2018 Guide to Halloween Events

HALLOWEEN FUN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA – It’s a fun and spooky time of year with lots of Halloween activities and events throughout Fairfax County for all ages. Some are family friendly and appropriate for all ages and some are geared towards older kids and adults. We’ve even included some for the pets! Check out our list below for Halloween celebrations, haunted houses, parades, costume contests and trick or treating events.

(Please click on the links below for any updates or changes to the scheduled events.)

October 4 – October 28, 2018 – Lake Fairfax Park, Reston
The Glow – A Jack O’Lantern Experience: THE GLOW is 1/3 mile trail filled with over 5,000 hand carved jack o’ lanterns. You will experience everything from artistically detailed single pumpkin carvings to amazing, larger-than-life structures. THE GLOW is a family friendly event also featuring fall food and beverages and live demonstrations with our carvers! Come GLOW with us! This event is for people of all ages. Children 2 years old and under are FREE. **Various dates and times. There are a limited number of tickets for each time slot and advanced tickets are required.

October 5 – October 31, 2018 Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA
Madhaunter’s Madhouse: Virginia’s scariest haunted attraction returns to the Workhouse for a new year of screams and scares! Madhaunter’s Madhouse is an indoor and outdoor maze of terror that will have you jumping out of your skin at every turn, complete with heart pounding scares and custom made special effects. Come visit Madhaunter’s Madhouse and experience the madness for yourself! The haunt is recommended for ages 13 and older. Opens at 7pm; Fridays and Saturdays in October, 11pm closing; Sundays and Halloween, 10pm closing. Dates of event: Oct. 5/6, 12/13, 19/20/21, 26/27/28/31. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

September 21 –  November 3, 2018 – Cox Farms, Centreville, VA
Cox Farms Fields of Fear: Haunted House type of event. Experience the dark side of Cox Farms as it turns into Fields of Fear. Attractions include Dark Side Hayride, Cornightmare, the Forest & the Firegrounds, Back from the Dead Clowns, Bonfire, Dark Maze, Music, Entertainment and more. It’s so much fun, it’s scary. Fields of Fear is open every Friday and Saturday night September 21-November 3, 2018, plus Sunday, October 7. **Please note:: Fields of Fear is not recommended for children under 12 years old. All under 14’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (18+ years old).

Ongoing – EscapeRoom Fairfax
Room Escape DC: This is the largest Escape Room venue on the east coast and is located in Fairfax City. Room Escape DC is the real-life, puzzle-solving adventure! You and your teammates will be “locked” in a room full of puzzles, keys, riddles, locks, and an exciting assortment of other objects with only an hour to solve everything and find a way out. They offer 8 exciting, real life escape room games for thrill-seekers of all ages. Check out their spooky themed rooms for Halloween.

October 12 -13, 2018 – Downtown Fairfax City
Fairfax City Ghost Tours: See the City’s spooky side with a ghost tour of the Old Town Fairfax followed by a tour of the new jail museum! Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Dates: Friday and Saturday
Times: 7pm
Location: Old Town Square Fairfax, 10415 North Street Fairfax, VA 22030
Cost: $15 Pre-Registration advised.

October 13, 2018 – Town Green, Vienna, VA
Halloween on the Green: Bring your little goblins to the Town Green from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for spook-tacular fun at Halloween on the Green.  Boys and ghouls can enjoy spooky crafts, games and prizes, storytelling, moon bounces, petting zoo, entertainment, treats to eat, a visit from Vienna Singing Princesses, and a chance to carve or paint their own pumpkin, while supplies last. Ages 2 – 10. Free. In the event of inclement weather, call 703-255-7842 for event updates.

October 19 – 20, 2018 – Downtown Fairfax City
Fairfax City Ghost Tours: See the Citys spooky side with a ghost tour of the Old Town Fairfax followed by a tour of the new jail museum!  Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Dates: Friday and Saturday
Times: 7pm
Location: Old Town Square Fairfax, 10415 North Street Fairfax, VA 22030
Cost: $15 Pre-Registration advised.

