The phrase identifies a category of public and private activities occurring in a specific Virginia city during the period surrounding October 31st. These activities typically encompass a range of options, from family-friendly gatherings such as trick-or-treating and pumpkin patches to more adult-oriented events like haunted houses and costume parties. The geographical element limits the scope to happenings within the Newport News area.
Participation in these seasonal programs offers opportunities for community engagement and social interaction. They stimulate the local economy through tourism and patronage of businesses providing related goods and services. Historically, the celebration of Halloween has evolved from ancient harvest festivals and beliefs about the supernatural, now manifested in contemporary forms of entertainment and cultural expression.