Whether they want not-so-scary fun or the fright of their lives, Washington, DC is jam-packed with Halloween activities geared to all ages (and spook levels!)
Why reserve Halloween activities for Oct. 31 when you can celebrate all month long? There are plenty of opportunities to wear your costume this October, from Halloween parades, not-so-spooky dance parties, trick-or-treating (and trunk-or-treating) events, and costume competitions. Beyond disguise-preferred events, there are a number of activities and festivals that celebrate the Halloween spirit, like ghoulish golf, photo ops with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, and—for those brave enough—a scream-your-heart-out haunted house.
Whether you’re looking for frights or not-so-scary activities, we’ve rounded up the best spooktacular events and boo-rific activities in the DMV to celebrate Halloween during the entire month of October. Happy Halloween!
Free Halloween Events around Washington, DC in October
Air & Scare
The annual Air & Scare and the Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center is a Halloween highlight for many DC families. They have everything from Star Wars to Boo Blasters. Admission is free, but be sure to reserve your ticket before you go (tickets will be posted early October). Costumes are welcome outside only.
Cost: Free
Oct. 29
14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy.
Chantilly, VA
Online: airandspace.si.edu
Montgomery Village’s Pumpkin Race & Fall Festival
Get ready to get crafty at this annual event in Montgomery Village. Contestants are asked to bring their pre-decorated pumpkins (complete with wheels) to test their pumpkin race car’s speed at The Great Pumpkin Race. Anyone can enter and the rules are simple: attach wheels with an independent axis to a pumpkin and you’re ready to go (no weights, motors, or pyrotechnics allowed). Those that don’t follow the rules face the hammer! This event also features food, music and children’s activities.
Cost: Free
Oct. 8
20215 Arrowhead Rd.
Montgomery, MD
Online: montgomeryvillage.com
Hilloween
For over 20 years, Halloween has been celebrated on Capitol Hill with DC’s largest Halloween festival, Hilloween. There will be music (and dancing!), pumpkin carving, costume contests and more.
Cost: Free
Oct. 28
7th St. NW, Eastern Market
Washington, DC
Online: hilloweendc.com
Insider Tip: For more free events, check out our guide to trunk-or-treating and local parades below.
Related: Aw Shucks! The Absolute Best Corn Mazes to Get Lost In
Not-So-Spooky Halloween-Themed Events around Washington, DC in October
Halloween Safari
The Bull Runs Mountain Conservancy has been running their Halloween Safari for over 20 year. Join the Conservancy for a not-so-spooky guided nighttime hike. Be prepared to meet native “wildlife.” Stay after the hike to relax by the bonfire and listen to live music.
Cost: $10
Oct. 21 & 22
17405 Beverley Mill Dr.
Broad Run, VA
Online: brmconservancy.org
Goblin Golf
Even ghosts and goblins like to play mini golf! Just before Halloween Burke Lake Park will host a not-so-spooky mini-golf goblin themed weekend. Because it’s just not Halloween without candy each mini-golfer will get a premade goodie bag to take home.
Cost: $9-$10
Oct. 1-23
7315 Ox Rd.
Fairfax Station, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov
Fall Frolic
Put on your costume and frolic in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House! Activities include a not-so-spooky “ghost” hunt, crafts, and a costume parade. There are several timed sessions throughout the day so be sure to get your ticket early and arrive on time!
Cost: $5-$15
Oct. 22
614 Oronoco St.
Alexandria, VA
Online: leefendallhouse.org
Eye Spy Halloween Trains
The Halloween Eye Spy Trains run through Cabin John Park and Wheaton Park. Ride a mini-train while you look for pumpkins, gnomes and more along the rails. In past years Cabin John has been a little less spooky than Wheaton so keep that in mind if you are going with the littlest ghouls and goblins. Both Cabin John and Wheaton parts have big playgrounds so stay and make an afternoon of your outing. Be sure to get your tickets early as these popular weekend rides through “Trainslyvania” sometimes sell out.
