Gainesville’s Most Spooktacular October Attractions

Fall is finally upon us, and Gainesville has plenty of great events to offer this autumn. Whether you love a good scare at a haunted house or prefer to enjoy the sights and smells of the season in broad daylight — pumpkin-spiced everything is back! — here are some of the best things to do in our area this fall.

Haunted Laurianne Woods is one of our area’s spookiest attractions! Groups take their lives into their own hands walking along this haunted trail, passing the Laurianne Cemetery, the Children of the Great Pumpkin, and the Lair of the Spider Witch on the way. The haunted woods are open on October 21st, 27th, 28th, and 31st from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, a “No Scares Daytime Tour” is available for younger children on October 29th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to Haunted Laurianne Woods (located at 8233 Katie Lynn Court, Gainesville, VA 20155) is free, but donations are accepted for the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry.

Pick out the perfect pumpkin at the Yankey Farms Pumpkin Patch, located at 14039 Owls Nest Road in Nokesville! Kids can also enjoy farm activities like hay piles, corn boxes, and pedal tractors. The Yankey Farms Pumpkin Patch is open from September 24th through October 30th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The farm is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission to the farm itself is free; pumpkins cost 59 cents per pound.

If you dare, head to the Haunted Hollow, located at 8275 Maple Tree Lane in Warrenton. This unique haunted trail leads you through the many buildings of an abandoned farm — and you never know when ghosts, monsters, and other ghastly ghouls will pop out for a scare! The Haunted Hollow opens on September 29th and is open every Friday and Saturday night through October 28th; the attraction opens at dusk and stays open until 10 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person. Children under 13 are required to bring a parent or adult with them.

With more than 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, you won’t want to miss out on the selection at Burnside Farms (located at 4905 James Madison Highway in Haymarket). Pick up all the supplies you need to celebrate the season, including fresh mums, cider, apples, and other fall items! Check Burnside’s Facebook page for updated hours and dates.