This month is full of Halloween events for kids, teens, adults, and even dogs! Here’s what’s happening for Halloween in Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, Vienna, Chantilly, and other parts of Northern Virginia and the DC area.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm and Boo-Stravaganza
6-10pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
From 6-8pm on Thursday, come to the Indoor Arena Barn dressed in your favorite costume for Boo-Stravaganza. Enjoy fun, games, a wagon ride, treats, and a small pumpkin. This program is for kids age 3-8. The cost is $10-$12 per child for Boo-Stravaganza, and reservations are required.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm
6-10pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
The Reston Farm Market
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016
Pumpkins in the Park Festival
9am-1pm: Lake Fairfax Park, Reston
Enjoy activities for the whole family like our burlap sack slide, face painting, class demonstrations, carousel rides, food and outdoor fun. Tickets are $7.
Giraffe-toberfest
9am-4pm: Roer’s Zoofari, Reston
This fall fundraiser for giraffe conservation takes place on weekends in October, and includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, bounce house, giraffe feeding, wagon rides, and carnival games. Tickets are $20.
Halloween on the Green
11am-12:30pm: Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Ave E, Vienna
Kids are invited to don their costumes for a fun-filled early afternoon. The fright-less affair includes free popcorn and cotton candy, an appearance by the Vienna Singing Princesses, a petting zoo, pumpkin carving, storytelling, face painting, balloon animals, and more. FREE.
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm
12-10pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
Tysons Biergarten Oktoberfest: Harvest Festival
1-6pm: Tysons Biergarten, 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Celebrate Oktoberfest with 50 pumpkin, spice, and seasonal beers, as well as live music, pumpkin painting, contests, and giveaways. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Tickets are $20.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016
Fall Carnival Fun on the Farm
12-7pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Head to Frying Pan Farm for games, rides and tasty fair food. Admission is FREE, but there is a fee for carnival attractions.
Giraffe-toberfest
9am-4pm: Roer’s Zoofari, Reston
This fall fundraiser for giraffe conservation takes place on weekends in October, and includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, bounce house, giraffe feeding, wagon rides, and carnival games. Tickets are $20.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016
Boo at the Zoo
5:30-8:30pm: National Zoo, Washington DC
Trick or treat among the zoo animals, with more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, and decorated trails. Tickets are $30.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016
Blood and Guts Run
9am-1pm: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
The event includes bands, food trucks, costume competitions, a DJ dance party, and a wild 5k zombie obstacle course.
Giraffe-toberfest
9am-4pm: Roer’s Zoofari, Reston
This fall fundraiser for giraffe conservation takes place on weekends in October, and includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, bounce house, giraffe feeding, wagon rides, and carnival games. Tickets are $20.
Air and Scare
2-7pm: Udvar-Hazy Museum, Chantilly
Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. The tiniest visitors can check out the Tot Zone to play dress-up and hear a story. Admission is FREE, but parking is $15.
Halloween Family Fun Day
12-2pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Children up to the age of 8 and their adults are invited to dress in their costumes and enjoy carnival games, prizes, a one-man band, and a puppet show. FREE.
Village at Leesburg Monster Mash
3-7pm: Village at Leesburg
Trick or treat with participating merchants, and take part in the costume parade, pumpkin carving, hayrides, and musical performances. FREE.
Historic All Hallows Eve
4-7pm: Sully Historic Site, Chantilly
Celebrate Historic All Hallows Eve with storytelling, fortune telling, fall foods and family gatherings. Experience these traditions as you tour the house and grounds by lantern light. $10, register online.
Boo at the Zoo
5:30-8:30pm: National Zoo, Washington DC
Trick or treat among the zoo animals, with more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, and decorated trails. Tickets are $30.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016
Giraffe-toberfest
9am-4pm: Roer’s Zoofari, Reston
This fall fundraiser for giraffe conservation takes place on weekends in October, and includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, bounce house, giraffe feeding, wagon rides, and carnival games. Tickets are $20.
