October is packed with things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Fall festivals, art, books, live music, Halloween activities, food and drink events, and plenty of shopping fill the calendar all month long.
Scarecrow Fest | October 1–31
Keep an eye out for some new faces around downtown. Scarecrow Fest returns all month long with creative scarecrows designed by local businesses. Take a walk through downtown, find your favorites and cast your vote in the annual Scarecrow Contest while exploring local shops and restaurants along the way.
Braehead Farm Fall Fun | Weekends in October
Pumpkin season is here. Head to Braehead Farm for Fall Festival Weekends throughout October, with hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals, playgrounds, pumpkins and plenty of fall photo opportunities.
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First Friday | October 2
Start the month with First Friday in downtown Fredericksburg. Explore local galleries, enjoy Sip & Stroll, catch live music and buskers, and hop aboard the free trolley from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Art Attack | October 3
Downtown Fredericksburg becomes one big outdoor art gallery during Art Attack. Artists take to the streets to create, demonstrate and sell their work during this annual celebration of Fredericksburg’s creative community.
Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival | October 3
Book lovers can meet independent authors, discover their next read and celebrate books and storytelling at the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival in Riverfront Park.
Alpine Chef Oktoberfest | October 10
Oktoberfest at Alpine Chef brings German food, beer, music and Bavarian-themed activities to Fredericksburg’s historic train station.
Quacktoberfest, Rubber Ducky Derby and Movies in the Park | October 17
Quacktoberfest takes over Riverfront Park from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an afternoon of fall fun along the Rappahannock River. At 3 p.m., thousands of little yellow ducks hit the water for the annual Rubber Ducky Derby. Visitors can adopt a duck for $5 and cheer it toward the finish line, then stick around for Halloween Movies in the Park beginning at 7 p.m.
FXBG Girlfriend Getaway | October 23–25
FXBG Girlfriend Getaway returns for three days of shopping, dining, special experiences and time to explore downtown Fredericksburg. The weekend begins Friday night at the Pink Party, where participants can pick up a VIP card and swag bag, then spend the weekend enjoying special offers and experiences created by local businesses.
Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival | October 24
The Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds is dedicated to pickles, grilled cheese and combinations of the two.
FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl | October 24
The FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Fredericksburg. Ticket holders can spend the afternoon shopping, strolling and enjoying pumpkin spice-themed fun while making their way through participating shops and collecting fall goodies from locally owned businesses.
Halloween in downtown Fredericksburg | October 31
The annual Family Costume Stroll lines up at VRE Lot B beginning at 8:30 a.m. before stepping off at 9:30 a.m. After the stroll, Treats on the Streets takes over downtown from 10 a.m. to noon, with local businesses welcoming costumed children for trick-or-treating.
October at the Fredericksburg Convention Center
Fall Home Show | October 3–4
The Fall Home Show offers ideas and inspiration for home projects while connecting visitors with local and regional home professionals.
Fall Arts & Craft Show | October 10–11
The Fall Arts & Craft Show features handmade creations from artists and makers under one roof.
Halls of Hysteria | October 16–31
Halls of Hysteria is a fully indoor haunted attraction with twists, turns and seasonal scares.
Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show | October 17–18
Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show invites model train enthusiasts of all ages to explore operating layouts, trains, toys and collectibles.
Rhythm & Purpose: The R&B Experience | October 18
Rhythm & Purpose: The R&B Experience offers an evening of R&B, entertainment and community centered around music, culture and connection.
Fall Garage Sale | October 24
The Fall Garage Sale features a large indoor space for browsing sellers and searching for finds.
Whiskey & Wine Festival | October 31
The Whiskey & Wine Festival closes out the month with more than 100 whiskey and wine selections, tastings and vendors.
With this many activities, one day might not be enough. October offers multiple ways to get out and enjoy Fredericksburg.
