Weekend Events Kick Off Halloween Fun and Festivals

October is filled with fun, fright, and activity in Richmond!

October is a wild, scary, crazy, hilarious month – no matter how you look at it. There are plenty of Halloween happenings in and around the city so be sure and check them all out. If you know of other great October events, leave us a message or email us at [email protected] so we can add them to our list.

This weekend you can enjoy tons of Halloween haunts, movies, shows, food festivals, and more.

Don’t miss the fantastic HCA Spirit of Women Girls’ Day Out on October 7, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Our own, Kate Hall, is the guest speaker for the 7:30 a.m. breakfast and there will be plenty of seminars, shopping, food, and fun at the event held at The Jefferson Hotel. We’re giving away an incredible “Snack Attack” gourmet gift basket donated by Green Monkey so be sure and come by our table to register. We hope to see you there!

You can make an entire day of it and then head out to The Byrd Theatre and enjoy the amazing sounds of Cameron Carpenter as he entertains on the Mighty Wurlitzer. It’s not like any concert you’ve heard before.

And don’t miss a chance to visit the Virginia State Fair during its last weekend here. There’s something for everyone at the fair, and it’s a place where grown-ups can be kids again.

Rock on Richmonders!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Tons of Halloween events in the Richmond area all month long!

HCA Spirit of Women at the Jefferson. Kate Hall is speaking about social media for savvy girls at the 7:30 a.m. breakfast. Seminars, speakers, shopping, music, food and fun all day long. It’s worth getting a babysitter to enjoy a Girls’ Day Out (College Nannies are waiting for your call!).

Symphony Pops Casablanca Richmond Symphony presents Genworth Financial Symphony Pops. A Symphonic Night at the Movies: Casablanca October 1-8. Richmond CenterStage.

State Fair of Virginia through Oct. 9 2011 at The Meadow Event Park. Come see animals,exhibits and shows, toe-tappin’ music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more! Plan now to be a part of one of Virginia’s greatest annual traditions since 1854.

Zula Patrol: Mission Weather at CMoR Central September 13th – October 21st; At CMoR Short Pump October 24th – December 31st. Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!

Threads Consignment Salevisit link for details, times and information.

Candy Bingo at Sweet Spot. Friday, Oct. 7 at 5:30 pm: Candy Bingo, all ages, free.

A Night with the Mighty Wurlitzer, featuring world-renowned organist Cameron Carpenter. 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM. At Byrd Theatre, 2908 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23221. VIP tickets include reception from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. and front row floor or balcony seating.  $75.

American Turning Point: The Civil War in VA. From 1861 to 1865 Virginia stood at the center of a military and social revolution. How we define freedom, liberty, patriotism, and nation today is directly related to the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the Civil War. Using original objects, interactive technology, and state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia relates the personal experiences of the free and enslaved men, women, and children of wartime Virginia.

Halloween Haunt Select evenings in October – 7:00 pm FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION. Haunt activities begin at 7 pm. The Haunt is a PG-13-style Halloween-themed event. Some attractions are not suitable for young children. Visit website for details and dates.

Howl-O-Fest at Kings Dominion. More Spooktacular daytime activities for the little ones than ever before! During October – Most activities on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon – 5pm. Show Schedules Vary – visit website for details.

Kings Dominion Bring a Friend Season Pass Bring a Friend for $29.99 – Bring a Friend October 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16. Limit one friend for $29.99 per season pass.

Barksdale Theatre BECKY’S NEW CAR by Steven Dietz. Playful, wacky and wistful, Becky’s New Car maps out a road trip that lets the audience ride shotgun in a way most plays don’t dare. In this life-affirming story about the road not taken, Becky – without really planning to – takes the chance to test drive another life.

Richmond Symphony presents Genworth Financial Symphony Pops. A Symphonic Night at the Movies: Casablanca October 1-8. Richmond CenterStage.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Tons of Halloween events in the Richmond area all month long!

Step Up for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival – 5k Walk Run and FREE family festival with lives music, children’s activities, pumpkin patch, Nutzy, exhibits, food and more.

Ginter Park Fall Festival – Marketplace Extravaganza on Saturday, October 8th is a fun-filled event with many vendors and lots of food, crafts, and fun. There’s a silent auction where you can get fantastic deals.

