CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Some events may be postponed or canceled. Contact the event host for updates.
October 2-3–Harrisonburg.
The Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale is held at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, 4808 S. Valley Pike, rain or shine. This is an all volunteer event that raises money for the Mennonite Central Committee. The two day event includes an auction of quilts, woodwork, handmade items and more. A wide variety of homemade food and live music is also a highlight for many people.
Website or 540-433-9993.
October 2-4–Winchester.
The North-South Skirmish Association will hold its 154th National Competition at Fort Shenandoah, 480 Chalybeate Springs Road. Featuring live-fire matches with original or authentic reproduction Civil War period muskets, mortars, cannons and more. Each unit represents a Civil War regiment or unit and replicates the uniform they wore over 165 years ago. Women participate along with the men in all events and there are BB gun matches for youngsters. There are also competitions, a large sutler area with over 30 vendors offering food, all things Civil War; from antique firearms to shooting supplies, uniforms and much more. Spectators are welcome and admission and parking are free.
Website or 248-258-9007.
October 2-25–Waynesboro.
Waynesboro North 340 Campground, 1125 East Side Hwy, events: "Oktoberfest" is full of fall fun and family-friendly festivities on the 2nd-4th; "Halloween Weekends" is held on the 9th-11th, 16th-18th, 23rd-25th and is full of Halloween fun, creativity, and just the right amount of fright for the whole family.
Website or 540-943-9573.
October 2-31–Lexington.
Haunting Tales- Lexington's Ghost Tour at the Visitor Center, 106 E Washington Street. Walk, Friday and Saturday only. You will walk through dark streets and alley ways and in the very footsteps of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and his beloved horse, Traveler, as you listen to entertaining, enlightening, and eerie tales told to you by our professional tour guides. We personally hand pick entertainers to guide groups into the darkened streets, alleyways, and eventually the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. Experience the nightly phenomena in the heart of the famous Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery.
Website or 540-464-2250.
October 3–Dayton.
The 46th Annual Autumn Days Celebration will be held from 8:30am-4pm on Main Street and College Street in Downtown. Enjoy a full-day with a variety of vendors, arts/crafts, food, beverages, and live concerts. Learn about our town at the Rocktown History Museum and at Fort Harrison.
Website or 540-879-2241.
October 3–Lexington.
The Annual Apple Day Celebration will be held in front of the Jackson House Museum, 8 E. Washington Street, from 10am-1pm. Participants have a chance to unplug from modern technology and enjoy some old-fashioned family fun. Watch an antique, hand-cranked cider press in action, enjoy learning 19th- century dancing, such as the Polka. Children will have the opportunity to learn how to make dolls, potato scarecrows, play apple toss, pin-the-tail-on-Little Sorrel, and more. Or sit back, relax, and enjoy storytelling from a costumed interpreter. All the demonstrations and activities are free. Regular admission prices to tour the house apply.
Website or 540-464-7704.
October 9-10–Fishersville.
The Fishersville Antiques Expo will be held at Augusta Expo, 277 Expo Road, starting at 9am, both days, rain or shine. There will be 300 + exhibitors in exhibition halls, barns, tents and outside. No matter what antique or vintage piece you’re searching for, there is surely a treasure just waiting to be found by you. Admission fee and parking is free.
Website or 804-239-0553.
October 10–McGaheysville.
Join us on the mountain at Massanutten Resort, 4614 Massanutten Drive from 11:30am-6pm, rain or shine, to kick off the start of "Oktoberfest". We will have live bands, food trucks, activities for all, a variety of beer, wine and more. Also you can crawl and climb through amazingly realistic caves, in a mobile version. You will learn about caves and test your careful-explorer skills. Admission $20.00, kids 6 and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable. Be prepared to present proper ID. No food/beverages, coolers, etc.
Website or 540-434-0309.
October 11–Harrisonburg.
Join Camp Horizons, 3586 Horizons Way, from 11am-4pm at their “Fall Festival”. This is a free, family-friendly event that is perfect for all ages. Featuring a wide variety of food, games, crafts, archery, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. You can also browse our vendor fair, connect with local businesses, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Website or 540-896-7600.
October 15–Woodstock.
The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival Guild will be hosting a "Luncheon" at Woodstock Gardens, 1175 Hisey Avenue, starting 11:30 am. Featuring a performance by Ron Medina. The Guild is a volunteer organization that raises money to support the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.
Website or 540-459-3396.
October 22–Harrisonburg.
The Furious Flower Reading Series and the Día de los Muertos Ofrenda Exhibition present poet Ariana Brown at Memorial Hall Forum. Doors open at 5pm and the reading begins at 7pm. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Black Mexican American poet whose work explores identity, care, and belonging. The evening includes access to Hostile Terrain 94, an exhibition examining migration and human rights, along with a faculty-led discussion and book sales following the reading. Free and open to the public.
Website or 540-568-8883.
October 22, 31–Timberville.
Town events: The "Monster Mayhem Trunk or Treat" on the 22nd at the American Legion Park, 325 American Legion Drive. Wear your spookiest costumes as you make your way through the different decorated vehicles from local businesses and organizations and on the 31st the "Neighborhood trick-or-Treating".
Website or 540-896-7058.
October 24–Harrisonburg.
The "Skeleton Festival" is the spookiest day of the year in the downtown area. Featuring everything from trick-or-treating at downtown businesses to a costume contest, arts/crafts, pet costume parade, sip while you stroll, and more.
Website or 540-432-8922.
October 24–Harrisonburg.
24th Annual “Race to Beat Breast Cancer” 5K Run/Walk will start at the Community Activities Center in Westover Park, 305 South Dogwood Drive, from 9:30-11:30am. Can't participate, but want to donate? Visit the online donation page. All proceeds will benefit the RMH Foundation for breast care and treatment at the Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Website or 540-433-2474.
Events listed as they become available. Updated 8/17/26
