Unique & Unusual Halloween Events Near College Park 2026

22 unique & unusual Halloween events near College Park.

For those seeking Halloween excitement beyond College Park, Alexandria's 29th Annual Art on the Avenue presents a significant draw. Other local celebrations cater to different tastes, with options from free community gatherings to ticketed experiences further afield.

If you prefer a historical and potentially haunted atmosphere, consider one of the several ghost tours available in Alexandria's Old Town. For families, look for Fall Harvest Festival at Brookside Gardens for seasonal outdoor enjoyment.

All Unique & Unusual Halloween Events Around College Park

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Illustration of small costumed children and a witch on a sunny autumn lawn with pumpkins, hay bales and orange trees

Family-Friendly Fall Activities

1 of 33 Family Flights and Frights: Trick-or-Treat at the Museum College Park

Trick-or-treat among museum aircraft with games, crafts, and experiments.

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 Illustration of a Halloween party at dusk with a ghost above string lights, two witches by a table, and glowing pumpkins

Food, Drink, and Parties

1 of 38 Night of the Living Zoo Washington

Adults-only Halloween bash with unlimited drinks and after-hours animal exhibits.

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 Illustration of a small haunted cottage with glowing windows, ghosts, pumpkins and a black cat under a big pale moon

Haunted Experiences

1 of 7 Mystery Mansion Adventure Chevy Chase

Family-friendly haunted house experience with fairytales, a tunnel, and bonfires.

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 Illustration of a small ghost and a jack-o'-lantern performing on a stage with red curtains, watched by a crowd at dusk

Movies, Theater, and Entertainment

1 of 4 Halloween on Screen North Bethesda

Annual celebration of scary movies featuring live musical accompaniment and shadowcasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should we dress for October outdoor events in College Park?

October is the swing month: afternoon events can be warm while anything after sunset drops fast, so the answer is always layers, base, zip layer, packable shell, plus closed shoes for grass and gravel venues. Toss gloves and a beanie in the bag after mid-October for night tours and outdoor screenings. Check the hourly forecast at event time, not the daily high.

How do we plan around lantern parades and night processions in College Park?

Stake out the route, not the staging area: arrive 30-45 minutes early at a mid-route spot with a wall or storefront at your back for kids' sightlines. Bring your own lantern or glow items only if the event invites it. Transit beats driving, since road closures wrap the route, and know the dispersal point so your group reunites after the crowd releases.

How can we volunteer or participate in Halloween events in College Park instead of just attending?

Community events run on volunteers, and signing up transforms the season: host a trunk at a trunk-or-treat, judge a costume contest, staff a festival craft table, or join a parade group. Sign-ups post in September through schools, libraries, and neighborhood groups, and shifts are usually two or three hours, leaving time to enjoy the event. Volunteering is also the best free ticket in town.

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