Your ticket to terror in Washington has arrived! Explore our Halloween guide. Dive into the eerie depths of Washington with our guide, a beacon for both resident ghouls and curious mortals.
Popular Events: Experience a hauntingly good time at Boo at the Zoo, where trick-or-treating and animal encounters come together under the moonlit sky. The Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl offers a unique twist, featuring themed music and vibrant revelry across several bars. And don't forget The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Washington DC, where you can enjoy festive drinks and the chance to show off your costume. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Washington
- Boo at the Zoo
- The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Washington DC
- 26th Annual Nightmare On M Street Halloween Bar Crawl
- Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- LEGO Discovery Center Halloween Activities
- Titanic Masquerade DC Halloween Yacht Party
- The Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl
- PumpkinPalooza
- Trunk or Treat (Various locations)
- Air & Scare (Chantilly)
See these and even more events listed below!
Washington Area Haunted Experiences
The Nevermore Haunt
What to Expect:
Expertly crafted, historically themed haunted house with bizarre creatures and terrifying visions of the past.
Description:
The Nevermore Haunt is a highly-rated haunted attraction in Baltimore, Maryland. It offers bizarre and over-the-top sideshow performances, an on-site bar serving local craft beers, and a haunted house filled with monsters, demons, and ghouls straight from your deepest, darkest fears. Expertly crafted, this ever-changing Halloween attraction transports visitors into sordid, macabre visions of Baltimore's past.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: The Nevermore Haunt
Field of Screams
What to Expect:
Offers a comprehensive, touchless haunted experience with two main attractions and additional carnival games and amenities.
Description:
Field of Screams Maryland is a highly-rated haunted attraction featuring 55 horrifying stations. This year, visitors can enjoy the new SUPER Screams Haunted Trail and the Slaughter Factory Haunted House with a single "Screams Pass" ticket. The event includes carnival games, concessions, bonfires, and smores. It is open every Friday and Saturday, and most Thursdays and Sundays, from September 27th to November 2nd. The event emphasizes safety with Covid-compliant protocols and warns that it may be too intense for young children.
Where: Olney | More Info: Field of Screams
Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experience with multiple attractions.
Description:
Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, offers a terrifying experience with five attractions, including the Haunted Mill, Horror of Menges Mill, House of Eyes, Terror Trail, and Dark Despair. The event features over 300 years of history, with a grist mill that has been transformed into a haunted house with four floors of horrific scares. Visitors can also enjoy additional attractions like the Coffin Hearse Ride and escape rooms.
Where: Spring Grove | More Info: Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill
AmeriGhost: Ghosts of Lafayette Park & Capitol Hill Haunts
What to Expect:
Explore the haunted history and paranormal activity of Washington D.C.'s Lafayette Park and Capitol Hill.
Description:
AmeriGhost: Ghosts of Lafayette Park & Capitol Hill Haunts offers a spine-tingling walking tour through Washington, D.C.'s most haunted locations. Explore the dark past of Lafayette Park, known as "Tragedy Square," and delve into the paranormal activity surrounding Capitol Hill. Hear stories of feuding ghosts, haunted souls, and mysterious apparitions that have shaped the nation's capital.
Where: Washington | More Info: AmeriGhost: Ghosts of Lafayette Park & Capitol Hill Haunts
Workhouse Haunt 2024: Twisted Tales of Terror
What to Expect:
A haunted trail that transforms classic fairy tales into terrifying nightmares in an eerie, historic setting.
Description:
Experience a heart-pounding journey through eerie remnants of the historic Workhouse prison. Twisted Tales of Terror brings classic fairy tales to a dark and twisted turn, immersing you in a world where nightmares come to life. This haunted trail promises an unforgettable scare.
Where: Lorton | More Info: Workhouse Haunt 2024: Twisted Tales of Terror
Station 7 Terror Trail
What to Expect:
A family-friendly haunted trail with activities for all ages, including a Boo Loop Maze and scavenger hunt.
Description:
Station 7 Terror Trail is a family-friendly haunted trail designed for those 8 years and older, offering a full blast scary experience. The event also includes activities for younger children, such as the Boo Loop Maze, which features a mildly spooky maze with new scenes and a scavenger hunt. The trail supports the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department and offers discounts for first responders, veterans, teachers, medical professionals, and those bringing non-perishable food donations.
Where: Gambrills | More Info: Station 7 Terror Trail
Haunted Historic House & Cemetery Tour
What to Expect:
A guided nighttime walking tour through Dumfries' historic district, featuring local ghost stories and visits to haunted locations.
Description:
Explore Dumfries' historic district on a 1 1/2 to 2 hour nighttime walking tour guided by a paranormal expert. Hear local ghost stories and visit the Weems-Botts historic house, a site of many eerie tales. All proceeds from the tour will support Historic Dumfries VA, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the historic Weems-Botts Museum.
