Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s time to get your costumes ready and embrace the spooky spirit! If you’re in the DMV area, you’re in luck because there are plenty of Halloween parties and trick or treating opportunities to enjoy. Read on for some fun Halloween events in the area.
Looking for more fall fun? Click here to read our DMV Fall Events + Concerts 2023 Guide.
TRICK OR TREATING
Trail of Jack-O’-Lanterns Oct 7-28 (Fri + Sat & Sun Oct 8)
Head to Green Meadows Petting Farm’s annual Trail of Jack-O’-Lanterns in Ijamsville, MD to see glowing jack-o’-lanterns. You’ll also enjoy a farm show, fire pits, trick-or-treating along the trail, and the chance to meet furry friends in the Animal Barn. Hayrides, glow necklaces, s’mores, and more are available for purchase.
Boo at the Zoo Oct 20 – 22
For families looking for a fun and safe trick or treating experience, the National Zoo in Washington, DC, hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event. Children can dress up in their favorite costumes, explore the zoo after hours, and collect treats at various candy stations throughout the park. Additionally, Boo at the Zoo features live entertainment, animal encounters, and festive decorations, making it an ideal Halloween outing for the whole family. Non-member tickets are $35, parking passes are $30.
Halloween Family Fun Day Oct 21
This free event in Reston, VA is great for younger kids to enjoy a non-scary festival. Little ghosts and goblins can get in the spirit of Halloween with musical and puppet performances. There are also carnival games and treats. Kids are encouraged to come in costume.
NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular Oct 22
Head to the Kennedy Center for ghostly performance. Before the performance, kids will trick-or-treat and enjoy a special Haunted Hall musical play space. Tickets are $18-$25.
Looking for a fun-packed guide to Halloween in Alexandria? You’re in luck! Click here.
Harbor Halloween Oct 22
Head to National Harbor for a free afternoon of spooktacular fun for the whole family, including trick-or-treating at select stores and restaurants, kids’ activities, a pet pawrade, and a chef pumpkin-carving contest, a Halloween movie.
PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park Oct 26
This free event in NOMA features live entertainment, food, music, a seasonal scavenger hunt, and a “pick-your-own” pumpkin patch.
Hilloween Oct 27
At this free family-friendly Halloween festival at Eastern Market you’ll enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, games, pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, refreshments, and more. Costumes are encouraged!
Halloween Night Hunt with Sweets Oct 27-31
At this event for all ages, you’ll explore the 100-room Mansion on O decorated for Halloween on a treasure hunt. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. General admission is $50.
Trick or Treating at Mount Vernon Oct 28
History buffs, take your kids trick-or-treating on October 28 from 2 – 6 pm at Mount Vernon and enjoy music, candy, and photo opps. Tickets (general public) are $15/child and $25/adult.
Del Ray Halloween Parade Oct 30
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions is the annual Halloween parade. Kids, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their best and scariest Halloween costumes. Awards are given for best pet costume, best-decorated business, best-decorated home, and best-decorated stroller. The parade is free to both attend and march in.
Trick or Treat on South Lee Street in Old Town Oct 31
Head to South Lee Street around 5 pm as neighbors wait outside to greet trick-or-treaters until about 10 pm. You can read our full feature on Halloween on South Lee Street here. Pro Tip – Stroll down Captains Row, the 100 block of Prince Street throughout October to see spooky Halloween decorations throughout the month of October!
Searching for more fun outings in the DMV? Check out these other posts from our blog.
Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular Oct 31
The annual Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular on the Great Falls Village Centre Green in VA features a pet parade and costume contest, a spooky haunted house, live music, and trick-or-treating with local merchants. Costumes are encouraged.
ADULT HALLOWEEN PARTIES
Happy Halloween Bar Crawl Washington DC Oct 21, 28, 31
Join the annual Washington DC Happy Hour Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl. Enjoy freakishly cheap drink and specials. Best costume gets a prize! Early entry tickets are $10 and regular check-in tickets are $15.
Dia de los Muertos on the Wharf Oct 22
Celebrate with live music, face painting, and a beer garden. This event is free!
Sleepy Howllow at Brewski’s Barkhaus Oct 27
Head to Barkhaus in Alexandria for a Halloween celebration from 7:30 to 10 pm. Tickets cost $55 for non-members and $40 for members. One registered dog per-person allowed.
Nightmare in Navy Yard Oct 28
DC’s largest Halloween party returns on Saturday, Oct 28 at 8:30 PM for a night of dancing, drinks, and costumes. For $45 you’ll enjoy 2 DJs, a 5-hour open bar, spooky decorations, and a costume contest. Food trucks will also be on site. Get tickets early – the price goes up after September 30th.
The Frights and Pints Old Town Alexandria Tours Bar Crawl Oct 28
You will be taken on a 2-2.5 hour walking tour that will explore some of the most well-known haunted locations in Alexandria, VA. The crawl starts at 7:30 at the Alexandrian Hotel (480 King Street) and you’ll visit up to 3 haunted bars along the way. Tickets are $30.
5th Annual Old Town Halloween Bar Crawl Oct 29
The party starts at The Lighthorse at 3 pm. 1 drink + stadium cup included with ticket. Ghastly cheap drink and food specials. $1,000 grand prize for best costume. Tickets range from $18 per person for groups of people, or $22 per person.
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