The Ultimate Guide to Hampton Roads Halloween Events

Pumpkins, festivals and delicious fall treats make their return to Coastal Virginia just in time for Halloween. Also arriving to our foggy shores are the sinister spirits of witches, soldiers and forgotten pirates who once called our region home.

Whether you’re looking for autumn fun or terrifying fright night experiences, we’ve discovered the top Halloween attractions throughout Charles City, Chesapeake, Gloucester, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Yorktown.

 

 

Charles City

 

Haunted Tales & Tours

Encounter the colonial spirits and paranormal activities that haunt the halls of three historic plantations in Charles City. Enjoy two-and-a-half hours of spine-chilling ghost stories as you wander the grounds of Berkeley, Edgewood and Shirley Plantations. Tours begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Select tour dates include Oct. 6, 8, 13 and 28. Admission is $38.

 

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Shirley Plantation opens its doors for after-hour guests to experience the paranormal thrills and mysteries of the 17th century estate. Beware, ghosts may join you on your hour-long tour of the Great House as you delve into the disturbing history of colonial-era funeral practices and mourning customs. Tours begin promptly at 4:45 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. Select tour dates include Oct. 12 and Oct. 26. Reservations required; $14.50 for adults, $9.50 for children 7 to 16.

 

Chesapeake

 

A Haunting at Greenbrier Farms

Killer clowns, zombies and the like return to the 100-year-old farmhouse at Greenbrier Farms to terrorize nightly visitors. These sinister creatures appear at the farm’s five haunted attractions including Dr. Eason’s Horror Chambers, The Killing Corn, The Burial Grounds, Your Last Hayride and El Camino de Los Diablos. Experience fright-night from 7–11 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday from now until Oct. 31. Cost is $20 per person or $30 for an all-night pass. Discounts available for active duty military and groups of 6 or more.

 

Corn Maze at Bergey’s Breadbasket

Looking for a family-friendly Halloween outing? Head on over to Bergey’s Breadbasket in Chesapeake for an afternoon of hayrides, corn maze challenges, a petting zoo and more. Until Oct. 27, Bergey’s Corn Maze will be open every Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for guests ages 5 and up.

 

Ghost Train at Northwest River Park

Experience ghoulish tales and spooky sightings during this 30-minute train ride through the dark woods of Chesapeake’s Northwest River Park. The Ghost Train makes several runs from 7–11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 18–20 and Oct. 25–27. Rides cost $9 on Thursdays and $10 on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

 

Gloucester

 

Zombie Paintball Survival Course Adventure Ride

Pile into a wagon and help Green Hand Farm Park fend off the zombies lurking through their pumpkin patch. Each wagon is equipped with six mounted paintball guns that allow guests to shoot at the zombies along the Road of the Dead, but not at one another. Green Hand also offers a handful of family-friendly attractions like a corn maze, cow train, hayride and pumpkin patch.

 

Hampton

 

Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The superstitious schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, arrives to The American Theater along with his spooky counterpart, the Headless Horseman. The lively adaptation of Washington Irving’s literary classic will be performed at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $10.

 

Fort Monroe Ghost Walk

Learn the hidden haunts and secrets of Fort Monroe’s 400-year-old grounds on this one-hour walking tour. Ghost walks depart every 15 minutes from 6:15–9:15 p.m. from Friday, Oct. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 21. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.

 

Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival

Celebrate autumn at Bluebird Gap Farm’s annual fall festival. Enjoy a Saturday full of Halloween games, hayrides, live entertainment, storytelling, pumpkin picking and more. Food, craft libations and handmade goods will also be available for purchase. The festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

 

Hampton Horror Tours

Just outside the main doors of the Hampton History Museum await the ghosts of fallen Civil War soldiers, the spirit of America’s first witch, swashbuckling pirates of Blackbeard’s Crew and a handful of other historic figures whose souls still stalk the museum grounds. The 60-minute walking tour leads visitors though the St. John’s graveyard and down the haunted Queen’s Way in historic Hampton. Tours depart at both 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from Monday, Oct. 22 through Friday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

 

Galactic Ghouls and Cosmic Creatures

Outer space meets Halloween at Downtown Hampton’s annual October block party. This free event invites unearthly aliens and their furry friends to enjoy an evening of fall fun on Saturday, Oct. 27. The Children’s Area opens at 6 p.m., followed by live musical performances at 7 p.m. and a costume contest at 8 p.m.

