Happy Halloweekend!
A scary amount of ideas for ongoing DC fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path DC Museums
* MD & VA Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
It doesn’t get much better than Halloween on a Saturday, so you can celebrate all day, trick or treat in the evening, (celebrate some more), and sleep in after it all. Even better, there are lots of ways to embrace the spooky spirit throughout the whole weekend, from family fests on Friday to early TorT sessions on Saturday, to Dia de los Muertos events on Sunday. Many of them are listed below, and you can find even more in the big round-up of wicked fun around the area.
Grand Reopening Celebration
Where: Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens on Saturday after a nearly four-year overhaul! To celebrate, the museum is hosting a day of family-friendly activities, including a ribbon cutting ceremony, art-making, a scavenger hunt to explore the garden, pop-up talks from artists, and more from 10am – 4pm. See more about the Opening Celebration to help plan your visit.
Hill-O-Ween
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 4-6pm
Admission: Free
Capitol Hill’s annual neighborhood event is legendary for little ones! Count on a moon bounce park, photo booths, a spooky dance party, and more fun. Te block of 7th Street SE next to Eastern Market is closed to traffic for one of the best community Halloween celebrations in the city. The best part is seeing the masses of jubilant kids in all kinds of costumes indulging in the extravaganza.
Wizards vs Hornets
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
Watch the Wizards tip off against the Hornets on Friday night. The game is a Halloween Spooktacular, so there will be extra themed fun, costumes, and music adding to the excitement, a festive way for fans to kick off Halloween weekend.
Mystery Mansion Adventure
Where: Chevy Chase Women’s Club | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $10-25
Celebrate Halloween at Twisted, this year’s Mystery Mansion Adventure theme hosted by The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase. Three experiences are available: Bonfire Bash tickets give you access to the grounds, including live music and firepits. Fairytale Isle tickets give access to the full experience of the Bonfire Bash and the unique halls of the mansion (for ages 3+). And the Tunnel tickets give access to Bonfire Bash, Fairytale Isle, and an extended fright experience in the mansion (for ages 8+).
Kidchella
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10/adult, $5/age 1-6, free/under 1
Get ready for a frightfully fun morning at a spooktacular edition of Kidchella, the ultimate 2-hour dance bash for babies, toddlers, and little monsters up to 6 years old (and their grown-up ghouls, of course!). It’s a high-energy mix of silly monster beats, bubble-filled magic, and non-stop, giggly fun for the whole family. We want to see your most creative, cute, or wacky Halloween costumes! Feel free to bring anything that helps you groove—whether it’s a favorite pumpkin plushie or your best monster-mash dancing shoes.
Mamma Mia!
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm | Saturday & Sunday, 2pm & 7:30pm
Tickets: $75+
A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. Recommended for ages 6+.
Les Misérables
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Friday & Saturday, 7pm | Sunday, 1pm
Tickets: $54-101 (find discount)
Based on Victor Hugo’s sweeping 19th-century novel of redemption, revolution, and love, the songs of Les Miz conquered Broadway in the 1980s and continue to resonate in this third decade of the 21st Century. Follow Jean-Valjean from his beginnings as convict #24601 to life in hiding, to protector of Cosette, pursued all the while by the relentless Javert, culminating in the revolutionary passions of the 1832 Paris uprising. Join us at the barricade this holiday season, and be stirred by a musical unmatched by its lyrical humor, its calls for justice, and its portrayal of the sacrifices one can make in the name of love. Recommended for ages 10+.
More Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure at The Puppet Co.
* The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Olney Theatre
* Monsters of the Villa Diadati at Creative Cauldron
* Frida: A Self Portrait at Klein Theatre
Fall 5K and Festival
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 8:30am (race), 10am (fall fest)
Admission: $60+/race (free/ages 12 & under), free/fall fest
You can still sign up for the 5k, but you can also go just to enjoy the fall activities. The fun will include a Thriller dance party, Halloween costume contest, trick-or-treat stations, family activities and and lawn games, bulbs and garden ornaments for sale, food trucks, and garlic and sweet potato planting demos. Of course, plan to enjoy the fall foliage-filled scenery throughout one of the most beautiful places in the city, too.
Día de los Muertos | Day of the Dead Celebration
Where: National Museum of the American Indian | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole crew to enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $15/non-member, $10/member, $5/adult
Enjoy some morning trick or treating and fun at Tudor place! Explore the gardens while gathering treats (both food and non-food items) and show off your Halloween costume. There will be coffee, cider, and other goodies along with crafts, games, face-painting, and more.
The Dad Games Fall Fest
Where: Capital Turnaround | 700 M St SE, DC
When: Saturday 2pm
Admission: Free, but RSVP is required
The Dad Games crew is back again with a Fall Fest for the entire family! Join them for cider and donuts, pumpkin bowling, a mummy wrap race, giveaways, and a family costume competition with $100 first prizes in every category: little kids, big kids, families, adults, and seniors! Costumes and the contest are optional. Get dressed up or come as you are! If you’d like, bring a gently used children’s coat to donate to families in need.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: $31/age 12+, $26/under 12
Trick-or-treat at Mount Vernon as George Washington’s estate open its gates for Halloween fun and spook-tacular activities. Along with collecting candy around the historic grounds, enjoy live entertainment, check out a apple butter-making demo (and get a taste!), watch sparks fly at the blacksmith shop, learn about Mount Vernon’s horses, and more.
