There are lots of fun family events in October and plenty of Halloween events too. Check out our listings below. Let us know of others so we can add them to our calendar. And be sure and check out our Monthly Calendar of events too. Click here to access that listing.

Our monthly calendar is also always easily accessible on the right-hand side of our website!

Friday, October 19th

CSI for Young Mystery Writers. 3:30pm-8pm.  Virginia Commonwealth University, Dept. of Forensic Science Lab. Hands-on workshop will explore investigative techniques used by crime-solving professionals. Mystery writers age 12 to 15 will learn writing techniques from award-winning mystery novelist Marcia Talley and investigative techniques from VCU Department of Forensic Science faculty members. To register, visit www.literaryva.com or 356-1928.  Fee.

Kindness Girl.  4pm-5:30pm.  Sweet Spot, West Broad Village, 2228 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060.  Sweet Spot is taking part in The Magic Wand Project for Kids.  They’ll have the supplies to make the wands and the kids can take them and hide them all over Richmond.  Attached the the wands are an invitation to do three acts of kindness and then hide the wands for someone else to find and for them to perform three acts of kindness and so the magic continues as they spread kindness throughout town.  Call to sign up 804.360.7768.  Free.

Target $1 Family Night.  5:30-7pm.  Children’s Museum – Central.  Bring the whole family to enjoy the museum’s exhibits and activities for only $1 each thanks to a generous donation from Target! Only at CMoR Central.  Note: For the safety of all visitors, the museum requires a ratio of one adult for every five children.

LiveSky: Rock Songs from Space!  6pm.  “Rocket Man”, “Dark Side of the Moon”, and “Walking On The Sun” are just some of the many rock songs that involve the out-of-this world subject of space! Join us as we explore the science behind these songs! After the show, weather permitting, join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society as they point telescopes up into the vastness of space! $5, free for Museum members.

Free Movie at Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market.  Starts around 7pm.  Free face painting, hayrides, hot chocolate, apple cider and popcorn.  This week – Disney’s ‘ The Adventure of Ichabod & Mr Toad’.  Free.

Things That Go Bump In The Night – Henricus Historical Park – Date TBD, 7-9 p.m. Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts and legendary tales as storytellers relive old English legends and folklore. Visit the website at www.Henricus.org or call 804-748-1613.

Saturday, October 20th

Autumn Leaf Rambler.  3.5 hour round trip by train to New Canton.  Train departs from Buckingham Branch Station, 1043 Main street, Highway US 15, Dillwyn, VA 23936 (90 minutes from Richmond).  Hosted by the Old Dominion Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc. 804.231.4324.  Fee.

Create Your Own Book: A Workshop for Kids. 10am-11:30am. Henrico Public Library, Tuckahoe Branch, 1901 Starling Dr., Richmond. Richmond author and educator Kathryn Starke will lead a workshop for aspiring authors ages six to nine at Tuckahoe Area Library. Participants will turn their story ideas into an illustrated, bound book. All materials provided. Free.

Midlothian Village Day Festival.  10am-3pm.  Midlothian Middle School, 13501 Midlothian Turnpike.  The Festival is a community day filled with fun activities for the whole family. There will be crafters, community booths, games, inflatables, entertainment, food vendors, a raffle, silent auction and more!

Swift Creek Berry Farm Fall Festival.  Bring a picnic and blanket adn enjoy a straw maze, pumpkin painting, cornhole, tic tac toe, pumpkins, gourds and hot apple cider.  804.739.2037.

Made by Me: Fall Expressions.  10:15-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs, Kids Programs,.  Fee.

Stories at the Museum.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Historical Society.  Explore American History with arts and crafts and the reading of a children’s history book.  This months theme – Famous Americans.  Open to children of all ages.  Free.

Historic Tours of Mid-Lothian Mines.  11am-3pm.   Mid-Lothian Mines Park, 13301 N. Woolridge Road.  Learn about the vast mining history of Midlothian. Join us for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed headstock and amphitheater at 1 p.m. Various musical performances will be held at the amphitheater throughout the day. The headstock is a full replica of the Middle Shaft Mine that once stood in the exact location years ago. Activities include living-history demonstrations, period music, children’s games and guided walking tours. Shuttle bus will transport from Midlothian library to event site. Event is offered in conjunction with Midlothian Village Day.  Free.