October 19 – October 21, 2018 – Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, DC
Boo At The Zoo: Boo at the Zoo features more than 40 treat stations and after-hours access to exhibits, including the Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center and Great Cats. Kids will love grooving to the music on the entertainment stage, featuring kids scary-oke. And don’t miss the extreme pumpkin-carving demonstrations! By the end of the evening, your Boo at the Zoo treat bags will be brimming with your favorite chocolates, snacks and souvenirs.
Treat stations will include goodies for all ages, including adult treats like craft beer and food tastings.
Boo at the Zoo is appropriate for children ages 4 to 12. All guests ages 2 and older, including adults, must purchase a ticket. Purchase tickets online at the link above. Event is from 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

October 20, 2018 – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA
Air and Scare at the Air and Space Museum: Explore the spooky side of air and space at Air & Scare, our annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe indoor trick-or-treating. Event time: 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free admission, $15/parking.
Note: For safety purposes, full-face masks are prohibited on visitors over 16 years of age.
Air & Scare is one of our most popular annual events. Please be aware of high-volume attendance and allow for additional time for parking and security screening.

October 24, 2018 – Town of Vienna, VA
72nd Annual Halloween Parade: Each year, the Town recognizes parade winners at a Town Council meeting in November. Judged categories include youth band, float with music, youth performer, antique/classic vehicle, adult band, float without music, and adult performer. The public is invited to attend the meeting to find out who won in each category!
Kids are invited to walk in the parade in their Halloween costumes. No registration is required; meet at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at United Bank, 374 Maple Avenue E. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

October 25, 2018 – Fairfax Corner, Fairfax, VA
Spooky Tots: Join us on the Plaza at Fairfax Corner on Wednesday, October 25th from 10:30am until 12:30pm for our annual Spooky Tots event! Enjoy:
Trick-or-treating at participating shops and restaurants.
A Balloon Twister and Face Painter
Music, Pumpkin Decorating, Games, Giveaways and More!
Costumes are encouraged! Make sure to bring bags for your treats and goodies.

October 25, 2018 – Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
Bootique Trick or Treating: Trick or treat your way around Mosaic, grab a bite at one of their many kid-friendly restaurants, then settle in for a screening of “Monsters Vs. Aliens” at 7:00pm in Strawberry Park.

October 26, 2018 – Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
Boo-Stravaganza at Frying Pan Farm Park: Celebrate the Halloween season with this variety event at Frying Pan Farm Park. This year, the event is outside at the Kidwell Farm. Attendees enjoy a variety of themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals, and enjoy a wagon ride. Finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road. Reservations are required. There are two sessions – at 6 and 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. For more information call 703-437-9101. You can register at the link above thru Fairfax County Parktakes.

October 26, 2018 – Herndon Community Center, Herndon, VA
Spooktacular: Enjoy ghoulish games, a spooky craft and a children’s show. Fee covers all activities, magic show, and a treat bag. Get more boo for your buck and register early; parents must accompany children at the event. Games and crafts will run from 6:30-7:30 p.m., show will be from 7:30-8:00 p.m. Age: 3 – 8 Fee: $10/child in advance or $15/child on day of event.

October 26, 2018 – Alexandria City Marina, Alexandria, VA
Bark or Treat Canine Cruise: Come out with your costumed canine and cruise to some Halloween tunes along the Potomac! We will have Halloween treats on board. Be sure to have your four-legged friend in their best costume. Please Note: Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash at all times.  

October 26, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $18 adults; $12 ages 2-11; dogs free
Alexandria City Marina, 105 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center
877-511-2628

October 26 – October 27, 2018 – Downtown Fairfax City
Fairfax City Ghost Tours: See the City’s spooky side with a ghost tour of the Old Town Fairfax followed by a tour of the new jail museum! Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Dates: Friday and Saturday
Times: 7pm
Location: Old Town Square Fairfax, 10415 North Street Fairfax, VA 22030
Cost: $15 Pre-Registration advised.

October 27, 2018 – Halloween in Historic Occoquan
Haunt the Town!: The Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan Merchants Guild will host Haunt the Town on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Historic Occoquan. This brand-new event features a full day of free activities for everyone, including a carved pumpkin contest, a costume parade, a magic show, a movie in the park, and more!

October 27, 2018 – Sully Historic Site, Chantilly, VA
Historic All Hallows Eve: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Virginians celebrated All Hallows Eve with storytelling, fortune telling, fall foods and family gatherings. Experience these traditions as you tour the house and grounds at Sully Historic Site by lantern light. The program from 4 to 7 p.m. costs $10 per person. For more information, call 703-437-1794. Ages 5 – Adult. Cost $10. Online registration.

October 27, 2018 – Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, Alexandria, VA
5th Annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt: Alexandria’s ghosts and goblins will fill our garden with hundreds of colorful toy-filled pumpkins for local children to discover. Other activities include crafts to take home, a sticker station, temporary tattoos, spooky stories, a costume parade with prizes as well as drinks and refreshments. Every participating child receives a pumpkin—one pumpkin in each of our pumpkin hunt sessions will have a certificate for a special prize hidden inside. Costumes encouraged! Times: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM Cost: $5 adults; $15 ages 1-10; infants free.

