With autumn in full swing, and Halloween (and even Thanksgiving) fast approaching, it’s not hard finding seasonal events in the area. Perhaps a corn maze or haunted house will ruffle your turkey feathers. Maybe taking the young princess or goblin out trick-or-treating would better suite the family.

Blacksburg will be kicking off Halloween day with its carnival at the Farmer’s Market. Ghost tours, a double monster slide, and a haunted house will be on display to go with several interesting contests. Live music and food will be served from 4 - 8 p.m. The Lyric Theatre, located at 135 College Ave, will host a costume contest and free music, starting at 5 p.m. for all ages.

A kids’ carnival will be available at the Blacksburg Community Center from 6 - 8 p.m. for $2. Games, prizes and trick-or-treating are offered for those 12 and under. However, earlier in the day, trick-or-treating will start during the festival downtown from 4-5:30 at the merchant shops.

From 5 - 7 p.m., The New River Valley Mall is catering to kids for a trick-or-treat adventure through the malls stores.

Radford is currently underway with Kid’s Month, where children are invited to hang out during the next two Saturday’s leading up to Halloween. Starting Oct. 18, it’s movie matinee night from 3 - 5 p.m. The next Saturday, Oct. 25, a kid’s craft activity will start at 10 a.m. lasting until 12:30 p.m. On Halloween, the town of Radford will hold a “Trick-or-Treat Trail” through Main Street starting at 3 p.m. All events will be held at the Radford Farmer’s Market Lot.

Just down the road, the town of Pulaski will also hold a Halloween Treat Trail, with theirs starting at 3:30 p.m. in downtown Pulaski. Hey kids, tell your folks that if they do the timing just right, you can hit all the trick-or-treat activities and have enough goodies to last for a month or more.

A great hot spot, for fall enthusiasts is the Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Festival. Located off exit 114 around Riner, Sinkland Farms has created a spacious farm for family entertainment every weekend in October. Its large pumpkin field entices the young and old to find the perfect plump pumpkin to take home.

Every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday 1 - 8 p.m., the corn maze will be open for all those who dare. Live music from various local bands, face painting, hayrides, arts and crafts, and barn animals are just a few lively activities at this country pit stop. Refreshments, hot food, and home baked goods will be on sale.

A bit outside the NRV, Layman Family Farms offers a similar corn maze and farm adventure. Boasting Frank Beamer as the collage for their corn maze, those who enter the take on the daunting task of covering the Beamerball field. Clues to get out of the maze are found at scarecrow pit stops. Every Friday - Sunday, through Nov. 9 you can enjoy one of Bedford’s premiere family farm treasures.

Floyd Ghost Tours are being offered every weekend for those who yield such courage. Beginning at 7 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1, Floyd Ghost Tours will show you those fearful spirits are still at unrest. To participate, go to Black Water Loft, at 117 S. Locust Street, Floyd.

With leaves changing their colors and the fresh smell of wood burning, fall offers seasonal warmth for entertainment in much of the area. All sorts of activities are happening throughout your community; get involved and bask in the last days of warm temperatures before the descent of winter restricts outdoor plans.

And do you know of other Halloween or fall events? Let us know! Either comment below our send us an e-mail to calendar(at)newrivervoice.com. We want to know about all the seasonal events going on in the NRV.

Wheatley Stefan is an autumn enthusiast and intern for the New River Voice.