Cost: $6.00
Every weekend in October
7410 Tuckerman Ln.
Rockville, MD
2002 Shorefield Rd.
Wheaton, MD
Online: montgomeryparks.org
Trick-or-Treat & Trunk-or-Treat Events around Washington, DC in October
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
George Washington is the master of ceremonies at this 18th-century themed Halloween party. There will be baking demonstrations, live music, 18th-century games and puppet shows, blacksmith demonstrations and live animals. Modern day fun includes a Halloween parade and plenty of candy.
Cost: $9-$25
Oct. 29
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, VA
Online: mountvernon.org/
Gaylord National’s Spookley Halloween
Every day is Halloween at Gaylord National where you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy complimentary daily events. Start by trick-or-treating the Atrium where not-so-scary characters pass out candy, take a selfie with Spookley the Square Pumpkin at the official meet-and-greet station, catch Spookley on the big screen on weekends, and don’t forget to walk the Jack O’Lantern Walk with creatively carved pumpkins. Ticketed events are also available, including a scavenger hunt and an interactive show.
Cost: Free
Sep.16-Oct. 30
201 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD
Online: marriott.com
Boo at the Zoo
Whose howling after dark? Find out as you creep along the zoo trails at this not-so-scary trick-or-treating party. The animal houses stay open late for this popular DC event where kids can trick-or-treat at over 30 treat stations, dance to Halloween tunes and ride the zoo’s carousel (for an additional fee).
Cost: $25-$35
Oct. 28-30
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Woodley Park
Washington, DC
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu
Towson’s Trunk-or-Treat
You don’t need to pre-register to trick-or-treat at this trunk event where little ones can go car to car collecting sweets and toys. If you’d like to deck your car out in its Halloween best, register for a parking spot and a chance to win best dressed car! Costume prizes will also be awarded. For a full afternoon of fun, this event also has a costume parade, bounce house and carnival games.
Cost: Free
Oct. 15
920 Providence Rd.
Towson, MD
Online: towsontrunkortreat.com
Alexandria’s Trunk-or-Treat
Alexandria-area Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts are teaming up with Faith Fellowship for a spooktacular trick-or-treating event. Grab treats, play games, and enjoy hot dogs at this family-friendly community event.
Cost: Free
Oct. 25
7800 Telegraph Rd.
Alexandria, VA
Online: eventbrite.com
Related: Carve Out Some Fun: 14 Pumpkin Patches to Pick-Your-Own
Halloween Parades around Washington, DC in October
Vienna’s Halloween Parade
No need to register to participate in this annual event: All are invited to show off their costumes as they make their way down Maple Avenue alongside floats, bands, and more. A beloved tradition since 1946, this year’s theme is a time machine celebrating Vienna’s past, present and future. Parade participants should gather at United Bank. For a map of the parade route, go here.
Cost: Free
Oct. 26
374 Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
Online: viennava.gov/
Leesburg’s Halloween Parade
Billed as one of the oldest Halloween parades in the country, this small town pulls out all the stops on Oct. 31. Parade participants toss candy at bystanders as they make their way down King St. An annual favorite includes an exact replica of the Ghostbuster’s car.
Cost: Free
Oct. 31
King St.
Leesburg, VA
Online: kiwanis.org/
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Everyone can get in on the fun at the Del Ray Halloween Parade where awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Stroller Costume, Best Group Costume, Best Decorated House and more.
Cost: Free
Oct. 31
Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA
Online: wildapricot.org
Scary Halloween Events around Washington, DC in October
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
This attraction is so scary it isn’t recommended for children under 12. At each turn, you’ll find frightful scenes along a wooded trail that features expertly designed sets along with terrifying actors. At the edge of the trail you’ll find the Cursed Village featuring a massive bonfire, a DJ and live acts, like fire spinners.
Cost: $30
Every weekend in October, Fri.-Sun
19120 Martinsburg Road
Dickerson, MD
Online: markoffshauntedforest.com
Scream LoCo
This apocalyptic-themed haunted house will give you nightmares (and that’s the point!). Loudoun County’s newest attraction is so frightening, you need to sign a waiver before you (dare!) enter the abandoned grounds of Graydon Manor.
Cost: $20-45
Every weekend in October, Fri.-Sun.
801 Childrens Center Rd. SW
Leesburg, VA
Online: screamloco.com
Related: DC’s Prime Spots to See Fall Foliage This Season
Worth-the-Drive Halloween Events near Washington, DC