Richmond Waldorf School Fest of Fall – Join us for a day of family fun including: Waldorf Demos, Puppet Shows, Children’s Crafts, Live Music, Hot Lunch, The Dessert Cafe, Cake Walks, The Acorn Shop, The Rainbow Room. New this year – 17 Animal Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and Tie Dyed Tshirts.Contact development@richmondwaldorf.com or 804-377-8024 for more info.

Annual Woodland Vineyard Harvest Party. Midlothian. Children welcome! A fun harvest festival with appetizers, wine, ice cream and more. Visit website for details.

Virginia FIRST Robot Rumble.  10am – 4pm. Science Museum of Virginia.  Cheer on your favorite robot in the 5th annual Virginia FIRST Robot Rumble. High school teams from across Virginia are bringing their robots to the Thalhimer Pavilion to compete in a game where the launch of a minibot in the final seconds can determine the match.

Festival of IndiaGreater Richmond Convention Center – Enjoy India authentic food, dance and music. The best place to shop for Indian Jewelry and Clothing too. FREE Admission. For Virginians, the Festival of India has become an eagerly anticipated annual event, since it began in 1981. People from all over Virginia flock to the Greater Richmond Convention Center for two fun-filled days of music, dance, food, and culture. The Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and explore India’s diverse culture and traditions, including authentic regional food, arts, crafts, and entertainment.

Journey 4 A Cure Fest 11:00 a.m. Celebrate Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with the 1st Annual 4-A-Cure-Fest. It’s a day of family fun to benefit Pediatric Cancer Research. Wine tasting, good food, live music, children’s activities and more. To learn more, visit the website.

Jammin’ in the Garden 12:00.Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The Garden rocks and rolls with the special energy that comes from listening, dancing, clapping and stomping feet to the music. Free with Garden admission.

OystoberFest in Historic Ginter Park RICHMOND’S LARGEST OYSTER EVENT. To Benefit St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church & its 40+ outreach ministries. Fried, grilled and raw oysters are the main event, with brats and other grilled options available. Beer and other refreshments available. Live music from The Orderlies, Uisce Beatha, Jonathan & Antonia Vassar and the Speckled Bird, Minor Scorn, Master Fiddler Mark Campbell with the NorthSide Ramblers. Kids’ Zone will include a moon-bounce, slides and more.

Children’s Hospital Foundation 5K/10K – fun for the whole family! Even a kid’s mile run. Open to the public and walkers are always welcome. Sponsored by American Family Fitness to benefit Children’s Hospital Foundation. Visit www.amfamrace.com for more details.

Clean Closet Sale Chester – great bargains

Symphony Pops Casablanca Richmond Symphony presents Genworth Financial Symphony Pops. A Symphonic Night at the Movies: Casablanca October 1-8. Richmond CenterStage.

State Fair of Virginia through Oct. 9 2011 at The Meadow Event Park. Come see animals,exhibits and shows, toe-tappin’ music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more! Plan now to be a part of one of Virginia’s greatest annual traditions since 1854.

Zula Patrol: Mission Weather at CMoR Central September 13th – October 21st; At CMoR Short Pump October 24th – December 31st. Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!

Threads Consignment Salevisit link for details, times and information.

American Turning Point: The Civil War in VA. From 1861 to 1865 Virginia stood at the center of a military and social revolution. How we define freedom, liberty, patriotism, and nation today is directly related to the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the Civil War. Using original objects, interactive technology, and state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia relates the personal experiences of the free and enslaved men, women, and children of wartime Virginia.

Halloween Haunt  Select evenings in October – 7:00 pm.  FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION. Haunt activities begin at 7 pm. The Haunt is a PG-13-style Halloween-themed event. Some attractions are not suitable for young children. Visit website for details and dates.

Howl-O-Fest at Kings Dominion. More Spooktacular daytime activities for the little ones than ever before! During October – Most activities on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon – 5pm. Show Schedules Vary – visit website for details.

Kings Dominion Bring a Friend Season Pass Bring a Friend for $29.99 – Bring a Friend October 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16. Limit one friend for $29.99 per season pass.

