Get Your Thrills at These Halloween Events

Spooky season has arrived! Get your costumes ready (and maybe a notepad to tally up the number of Barbie and Ken get-ups this year) and head out for a spine-tingling show, dog- and kid-friendly festivals and other Halloween-themed fun, including a few shindigs that are exclusive to those 21+.

Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park

Through Nov. 5

Daily activities include hill slides, pony rides, wagon rides, a hay maze and inflatables. On weekends, the zip line and pumpkin bounce pillow are open, plus there’s live music and face painters. Oct. 30 promises a Halloween costume contest. And did we mention all of this is at a zoo where kids can visit the furry and feathered residents? // Leesburg Animal Park, 19236 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. The cost of admission varies.

Cox Farms Fall Festival and Fields of Fear

Through Nov. 7

One of the region’s signature Halloween-ish events, this festival offers all things fall: a corn maze called the Cornundrum, a hayride (they claim it’s world-famous) and apple-cider doughnuts. Kids of all ages can slip down slides and participate in farm chores. And for the less faint of heart, Cox Farms’ annual Fields of Fear returns on Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 4 (plus Sunday, Oct. 8) from 7:30-11 p.m. // Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville. The cost of admission varies.

The Tell-Tale Heart

Through Nov. 5

For its first completely new production since 2019, Synetic Theater presents a reimagined take on Edgar Allan Poe’s famously macabre The Tell-Tale Heart. Chronicled by a narrator working to maintain their innocence and sanity, the story quickly reveals that neither of those things are true. Tickets run $35-$65, but you can get them for $39 via Theatre Week through Oct. 8. // 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington

Field of Screams Maryland

Through Oct. 31

It’s a bit of a drive, but if heart-stopping jump scares, blood-stained butcher zombies and satanic rituals are your jam, this horror-palooza in Olney, Maryland—ranked the scariest haunted attraction in the country by USA Today—will deliver the adrenaline rush you seek.  Not for the faint of heart (and not for kids under 12), it includes two lengthy haunted trails and a haunted house called the Slaughter Factory (for a total of 55 terrifying vignettes), plus carnival games such as axe-throwing and a “crypt ring toss.” Tickets ($44-$64) must be purchased online in advance. // 4501 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney, Maryland

Great Country Farms Pumpkin Harvest Festival

Oct. 1-31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Take a day trip to picturesque Bluemont to watch pigs race in the Oinkintucky Derby (three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays), pick a pumpkin, wander a corn maze and catch live music from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at this annual festival. For kiddos, there’s a 12-acre play area. For adults, Bluemont Vineyard across the street offers 10% off wine bottle purchases with your farm wristband. Admission prices vary by age and day of the week.  // Great Country Farms, 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont

Hitchcocktober at Angelika Film Center

Oct. 4-Oct. 31

Catch films by legendary filmmaker and master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, including Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, Shadow of a Doubt and Psycho. Anchoring the Mosaic District, the theater makes it easy to turn movie night into a date night. Grab some grub and a bucket of beers in the movie theater’s café, or stop before or after at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. // 2911 District Ave., Fairfax

Workhouse Arts Center Haunted Trail

Oct. 6-31

Celebrating a decade of giggles and ghosts, Workhouse puts a new twist on the Halloween experience. “Haunt: Game Over” is the theme of its frightful trail, and guests can expect to encounter creepy characters as they wind through the abandoned buildings that make up Workhouse, a former prison. Haunts happen every weekend and Halloween night with live music on Fridays and Saturdays, plus food trucks and themed specialty drinks. Note: New this year are sensory-friendly trail times on Oct. 15 with lower sound levels, no strobe lights and less intense lighting. // 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton

Lego Brick-or-Treat Monster Party

Oct. 6-31

The new Lego Discovery Center is scaring up some wholesome fun with Halloween decorations, activities and screenings of the exclusive Lego 4D Halloween movie Monster Party. Guests can join in on a pumpkin Lego build in the Monsters’ Garden and search for Lego Monster bandmates in the Miniworld. Tickets range from $28.99-$36.99 per person. // 6563 Springfield Town Center, Suite 12004, Springfield

Falls Church Window Painting Festival

Oct. 7, 8, 9 and 14

Calling all artists! Here’s your chance to paint The Little City red—or orange and black. This 15^th annual event welcomes young painters to deck out local businesses’ windows with holiday scenery. Register by 1 p.m. Oct. 8 and pick up paint at Mr. Brown’s Park on painting days. Presented by Falls Church Arts, this community art project is free for participants, but a donation of $10 will help defray the costs. // Mr. Brown’s Park, 100 block of West Broad Street, City of Falls Church

Haunted Halloween for Seniors

Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Are you 55 or older? Want to learn some Halloween-themed recipes? The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteers will be at the Walter Reed Community Center to teach you how to make savory and sweet dishes for the holiday. Come back Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. for a 55+ Halloween Evening Social with games, ice breakers and candy. // 2909 16th St. South, Arlington

Boo at the Zoo

Oct. 20, 21 and 22, 6-8:30 p.m.

Boo-hooing about the pandas’ impending departure? Self-soothe with some candy at this annual event, where animal habitats will be decked out with jack-o-lanterns, and National Zoo’s main pathway will feature vignettes with skeletons and fantastical creatures. Plus, find 30 trick-or-treat stations where visitors can fill their souvenir tote bags. Ideal for ages 4-12, this event includes after-hours access to the Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House and Reptile Discovery Center. Tickets are $25 for zoo members and $35 for non-members. // 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.

