One of my favorite things about the Washington DC is the huge amount of fun Fall & Halloween events once the weather turns. We have lively festivals, family-focused events, farmland nearby for apple and pumpkin picking, parties & bar crawls, haunted houses and even some real ghost tours. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best Washington DC Halloween events happening this October.
Washington DC Halloween Events MAP
Washington DC Halloween Events Map Link
Washington DC Halloween Events : Top LINE UP
DEL RAY HALLOWEEN PARADE
Del Ray’s Halloween Parade is the most cherished fall traditions in DC and one of the Alexandria neighborhood’s biggest days. It’s even been ranked one of the best Halloween parades in the country by USA Today…! Usually this DC Halloween event takes place the weekend before Halloween and offers the chance for anyone to march in the parade, as long as they’re in costume of course. There are costume contests in multiple categories which is a big event highlight.
Beyond the parade, the neighborhood goes all in for the season with a decorations contest for local businesses, a scavenger hunt and more. Find out everything to know at the Del Ray Halloween site.
Boo at the Zoo
One of the most popular Washington DC Halloween events for families is Boo at the Zoo at the National Zoo which takes place each year for a few days before Halloween. 🐼 This annual tradition has trick-or-treating stations, spooky entertainment, activities designed for younger kids and lots of fun costumes. Plus the opportunity to see mammals and reptiles after hours, attend a magic show, and even visit the new pumpkin patch for a little extra fee.
You can visit the National Zoo’s event page for this year’s dates and to get tickets.
Harbor Halloween at the National Harbor
Harbor Halloween at the National Harbor is the ultimate fall party and another family-friendly event. Kids can trick-or-treat at more than 40 participating restaurants and retailers across National Harbor, so suit up and bring your spooky style. Some other highlights are the showing of Hocus Pocus on the big TV at the plaza, and the pumpkin carving contest by local chefs. There’s also a Pet Pawrade for dog lovers hehe.
You can use this opportunity to hangout on the water on a beautiful fall day and take a spin on the giant wheel. Head to the National Harbor events page for more info and an event map. I’m a sucker for a good map.
For people staying in DC, you can get to the National Harbor in style by taking the cheap (~$20) water taxi which goes between the Wharf, Georgetown, Old Town and National Harbor.
Bat Week Extravaganza with special guests…Arachnids! At the NATURAL History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the best museums in DC in my opinion, and they also happen to have one of the most unique Washington DC Halloween events this Fall. Celebrate Bat Week (with special guests… arachnids!) at their spooky, seasonal program for up-close encounters with specimens, creative art activities, and tips for protecting these creatures year-round. Check out the National History events page for more info.
Halloween at the National Arboretum
The United States National Arboretum offers an annual Halloween festival that includes a “Thriller” dance party, costume contest, trick-or-treat stations, family activities, lawn games and even a 5k race you can participate in. Most years this festival happens on Halloween day, but confirm this and find everything you need to know at the Friends of the National Arboretum events page.
Hill-O-Ween at Eastern Market
This Capitol Hill family fright night at Eastern Market is an epic community tradition dating back more than two decades. This festive neighborhood party includes costume contests, pumpkin carving, DJ dance parties and lots and lots of costumes, and usually takes place a day or two before Halloween. Find out everything to know about Hill-O-Ween and show up in your best costume for DC’s best Halloween tradition.
Halloween at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s historic estate, Mount Vernon, hosts a family-friendly Halloween celebration just outside the city that features colonial-era games, storytelling, and most importantly trick-or-treating throughout the property. Children can explore the mansion and grounds while learning about 18th-century Halloween traditions. Perfect for history lovers who also want to celebrate spooky season. Visit Mount Vernon events page for more info on this year’s event!
Trick or Treat in Historic Old Town Alexandria
Visit Old Town the weekend before Halloween to trick-or-treat from shop to shop along the historic cobblestone streets. This is one of the best Washington DC Halloween events for kids, and even more so if you’ve never been to Old Town. It’s gorgeous and even prettier in the Fall with the changing trees. Visit the Old Town Alexandria events page to find the exact date and participating shops.
PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park
Find fall cheer and entertainment for kids, adults, and pets at PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park a few days before Halloween, which is in the NoMa neighborhood. Come here to pick pumpkins, pet baby alpacas, and even catch appearances from costumed characters. You can find the exact date and more details on the NoMa Facebook page or the NoMa DC events page.
17th Street High Heel Race
This is one of D.C.’s most distinctive Halloween traditions: drag performers and other costumed racers compete in extravagant high heels, with spectators lining the streets. It’s funny, flamboyant, and very different from a typical Halloween festival. Find more info on the DC.gov Events page so you can make sure not to miss it- it’s usually on a week night a few days before Halloween!
Little Ghosts and Goblins at Tudor Place
Show up to beautiful Tudor Place in Georgetown on Halloween for daytime trick-or-treating for both yummy and non-edible treats, plus seasonal drinks like coffee and cider and games, crafts & face painting for the little ones. The Tudor Place events page is where you can find all the info you need for this family-friendly annual tradition.
Fall Festival & Bluegrass jamboree at Dupont Circle
On Halloween Day there’s a mini festival and Bluegrass Jamboree at Dupont Circle. Here there will be free pumpkin picking and decorating, a costume contest, plus live bluegrass music and more fun festivities. Visit the Dupont Circle Bid Facebook page for more info on this year’s event.
DC WitchFest
DC WitchFest is a mini street festival and neighborhood takeover in Columbia Heights with themed vendors, tarot and astrology readings, aura photography, face painting, live performances, and Halloween specials at nearby restaurants.
It takes place on a Saturday a few weeks before Halloween usually, and you can check the current date on the DC Witchfest Instagram page. I love the witch theme and I hope DC gets the hint and throws more of these! 🧙
Spooky History Tours at the National Building Museum
Explore the enormous historic Great Hall after dark while guides share ghost stories and reported paranormal encounters. The architecture alone makes this a memorable event- it’s beautiful! Find out more info about this seasonal event in one of DC’s best museums at the National Building Museum event page.
Fall Frolic at Glen Echo Park
Tap into your creative side with crafty fun on Halloween day at Glen Echo Park at Fall Frolic. Make Halloween arts and crafts, strike a pose at our festive fall photo-op, and trick-or-treat at our resident art studios and galleries. There’s also a costume contest AND Halloween music performed by the Washington Conservatory of Music’s Suzuki Program students and the Washington Conservatory Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Halloween Spooktacular
The NSO’s Halloween Spooktacular is another annual tradition that takes place on Halloween day. In the past it has taken place at the Kennedy Center, but this year it is at George Mason University’s Listener Auditorium. I’ve been a bit obsessed with the NSO since I saw Ben Rector perform with Cody Fry and NSO a few years back, and I would love to make it to this show one day with my kids!
Halloween Light Show at the Exorcist Steps in Georgetown
Presented in part by an Exorcist movie enthusiast, show up at the Exorcist steps on Halloween night for a free light show and to see the steps on the scariest night of the year.
Day of the Dead Festivities & Events in Washington DC
Celebrate The Day of the Dead at The Wharf
Day of the Dead at the Wharf is one of the Wharf’s best annual events, making it a really fun option for people visiting DC. It takes place on the Day of the Dead holiday in the evening and brings live music, cultural performances, face painting, sugar skull decorating, and visits to beautifully decorated altars honoring loved ones.
Grab a drink at the Modelo beer gardens, snack on treats from Giant Food, and snap a photo with the life-sized sugar skull sign. As the sun sets, join the glowing community light procession along the waterfront (LED candles provided!). Wear your most colorful, sparkly, skull-and-flower look to join in the fun.
Day of the Dead Festival at the national museum of the american indian
Celebrate Día de los Muertos on Halloween day at the National Museum of the American Indian. Wander past colorful altar displays, catch live traditional music and dance, watch craft demonstrations, and snack your way through the food vendors.
It’s a fresh, fun look at different traditions during the Halloween season with educational opportunities, and at one of the best museums in DC. Get all the details on the National Museum of the American Indian events page. P.S. Make sure not to get mixed up between the Day of the Dead Festival at the NYC location when browsing the site.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS A LITTLE FARTHER OUTSIDE OF WASHINGTON DC
Cox Farms Fall Festival
The Cox Farms Fall Festival is outside the city in Centreville, VA, about 45 minutes from the city, but because it’s so great I couldn’t skip mentioning this one. This legendary fall destination features daytime family activities, giant slides, fields of pumpkins, endless play areas, yummy food & drinks, tons of wide open space, a themed hayride, corn maze, live music and a fun, lively atmosphere.
