Richmond in October is pure magic.
There’s a certain crispness in the air, the trees are turning gold, and the city comes alive with festivals, lights, flavors, and traditions that make us all fall in love with RVA all over again.
If you’re new to Richmond, considering a move, or just exploring neighborhoods like The Fan, Museum District, Near West End or River Road, October offers the perfect time to experience what makes each community so special. Here’s a guide to the can’t-miss events this month — and a look at the lifestyle waiting for you in the neighborhoods where they happen.
🍂 1. Richmond Folk Festival | October 11–13 | Downtown & Browns Island
The Vibe: Riverfront meets global celebration. Why It Matters: One of the largest festivals in Virginia, this free 3-day event transforms Downtown Richmond into a vibrant hub of music, food, art, and culture.
🦪 2. OystoberFest | October 5 | Ginter Park
The Vibe: Virginia seafood, craft brews, and live music. Why It Matters: A classic Richmond tradition that supports local charities, it's perfect for foodies and families alike.
🪩 3. Party on the Avenues | October 6 | Libbie & Grove in Westhampton
The Vibe: Boutique block party + gourmet eats. Why It Matters: It’s Westhampton’s signature fall event, filled with local vendors, music, and family fun. Real Estate Angle: This is what walkable West End living looks like. If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling out of your brick Colonial for fresh-baked pastries and boutique shopping on a Saturday — this is it.
🎨 4. Museum District Arts Walk | October 3
The Vibe: The inaugural Museum District Arts Walk in Richmond will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. The event is organized by RVA Galleries and will feature local artisans, makers, musicians, and food trucks, in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Real Estate Angle: Buyers who value historic character, vibrant culture, and community will fall in love here. Proximity to VMFA, Carytown, and wide tree-lined avenues? Yes, please.
🕯 5. Garden Glow at Maymont | All October
The Vibe: Whimsical nighttime light installation. Why It Matters: Perfect for date nights and family adventures, this immersive light experience brings the gardens to life after dark.
🧛 6. Halloween on Hanover Avenue | October 31 | The Fan
The Vibe: RVA’s most legendary trick-or-treat street. Why It Matters: Hanover Ave turns into a movie set of spooky scenes, clever costumes, and thousands of trick-or-treaters. It’s a must-see. Real Estate Angle: This is The Fan at its finest — historic rowhomes, stunning porches, and a front-row seat to the best people-watching in town. For sellers, this event brings maximum foot traffic. For buyers, it shows the deep community spirit that makes this neighborhood iconic.
7. Armenian Food Festival | October 11–13 | St. James Armenian Church
The Vibe: Bold spices, rich culture, and mouthwatering meals. Why It Matters: A Richmond tradition for 65+ years, this event is a deep cultural immersion through food and music. Real Estate Angle: Nestled near Westhampton, this festival gives buyers a taste of the rich cultural heritage surrounding this upscale neighborhood. It's a reminder that behind every colonial facade is a community with story and soul.
⛳ 8. Dominion Energy Charity Classic (PGA Tour) | October 17–20 | Country Club of Virginia
The Vibe: Elite golf meets philanthropic giving. Why It Matters: A premier stop on the PGA Tour Champions, this event draws golf lovers and luxury seekers alike. Real Estate Angle: This is River Road luxury at its peak. Homes here back up to country clubs, lush greens, and private estates — perfect for high-level buyers looking for prestige, privacy, and lifestyle.
🏡 The Real Estate Takeaway: Richmond is More Than a City — It's a Series of Stories
Every October event tells a story — and every neighborhood reflects a different chapter in the Richmond lifestyle:
- The Fan: Vibrant, walkable, full of history and energy.
- Museum District: Refined, artistic, rich in architecture and culture.
- Westhampton & River Road: Luxurious, charming, and surrounded by timeless elegance.
These are not just places to visit — they’re places to live.
So whether you’re thinking of listing your historic rowhome, buying your next dream home near the golf course, or moving closer to the heart of RVA’s arts and food scene — October is the month to fall in love with Richmond all over again.
👋 Thinking of making a move?
Let’s connect. I live where I work — right in the Fan — and I’d love to help you discover which neighborhood feels like home to you.
