this fun program. For ages 14+. Free. 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Groups & Gatherings ‍♂️

  • Mature Singles Network – Various locations (Historic Triangle). The Mature Singles Network (MSN) is the only social organization in the Triangle for single people who are 55 or more years of age. The group has no political, religious or social agenda. “We are a strictly voluntary group interested in our mutual well being which includes creating and/or expanding our circle of friends. We sponsor monthly luncheons in metro Williamsburg/James City and York. And there is a monthly ‘Gathering’ and a members-only newsletter,” the group’s organizer explains. For more information, reach out by email here.

Games

Tuesday, Oct. 25

  • Dungeons & Dragons (18+) – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). Join for an evening of Dungeons & Dragons. Participants can start an ongoing campaign or take part in a one-shot campaign. For adults 18+; registration is recommended. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • Tabb Trivia Night: Retro – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). Register a team of 2-6 and join for Tabb Trivia night: Retro. There will be questions related to a different decade for each category. The top team will win a prize. For adults 18+; registration is required. 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Just for Tweens & Teens

Williamsburg & Yorktown

Monday, Oct. 24

  • Teentober Movie Night: “Hocus Pocus” – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Middle and high school students are invited to attend this Hocus Pocus movie night, complete with snacks, games and more. Teens must have a Teen Program Permission form to participate. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Friday, Oct. 28

  • Teen Makerspace Hours – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to this special, teens-only Makerspace session on Oct. 28. They can make a sticker using Cricut machines or come prepared with a project. For ages 13-18. 4:30 – 6:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

Newport News

Monday, Oct. 24

  • Teen Book Club – Main Street Library (Newport News). Teens ages 12-17 are invited to participate in a book club. This month’s featured title is Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Participants can attend in-person or via Zoom. Registration is required. 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

  • Teen Craft Night – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Teens 12-17 are invited to this Glow in the Dark Spooktacular Paint Night. 5:00 – 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • Gamer’s Guild: Level Up – Main St. Library (Newport News). Level Up features an afternoon of games and fun for ages 12-17. No registration is required. 3:00 – 7:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • Make & Take Craft for Tweens and Teens! – Main Street Library (Newport News). Tweens and teens ages 10-14 are invited to stop by Main Street Library to personalize their own water bottle using the Cricut! 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Kids & Families

Williamsburg & Yorktown

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • What’s My Book’s Address? – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This is the first session in a two-part series geared toward kids in the 2nd to 5th grade and their caregivers. Participants will take a tour through the children’s section, learn how to find where books live in the library and become expert library users.

Friday, Oct. 28

  • Spooky Stories – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 9-12 are invited to listen to spooky stories, enjoy seasonal treats and create their own scary tales. 4:00 pm.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Scene with Kidcreate Studio – Jammes City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids will create a Halloween scene on canvas board featuring a spooky, swirly or starry night sky that glows in the dark. This lesson will be guided by KidCreate Studio, and participants are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes to class. 5:30 – 6:30 pm. $15
  • Halloween Cupcake Decorating – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). In this class, kids will learn to use buttercream icing in Halloween colors to decorate seasonal cupcakes. For ages 7-13. $25. 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • Trackless Train Rides – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). The Trackless Train will make a special appearance at the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center during the Disability Awareness Trick or Treat event. Catch a ride between 9:00 am – noon. Free.
  • Halloween Pumpkin Carving & Movie Night – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Families are invited to celebrate the spooky season by carving a jack-o-lantern. Pumpkins and tools will be provided while supplies last (limit one pumpkin per family). Bring chairs and blankets to watch Monster House (PG) on the big screen outside. 5:00 pm.

Multi-Day

  • Hallow-Read 2022 – Williamsburg Regional Library (Williamsburg). The spooky season is upon us, and kids are invited to join in this fun reading challenge. They’ll log their reading to earn points and complete activities to unlock clues to a Halloween riddle. Those who unlock all clues and solve the riddle by Oct. 31 will earn a fun Halloween prize. Click here for more details.
  • Baby Lapsit Storytime – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library. This story time program is especially for babies from birth to 18 months and their caregivers. It includes 15 minutes of songs, fingerplays and lap games. The same songs and activities will be featured every week to form a foundation for learning for your baby. This program is offered Mondays (Williamsburg Library) and Tuesdays (James City County Library) at 10:00 am throughout the fall.
  • Preschool Storytime – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library. Preschool Storytime is designed for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their caregivers. It features stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and other activities. This program is offered Mondays (James City County Library), Wednesdays (Williamsburg Library) and Thursdays (James City County Library) at 10:00 am throughout the fall.
  • Toddler Storytime – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library. Toddler Storytime is geared toward toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. It features brief stories, rhymes, songs and other activities. This program is offered Tuesdays (Williamsburg Library) and Wednesdays (James City County Library) at 10:00 am throughout the fall.
  • Open Art Studio – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and paint, draw, create and explore with a variety of materials in the Open Art Studio. This program is offered at the James City County Library from 1:00 – 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm Friday and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Newport News & Hampton

Monday, Oct. 24

  • Children’s Craft Table – Northampton Branch Library (Hampton). Kids are invited to stop by the library every week for a fun new craft. Crafts are available at any time while the library is open. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Artsy Toddlers – Grissom Library (Newport News). This toddler art class gives young children the opportunity to express themselves creatively while they practice fine motor skills. For ages 1-2. Registration is required. 10:30 am.
  • Afternoon Theatricals – Grissom Library (Williamsburg). Kids in grades K-5 will find their stage voice and learn drama skills through games, skits and improv in this class. 4:30 pm.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

  • Boo Bash – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids of all ages are invited to join for a spooktacular evening of pumpkin pour painting, monster donuts and haunted fairy gardens. Costumes are strongly encouraged. 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

  • Young at Art – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids will create art together using various supplies and mediums. Dress for a mess! This program is for ages 3-7 and is designed for child and caregiver participation. Registration is required. 11:00 am.
  • Listen to a Story with Mrs. Maria – Main Library (Hampton). Kids ages 2-10 are invited to listen to Mrs. Maria read two picture books every Wednesday for the month of September. This week’s books are What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss and The Three Bears’ Halloween by Kathy Duvall. 3:00 – 3:30 pm.
  • Pajama Storytime at Pearl Bailey – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). This special nighttime storytime features books, sing-alongs and dancing in snuggly pajamas. This storytime is specially themed for the spooky season, but it won’t be scary. For kids under age 5. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Thursday, Oct. 27

  • Storytime at Barnes & Noble – Barnes & Noble (Newport News). Storytime is back at Barnes & Noble in the Yoder Plaza Shopping Center (12170 Jefferson Avenue). Head over to the kids’ department every Thursday for an in-store storytime. Children of all ages are welcome; no reservations are needed. 10:30 am.
  • Costume Parade Spooktacular – Main Library (Hampton). Healthy Families Preschool Playgroup and the Hampton Public Library present “Costume Parade Spooktacular”. Bring your little ones dressed up in their costumes. Please also bring a bag of wrapped candy/treats or trinkets for all to share so every child may join in on the fun. Call the number on the website to register. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • Storytime – Barnes & Noble (Hampton). Head to Barnes & Noble at the Peninsula Town Center (5100 Kilgore Ave.) in Hampton for a children’s storytime. Every Saturday morning, staff will read a story or two, offer an activity if time permits and have a snack. 11:00 am.

This week’s cover image, featuring a painted pumpkin, is provided courtesy of the City of Newport News.

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