 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Time warp back to the 1970s and experience a beloved holiday show full of gaudy costumes, outrageous dance moves and musical fun. The American Theater’s annual rendition will be performed Halloween night at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $10.

 

Newport News

 

Night of the Living Museum

Returning to the Virginia Living Museum for its 19th consecutive year is the family-friendly Night of the Living Museum event. Children 12 and under are invited to explore the “Forest of Friends” and “Monster Lab” in Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat down the museum’s halls. Don’t miss the spook-tacular “Fright Light” show at 8:30 p.m. Night at the Living Museum will take place on both Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Admission prices vary for members and nonmembers and additional fees are required for admission into the Fright Light laser performance.

 

Historic Hilton Fall Festival

This year, Hilton Village celebrated its centennial and the festivities continue on Saturday, Oct. 27 with the Historic Hilton Fall Festival. Newport News visitors can splurge on local vendors and enjoy delicious eats from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

 

Norfolk

 

Garden Walk & Talk: 13 Plants of Halloween

Wander the Norfolk Botanical Garden with horticulturist Perry-Lee West and learn about the 13 spooky plants of Halloween. The Thursday morning tour on Oct. 18 is included with garden admission. The garden walk and talk commences at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m.

 

ZooBoo

The Virginia Zoo’s highly anticipated Halloween event will now be hosted for not just one day, but a full weekend of family-friendly fun. Hop into one of the zoo’s many bounce houses or embark on a ride along the ZooBoo Choo Choo. The two-day event will take place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.

 

Halloween Costume Bash

Play your hand at an art-inspired scavenger hunt through the Chrysler Museum of Art and enjoy several of other family-friendly activities during the museum’s annual Halloween Costume Bash. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Portsmouth

 

Halloweekend at the Portsmouth Museums

This three-day museum spooktacular invites families to explore the Halloween-themed exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum. Events include horror story readings, a scary theater, creepy crawlies and other ghoulish critters. Halloweekend will begin at 10 a.m. on Oct. 19 and end at 5 p.m. on Oct. 21.

 

37th Annual Old Towne Portsmouth Ghost Walk

Based on London’s Jack the Ripper walks, the 45-minute Old Towne Portsmouth Ghost Walks take guests through the sinister halls of Old Towne’s mansions and houses. Rumor has it that theses apparitions still haunt local residences and lurk through the Trinity Church graveyard during tours. Unwind at Middle Street Park after your tour and enjoy live entertainment, hot cider and more. Three tours are offered at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. on Oct. 27. Tickets are available online for $10.

 

Smithfield

 

Twilight Cemetery Tours

The tombstones of saints and sinners rattle with spooky stories during this 30-minute tour of the Ancient Cemetery at Historic St Luke’s Church. Enjoy light refreshments and more ghoulish comradery after the tour. Tours will run every 30 minutes between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13. Purchasing your $10 ticket in advance is strongly recommended.

 

Ham-o-Ween

Shops and houses along Smithfield’s Main and Grace Streets open their doors to downtown trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. Treats will be offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a costume contest at Smithfield Times.

 

Suffolk

 

Drive-In Movie in the Park

Families and pets are invited to enjoy a special outdoor movie screening at Suffolk’s Bennett’s Creek on Saturday, Oct. 20. Food and treats will be available for purchase at two, full-service concession stands as no outside food is permitted. Kids can enjoy crafts, lawn games and bounces beginning at 5 p.m. before the movie starts at 7 p.m.

 

Cedar Hill Cemetery Stroll

Discover the stories of fallen Civil War soldiers during this 90-minute walking tour through the historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. The tour departs from the Suffolk Visitor Center at 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 and at 10 a.m. on Oct. 29 and Oct. 31. Reservations are required.

 

Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk

A costumed tour guide will reveal the tales of unsolved mysteries, local legends and bizarre encounters as you meander Suffolk’s Main Street by candlelight. Reserve your spot for one of two 90-minute tours on Oct. 20 and Oct. 27 from 7–8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, military and children ages 9 to 12.

 

Nightmare at Creekside

A night of scares and Halloween fun await at the Creekside Recreation Center. Brave a haunted house or create spooky arts and crafts with friends. Bounce houses, giveaways and a special Trunk or Treat event will also take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.

 

Touch A Truck, Train & Trick or Treat

Seaboard Station Railroad Museum invites little goblins, ghouls, vampires and the like to an afternoon of trick-or-treating. Children can see, touch and explore their favorite big trucks and enjoy plenty of candy, food and games. Admission is $5 per person, or $15 for groups of four.