Where: Dumfries | More Info: Haunted Historic House & Cemetery Tour
301 Devil's Playground
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted attractions with a variety of scare experiences.
Description:
301 Devil's Playground in Galena, Maryland, offers five terrifying haunted attractions, including The Harvest, The Barn of Torture, 3-D Phobia, The Barnyard, and House of Hell. The event features a haunted corn maze, 3-D blacklight experiences, and live scare actors. It is open rain or shine, with no rain dates or refunds.
Where: Galena | More Info: 301 Devil's Playground
American Fright Night
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experience using giant parade floats and themed areas.
Description:
American Fright Night at Shenandoah Caverns transforms the American Celebration on Parade into a 40,000 square foot haunted attraction. Visitors can expect to encounter ghouls and goblins amidst giant parade floats in the dark, creating a truly terrifying experience. The event features various themed areas, including Clown Town, Creepy Christmas, and Patriotic Chaos, with clever maze designs and interactive scares.
Where: Quicksburg | More Info: American Fright Night
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Washington
Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with trick-or-treating and special animal viewing areas.
Description:
Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating at 30 stations, special after-hours access to animal viewing areas, and a souvenir tote bag. Zoo members get early entry at 5 p.m. The event is designed to be fun for all ages with spooky scenes and fantastic creatures.
Where: Washington | More Info: Boo at the Zoo
LEGO Discovery Center Halloween Activities
What to Expect:
The unique feature of this event is the "Potion Kitchen experience where families can create magical potions by combining building creativity."
Description:
The LEGO Discovery Center in Washington, D.C., transforms into a spooky yet fun Halloween destination with the Brick or Treat Monster Party. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including brewing magical potions at the Potion Kitchen, participating in a LEGO Monster Rocker scavenger hunt, and catching an exclusive 4D Halloween movie, The Great Monster Chase. This event is perfect for kids aged 3-12, offering a unique blend of creativity and Halloween spirit.
Where: Washington | More Info: LEGO Discovery Center Halloween Activities
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Trick-or-Treating event with 18th-century entertainment activities.
Description:
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon is a family-friendly event where visitors can collect candy around the historic grounds while enjoying 18th-century entertainment activities. The event includes a costume parade, a straw bale selfie station, and interactive activities like soap-making and learning about perfume-making. It also features 18th-century magic shows and Punch & Judy puppet shows.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Air & Scare
What to Expect:
A 90-minute experience combining spooky discoveries and science fun with activities both inside and outside the Udvar-Hazy Center.
Description:
Air & Scare is an annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, featuring both indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy spooky discoveries, science fun, trick-or-treat stations, creepy crafts, and special storytimes. The event includes photo opportunities with Star Wars characters and is suitable for all ages.
Where: Chantilly | More Info: Air & Scare
Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
A community-driven Halloween celebration with over 80 businesses participating to create a festive atmosphere for kids.
Description:
Trunk or Treat in Meridian is a family-friendly event where over 80 businesses create mini-worlds for kids to explore. The event features a treat-filled evening with costumes, music, and festive atmosphere. Attendance is free, with a suggested donation of $1 per child or one food item to support the Meridian Food Bank Backpack Program.
Where: Various locations | More Info: Trunk or Treat
PumpkinPalooza
What to Expect:
A festive Halloween celebration with a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and live music.
Description:
Join us at Alethia Tanner Park for PumpkinPalooza, an annual Halloween celebration featuring a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, live music, costume contests for both people and pets, a pop-up beer garden, and a special movie screening. This family-friendly event offers a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for the fall season.
Where: Washington | More Info: PumpkinPalooza
DÃa de los Muertos Family Day
What to Expect:
A family-friendly celebration featuring traditional Mexican folk dance, mariachi music, and hands-on craft activities.
Description:
Celebrate DÃa de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum Enjoy exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance and mariachi music. Attendees of all ages can participate in hands-on craft activities and face painting, while exploring the museum's collection through a DÃa de los Muertos-themed scavenger hunt.
Where: Washington | More Info: DÃa de los Muertos Family Day
Halloween Treasure Hunt at the O Museum
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring a 100-room labyrinth with secret doors and hidden gems.
Description:
Experience a spooktacular Halloween at the O Museum in The Mansion, where you'll search for secret doors and hidden gems in a 100-room labyrinth. Enjoy Halloween candy, a cash bar, and a costume contest amidst an immersive environment filled with art, history, and culture.
Where: Washington | More Info: Halloween Treasure Hunt at the O Museum
Halloween 5K Beer Run
What to Expect:
A fun-filled day of running, beer, and good vibes with a costume contest for all participants.