The Legwarmers ’80s Halloween Show at The State Theater

Oct. 27 and 28

The totally rad ’80s cover band takes to the stage for a retro Halloween party like no other. Why rewrite the description when the State Theater (a Best of Arlington-winning music venue) nails it? “Lights, monsters, thrills, and chills await at the biggest ’80s haunted house concert experience this side of Transylvania!” Must be 21 or older to enter. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged; there’s a contest with cash prizes for the best three. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church

Howl-O-Ween

Oct. 27, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Let the dogs out for an afternoon of pup-friendly Halloween activities at Gateway Park. Presented by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, this event will have plenty of photo ops for Fido and Fifi, plus pet-themed vendors, raffles, a beer and wine bar, and a pet portrait artist. Think your canine has the cutest costume? Let the judges decide in the costume contest. // 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)

Spoons Toons & Booze Halloween Special

Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.

The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse presents an all-you-can-eat cereal bar, brunch cocktails, contests and prizes, plus Halloween cartoons at this perennially popular event recommended for audiences 21 and up. For younger eyes, the Spoon Toons Halloween Special: All Ages takes place Oct. 29 at noon. // 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington

Halloweekend at the Perch

Oct. 28, 12-8 p.m.

Come Halloween weekend, The Perch sky park in Tysons is hosting two back-to-back parties: one for youngsters (noon to 4 p.m.), followed by another that’s adults-only (4-8 p.m.). Family-friendly activities on the early side include spooky mini golf at Perch Putt, face painting, pumpkin painting, bounce houses, pie-eating contests and a kids’ costume contest at 3 p.m. Seasonal food and drink will be available at Perch Putt’s Haunted Bar on the Great Lawn and Starr Hill Biergarten. The late party includes a costume contest for grown-ups. // 1805 Capital One Drive, 11^th Floor, Tysons

Falls Church Halloween Carnival

Oct. 28, 1-3 p.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Get your spook on at this family-friendly event chock full of carnival games, inflatables and, of course, candy. Don a costume and grab a bag to carry all your treats. Wristbands ($1 each) are required for all activities and are color-coded by time slot. // Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., City of Falls Church (Rain location: Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church)

Halloween at The Boo-ro

Oct. 28, 3-8:30 p.m.

When The Boro becomes The Boo-ro, be ready to enter your dog in its Best in Show Costume Contest. Get your groove on at the Monster Bash dance party, channel your inner artiste at the crafts booth, listen to a spooky tale from Turning the Page, peek into your future with a tarot card reading, and if you’re 21 or older, sip Witch’s Brew cocktails from El Bebe. At 6:30 p.m., catch a PG screening of Hocus Pocus. // 8350 Broad St., Tysons

Old Firehouse Festival of Frights and Trunk or Treat

Oct. 28, 5-10 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for this free annual event at the Old Firehouse in McLean, which promises live music, games, food, contests and candy. Can’t wait that long to party? The community center also will host a Monster Mash for fifth and sixth graders on Oct. 20 from 7-9:30 p.m. with catered food and a DJ (tickets are $15-$35), and a Haunted Trip on Friday the 13^th from 4:30-11 p.m. Only the bravest can search for ghosts and zombies at the latter event, which includes dinner ($50-$60). // 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean

Clifton Haunted Trail

Oct. 28, 7-10 p.m.

The historic town of Clifton has a number of 19^th-century homes, many of which are said to be haunted—perhaps by Civil War soldiers who died at or near the sites—and the story of Bunnyman Bridge is a hair-raising local legend. All of this makes the perfect setting for a dark outdoor trail where monsters, zombies, witches and other nightmarish creatures issue heart-stopping jump scares as you walk along. The website describes the trail as “very scary,” so it may not be appropriate for young children. Tickets, which sell out quickly, go on sale at midnight Oct. 6. // Clifton Town 8-Acre Park, Clifton

Doggie Trick-or-Treating at Dogma

Oct. 29, 2-4 p.m.

Dogma Bakery and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue are teaming up for the 14th annual Doggie Trick-or-Treating event in the Village at Shirlington. Each canine attendee will get a Bark Halloween toy, while supplies last, and a bag to hold all their baked Dogma treats. Dress up your pup to be included in a costume contest (to be judged by the bakery’s social media followers using photos taken during the event). A registration fee of $20 goes to the rescue organization. Last year, more than 250 dogs attended the gathering, which raised $5,400 for Lucky Dog. // 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)

A River Farm Halloween

Oct. 30, 6-7 p.m.

Actor and retired Arlington Circuit Court Judge William Newman Jr. heads an all-star cast of storytellers who will regale book lovers with narrations from the popular — and slightly spooky — Old Town Mystery Series. Classical WETA broadcaster Nicole Lacroix and two ghost tour leaders from Alexandria Colonial Tours will also participate in the storytelling. Expect to hear narrations from Daingerfield Island, Slaters Lane and Gadsby’s Corner, all by local author and attorney John Adam Wasowicz. The all-ages event is free, and Halloween costumes are encouraged. // 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria

Dog O’ Ween

Nov. 4, 1-6 p.m.

For those who like to be fashionably late, this Shipgarten event in Tysons kicks off a few days after Halloween, welcoming dogs and families with live music, trick-or-treating and a pet/owner costume competition. Also on deck are outdoor games and activities, a photo booth and a dog-friendly menu, including a $3 pup cup and a $12 Playdate—a rubber Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter and mini treats. // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean

Alexandria’s Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour

Ongoing

Meet at the Visitor Center in Old Town and follow a Colonial-costumed guide through the streets of the historic district, heading on either the north or south routes. Listen to ghost stories, legends, folklore and unsolved mysteries. Each walking tour covers about six blocks and takes an hour to complete. // 221 King St., Alexandria

Related Stories: