Hanover’s Perspective
Fun-Filled Fall in Hanover County, VA
Between pumpkin picking, hayrides and visiting corn mazes, there are plenty of ways for you and your family to stay busy this autumn in Hanover County. These activities for adults and kids alike make the most of autumn and all that comes with it—the crisp air, autumn atmosphere, and fall foods, for starters.
For the chill and thrill seekers, Ashland Berry Farm, Hanover Vegetable Farm, Creepy Hollow Scream Park, and of course, Kings Dominion are all serving up spine-tingling haunted attractions. For ghost walks steeped in historical lore, visit Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown and the Ashland Haunted History Tour.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a fall bucket list of items that you’ll want to prioritize this time of year. Be sure to plan your fall fun in advance by visiting each venue’s website.
Skip to Haunts and Pumpkin Picking. Skip to Festivals and Special Events.
Haunts and Pumpkin Picking
Brace yourself for a screaming good time at Kings Dominion’s Halloween Haunt! Everything in your deepest, darkest fears is right here. As night falls on the park, hundreds of creatures from the underworld emerge to make your worst nightmares come true. Spine-chilling haunted houses, elaborate scare zones and horrifying haunted mazes will force you to sleep with the lights on. Spooky live shows and seasonal drinks and eats add to the fang-tastic fun. If that’s not spooktacular enough, the park’s most popular rides will be open at night to deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at Kings Dominion. Note: This Halloween event is too intense for young children. Parental discretion is advised.
When: Select nights Sept. 20 – Nov. 3, 2024
Admission: Park ticket purchase required.
Kings Dominion – Tricks and Treats
Experience Kings Dominion’s family-friendly Halloween event. Everyone in the family is sure to have a boo-lastic time with our Halloween activities, live shows, a costume contest, seasonal food and drinks, and of course, candy! If that’s not fang-tastic enough, you will also enjoy your favorite rides and attractions throughout the park.
When: Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 21 – Nov. 3, 2024
Admission: Park ticket purchase required
The Ashland Berry Farm pumpkin patch is where memories are made. Parking is free, and all-you-can-carry pumpkins and hayride to the 30-acre pumpkin patch is $30! The $30 fee applies only once to your group, however, one person must be able to hold the pumpkins that the group picks and walk three steps without dropping them. Enjoy fall fun at the 3D Boo House, Fort Pumpkin Adventure (weekends only), the Animal Corral, country store and gift shop, and homemade donut shop (weekends only). Fees apply.
When: Pumpkin picking starts Saturday, September 28, 2024. Visit website for dates/times.
Cost: Pumpkins are all you can carry for $30, or if you don’t want to pick, pumpkins can be individually purchased.
Haunts: Terror on the Farm at Ashland Berry Farm
TERROR ON THE FARM is back with four new haunts! Hopefully you can survive the unknown forces that haunt this farm. This is only for the strong hearted souls. COME SEE US IF YOU DARE!
When: October 4 – November 2, 2024 – Select Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: Visit website for schedule and to purchase tickets.
Focusing on the town’s rich and storied history, tour groups will follow the train line as guides spin fascinating tales of the dark and macabre that will both thrill and delight. Learn all about the surprisingly rowdy history of this antebellum town by stories passed down from business owners and residents. Two one-hour tours are available: Spirits of Railroad Avenue and Stranger than Fiction.
When: Fridays & Saturdays starting September 14 through November 1, 2024 (some Sundays and weeknights available in October)
Admission: Visit website for schedule and to purchase tickets.
You can find the perfect pumpkin at Hanover Vegetable Farm! On the weekends, additional activities include pumpkin picking, corn maze, corn cannons, corn bin, pony rides, giant sand box, Charlotte’s Web Hide-and-Seek, face painting, food trucks, adult beverages, live music and more. See the farm’s calendar of events for specific attractions on any given date and fees.
When: Pumpkin Picking available starting September 27
- Weekdays in October: Hayrides 2-6 pm. All other activities are closed. Pumpkins are $0.79 per pound.
- Each Weekend starting September 28, 2024: 10 am to 6 pm (except Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls Festival on October 12 & 13, 2024.)
Additional weekend activities available include Corn maze, Giant Pumpkin Jump Pad, Petting Barn (feed is $1), Corn Cannons (additional fee for corn to shoot), Corn Bin, Giant Sand Box, Inflatable Village (additional fee), Charlotte’s Web Hide and Seek, Face Painting (additional fee), Food Trucks, Pony Rides (additional fee) starts October 7th and will be 12-3 pm Saturdays and Sundays, and adult beverages!
Admission: On weekends, cost is $8 (entry only) or $15 (entry plus one pumpkin). Other activities are available at an additional cost.
Haunts at Hanover Vegetable Farm: Red Vein
In the dark recesses, where time and space intertwine in chaotic disarray, Gateway Industries thrives in the shadows, its sinister plans concealed from the world. The corporation, shrouded in secrecy, has been conducting vile experiments, blending alien DNA with their own twisted creations to forge nightmarish hybrids of winged beasts, werewolves and grotesque creatures. The blood spilled over the years by these monsters has opened up a vortex, bringing with it the true nightmare behind the chaos. As you navigate this dystopian realm, the very fabric of reality seems to warp around you, echoing the horrors of the inhumane experiments … and with it the presence of Lord Seraphvyn and a horde of extra dimensional beings. Escape the relentless terrors and unmask the truth behind the Void.
Note: Children under the age of 8 will not be permitted to enter (unless it’s a special “No Slaughter Night” without actors.) It is strongly recommended that children under 13 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
When: Fridays & Saturdays starting September 28 – November 2; 7:30-11:00 p.m.; Sundays & Halloween – 7:30-10:00 p.m. Also open Thursday, October 17 (No Slaughter Night).