Description:
Join the Halloween 5K Beer Run at Recluse Brew Works in Washougal, WA, on October 19, 2024. This fun-run event is part of the 2024 Washington Brewery Running Series and features a 5K course that starts and ends at the brewery. Participants can enjoy scenic routes, a costume contest for adults, kids, and pets, and celebrate with locally-made craft beverages at the finish line. All participants receive a craft brew and a choice of a collector's pint glass or seasonal swag item.
Where: Washington | More Info: Halloween 5K Beer Run
DIY Pumpkin Decorating
What to Expect:
Participants will have the opportunity to decorate their own pumpkins with a variety of creative supplies.
Description:
Join Cultivate the City for a fun and creative DIY pumpkin decorating workshop at Plants Alive Participants will receive one sugar pumpkin and access to stencils, stickers, paint, and markers to bring their pumpkin designs to life. Additional pumpkins, including tiny, medium, and large pumpkins and gourds, will be available for purchase on-site.
Where: Washington | More Info: DIY Pumpkin Decorating
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Washington
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Washington DC
What to Expect:
A $1000 national costume contest and exclusive drink specials make this event a standout Halloween celebration.
Description:
Join hundreds of spooky crawlers for a spooktacular night at The Official 7th Annual Washington DC Halloween Bar Crawl. Enjoy exclusive drink specials, live DJs at select venues, and a $1000 national costume contest. The event includes 2-3 drinks or shots, no cover at all bars, and a free after-party. Capture memories with professional photographers and enjoy Halloween-themed drinks and food specials.
Where: Washington | More Info: The Official Halloween Bar Crawl - Washington DC
The Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
A unique blend of Halloween festivities and hip-hop music at multiple bars along the U Street Corridor.
Description:
The Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl is an 8-hour celebration on U Street, featuring 9 popular venues and 9 DJs spinning different Hip Hop and R&B themes. Attendees can enjoy mid and top-shelf drinks, including a $5 "Spooky Shot," and participate in a $200 costume contest. The event promises a nonstop party with free swag while supplies last.
Where: Washington | More Info: The Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl
Titanic Masquerade DC Halloween Yacht Party
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed yacht party with a haunting Titanic theme and world-class DJs.
Description:
Join us for the Titanic Masquerade DC Halloween Yacht Party, a spectacular event aboard the Spirit of Washington DC. This Halloween celebration features 3 decks, 2 top DJs, and an all-star lineup of DC's hottest DJs. The yacht will be transformed into a haunting Titanic, filled with 400+ party-goers in costumes. Enjoy world-class house music and open format DJs while taking in the stunning views of the DC skyline. This is the ultimate Halloween party cruise, perfect for those who want to dance the night away in style.
Where: Washington | More Info: Titanic Masquerade DC Halloween Yacht Party
26th Annual Nightmare On M Street Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
The event offers a unique blend of Halloween festivities with access to Dupont's best bars and rooftops, including a large costume contest and surprise giveaways.
Description:
The 26th Annual Nightmare On M Street Halloween Bar Crawl is a legendary Halloween celebration in Dupont Circle, featuring 16 bars, 30 DJs, amazing drink specials, the largest costume contest, free raffles, surprise giveaways, and signature party favors. This event is known for being the hottest DC bar crawl, offering a heart-pounding and drink-thrilling bar hop through the most haunted bars in the city.
Where: Washington | More Info: 26th Annual Nightmare On M Street Halloween Bar Crawl
Other Halloween Activities Near Washington
Off the Mall Tours: Lesser-Known Notables of Oak Hill Cemetery
What to Expect:
Explore lesser-known notables in a romantic yet eerie graveyard setting.
Description:
Join Off the Mall Tours for a unique walking tour of Oak Hill Cemetery, exploring the lesser-known notables buried there. This 1.5-hour tour will take you through the romantic and eerie graveyard, recounting tales of Confederate spies, union generals, educators, and architects. Expect at least one ghost story and feel free to wear costumes. This event is perfect for those interested in history and the supernatural.
Where: Washington | More Info: Off the Mall Tours: Lesser-Known Notables of Oak Hill Cemetery
Soul Strolls: Twilight Tours at Congressional Cemetery
What to Expect:
An immersive, lantern-lit tour experience that brings the tragic stories of Congressional Cemetery's residents to life through costumed interpreters and live music.
Description:
Soul Strolls: Twilight Tours at Congressional Cemetery offers a unique and immersive experience. This annual event explores the tragic tales of residents buried at the cemetery through guided lantern-lit tours with costumed interpreters. The tours take place over four nights in October, featuring hour-long sessions every 15 minutes. The event includes live music, thematic cocktails, and an ambiance that brings the history of the cemetery to life in twilight and darkness.