Usually I visit this one multiple times each year between family and friends visits. It’s definitely worth the trip outside the city, especially for families or a chill outing. As an FYI they don’t sell alcohol here, although you could probably sneak a drink or two in if you’re in vacay mode. 😉
Butler’s Orchard Fall festival
In 45 minutes the other direction, you’ll find the gorgeous Butler’s Orchard for their annual Pumpkin Festival. This is another massive festival which is worth the drive, especially if you want the vibe of farmland versus something in the city.
Here you’ll find a hayride, giant slides, a hayloft to jump into, a corn pool, corn maze, playground, corn hole and a barnyard full of animals for the little ones.
There’s also live music on weekends, pick your own pumpkins, pumpkin cannons, pony rides and more. Lots and lots of family activities here and enough to keep you entertained all day! Get tickets and hours on the Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival page.
Washington DC Halloween Events fOR A SPOOKY GOOD TIME
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
For over 25 years, Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Poolesville, MD has been the premier destination for a terrifying Halloween experience. This is one of my personal favorite Halloween traditions to go to with friends. I still remember talking about this place in elementary school!
It’s a little over an hour from DC, but it really is a whole vibe and totally worth the drive to feel immersed in a cool atmosphere. You really feel like you’re in the middle of the woods at some sort of Halloweentown-like party.
Markoff’s is comprised of haunted hayride to an “abandoned” town, a long and terrifying haunted trail through the woods- which is the main highlight, and a fun and lively village to hangout at before and after.
Known for its elaborate sets, professional actors, and truly frightening atmosphere, this one is definitely designed for those 13 and older seeking serious scares. Also- you can unfortunately expect long lines here most any night you visit. Luckily, they sell alcohol and tons of great food, and you can have your drinks + food in line.
*Keep in mind the trail through the woods can be intense and feels like a mini hike, but made harder since the trail is dark and bumpy. This wouldn’t be the best choice for anyone who is handicapped, recently injured or who gets winded easily.
Laurel’s House of Horrors
Laurel’s House of Horrors in Laurel, Maryland, and delivers an intense Halloween experience with terrifying live actors, elaborate sets, creepy special effects, and unexpected scares around every corner inside a former movie theater.
You’ll find horror-themed sets, creepy clowns, disturbing creatures, and unexpected scares await. Spanning approximately 28,000 square feet, this attraction delivers an intense walkthrough packed with sinister scenes and chaotic encounters for lots of screams and laughs. This one is still on my bucket list!
Milltown Haunt
Milltown Haunt is an immersive haunted house in in Purcellville, VA that features elaborate themes, impressive special effects, and a cast of dedicated scare actors. This one is more indoor oriented compared to Markoff’s, making it great for people that prefer a haunted house experience OR a bad weather day.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear
Cox Farms Fields of Fear is the scary nighttime version of their Fall Festival, with haunted trails and houses that offer scares that aren’t QUITE as scary as the other haunted attractions on this list. It’s great for a younger crowd, especially because there’s no alcohol sold and lots of places to hangout under neon lights with Halloween music playing, bonfires and music.
Cornstalker’s Trail of Terror
The Cornstalkers Trail of Terror is located in Waldorf, Maryland offering more than 40,000 sq ft of Halloween scares inside the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs stadium. Explore a haunted barnyard, try axe throwing, get a tarot reading, and encounter spooky creatures throughout the attraction.
GHOST HUNTING TOURS THROUGH THE CITY
Georgetown Ghost Story Tour
One of the most atmospheric Washington DC Halloween events takes visitors through Georgetown’s historic streets while sharing tales of hauntings and paranormal activity. And what better time than spooky season?! Professional storytellers guide groups past historic homes and buildings with documented supernatural occurrences. Book at the Ghost Story DC site if you dare.
DC Ghost Tours
There’s no better time to go on a ghost tour than during Halloween season. DC Ghosts is the best ghost tour company in DC, and you’ll get a spooky mix of true stories and history, seeing some of the best spots in the city.