October 27 – October 28, 2018 – Roer’s Zoofari, Reston, VA
Boo At The Zoo: Join Roer’s Zoofari in costume for a fun-filled Halloween! The event runs all day on both Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th. We kindly request that all costumes are kid-friendly. Tickets for the event are $20 (first come first served) and must be purchased online.

October 27, 2018 – Dulles Town Center, Sterling, VA
Mall-O-Ween Halloween Event: Join us for Dulles Town Center’s annual Halloween event: Mall-O-Ween!

•Mall Wide Trick-or-Treating
•Halloween Craft Activities
•Very Spooktacular Magic Show brought to you by Carnegie, Master of Mystery (Shows at 11am & 12pm)
•Face Painting
•Horse Drawn Hayrides (From 10am-12pm only, outside the Main Entrance.)
•And much more!

FAIRIES, GOONS & GOBLINS WELCOME! Costumes are encouraged!

October 27, 2018 –  Mount Vernon, VA
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon: Participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft in this unforgettable evening. A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begin at 5PM and prizes will be awarded for the best George and Martha costumes! Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine.

October 27, 2018 – Springfield Town Center, Springfield, VA
Halloween Boo Bash!: Join us for a witching good time at Springfield Town Center for our Hocus Pocus themed Halloween Boo Bash from 2:00pm to 5:00pm in the Grand Court! Come dressed to impress for trick or treating throughout the center and wicked fun activities…

• Spooktacular Pumpkin decorating
• Killer crafts
• Scare-ific giveaways
• Boo-gie DJ

And of course the three Sanderson Sisters will be in full force and picture ready to lure you and your family for a photo in a fully themed Salem set. Don’t miss your opportunity to trick or treat during our Halloween Boo Bash event!

October 27, 2018 – Reston Town Center, Reston, VA
Trick or Treat at Reston Town Center: Costumed children can celebrate Halloween with visits to participating retailers and the Information Center for treats and goodies. Look for the pumpkin flyer in the window. Stop by Scrawl Books to meet Curious George and listen to stories with everyone’s favorite monkey. Saturday, October 27, 12 – 4 pm.

October 27, 2018 – Tysons Biergarten, Tysons Corner, VA
Bier-O-Ween: Join us Saturday, October 27 from 9 PM – 2 AM for Tysons Biergarten’s spooky Bier-O-Ween Celebration! There will be live music, trick or treating, great food, $500 prize for best costume, Halloween specials, and much more!

October 27, 2018 – Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Halloween Party and Haunted Nature Center: Join us at the park for a grand Halloween party, snacks, arts and crafts, storytelling, and guided hikes through the woods. People of all ages are welcome! Cost is $15 per participant for the party due on registration, and $5 in person the day of for the Haunted Nature Center experience. Children 3 and under are free. Advanced reservations and payment required. 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Register at the link above.

October 27, 2018 – Historic Town of Clifton, VA
Clifton Haunted Trail: The Clifton Haunted Trail is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 7-10 p.m. Last ticket sale at the trail is at 9:30 p.m. We are proud to announce the return of this spooky annual event that winds through Clifton’s 8 Acre Buckley Park filled with scary skits and spooky scenes. Monster Movies under the moon. Concession stand selling pizza, drinks and other goodies.  Parents should accompany children along the Trail. NO flashlights allowed in the park. Arrive early since this popular event tends to get crowded during the later hours. Hardy shoes are recommended.  All proceeds benefit the Town of Clifton. Adult Ticket: $15.00, 12 and under ticket: $10.00. Buy Tickets online till Oct. 26th. **The Trail is very scary. Please understand that the show may be too intense for kids who cannot discern fantasy from reality of what appears to be happening. You certainly know your kid better than anyone, so we suggest you bring young children at your own discretion!

October 27, 2018 – Falls Church Community Center, Falls Church, VA
Halloween Carnival: The carnival has been a popular event for children for more than 30 years. Infants through sixth graders are invited to enjoy carnival games, a moon bounce, crafts, a haunted house, candy, and a live creepy creature show featuring the spookiest reptiles in nature. Costumes welcome! The community center is located at Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22406. The cost is $2 per child ages 2 and up; free for adults and children under 2.  6pm to 8:30pm.

October 27, 2018 – Shannon Airport, Fredericksburg, VA
4th Annual Harvest Festival Airshow Fly-In: Bring your kids for “Trick or Treat” aviation style! See The Shannon Air Museum, view static displays and watch the Airshow at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg 10am to 4pm.

