Fall in Short Pump means one thing—festival season! As soon as the first leaves start to fall, everyone in town is on the lookout for the best places to enjoy crisp air, tasty treats, and good company. Whether you’re craving the glow of garden lights, the excitement of live music, or that unbeatable community spirit, Short Pump and the Richmond region deliver plenty of chances to make every autumn weekend memorable.
Bursting with Color: Celebrate Fall in Short Pump
October in Short Pump brings more than pumpkin spice lattes and falling leaves. It’s festival season, where crisp days and cool nights set the stage for the region’s most festive celebrations. Looking for the best places to soak up the autumn spirit? Short Pump and nearby Richmond have plenty to excite every age and taste.
Richmond Oktoberfest: Raise a Stein to Fall
Start your festival tour with the Richmond Oktoberfest. This lively event takes over the Richmond Raceway Complex on October 17 and 18. Expect the aroma of sizzling sausages, the sound of polka bands, and laughter from every corner. This huge Oktoberfest draws families, friends, and anyone ready for schnitzel, German beer, handmade crafts, and fun games. Lederhosen and dirndls aren’t required, but they sure add to the fun.
Maymont Garden Glow: Light Up the Night
Evening strolls get a magical upgrade at the Maymont Garden Glow, running from October 15 to November 9. As darkness falls, Maymont’s famous gardens transform with glowing lights, artful displays, and a one-of-a-kind nighttime walk. It’s perfect for photos, a laidback date, or simply enjoying Richmond’s scenery after sunset. Food trucks and fire pits keep everyone warm and happy.
Richmond Folk Festival: Rhythms from Around the World
Catch the tail end of the Richmond Folk Festival on October 10 to 12. This downtown celebration brings hundreds of performers from across the globe to Brown’s Island. The weekend brims with music styles—bluegrass, gospel, jazz, and more. Wander through food booths, check out artisan vendors, and dance along the riverfront. There’s enough here to fill an entire day or just to stop by for your favorite band.
Farmers Markets & Fall Bazaars: Local Flavor, Every Weekend
If giant festivals aren’t your thing, Short Pump steps up with charming Farmers’ Markets, community fairs, and night bazaars every weekend. Stroll through rows of market stalls to find fragrant apples, local honey, handmade candles, and plenty of pumpkin-spiced everything. Henrico County’s fall markets are family-friendly and full of great finds from small businesses.
Dorey Park Fall Festival: Games, Crafts, and Autumn Smiles
Families won’t want to miss the Dorey Park Fall Festival, happening in nearby Henrico County. This annual event features classic games, inflatables, face painting, craft booths, food trucks, and live entertainment. Kids can show off their Halloween costumes, enjoy hayrides, and join in pumpkin carving contests. Parents can relax with good food and even better company.
Hops in the Park: Cheers to Craft Brews
For craft beer lovers, Hops in the Park at Henricus Historical Park brings together Virginia’s best breweries and food trucks for a celebration like no other. This early November event mixes local history with mouthwatering pints, live bluegrass, and historic crafts for a lively afternoon outside.
Explore, Savor, and Celebrate
From glowing gardens to traditional Oktoberfest beers and mouthwatering oysters, Short Pump’s fall festivals offer a ton of ways to enjoy the crisp beauty of the season. The variety of events will have you planning weekend after weekend of tastings, strolling, and celebrating. Get ready to pull on a sweater, grab a friend, and dive into the festival magic that makes fall in Short Pump unforgettable.
Sources: richmondoktoberfestinc.com, maymont.org, richmondfolkfestival.org, henrico.gov, hopsinthepark.com
Header Image Source: maymont.org
