Posted by Bailey Wilson

Things to do in October in Sandbridge

Experience the best of October in Sandbridge Beach, VA, with a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, fall festivals, and coastal charm. Enjoy scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, beach walks, family-friendly activities, art shows, and seasonal events along the shore. 

if you're thinking of visiting Virginia Beach in October, here are the top things to do in Sandbridge this fall!

Updated for 2026


Virginia Beach Pumpkin Patches

Hunt Club Farm in Sandbridge hosts its popular Harvest Fair, featuring pumpkin patch fun, tractor-pulled hayrides, a farm market, and a petting farm for the whole family. Adventure seekers can tackle the treewalk or dive into the giant straw pile, while weekend festivities include delicious seasonal treats, a live DJ, and games. 

Perfect for families and fall lovers alike, the Harvest Fair offers endless autumn fun and memorable experiences in Sandbridge, VA.

Cullipher Farm’s pumpkin patch in Sandbridge is the ultimate destination for a fall family outing. Spanning 15–17 acres and featuring 25 varieties of pumpkins and gourds in every color, shape, and size, it’s perfect for kids and adults to explore, pick their favorite pumpkins, and capture festive autumn photos. Clean, colorful, and abundant, Cullipher Farm offers a must-visit fall experience and seasonal fun in Sandbridge, VA.


Halloween in Sandbridge Beach

Where to Trick or Treat in Sandbridge and Virginia Beach

Celebrate Halloween with the Friends of the Virginia Beach Mounted Police at their annual Trunk or Treat on October 24 from 4–8 PM! Dress up in your favorite costume and head to the barn for an evening of treats, Halloween fun, and a chance to see the barn decked out for spooky season. A Sensory Friendly session will also be offered from 3–4 PM before the main event begins.

Celebrate Halloween with an adventure in the forest during Trick or Treat in the Trees at Owl Creek Landing, happening Saturdays and Sundays throughout October from 12–2 PM! Kids can dress in costume and collect candy from trick-or-treat stations tucked along the trails, throughout the Treehouse Village, and even up in the trees. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and free with paid general admission, making it a fun way to add a little Halloween magic to a day of outdoor exploring.

Halloween Events

Celebrate spooky season at the Witch of Pungo Festival on October 17 from 11 AM–3 PM at Blue Pete’s, honoring the legendary Grace Sherwood with family-friendly fun, food, and entertainment. Enjoy seasonal dishes, Witch of Pungo Pumpkin Ale, live DJ music, kids’ activities, and readings by local medium Erin Renvylle. This free, public event is a lively way to experience a unique piece of Pungo and Virginia Beach history.

Haunted Hunt Club Farm’s Festival of Fear returns every weekend in October, with additional Wednesday and Thursday nights beginning October 14. The scares run from 6:30–11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 6:30–10:30 PM on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Head to Virginia Beach for a full night of Halloween thrills featuring four terrifying haunted attractions, including the Haunted Hayride. Recommended for teens and adults, children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult, while kids 7 and under can enter free.

Get your costume ready for Baja Restaurant’s annual Halloween Party on October 30 at 8 PM! Dress to impress and enter the costume contest for a chance to win cash prizes, then spend the night enjoying live music from Gravity. Grab your friends, get creative with your costumes, and celebrate Halloween with a night out at one of Sandbridge’s favorite local spots.

The Wicked 10K is Virginia Beach’s largest Halloween-themed race from October 30th - 31st, 2026, featuring a flat and fast 6.2-mile course along the oceanfront! Participants enjoy spooky course entertainment, a post-race celebration with beer and food, and receive a technical race shirt and unique finisher medal. The race starts at 8:00 AM on 19th Street by the Virginia Beach Convention Center and finishes on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.


Sandbridge October Events

The Harvest Fair, open daily from September 26–November 1, offers the ultimate fall experience for families. Enjoy a giant pumpkin patch, petting farm, scenic hayrides, treewalk adventure, and a massive straw pile, plus weekend extras like tasty treats, games, and a live DJ. Admission is $18 per person (ages 2 and under are free) and includes the petting farm, treewalk, and unlimited hayrides!