Harvest Festival.  Noon-4pm.  Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park.  Visit historic 19th-century Meadow Farm and enjoy this annual day of exciting and traditional harvest time festivities. The Harvest Festival will feature many hands-on activities and demonstrations depicting typical homemaking and farming tasks of the era. Some of these exciting activities include cider making, candle dipping, cornhusk doll making, corn shelling, blacksmithing, woodworking, and a natural dye demonstration. Children ages 3-12 can pick their very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at Meadow Farm. Groove to the funky sound of local band Stonebrook Moon Shine on the main stage as well as performances by Barbara Martin.  Rain date: Sun, Oct 21st.

Things That Go Bump In The Night – Henricus Historical Park – Date TBD, 7-9 p.m. Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts and legendary tales as storytellers relive old English legends and folklore. Visit the website at www.Henricus.org or call 804-748-1613.

Kids Night Out at Romp n Roll.  5pm-8pm.  Romp n’ Roll West End, 9677 W. Broad St. Glen Allen VA 23060.  Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! That’s why we created Kids Night Out. Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a Pizza Party dinner at Romp n’ Roll! A perfect evening indeed! $30, which includes a pizza dinner. Ages 2-5 (potty-training not required). Reservations Required.

Saturday, October 20th – Sunday, October 21st

Central Virginia Celtic Festival and Highland Games.  Richmond International Raceway Complex. Two full days of traditional dance, live music, Highland games competition, clan tents and vendors.  Fee.

Sunday, October 21st

Corn Husk Doll Making. 1pm-3pm. Meadow Farm Museum.  Stores sold dolls in 1860, but with corn plentiful back then, children often made whole families of cornhusk dolls. Learn the technique and make your own cornhusk doll. For ages 5+. Free.

Howl-O-Ween Family Fest and Dog Costume Contest.  1pm-3pm.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Enjoy family activities including a magic show, pumpkin painting, balloon creations, Radio Disney and more!  Free.

Ghostbusters. 1:30pm. The Byrd Theatre, Carytown. Tickets: $6 donation in advance $8 at door. Advance tickets available at Chop Suey, Play N  Trade, World Of Mirth, For The Love Of Chocolate, Murphies, Yapple. Presented by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Tuesday, October 23rd

How To Alienate Your Teen (Parents of children 13-18 years).  6:30pm-8:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

La Leche League Mother-to-Mother Breastfeeding Support.  7pm.  Mount Vernon Baptist Church.  Find more information on Facebook at La Leche League of Richmond.

Dadchat (Men only).  7pm-9pm.  Facilitated by Commonwealth Parenting.  Free.

October 23rd- October 25th

Kids Layne – Overstock Sale.  Bon Air Community Center. Brand New Never Before Seen Boutique Children’s Clothing Sizes 0-16. Select items 50% off on Thursday Oct 25th. NEW Castles & Crowns Trunks, NEW Baby clothes & items, NEW shoes, NEW smocked clothing & more.

Wednesday, October 24th

Nobody Told Me (All Moms).  9:30am-11:30am.  Facilitated by Commonwealth Parenting.  Free.

Cesarean Birth.  10am-11:30am.  Hip To Be Round.   Whether you choose to schedule it or it is the last thing you want, take 90 minutes to explore your ideas about it. Practical and emotional preparation will allow you to greet this experience with preparedness, excitement, and on your own terms. Fee: $25. Read about the YOUR CESAREAN course objectives here: http://yourbirthexperience.com/workshop, contact: selena@yourbirthexperience.com 804.855.4388.

Thursday, October 25th

Children’s Storytime. 10:30am.  Barnes and Noble Short Pump, 11640 W. Broad St. Richmond. Every Thursday in October.  Free.

Confederacy and the World: A Themed Tour of the White House. 11:15am-12:15pm. The White House of the Confederacy, 1201 E. Clay St., Richmond. A themed tour that will discuss Confederate foreign policy and diplomacy.  Fee.

Kindergarten Information Fair. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Parents of rising kindergartners can get information form 9 area private schools all in one evening! For a list of participating schools and to pre-register, visit http://richmondwaldorf.com/events.htm.

