10 TED Talk Thursdays: Listen and discuss the ideas of Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor on the topic, “My Stroke of Insight.” 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday at Edgeworth Park New Town, 5501 Discovery Park Boulevard. Free; to RSVP, email info@senioradvocateonline.com or call 724-7001.
9 Sunset ride: Enjoy the sunset along the Virginia Capitol Trail with the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists. 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, starting at Jamestown Settlement. Free.
8 Gala Dinner Dance: The W-JCC Community Action Agency celebrates 50 years with a buffet dinner, live entertainment, raffles and more. 6-10 p.m. Friday at 312 Waller Mill Road. $20, visit bit.ly/2zYQN45 for tickets.
7 Yorktown Fall Festival: The special Yorktown Market Days event returns with children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, live music and seasonal goodies for purchase. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverwalk Landing. Free admission.
6 ECW AutoFest: The car show’s fourth year welcomes all makes and models, with special categories highlighting European classics, domestic cars and more. Proceeds benefit the VCU Pauley Heart Center and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Williamsburg Jamestown Airport, 100 Marclay Drive. Free spectating, $20 to register vehicle in advance and $25 at the gate. For more info, visit bit.ly/2Nub9G3.
5 Birthday of the U.S. Navy: Historical interpreters explore different eras in U.S. naval history in honor the branch’s 243rd birthday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. Included with museum admission; visit marinersmuseum.org for more info.
4 Howl-O-Scream: As Halloween draws near, the Busch Gardens’ fright fest’s haunted houses, scare zones, escape rooms and more celebrate the season. 6-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Busch Gardens. Included with park admission.
3 Virginia Archaeology Month celebration: Special programming explores Jamestown’s history and the significance of archaeology, including hands-on activities, demonstrations and lectures. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Historic Jamestowne. Included with paid admission; visit historicjamestowne.org or call 856-1250 for more info.
2 Canine Carnival: Bring your dogs out for free caricatures, costume contests, wiener dog races, pet vendors and more. 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Waller Mill Park. $2 per vehicle; visit bit.ly/2OPEijW for a complete schedule.
1 Haunting on DoG Street: Colonial Williamsburg’s Halloween makeover returns for the fourth year, featuring events such as witch trials, interactive ghost stories and trick-or-treating along Duke of Gloucester Street. Daily Monday through Oct. 31 at Colonial Williamsburg. Event tickets available at bit.ly/2RxUzIF or by calling 855-296-6627.