Admission: Visit website for schedule and to purchase tickets.
A year round, multi themed escape room currently featuring three exciting games: Phobia, Mark of the Witch, and Escape from 20,000 Leagues.
Admission: Visit website for more schedule and to purchase tickets.
Lloyd Family Farms has a 50+ acre pumpkin patch with a great selection of a variety of pumpkins and gourds and many activities including hayrides, corn pit, animals, a corn maze, the straw castle, a sand pile, the giant ball field, and various yard games.
When: Pumpkin picking starts September 21, 204. See website for schedule and events – coming soon.
Windy Knoll Farm offers pumpkin picking, hayrides and more! Watch your children’s faces light up as they make their pumpkin choices, and share laughter as you enjoy a hayride together. Family pets welcome on a leash.
When: Check website or Facebook for updates.
Admission: Free to attend; pay for pumpkins
Creepy Hollow Scream Park has live actors, monsters, incredible animatronics, amazing illusions, and acres of screams. Join us for Richmond’s legendary Scream Forest, located just 10 minutes from Short Pump and are open select nights in October. This is scary entertainment and may not be appropriate for small children or those faint of heart.
Ticket sales starting soon on the website linked above.
Other places to purchase pumpkins in Hanover County:
FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Apple & Cider and Bluegrass Festival at Hanover Vegetable Farm
Pick your own Virginia apples (already picked apples from Virginia Orchards), enjoy great Virginia Cider, wine and spirits and and listen to amazing Bluegrass with 3 bands! Other adult beverages available at The Event Barn. Vendors, food trucks and activities for the whole family! Everyone that purchases the APPLE Ticket gets a bag to pick (up to) 3 lbs. of apples to eat now or take home!
When: September 21, 2024, Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
Admission: Tickets required. Kids ages 12 and under are free.
Ashland Theatre – Various Shows and Events
A series of spooky film showings and live performances will be providing haunting entertainment at the Ashland Theatre throughout October. Families with children up to 6 years old can enjoy Toddler Takeover at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The theatre is featuring Beetlejuice, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Wild Robot and other special speaking and music events.
When: View the website for schedule.
Admission: Visit the website for ticket purchases.
Hanover Autumnfest at Hanover Tavern
Autumnfest is Hanover Tavern Foundation’s signature community event of the year. The Tavern grounds become the backdrop for a day of food, family fun, and live music. The event features on-site smoked pork, turkey, and beef brisket, Brunswick stew, side dishes, and fresh pies from Hanover Tavern’s restaurant. In addition, there is local craft beer and wine, live music, and games and activities for the kids. Children’s activities include pumpkin decorating, petting zoo, hay slide, face painting, outdoor scavenger hunt, magic show, and kids’ crafts.
When: September 28, 2024; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
View the Hanover Tavern Event Calendar for more events including the Haunted Hanover Tour (9/19/24), 2024 Oktoberfest Beer Dinner (9/13/24) and more!
This innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation.
When: September 29 – October 26, 2024; See website for hours.
Admission: Free
The annual Green Top Outdoor Expo includes seminar speakers, demonstrations, more than 225 vendors, and entertainment for the whole family.
When: October 5 (8 a.m.- 6 p.m.) and October 6 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Admission: Free
Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown Fall Festival
The annual Fall Festival and this year will be even bigger and better! Bring your folding chair or picnic blanket and enjoy live music by Marshall and Company, visit the many traditional artisans and vendors demonstrating their trades and selling their wares, food trucks, children’s activities area, and 18th-century games area, alpaca petting area, and continuous open house tours. Many local and regional cultural partners will be there as well as numerous interpreters, including Patrick Henry of course!
When: October 5, 2024; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Patrick Henry’s speech at 1:00 p.m.
Admission: Visit website to purchase tickets.
Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls Festival at Hanover Vegetable Farm –
When: October 12, 2024.
More information and link to purchase tickets is coming soon.
James River Cellars Winery – Harvest Party!
The harvest party features local cheeses & wines, honoring the true tastes of what Virginia has to offer. Live music will be held under the pavilion from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. by Kailey Conner. Cousins Maine Lobster will be onsite for sales.
When: October 19, 2024; 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Visit the winery’s event schedulefor Fridays at the Pavilion, Perfect Pairings, Candle Making Workshop, Halloween Charcuterie Board Workshop, Spooky-oke! Night and more!
Hanover County Parks and Recreation – SpookyFUN Fest (Click on Events tab)
Come in your costume and don’t forget to bring your trick-or-treat bag! Games, inflatables, flashlight candy hunts, DJ music and more!
When: October 18, 2024 – Pole Green Park; and October 19, 2024 – Poor Farm Park, 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Music Under the Stars and Stripes at the Montpelier Center for Arts and Education
This special Friday evening summer concert series celebrates music, all things community, and our local heroes. The U.S. Navy Band, Country Current, will be in attendance playing country and bluegrass favorites. There will also be vendors that are owned and operated by veterans or support veterans and their families at this event. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening at The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education.
When: October 20, 204; 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free. Tickets are not required, but please RSVP using the link above.
Ashland Halloween presents five dastardly days and nightmarish nights jampacked with events and promotions in Downtown Ashland. Local businesses host quaint and quirky events, while picturesque Victorian homes take on a spooky glow for the long weekend of celebration. Plan your date night or family outing with us!
When: October 31, 2024; check calendar for more event dates/times.
Admission: Ticket purchase required for some events.