DC’S BEST HALLOWEEN PARTIES
Night of the Living Zoo
If a Halloween party in the zoo after dark with a bunch of people dressed up in spooky costumes sounds better than the average nightclub, Night of the Living Zoo is the event for you.
This is one of the best Washington DC Halloween events for a great nightlife experience and it takes place at the National Zoo with unlimited drinks, DJs, tarot readings and even access to selected exhibits if you need a little side mission between drinks. Visit the Zoo’s event page for more info.
National Gallery of Art’s Monster Mash
Get in costume and head to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building for Monster Mash, a free Halloween-themed night in the National Gallery Nights series. Dress up, check out some of the museum’s creepiest artwork, and enjoy music, dancing, and more fun.
It’s also a good way to see the museum after hours with friends, making it the perfect Halloween event for people visiting DC. For more info on this year’s event visit the National Gallery of Art’s Events page.
Nightmare In Navy Yard
Nightmare In Navy Yard is a more traditional party in Navy Yard’s new Supplyhouse venue. Picture three DJs and dance floors, themed cocktails, food trucks, a costume contest, spooky decorations and a lively, fun party atmosphere for a great nightlife experience overall where you won’t have to bar hop to have fun.
House of Hex at Dirty Habit
House of Hex at Dirty Habit is an elaborate, darkly glamorous Halloween party with candlelit courtyard décor, specialty cocktails, DJs, interactive experiences, and a costume contest. Find out everything to know about this annual party at the Downtown DC events page.
Halloween Bar Crawls In & Near DC
DC Halloween Crawl
Get your costume ready: the DC Halloween Crawl returns this year the weekend before Halloween for an all-day takeover of Dupont’s best bars.
Put on by Project DC Events, the crawl brings together thousands of costumed revelers across more than ten participating venues, including Saint Yves, Bravo Bravo, Abigail, The Madhatter, Cafe Citron, Ruben’s, Recessions, Phantom DC, Tokyo Pearl, and Nero DC, with more bars still to be announced.
Your ticket includes a souvenir haunted mug, cover-free entry to every participating bar, exclusive drink and food specials, free event photos, and a raffle entry for a shot at prizes. BUT the highlight is of course being at bars with tons of others dressed up, listening to DJ music and drinking with friends.
Tip: Expect heavy crowds if you plan to go, especially as the evening goes on. My friends and I used to go right when it started because this is when we could bar hop without people bumping into us and having to stand in line for drinks.
Nightmare on Wilson : Halloween Bar Crawl in Clarendon
Nightmare on Wilson is Clarendon’s bar crawl, just outside of DC and usually for a bit of a younger, college crowd. Crawl through all the best Clarendon bars for drink specials, games and costume contests.
P.S. If you love bar hopping, I have a complete Washington DC breweries guide that you can use to brewery hop around the Nation’s capital any time of the year.
Nat Geo Nights: Spooky Night at the Museum
The brand new National Geographic Museum is hosting Spooky Night at the Museum as a part of the Nat Geo Nights event series- an exclusive after-hours event for 21+. Expect themed cocktails, interactive exhibits, live performances, and even opportunities to mingle with Nat Geo explorers and scientists. Costumes are highly encouraged. This event is a slightly more sophisticated way to enjoy the DC nightlife. To learn more visit the National Geographic Museum’s event page.
Visit Decorated DC Speakeasies & Bars
Just outside of DC is the Nightmare on the Avenue at Del Ray Pop Up Bar, which I’ve had a blast at. This is my #1 choice for a themed bar in DC.
The Halloween speakeasy pop up at Chicken & Whiskey is a great go-to and as an added bonus, it’s one of the best bars in DC overall right on 14th street.
Puttery DC has been doing a Frankenstein pop up the last few years which is a really unique date night idea.
Outside of DC there’s also Honor Brewing near Dulles Airport, which is always a winner and has a fantastic, although expensive, Halloween pop up with themed cocktails and decorations. Their food is AMAZING. They also have firepits outdoors, so it’s definitely a whole vibe.
Have a safe and spooky Halloween season! Next up is Christmas. If you’ll be in the DC area during Christmastime and you liked this guide, I have a complete guide to the best Washington DC Christmas events and things to do for you to check out.
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
