Pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Virginia: agritourism liability protection

What the cited source says

The definition names recreational, entertainment, educational, harvest-your-own, and natural activities, but does not specifically list pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, or hayrides.

Human content review

There is no attorney or subject-matter expert review recorded for this guide. The person responsible for this guide, its completed human content-review date, and its next review due date are not recorded.

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Official sources

Code of Virginia Title 3.2, Chapter 64 — Agritourism Activity Liability

Code of Virginia Title 3.2, Chapter 64

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Retrieved August 13, 2026

Virginia official source · Local rules not included

Important conditions

Actual activity facts, warnings, traffic, fire, temporary structures, food, sanitation, and local permits.

Relevant provisions

Named activitiesThe definition includes farming, wineries, ranching, horseback riding, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own, natural activities, and attractions on a farm or ranch. Va. Code § 3.2-6400

Liability ruleSubject to exceptions, the chapter addresses injury or death resulting from inherent risks when the warning is posted and requires the professional to plead assumption of risk as an affirmative defense. § 3.2-6401(A)

ExceptionsThe chapter identifies negligence or willful or wanton disregard, known dangerous land/facility/equipment conditions or animal propensities not disclosed, and intentional injury. § 3.2-6401(B)

Warning signThe sign goes at the entrance and activity site, uses black letters at least one inch high, and contains the prescribed notice. § 3.2-6402(A)-(B)

ContractsWritten contracts for professional services, instruction, or equipment rental must contain the notice in clearly readable print. § 3.2-6402(A)

What this source does not answer

The source does not decide whether a particular place is a farm or ranch or whether the activity meets every definition.
It does not replace food, alcohol, lodging, animal, transportation, building, fire, accessibility, insurance, or local rules.
No case law or fact-specific contract analysis was reviewed.

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What to check next

Traffic and parking
Fire and temporary structures
Food and sanitation requirements
Local event permits

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