Fall is one of the best times of year to get out and explore everything the Shenandoah Valley has to offer! From pumpkin patches and spooky Halloween adventures to local festivals and unique shopping experiences, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the season right here in our community. Whether you're planning a fun family outing, looking for a fun activity or simply hoping to soak up a little autumn charm, we've rounded up a few local events to add to your fall calendar. Grab your favorite sweater and get ready to make the most of the season!
Massanutten
Fri, Sat & Sun · 10 AM–4:30 PM through November 1
4620 Massanutten Dr, Massanutten
Breath-taking views of the Shenandoah Valley await! Ride a lift, Creekside (seats 4) & Peak Express (seats 6), and be carried 1,110 vertical feet up Virginia’s Largest Vertical Drop Ski Area to an elevation of 2,925 feet.
Once at the top, you can immediately enjoy easy access to stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park to the East. Or, if you are feeling more adventurous, take a short hike to the scenic overlook. There you will find full panoramic views of the Valley floor looking toward the town of Harrisonburg and the Allegheny Mountains to the West, eventually peering over to our neighbors in West Virginia! Tickets are $22 per person. Children 6 and under ride free. (36” minimum height requirement.) Tickets can be purchased online, here, or day-of in The General Store.
🎃 Back Home on the Farm – Virginia Pumpkin Festival & Halloween Shenanigans
Weekends through November 1
2915 Willow Run Road, Harrisonburg
Fall fun is in full swing at Back Home on the Farm! With a seven-acre pumpkin patch, a seven-acre corn maze and more than 40 farm attractions, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Celebrate all things pumpkin during the Virginia Pumpkin Festival on October 10–11 and 17–18, featuring pumpkin decorating, face painting, a pumpkin princess, costume parades, festive games and delicious seasonal treats. Then return October 24–25 for Halloween Shenanigans, complete with scavenger hunts, crafts, costumed characters and pumpkin painting. Don't miss Pumpkin Destruction on October 31–November 1 for a memorable end to the fall season!
General admission: $13 online plus fees or $16 at the farm. Special events may require separate tickets.
🌽 Endless View Farms – Fall & Pumpkin Festival
Weekends through November 1 · 10 AM–6 PM
A little pumpkin picking, a little adventure and a whole lot of fall fun await at Endless View Farms! Located in Crimora, this family-owned farm offers more than 25 activities, including five acres of pick-your-own pumpkins, a themed corn maze, hayrides, a 150-foot mega slide, farm animals, a jump pillow and plenty of photo opportunities. October brings even more excitement with two special Glow Nights on October 10 and 17, when visitors can navigate the corn maze after dark, enjoy a campfire and toast marshmallows. On Halloween, October 31, the farm wraps up its season with a festive Trunk-or-Treat celebration featuring costumes, contests and treats.
Admission: $16 online plus fees or $18 at the gate; children three and under are free. Glow Nights are $12.
October 24 · 1–5 PM
Downtown Harrisonburg · Free community event
Get ready for Harrisonburg's beloved pre-Halloween celebration! Skeleton Festival transforms downtown into a festive Halloween playground with trick-or-treating at local businesses, costume contests for all ages, a pet costume parade, arts and crafts, games, food trucks, music and plenty of spooky surprises. Adults 21 and older can also enjoy Sip & Stroll while exploring downtown. It's a fun-filled afternoon for families, friends and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
🏃 Annual Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5K
October 24
Harrisonburg Community Activities Center · Westover Park
305 S Dogwood Ave, Harrisonburg
Lace up your running shoes and join the community for the Annual Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5K! This October event combines fitness, community spirit and support for breast cancer awareness. Whether you're an experienced runner, a casual walker or simply looking to participate in a worthwhile community activity, it's a great way to get moving and show your support. Get race info and register online, here. Registration ends on October 23,2026 at 5:00pm.
October 2–31 · Select nights
6340 Oak Shade Road, Harrisonburg
Get ready for a fright-filled night at Fear Forest, a popular Shenandoah Valley Halloween attraction featuring three terrifying experiences in one location. Brave the haunted woods trail, navigate the creepy cornfield and venture into the Fear Factory, all packed with eerie scenes, live actors, special effects and unexpected scares. Afterward, warm up by the bonfire, enjoy concessions and entertainment, and share your tales of terror with friends. Not quite ready for the full scare? Check out the special No Fear Nights designed for a less frightening experience.
2026 schedule: Fridays and Saturdays in October, plus select Wednesdays and Thursdays. Regular admission is $35; VIP is $55. Tickets are cash-only at the gate. No Fear Nights are October 14 and 21.
🚒 Trunk or Treat at the Harrisonburg Public Safety Building
October 30 · 5:30–7:30 PM
101 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg
Get the little ghosts and goblins dressed up for a fun evening of trick-or-treating at the Harrisonburg Fire Department's annual Trunk or Treat! Families can enjoy a festive Halloween atmosphere, collect goodies and celebrate alongside local public safety personnel. It's a great opportunity for children to enjoy Halloween activities in a community setting while connecting with the people who help keep Harrisonburg safe.
November 14 · 12–3 PM
305 S Dogwood Ave, Harrisonburg
An all-ages celebration designed for families, friends, and the community to come together, have fun, and show how much they are thankful for one another during fall season. Hosted by the City of Harrisonburg Parks & Rec on November 14 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Community Activities Center. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with games, attractions, candy, music, raffle giveaways, and more!
Bring the kids, invite your friends, and tell a friend to tell a friend, because Burg Bash 26 is all about having a fun time while still giving thanks for family, friends, and the community that shows up for us.
November 20 · 4-8 PM
November 21 · 10 AM-4 PM
6625 Port Republic Rd, Rockingham
If you love discovering one-of-a-kind treasures and supporting local makers, the Lesterloot Christmas Market is worth adding to your holiday calendar! Hosted in the back field of Lesterloot, this festive market brings together more than 55 vendors offering an eclectic mix of vintage finds, handmade goods, refinished furniture, jewelry, pottery, home décor, plants, kids' items and so much more. Make a day of browsing for unique Christmas gifts while enjoying delicious food, sipping coffee and listening to live music in a cozy, welcoming community atmosphere. With its mix of creativity, local charm and holiday cheer, Lesterloot is a wonderful place to find something special for everyone on your list while supporting small businesses along the way. Admission is $5 per person, and children are free. Follow @lesterloot on Instagram for vendor sneak peeks and additional event updates!