Friday, October 26th

The 15th Annual Pumpkin Festival Trick or Treat Night.  5pm.  Gayton Crossing Shopping Center.  A children’s costume parade, led by a Fire Truck and band, in advance of the kids getting free candy treats from each Merchant. While Trick or Treating they will be entertained by Jonathan Austin, Brad Matchett, the Virginia Patriots, Shrine Clowns and Nutzy. There will also be a Celebrity Pumpkin Carving Contest at Martin’s! Remote broadcast on the River and Melissa Chase will be the Grand Marshall of the parade.

Monster Mash.  6pm-9pm.  Dorey Recreation Center.  Ghosts and goblins will haunt Dorey Recreation Center for this fun family event! Take a trip down the spooky trail provided by the Varina High School Key Club, if you dare! Do the monster mash to rocking music, create creepy crafts, play side-splitting contests and games, and dress to impress for a one-of-a-kind costume contest at 8pm.  For All Ages.

Free Movie at Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market.  Starts around 7pm.  Free face painting, hayrides, hot chocolate, apple cider and popcorn.  This week – ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’.  Free.

Haunted Lantern Tours.   Scheduled tours on the hour, 7pm – 10pm.  Magnolia Grange 10020 Iron Bridge Road.  Spend an evening at Magnolia Grange and discover the haunting history of Chesterfield. Take a guided tour of the house and grounds and hear ghost stories from long ago. Talk to Paranormal Investigators and learn what they have discovered at the site. This program will be fun for the entire family. Children’s take-home activities provided. Refreshments will be served.  To register, visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com and use PayPal.  Fee.

Saturday, October 27th

Call Federal Junior Marathon.  Byrd Park, 600 S. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230.  Calling all kiddos! We’ve got a new, hip, fun running event (yes, we promise running can be fun!) just for you and your friends and classmates. You can choose between a 0.5-mile, 1-mile, or 2-mile course through Richmond’s scenic Byrd Park. The Call Federal Credit Union Marathon Jr. is part of the Anthem Richmond Marathon.  All participating children will receive a special Marathon Junior T-shirt, a finisher medal, and post-race food. Fee.

Liberty Christian School Country Fair.  9am-3pm. Liberty Christian School, Located on Rt. 360 across from Kroger in Mechanicsville, about 2 miles east of Lee Davis High School.  Family fun events include: Country Store (featuring baked goods, fall plants, crafts) live and silent auctions (the live auction will feature 3 vehicles!), indoor Holiday Craft Bazaar, yard sale, games, inflatables, great food, and more! Rain or Shine. Holiday Craft Bazaar vendors needed-$30 per space. Email libertychristianchurch@comcast.net for vendor application. All proceeds benefit Liberty Christian School.

Spooky Party!  10am-4pm.  CMoR Central, CMoR Short Pump and CMoR Chesterfield.  Celebrate Halloween a few days early by putting on your Halloween costume, and coming out to any CMoR location for fun Halloween activities, and spooky art projects!  Free with regular museum admission.

Pumpkin “Chuck”.  10am-3pm. Ashwood Gardens & Nursery, 11374 Ashcake Road, Ashland.  Food, Drinks, mini carnival games, face painting, hayrides, corn maze, and of course,  the pumpkin catapult!  The sponsor chunk is at 10:30, and there will  be additional  “chunks” qt 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30.  All proceeds benefit Hanover ARC.  Rain or Shine.

Pumpkin Carving Party.  11am-Noon.  Eastern Henrico Recreation Center.  Create a spooktacular jack o’lantern. Bring the entire family to paint or carve a pumpkin to keep the ghouls and goblins away this Halloween. Pumpkins, patterns, and all other materials will be provided. For ages 4+. Registration of a paying adult is required with participants under 18.  Fee.

Richmond Symphony Union First Market Bank LolliPops: Peter and the Wolf.  11am.  Richmond Center Stage.  Pre-concert festival begins at 10am.   Prokofiev’s timeless musical tale of boy vs. wolf comes to life in this fully-staged, vaudeville-inspired solo performance hailed by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “immensely like-able” and “using simplicity as a form of genius.” Guaranteed to engage and inspire imaginations of all ages.  Fee.