Barksdale Theatre BECKY’S NEW CAR by Steven Dietz. Playful, wacky and wistful, Becky’s New Car maps out a road trip that lets the audience ride shotgun in a way most plays don’t dare. In this life-affirming story about the road not taken, Becky – without really planning to – takes the chance to test drive another life.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Tons of Halloween events in the Richmond area all month long!

Oktoberfest at Kings Dominion. 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Come enjoy a full day at Kings Dominion, Halloween Haunt, an All-You-Can-Eat picnic meal with German Specialty Items, Souvenir Event Cup & Live Entertainment by the SGTEV Hirschjäger Bavarian Dancers! A variety of beer selections will be available for only $5.00 per cup!

Festival of IndiaGreater Richmond Convention Center – Enjoy India authentic food, dance and music. The best place to shop for Indian Jewellry and Clothing too. FREE Admission. For Virginians, the Festival of India has become an eagerly anticipated annual event, since it began in 1981. People from all over Virginia flock to the Greater Richmond Convention Center for two fun-filled days of music, dance, food, and culture. The Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and explore India’s diverse culture and traditions, including authentic regional food, arts, crafts, and entertainment.

State Fair of Virginia through Oct. 9 2011 at The Meadow Event Park. Come see animals, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin’ music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more! Plan now to be a part of one of Virginia’s greatest annual traditions since 1854.

Ztoberfest Car Show and Event 9:00 in Mechanicsville.  Z Car Association of Richmond celebrates 10th Annual Ztoberfest at Sheehy Nissan in Mechanicsville; ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is selected charity.  The members of ZCAR, in partnership with Sheehy Nissan and The ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, present the 10th Annual ZTOBERFEST Car Show and event Sunday October 9, 2011. All owners of Z Cars are invited to register by visiting http://richmondzcar.com. This year, ZCAR is also happy to invite owners of Infiniti/Nissans to register and show their vehicles as well. The event begins at 9:00AM with staging. Judging is noon to three and all are invited to vote for their favorite cars. Awards will be distributed at 3:30pm.

Carytown Food and Wine Festival.  Sunday  - October 9, 2011 from 12-6p. Your ticket includes a souvenir wine glass and wine tasting. Special $10 Designated Driver price at gate w/free soft drinks. All ages are welcome, children 12 and under get in free with a paid adult.

Zula Patrol: Mission Weather at CMoR Central September 13th – October 21st; At CMoR Short Pump October 24th – December 31st. Join all of your favorite characters from the Zula patrol as you and your family explore weather phenomena at each of the interactive stations in this special exhibit, at CMoR for a limited time!

Threads Consignment Salevisit link for details, times and information.

American Turning Point: The Civil War in VA. From 1861 to 1865 Virginia stood at the center of a military and social revolution. How we define freedom, liberty, patriotism, and nation today is directly related to the diverse experiences of the individuals who participated in the Civil War. Using original objects, interactive technology, and state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia relates the personal experiences of the free and enslaved men, women, and children of wartime Virginia.

Halloween Haunt Select evenings in October – 7:00 pm FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION. Haunt activities begin at 7 pm. The Haunt is a PG-13-style Halloween-themed event. Some attractions are not suitable for young children. Visit website for details and dates.

Howl-O-Fest at Kings Dominion. More Spooktacular daytime activities for the little ones than ever before! During October – Most activities on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon – 5pm. Show Schedules Vary – visit website for details.

Kings Dominion Bring a Friend Season Pass Bring a Friend for $29.99 – Bring a Friend October 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16. Limit one friend for $29.99 per season pass.

Barksdale Theatre BECKY’S NEW CAR by Steven Dietz. Playful, wacky and wistful, Becky’s New Car maps out a road trip that lets the audience ride shotgun in a way most plays don’t dare. In this life-affirming story about the road not taken, Becky – without really planning to – takes the chance to test drive another life.

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About RhondaDay
Rhonda Day is a wife, mother and grandmother. Rhonda is a full-time freelance writer. In addition to Richmondmom.com, she also writes for the Examiner Richmond Grandparenting website (http://www.examiner.com/grandparenting-in-richmond/rhonda-day) and many other national websites. You can reach her at [email protected].