Boo at the Zoo
5:30-8:30pm: National Zoo, Washington DC
Trick or treat among the zoo animals, with more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, and decorated trails. Tickets are $30.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
Vienna Halloween Parade
7pm: Maple Avenue, Vienna
This annual parade features bands, floats, performers, antique vehicles, and more. Kids are invited to walk in the parade in their Halloween costumes. No registration is required for kids to walk in the parade; meet at 6:30 p.m.
Trick or Treat Trail at Walker Nature Center
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
Walker Nature Center Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
6pm or 7:30pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
This Halloween celebration for children will include carnival games, admissions, face painting, concessions, and costumed characters. Tickets are $10 and sell out fast, so order them as soon as they are available: Oct 3 at 9am: 6pm tickets or 7:30pm tickets
Herndon Spooktacular
6:30-8pm: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Children ages 3-8 are invited for this Halloween event that features ghoulish games, spooky crafts, and an amazing magic show. Children should wear their costume. Each participant will receive a special Halloween treat bag. Admission is $10-$15.
Bradley Farm Haunted House
6-10pm: 13159 New Parkland Dr., Herndon
This haunted house is a fundraiser for Herndon-Reston FISH, which helps local residents through short-term crises. “Coal Mine” is a fun and terrifying Halloween event intended for older kids and adults.
Night of the Living Zoo
6:30-10pm: National Zoo, Washington, DC
Witness death defying acts and amazing oddities at Friends of the National Zoo’s annual adults-only Halloween party. Enjoy craft beer, fare from popular DC food trucks, a spooktacular costume contest, and performance artists while dancing to music at the DJ dance party. $30-$80, register online.
Pumpkins by the Campfire
7pm: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Families bring a small pumpkin to decorate and play games. Roast marshmallows at the campfire, enjoy cookies and juice, and make crafts as they share stories about pumpkins that aren’t scary. $10, register online.
Howl-o-ween at Lake Anne Plaza
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016
Giraffe-toberfest
9am-4pm: Roer’s Zoofari, Reston
This fall fundraiser for giraffe conservation takes place on weekends in October, and includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, bounce house, giraffe feeding, wagon rides, and carnival games. Tickets are $20.
BOO at the Brew
10am-close: Lake Anne Brew House, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
From opening until dark, enjoy an extended patio with pet-friendly seating. Bring your dog for a great view of Lake Anne Plaza’s pet-friendly Halloween festival from 1-3pm. Enjoy beer and Halloween candy pairings all day. A costume contest takes place in the taproom after dark.
Dulles Town Center’s Mall-o-ween
10am-12pm: Dulles Town Center, Sterling
This is a great indoor option for trick or treating, and also includes a magic show, arts and crafts, and horse-drawn hay rides. FREE.
HOWL-O-WEEN on Lake Anne Plaza
1-3pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Dress yourself and your pet in your finest costumes, and celebrate Halloween at a beer garden on the Plaza. There will be a pet costume contest, pet parade, live DJ, games, and treats. Dogs, cats, and other furry friends are welcome. FREE.
Trick or Treat at Reston Town Center
12-4pm: Reston Town Center, Reston
Costumed children can visit participating retailers and the Information Center for treats and goodies on Halloween afternoon. Look for the pumpkin flyer in the window. The whole family can enjoy a spooky, magical performance for all ages by Turley the Magician at 1pm in Fountain Square. Stick around for a dog costume contest at 4pm. FREE.
Halloween at the Mill
12-3pm: Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls
Dress up in your Halloween costume, and get ready for some not-so-spooky fun. Create Halloween crafts, enjoy hands-on activities, see a grain grinding demonstration, and trick-or-treat around the site. $3-$5, register online.