Halloween Storytime.  11am.  Barnes & Noble Short Pump.  A special Halloween Storytime in the Children’s Department.  A reading of ‘The Monster’s Monster’ by Patrick McDonnell and arts and crafts activity. Kids, be sure to wear your Halloween costume! Free.

Scarytown Trick or Treating.  Noon-5pm.  Carytown.  Look for the “pumpkin” in the merchant’s window that says “come in for Scarytown treats”. They have agreed to participate in Scarytown safe trick or treating.  Visit the website for more information on contests and parking.  Free.

Celebrate Halloween at Martin’s.  Noon-4pm.  Kids come dressed in your favorite costume and receive a free bag and treat (while supplies last).

Goochland County Fall Festival.  Noon-4pm.  Goochland Sports Complex.  Free Concert by local Michelle Nixon & Drive. Crafts, Halloween Costume Contest, Petting Zoo, Food, Pony Rides, Carnival Games, and more.  Free Admission.

Elko Community Center Grand Re-Opening.  1pm-4pm.  Elko Community Center.  Built in 1924 the community center was the meeting place for the Windsor Club of Elko. During World War II the Elko community gained some historical significance when the United States military converted part of the Elko Tract into a decoy airfield in an effort to secure Byrd Airport. Connect with the Elko community by celebrating the re-opening of this historical community center. Take a tour of the newly renovated facility, listen to the harmonious tunes of Churchyard Grass, and participate in activities for the whole family!

Westchester Commons Halloween Festival.  1pm-3pm. WestchesterCommons, 201 Perimeter Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113.  A children’s costume contest, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, games, crafts & more! The first 200 kids will receive a free pumpkin! Come check us out at the village green, located between McAlister’s Deli & Plaza Azteca.

Halloween Costume Contest.  1:30-2:30pm.  Sweet Spot, West Broad Village, 2228 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060.  Prizes for Most Original Costume, Sweetest Costume, and Spookest Costume.

Kidgits Spooktacular.  5pm-8pm.  Virginia Center Commons Mall, JC Penny Food Court.  Wear your cool costume and join us at this free event for a costume contest, cupcake decorating, and a special appearance by Radio Disney. Don’t forget your free Trick-or-Treat Bag compliments of The Hub and FREE KRE-O Bumblebee Transformer (limit one per family, while supplies last). It’s sure to be a howlin’ good time!

Meadow Farm’s Hauntings and Spooky Stories.  7pm & 8pm.  Meadow Farm Museum.  Halloween is nearly here. Thoughts are turning towards ghosts and spooky tales. Join in the fun around the campfire as storytellers spin tales of hauntings and strange happenings. For all ages.  Free.

Sunday, October 28th

Goblins and Gourds.  1pm-4pm.  Celebrate harvest-time in the Children’s Garden with a live concert by the Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra, pumpkin painting, costumes and fun for the whole family. It’s a great chance to get outside and enjoy the beauty and colors of the season.  Live concert by Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra (RIGO), including an impromptu parade around the Children’s Garden (RIGO will also bring their “gourd petting zoo”).  Pumpkin painting and other activities: kids can paint a pumpkin to take home (while supplies last), stuff and unstuff scarecrows and much more!  Free with Regular Garden admission.

Squirrel-o-ween.  2pm-6pm.  The Treehouse.  Nutzy and the Richmond Flying Squirrels invite you to to their second annual Squirrel-o-ween! Kids can “trick or treat” for candy from each suite, dress up for a costume contest, and make fun crafts! We’ll also have a live band, a hayride and the kids can even meet Nutzy and Parker! This FUNN event is FREE for the whole family! Call 804-359-FUNN(3866) or visit www.squirrelsbaseball.com for more information.

Romp n’ Roll Halloween Bash.  4:30 – 6:30pm.  All 3 Richmond-area locations.  Mummy and Daddy, bring your little pumpkins to Romp n’ Roll this Halloween for a not-so-scary good time. Join us for crafts, games, raffles, and gym play.  Fun for the whole family!  We encourage everyone to dress up but, please, no glitter or restricting costumes.  $10 per child or $20 per family.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is required.  Last year’s event sold out quickly, so call 420-4100 to reserve your space!