Stamp & Scream
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station area, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Step into a world of spooky stamps, silly surprises, and creative Halloween fun! Families can explore hands‑on artmaking, join a museum‑wide costume parade, and discover seasonal stories and activities around every corner…. Costumes encouraged!
Halloween Masquerade with Rocknoceros
Where: Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 11am (doors open 10:30am)
Admission: $10
Wear your finest ghoulery to this dance-along, sing-along event with a kindie rock favorite in the DC area! This show is part of the Jammin Java/Union Stage Presents 25th anniversary concert series.
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween
Where: John Carlyle Square | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday 11am
Admission: Free
This celebration in Old Town Alexandria will be packed with arts & crafts, delicious treats, and a day of fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to shop for handmade Halloween décor, indulge in sweet treats, or watch a costume parade (kids and pets), this festival has something for everyone.
Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free, but small cost for some activities
It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! Activities include Halloween arts & crafts, a festive fall photo-op (say that 10 times!), Trick-or-Treating at resident art studios and galleries, and a costume contest (will you win for “Most Spooky,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Group?”). They focus on the arts-y & crafts-y more than the scary, but we love to see all the costumes – even the scary ones!
Halloween Spectacular Trick or Treat
Where: Union Market, DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Trick-or-Treat Union Market District style! Join an evening of family-friendly trick-or-treating, where you can visit participating retailers for spooky shopping and treats! Free and open to kids 12 and under.
Pumpkin Chunkin’
Where: Great Country Farm | Bluemont, VA
When: Sunday. 9am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult, $16/ at gate
Continue the Halloween fun after the holiday! Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern to Great Country’s smashin’ station and let it fly! The Silo Drop and the Zip Wire Sploosh let you do the smashin’ yourself or opt for the Pumpkin Drop Zone and add it to the upside down “fireworks display” as pumpkins are dropped from a 40-foot lift — so fun to watch! (What happens to all those smashed pumpkins? The pigs and cows love to eat them and GCF composts the rest.) There will also be live music, marshmallow roasting, and cider press demos, plus The Roosteraunt concession stand will be open. Of course, plan to enjoy the farm’s playground, full of fun, too!
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the celebration at the historic Chapel in the center of the cemetery to collectively build a large-scale ofrenda honoring our departed loved ones. Share stories about those who are gone, learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos and similar customs around the world, and join the community around remembrance and celebration. Bring photographs of departed loved ones, some of their favorite foods or mementos, flowers (fresh or dried), and other cherished artifacts from their lives to add to it. You can also make something on site during the event — they’ll have a variety of hands-on crafts and activities for all ages, including decorating sugar skulls and crafting paper flowers.
Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. If tickets aren’t available, plan to go another day — the admission fee is worth it! (Or snag them for a future free day.)
Celebración Día de los Muertos
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 3-6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with your family and friends.Discover beautifully decorated altars honoring loved ones, listen to live music, and light up the night during the community light procession. The family-friendly afternoon will include free activities for the kids including face painting, sugar skull decorating, and more. Don’t forget to dress the part by wearing colorful clothing, skulls, and flowers.
Caps vs Wild
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 3:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
Hockey fans can catch some Caps action as they take on the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. It’s also Youth Hockey Day, celebrating the next generation of hockey players with special pregame appearances and in-game activities highlighting local youth hockey programs
Spirit vs. Stars
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
It’s the regular season finale for the Spirit on Sunday. They’ve already cliched a spot in the quarterfinals, and this match against the Chicago Stars will decide if they host it at Audi Field next Friday. It’s also Fan Appreciation Night, bringing some extra fun as you root for our home team!
Movie in the Park: Coco
Where: Lincoln PArk | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 7-9pm
Admission: Free
Wind down Halloween weekend and Dia de Los Muertos with an outdoor family movie night. Join the community in Lincoln Park for a screening of Pixar’s Coco, a film follows Miguel, a young musician who journeys into the colorful Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s story and the power of remembering the people we love. Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available. BYO blankets and low chairs for seating. Reserve a free spot here.
Leaf Peeping Hikes
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Take in the brilliant color spectrum of autumn and get a little exercise, to boot, on a family hike. From right here in the city to country locales, you’ve got your pick of places where you can enjoy the fall foliage and some time outdoors. This post about good area hikes with kids started in the early KFDC days, and with many new recommendations added since, there are lots of great suggestions for trails that will make for happy trampers. A few specific suggestions for this weekend: Rock Creek Park in Northwest DC (note that Visitor/Nature Center is closed due to shutdown); Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, VA; Riverbend Park in McLean, VA; Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, VA; Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* A few outdoor ice rinks around the area have opened, and more will welcome skaters over the next few weeks. Get details on all of them — indoors, too!
* For moms who want to dance the evening away before the Halloween hoopla begins on Saturday, join the Earlybirds Club Dance Party on Friday at The Fillmore in Silver Spring! It’s timed on the early side “for ladies who have shit to do in the morning.”
* Tickets for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Quarterfinals at Audi Field are on sale — though date and time are still TBA, either Friday, November 6 or Sunday, November 8.
* If you’re starting to think about trips for this winter, next spring, or anytime really, you can find some inspo here.
* A front porch accessory after the Halloween decor comes down.
* If you’ve seen You Can See Everything, watch this.
* DC Halloween costume ideas.