Bradley Farm Haunted House: Coal Mine
1-10pm: 13159 New Parkland Dr., Herndon
This haunted house is a fundraiser for Herndon-Reston FISH, which helps local residents through short-term crises. On Saturday from 1-5pm, there is a less scary event for young children, as well as face painting, carnival games, and kids entertainment. From 6-10pm, there will be a fun and terrifying haunted house event intended for older kids and adults.
Trunk or Treat
3:30-4:30pm: Forest Edge Elementary School, Reston
Kids are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and trick or treat in the school parking lot. Hosted by Restoration Reston. FREE.
Howling Halloween Dog Costume Contest
4pm: Reston Town Center Pavilion, Reston
Dress up your dog for Reston Town Center’s first annual dog costume contest. Judges will award the most creative costume, the best owner/dog duo costume, and the best DIY costume. FREE, but registration is required.
Walker Nature Center Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
6pm or 7:30pm: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
This Halloween celebration for children will include carnival games, admissions, face painting, concessions, and costumed characters. Tickets are $10 and sell out fast, so order them as soon as they are available: Oct 3 at 9am: 6pm tickets or 7:30pm tickets
Bier-o-ween
6pm-closing: Tysons Biergarten, 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
This celebration includes trick or treating (for kids from 6-7:30, and for adults over 21 after 7:30), a costume contest, live music, and more. FREE, register online.
Kalypso’s Halloween Bash
9:30pm-close: Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
This Halloween party will feature DJ Kram and a costume contest with $300 in prizes.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016
Giraffe-toberfest
9am-4pm: Roer’s Zoofari, Reston
This fall fundraiser for giraffe conservation takes place on weekends in October, and includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, bounce house, giraffe feeding, wagon rides, and carnival games. Tickets are $20.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2016
Halloween Pet Parade
4-4:45pm: Great Falls Village Centre Green, Great Falls
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, with prizes for special categories. Pets must be cleared from the area by 4:50pm. FREE.
Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular
5-7pm: Great Falls Village Centre Green & Great Falls Shopping Center, Great Falls
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. FREE.
Fair Oaks Mall-o-ween
5:30-7:30pm: Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
This indoor trick or treating event includes candy stations, face painting, and balloon artists. FREE.
Bonfire at Markoff’s Haunted Forest
NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND DC-AREA HAUNTED HOUSES
These DC-area haunted houses are not for children or the faint of heart! These events are for teens and adults only.
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Through Oct. 31: Dickerson, MD
This impressively horrifying outdoor adventure is a personal favorite. Convincing actors will frighten you along a haunted trail, zip line, canopy tour, or hay ride.
Fields of Fear at Cox Farms
Through Oct. 31: Centreville
This fall festival transforms into a nighttime scare fest, with a haunted hayride, bonfires, and the Cornnightmare Maze.
Escape Room Herndon: The Cursed Crypt
Through the season: The Escape Room Herndon
Gather a team of friends to help solve a riddle that will enable you to escape a darkened chamber before the devil knows you’re there.
Scream City
Through Nov. 5: Washington DC
RFK Stadium’s parking lot will be transformed into two terrifying attractions: the Slaughter Factory and the Exorcism Estate.
Shocktober
Through Oct. 30: Leesburg
This event claims to be Northern Virginia’s only “real” haunted house.
The Haunted Forest at Halloween Woods
Through Oct. 31: Sterling
Take a half-mile forest adventure along the haunted White Trail of Algonkian Regional Park.
Madhaunter’s Madhouse
Through Oct. 31: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
This former prison is converted into an indoor and outdoor maze of terror.
Rt. 29 Haunted Farm
Through Oct. 29: Warrenton
This event includes a bonfire, DJ, food concessions, and dark shadowy figures coming out of the corn to feed at night.
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Related articles:
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Holiday Home Tour: The Wests’ Incredible Halloween Decorations
Halloween Cocktails: Psychotic Spirits & Bewitching Brews
Dog Events in Northern Virginia for Fall 2016
Halloween Candy Buy-Back in Reston
Photo credit: Charlotte Geary
