Fall at the Rivah brings cooler days, fresh finds at local markets, and festivals that celebrate our waterfront communities. Here’s what’s coming up across Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, Gloucester, and Mathews counties.
Make a morning of the farmers markets
A market stroll is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fall here. Pick up something local, grab a bite, and spend a little more time exploring the town.
- Irvington Farmers Market — October 3 and November 7, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Browse produce, prepared foods, and handmade goods at the Irvington Town Commons.
- White Stone Street Market — October 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Visit the season’s final scheduled market along Rappahannock Drive.
- Gloucester Farmers Market — October 10, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The market at historic Ware Church runs on the second Saturday of the month through October.
- Mathews Farmers Market — Saturdays through October, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Stop by the Courthouse Green for a weekly taste of Mathews.
If you’ve enjoyed the Urbanna Farmers Market at Taber Park this year, mark it for next spring: its published 2026 schedule ended September 12.
Lancaster County: Fall days in Kilmarnock and White Stone
Kilmarnock Fall Festival | October 10–11
Spend a day at Town Centre Park enjoying live entertainment, local shopping, food, and family activities.
Pair the festival with a walk through downtown Kilmarnock, or plan a separate October morning around White Stone’s final street market.
Candy For Kids – Trick or Treat Event
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 5–7 PM | White Stone, VA
Come see us at 608 Rappahannock Drive for a treat!
Taste on the Point | November 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Head to Windmill Point Marina in White Stone for an afternoon of Virginia wine, craft beer and cider, food, live music, and artisan shopping by the water. This ticketed event is the successor to the longtime Taste by the Bay celebration. See event details and tickets.
Middlesex County: From airfield to oyster festival
Wings, Wheels & Keels | September 26, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Head to Hummel Airfield in Topping to see aircraft, automobiles, and boats, with food and craft vendors on site.
The Great Scarecrow Show-Off | October 1–30
Take a stroll through Urbanna to see the scarecrows created by local businesses. It’s an easy outing to pair with lunch or an afternoon exploring town.
Urbanna Oyster Festival | November 6–7
Celebrate one of the area’s best-known traditions with oysters, music, parades, and the Virginia State Oyster Shucking Contest.
Northumberland County: A fall festival and time on the water
Fall Festival at Northumberland Public Library | October 17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Add this Heathsville community event to your October plans.
Sail aboard the Claud W. Somers | October 10 and 24
See Reedville from the water on a two-hour cruise aboard the historic skipjack, departing from the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. Reservations are recommended, and passengers must be at least 10 years old.
Gloucester County: Celebrate working-water heritage
Guinea Jubilee | September 25–26
This Gloucester tradition honors the people and working-water heritage of Guinea Neck with a two-day community celebration.
Touch-A-Truck | November 1, noon–4 p.m.
Bring the kids to the Old Page Grounds for a chance to see vehicles up close.
Mathews County: Meet the makers
Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour | November 27–29
Travel through Mathews County, visit artists in their studios, and discover handmade gifts along the way. The tour continues December 5–6.
From a quick farmers market visit to a whole weekend in Urbanna, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season close to home. Check each organizer’s latest details before heading out, then take the scenic route—fall is a lovely time to explore the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
