October Fun in Fredericksburg, Virginia
October is packed with things to do in Fredericksburg! Fall festivals, art, books, live music, Halloween fun, 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.
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 5pm – 8:30pm.
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, this one’s for you! Meet independent authors, discover your next read and celebrate books and storytelling at the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival in Riverfront Park.
Alpine Chef Oktoberfest | October 10
Break out the lederhosen! Oktoberfest at Alpine Chef brings German food, beer, music and plenty of Bavarian fun to Fredericksburg’s historic train station.
Quacktoberfest, Rubber Ducky Derby and Movies in the Park | October 17
Quacktoberfest takes over Riverfront Park from 2pm – 6pm with an afternoon of fall fun along the Rappahannock River.
At 3pm, thousands of little yellow ducks hit the water for the annual Rubber Ducky Derby. Adopt a duck for $5 and cheer it toward the finish line!
Then stick around for Halloween Movies in the Park beginning at 7pm.
FXBG Girlfriend Getaway | October 23–25
Grab your besties and make a weekend of it!
FXBG Girlfriend Getaway returns for three days of shopping, dining, special experiences and plenty of time to explore Downtown Fredericksburg together.
Kick things off Friday night at the Pink Party, pick up your VIP card and swag bag, then spend the weekend enjoying special offers and experiences created by local businesses just for Girlfriend Getaway.
Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival | October 24
Come hungry for a festival at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds dedicated to pickles, grilled cheese and plenty of delicious combinations of the two.
FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl | October 24
Grab your friends and your favorite fall outfit for an afternoon of shopping, strolling and pumpkin spice fun! The FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl takes place from 3pm – 7pm in Downtown Fredericksburg. Ticket holders will make their way through participating shops, collecting special fall goodies along the way while discovering some of downtown’s locally owned businesses.
Halloween in Downtown Fredericksburg | October 31
Put on your costumes and head downtown for Halloween morning! The annual Family Costume Stroll lines up at VRE Lot B beginning at 8:30am before stepping off at 9:30am.
After the stroll, Treats on the Streets takes over downtown from 10am–noon, with local businesses welcoming little ghosts, superheroes, princesses and other costumed characters for trick-or-treating.
October at the Fredericksburg Convention Center
- Fall Home Show | October 3 – 4
Find ideas and inspiration for your next home project while meeting local and regional home professionals. - Fall Arts & Craft Show | October 10 – 11
Shop handmade creations from artists and makers all under one roof - Halls of Hysteria | October 16 – 31
Ready for a scare? This fully indoor haunted attraction returns for another Halloween season with plenty of twists, turns and things lurking around the corner. - Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show | October 17 – 18
Model train enthusiasts of all ages can explore operating layouts, trains, toys and collectibles. - Rhythm & Purpose: The R&B Experience | October 18
Enjoy an evening of R&B, entertainment and community centered around music, culture and connection. - Fall Garage Sale | October 24
Get ready to treasure hunt! Browse sellers and see what you can discover at this giant indoor garage sale. - Whiskey & Wine Festival | October 31
Raise a glass to the final day of October with more than 100 whiskey and wine selections, tastings and vendors.
Make a Fall Weekend of It. With this much happening, one day might not be enough! However you spend it, October is a great month to get out and enjoy Fredericksburg.
Looking for more Halloween fun? See what’s going on for Halloween in Fredericksburg. Looking for something scarier? See what frights await you.
See all Scarecrow Fest Events.
Updated 9/29/2026