 

Whaleyville Chills and Thrills

Looking for a trick-or-treating alternative? Come out to Whaleyville Community Center on Halloween night for family-friendly games, candy and a community-wide costume contest. Chills and Thrills will take place from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

 

Virginia Beach

 

Fall Fest

On Saturday, Oct. 13, the McDonald Garden Center will host a full day of fall activities. Pick pumpkins, sip cider and make autumn-inspired arts and crafts. The free event will be hosted from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at both the Great Neck Road and Independence Boulevard locations.

 

Wicked Whispers

The haunts of Hunt Club Farm return for their 30th year of spine-chilling attractions that are sure to terrify even the bravest of visitors. Creatures lurk in the deep dark cornfield of the Field of Screams while zombie residents wreak havoc on Village of the Dead trespassers. Only the boldest of Wicked Whisper guests can stomach the menacing Haunted Hayride. Wicked Whispers is open select nights through Oct. 31.

 

Hunt Club Harvest Fair

Through Oct. 31, Hunt Club Farm hosts a daily Harvest Fair complete with hayrides, a petting zoo and Virginia Beach’s largest pumpkin patch. The fair gets even bigger on the weekends as Hunt Club welcomes bounce houses, carnival rides, fall treats and more. Enjoy the fair seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Virginia Beach Ghost Walk

Join the tour guides of the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum for a Gatsby-era ghost tour of the beach. Find out which popular Oceanfront spots are haunted with ghostly inhabitants, or search for a ghost of your own during the walk’s ghost hunts. Ghost Walks start at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12, 19, 26 and 30. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 16.

 

Halloween at the Aquarium

Arrive in your Halloween best for a fun-filled night of ghoulish games and spooky entertainment. Visitors can also trick-or-treat and check out the ghastly sights of the Aquarium’s outdoor trail. Halloween at the Virginia Aquarium & Science Center will be held from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26.

 

Halloween Spooktacular

Virginia Beach’s Sandler Center for the Performing Arts will host the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of spooky tunes and monstrous fun. Fall-inspired activities will precede the 3 p.m. concert. Tickets for the Oct. 27 show are available for purchase here.

 

Williamsburg

 

Howl-O-Scream

Come nightfall, one of Coastal Virginia’s beloved theme parks transforms into a frightening world lurking with creepy creatures, haunted houses, terrifyingly fun rides and three live shows. Bringing even more scares to Busch Gardens Williamsburg is Era of Terror and two new scare zones—the joker’s Fools’ Court and Italy’s ghostly Garden of Souls. Starting at 5:45 p.m., Howl-O-Scream will take place select nights through Oct. 28. Single day tickets and fall fun passes are available for purchase online.

 

The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg

Wander through the haunted cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg and listen to the settlement’s eerie folklore by candlelight. Tours are offered every night at 8 p.m. with additional Friday and Saturday night tours at 9 p.m. throughout the month of October. Mature audiences may also enjoy The Extreme Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour. Your $12 ghost tour ticket can be purchased online.

 

Colonial Ghosts

Colonial Ghosts take Williamsburg visitors on late-night tours through the settlement’s most sinister grounds, exposing them to the supernatural world of colonial spirits. The most spellbinding experience, the Ultimate Tour, embarks at 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and traverses Indian burial grounds, an insane asylum and haunted battlegrounds. Other bone-chilling excursions include the nightly Ghost Tour, Ghost Hunt and afternoon Cemetery Tour.

 

Haunting on DoG Street

This October, Colonial Williamsburg is dedicated to offering families a month-long celebration of ghost tours, evening events, spooky museum talks and a two-night Trick or Treat extravaganza. A slew of new evening programs will be introduced as part of Haunting on DoG Street from Oct. 15 to 31. Watch the Virginia Witch, Grace Sherwood, stand trial, enjoy a colonial-era feast with Blackbeard or embark on a spooky carriage ride down Duke of Gloucester Street.

 

Yorktown

 

Yorktown Hallowed Ground

Over 230 years have passed since the American Revolution came to a bloody end at the Siege of Yorktown, but the souls of deceased soldiers and echoes of firing muskets still haunt the small, coastal town. This 90-mintue candlelit walking tour leads visitors through the hallowed drives of historic Yorktown, along the banks of the York River Waterfront and onto the eerie battlefields. Tours run every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission is $12.