Fall Festival Guide: A Season of Handmade Treasures and Community Events
As the fall season unfolds, it’s the perfect time to explore a variety of festivals and bazaars that bring together local artists, crafters, and community members. From handmade crafts to homemade treats, these events offer something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at some of the exciting happenings this season.
Sunday: Art Stroll and Pumpkin Patch
One of the highlights of the weekend is the 14th annual Art Stroll, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown. This event features over 50 artists showcasing their work, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. Visitors can also participate in a collaborative community canvas and enjoy live acoustic music by Audio Portrait. Kids will have the chance to engage in free make-and-take crafts.
In Norfolk, the Pumpkin patch at Larchmont United Methodist Church offers a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds, and baked goods. This event runs daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:33 p.m.
October 4: Craft and Vendor Sales
On October 4, several craft and vendor sales take place across the region. The sponsored event by United Women in Faith at Great Bridge United Methodist Church in Chesapeake features household items, clothing, and books. Another event at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Portsmouth includes clothes, toys, and a bake sale. Meanwhile, Salem United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach hosts an annual church bazaar with furniture, plants, and a silent auction.
October 7: Pumpkin Patch and Rummage Sale
The 19th annual Pumpkin Patch at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hampton offers pumpkins of all sizes and shapes, along with photo opportunities. In Norfolk, Norview United Methodist Church holds a rummage sale featuring holiday decorations, household goods, and homemade baked items.
October 10: Phoebus Fall Festival and Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival
The Phoebus Fall Festival in Hampton features craft vendors, live music, and a beer and cider festival. Meanwhile, the Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival in Newport News showcases fine art and other creative works.
October 11: Pansy Sale and Fall Fair
At Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church in Virginia Beach, a panny sale offers colorful pansies and other fall/winter plants. Christ United Methodist Church in Newport News hosts a fall fair with homemade chicken salad, Brunswick stew, and crafts.
October 12: Colonial Place/Riverview Front Porch Art Walk
This event takes place on front porches and in yards throughout historic neighborhoods in Norfolk. Visitors can explore various art forms and enjoy the unique architecture and gardens.
October 16: Pumpkin Patch for Halloween
First United Methodist Church of Fox Hill in Hampton hosts a pumpkin patch, offering pumpkins for Halloween pictures and a free photo background.
October 18: Fall Fest and Annual Fall Festival
Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth hosts a fall fest with meals, crafts, and activities. Church of the Resurrection in Portsmouth also holds an annual fall festival featuring vendors, a silent auction, and cultural dancing.
October 25: Church Fall Fest and Fall Festival
Jolliff United Methodist Church in Chesapeake offers a fall fest with a bake sale and barbecue. Marketplace at Tech Center in Newport News provides free pumpkins for children and various activities.
November 1: Craft and Vendor Show and Mariners’ Fall Festival
Benn’s United Methodist Church in Smithfield hosts a craft and vendor show with a bake sale and lunch. The Mariners’ Fall Festival in Newport News includes family activities, pumpkin decorating, and food trucks.
November 2: Lynnhaven River Now Eco Market
This eco-friendly market in Virginia Beach promotes sustainable practices and local artistry, featuring gifts made from sustainable materials.
November 7: Bodacious Bazaar
The Bodacious Bazaar in Hampton offers a variety of art, crafts, and food items, along with wine and distiller tastings.
November 8: Christmas Bazaar and Eastern European Food Festival
Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach hosts a Christmas bazaar with crafts and baked goods. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Virginia Beach offers an Eastern European food festival with traditional dishes.
November 9: Used Book and Bling Sale
St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach holds a used book and bling sale, featuring hardcovers and jewelry at affordable prices.
November 14: FEZtival of Trees
Zulekia Court No. 35 in Chesapeake hosts a tree festival with decorated trees, vendors, and a chance to win one of the uniquely decorated trees.
November 15: Cape Henry Woman’s Club Holiday Bazaar
St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in Virginia Beach hosts a holiday bazaar with crafts and baked goods.
November 21: Holly Days Bazaar and Arts Festival
All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores, North Carolina, hosts a bazaar with handmade jewelry, wooden art, and more.
November 22: Marian Manor Craft Sale and United Women of Faith Bazaar
Marian Manor in Virginia Beach offers a craft sale with holiday ornaments and artwork. First United Methodist Church in Hampton hosts a bazaar with homemade baked goods and a garage sale.
December 4: Christmas Village and Marketplace
Regent University in Virginia Beach hosts a Christmas village with light displays, Santa photo ops, and a marketplace.
December 5: Bazaar and Cookie Walk
Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church in Newport News offers a bazaar with handmade gifts and a cookie walk with thousands of homemade cookies.
December 6: Market at the Manor and Holiday Craft Fair
Smithfield Farmers Market in Smithfield hosts a market with holiday foods and crafts. Ocean Lakes Elementary School in Virginia Beach holds a holiday craft fair with over 70 vendors.
December 12: Christmas Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Hellenic Center in Norfolk hosts a bazaar with homemade baked goods and Greek luncheons.
December 13: Christmas Craft Fair
Green Acres Presbyterian Youth Group in Portsmouth offers a craft fair with Christmas gifts and decor.
December 13: Christmas Take-Away
Christ United Methodist Church in Newport News provides homemade chicken salad and Brunswick stew for purchase.
Events may change; check before going. Want more information about what’s happening around Hampton Roads? Sign up for our Weekend Scoop newsletter.