October 27 – 28, 2018 – Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, VA
Ride the Halloween Ghost Train: All Aboard the Ghost Train at Burke Lake Park on Oct. 27 & 28. The Burke Lake Park miniature train ride will be turned into a into a fun holiday adventure for children and adults of all ages. It will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person age two and older; children younger than two ride for free.

October 28, 2018 – Del Ray, Alexandria, VA
22nd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade: Don your best Halloween costume and join thousands of participants in one of Del Ray’s favorite traditions. The 22nd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb with prizes in different categories. The parade and all activities are free! Please note that both judging for Best Decorated Stroller and registration for Best Pet Costume will begin at 1:30 p.m. Parade begins at 2pm.

October 28, 2018 – Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station, VA
Halloween at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum: Halloween at Fairfax Station (1:00-4:00 p.m.)
Halloween starts early at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. A day of fun Halloween activities will be available for the whole family. Children in costume will receive a ticket for free admission to a future Station event. Trick or Treat goodie bags will be given to all children.

October 28, 2018 – Providence Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, VA
Trunk or Treat Event: Come and join us for our 3rd annual Trunk Or Treat! Fun for the whole family! We are taking the back parking lot and making it a fun, safe place for kids to celebrate the Fall season by going from themed and decorated trunk to trunk. The grass field will also be filled with fun outdoor games. Please support the event by coming 15 minutes early and being a Tricked out Trunk Hero! Pick an idea or theme for you and your car, and bring some candy or prizes to hand out.

October 28, 2018 – Church of the Good Shepherd, Burke, VA
Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival: Come to the Good Shepherd parking lot for our Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival Celebration. Join us for games, trunk or treating, a bounce house, s’mores, crafts, and a costume parade. Come with your car or without, in costume or not, but with treats for our children as we celebrate fall. Join us afterward in the atrium for a complimentary chili and cornbread supper. 5pm to 7pm.

October 28, 2018 – Fairfax City Halloween Beer Garden
Fairfax Halloween Beer Garden at High Side: Sunday, from 1 pm to 7 pm. at High Side in downtown Fairfax City. This is a fun community event and is family and pet-friendly. We offer 20+ craft beers, foods, games, music, and a costume contest. $100 worth of prize is available for the best Halloween costume for three different categories: adult, kid, and group. Purchase tickets here.

October 29, 2018 – Old Town Square, Fairfax City, VA
Spooky Storytime: Join the City of Fairfax Library and Parks and Rec Department at Old Town Square (10415 North Street, Fairfax City) for an evening of spooky storytelling, s’mores and haunted fun! Wear your costume and bring a flashlight. Free! 7:00pm to 8:00pm.

October 31, 2018 – Fairfax City
Trick or Treating at City of Fairfax Buildings: Children are invited to come safely trick-or-treat at any of the following City of Fairfax buildings between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
City Hall – 10455 Armstrong Street
Green Acres – 4401 Sideburn Rd
Sherwood Center – 3740 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center – 10209 Main Street

October 31, 2018 – Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA
Family Fun Mall-O-Ween: Join us for a spook-tacular family-friendly event on Wednesday, October 31st from 5:15pm – 7:30pm! Enjoy multiple candy stations, balloon artists, face painting, a spook-tacular science lab, and more.

October 31, 2018 – Great Falls Shopping Center, Great Falls, VA
Halloween Spooktacular and Pet Parade on the Green: Trick or treat! Children up to age 12 are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume, experience the Haunted House, and enjoy trick or treating with local merchants in a safe environment right in the heart of town. 5pm to 7pm at Great Falls Village Centre Green & Great Falls Shopping Center.
Pet Parade on the Green will be held at 4pm to 4:45pm. Bring your pet on a leash dressed up in its favorite costume! Parade begins at the East Parking Lot near Grandmother’s Back Room. Judging at 4:30, Prizes for Special Categories. Pets must be cleared from the area by 4:50.

November 3 – 4, 2018 – Cox Farms, Centreville, VA
Pumpkin Madness: Bring your used jack-o’lanterns and recycle them! Find out what happens to pumpkins after Halloween. We’ll Drop them from the High Drop
We’ll Squish them with the Squisher
We Smash them with the Smasher
You can Stomp them in the Stomping Grounds!
Sat and Sun, 10am-5pm (last admission 4 PM).

FOR MORE FALL FUN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, VISIT OUR OTHER PAGES FALL FESTIVALS AND PUMPKIN PATCH!

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