UVA Hosts Annual Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn

Approximately 70 organizations decorated Lawn rooms to welcome Charlottesville families for Halloween night.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy

Warm dusk view of a green lawn in front of red-brick pavilions with white columns, windows glowing with pumpkins and orange lanterns. — The University of Virginia hosted its annual Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn on Saturday, Oct. 31, as about 70 organizations welcomed Charlottesville families. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The University of Virginia hosted its annual Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn event on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. Organizations decorated the 54 Lawn rooms and South Lawn to welcome local children.

Why it matters

The event is designed to serve the greater Charlottesville community, giving families a safe, organized way to trick-or-treat on Halloween night. It reflects the University's long-running ties to the city.

Roughly 70 organizations supplied decorations and treats across 54 Lawn rooms and the South Lawn for the two-hour event. Candy was funded primarily from a Student Affairs fund, with additional donations from the Honor Committee, Virginia Women's Club and secret societies.

The players

University of Virginia

A public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and home to the Lawn residential community.

Ava Wolsborn

A fourth-year College student who serves as senior resident of the Lawn and oversaw the event's logistics.

The details

Lawn residents and student organizations opened their doors to local children collecting candy, while Housing and Residence Life, University Police, volunteer EMS and Student Affairs provided safety and volunteer support. Ava Wolsborn, senior resident of the Lawn and a fourth-year College student, oversaw logistics.

Oct. 31, 1987: The University held the first Lawn Halloween trick-or-treating event.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026: The event ran from 5 to 7 p.m.

Philanthropy Roots

The Lawn, laid out under Thomas Jefferson's 1819 plan, has long housed students who host community activities. This Halloween event extends that tradition by directing student organization resources toward Charlottesville families.

Charlottesville families with children can attend future Lawn trick-or-treating events hosted on Halloween night. The event is free for local children who come to collect candy from decorated rooms.

The takeaway

Community-focused events like this one show how university residents and student groups can channel their resources toward local families. Residents interested in similar local giving can look to organizations already active in Charlottesville.