For a family-friendly fall day trip from Sandbridge, the Virginia Children’s Festival is well worth the short drive. Held on October 3, 2026 at Town Point Park along the downtown Norfolk waterfront, this lively festival features more than 100 interactive activities designed especially for kids—think hands-on workshops, live performances, storytelling, cultural experiences, and even costumed characters. It’s the perfect way to mix a beach getaway with a fun, high-energy outing for families, offering something engaging for children of all ages while still capturing that relaxed, coastal fall vibe.

For a perfect fall outing just a short drive from Sandbridge, the Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival is a must. Held October 17–18, 2026 at Town Point Park along the downtown Norfolk waterfront, this beloved event brings together more than 25 of Virginia’s top wineries, offering tastings of over 200 wines in a scenic riverside setting.

The 70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show takes place October 9–11, 2026, along the Virginia Beach boardwalk, featuring over 160 juried artists showcasing fine art and contemporary crafts. The free event also includes family-friendly activities, a Liquid Art Beer Garden, and donation-based yoga sessions.

The International Sandsculpting Championship, part of Virginia Beach’s Neptune Festival, features intricate sculptures created by world-class artists from around the globe. Running September 25 to October 4, 2026, the event is held at the Oceanfront between 6th and 8th Streets and includes free sand sculpting clinics for visitors. 

Celebrate fall at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum’s Pig & Oyster Fest on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This annual gathering brings the community together in support of the museum, with plenty of coastal flavor and a lively atmosphere right along the Oceanfront. Held at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum at 24th Street and Atlantic Avenue, it’s a great addition to a fall Sandbridge getaway and a chance to support the preservation of Virginia Beach’s coastal history.


More Sandbridge October Fun

Oysters

October in Sandbridge, VA, is the perfect time to celebrate oyster season, featuring the state shell of Virginia—the oyster! Enjoy a classic Sandbridge fall activity with an oyster roast, whether you join a local event or host your own, and savor the fresh, briny flavors of Virginia oysters while taking in the crisp autumn coastal air

Sandbridge Beach, VA, is a premier fishing destination near Virginia Beach, offering something for every angler—from pier and surf fishing to freshwater, inshore, and offshore charters, as well as crabbing and shrimping adventures. Perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels, Sandbridge Beach allows visitors to catch their own fresh seafood and enjoy it at home or at local restaurants, making it a top fall activity on the Virginia coast.

Sandbridge, VA, offers miles of scenic hiking trails and walking paths, from the wildlife-rich Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the pristine beaches and forests of False Cape State Park. With routes ranging from easy, family-friendly loops to longer treks, Sandbridge trails provide opportunities for birdwatching, exploring coastal marshes and dunes, and enjoying stunning ocean and nature views, making it a top destination for outdoor activities in Virginia Beach.

Go seashell hunting at Sandbridge Beach, one of the best spots near Virginia Beach for shell collecting, especially during low tide around a full or new moon or after a storm. Discover whelks, olive shells, and the rare Scotch Bonnet, and for the best finds, explore the quieter northern stretches of the beach or areas near fallen trees where shells often gather.

Where to Stay in Sandbridge Beach in October


Planning your fall escape to Sandbridge means finding the perfect home base to relax after a day of exploring scenic trails, attending harvest events, or walking the quiet shoreline. Sandbridge Blue has you covered with over 100 exceptional vacation rentals right here in Sandbridge Beach — from cozy coastal cottages and spacious family beach houses to luxurious oceanfront properties with private pools and hot tubs. 

With 100+ carefully managed Sandbridge homes to choose from, including options that sleep large groups or provide pet-friendly amenities, you’ll find the ideal rental to make your October getaway truly special. Best of all, Sandbridge Blue’s team takes care of the little details — like linens, keyless entry, and all-inclusive pricing — so you can focus on soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the season.

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