Happy Halloweekend!
Bookmark-able posts for this weekend and beyond:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Autumn Off the Farm
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids
Wicked Fun!
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Celebrate Halloween all weekend long leading up to the big day! A scary amount of events and activities that embrace the spooky spirit are happening over the next few days. A bunch are detailed in this round-up, and this post has info on even more where you can find all the tricks and treats.
Hill-O-Ween
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Capitol Hill’s annual neighborhood event is legendary for little ones! The block of 7th Street SE next to Eastern Market is closed to traffic for one of the best community Halloween celebrations in the city. Enjoy live pumpkin carving, a DJ spinning tunes for a spooky dance party, face painting, photo booths, and more Halloween themed fun. The best part is seeing the masses of jubilant kids in all kinds of costumes indulging in the extravaganza.
Mystery Mansion & Bonfire Bash
Where: Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Friday, 6-9pm
Admission: $10-20
This Halloween experience for the entire family has a few offerings — a Haunted House, Bonfire Bash, and Crypt. The Bonfire Bash will feature music, food sales, outdoor Halloween movies, and fire pits. The Mystery Mansion is a “haunted house” tour for ages 5 and up.
And the Crypt offers added thrills and chills best for ages 10 and up. All of it includes a $3 food credit. The Women’s Club of Chevy Chase is locate at 7931 Connecticut Ave.
Halloween Scenes
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
One of my favorite things about Halloween on Capitol Hill is the many houses decked out in decor for the holiday. And strolling (or biking or scooting) around to see them makes for a wicked fun family activity. The Hill is Home makes that easier with their 2022 Spooky Hill Map. Even if you don’t live here, it’s worth coming to the area to experience, especially since you can make a longer day of it and plan for a visit to the Library of Congress or the U.S. Capitol, some browsing at Eastern Market, or play time at one of the many parks or playgrounds.
Ichabod: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Where: Creative Cauldron | Falls Church, VA
When: Fri & Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 2pm & 7pm
Tickets: $20-45
It’s the final performances for the show that’s perfect for this weekend… Journey back in time to a quiet glen called Sleepy Hollow, where the denizens of the town are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new school master, Ichabod Crane. An adaptation of Washington Irving’s Classic tale of lore, love and the legendary Headless Horseman, this World Premier Musical by the critically acclaimed creative team Conner and Smith arrives just in time for autumn leaves, pumpkins, and ghost tales around the campfire.
Air & Scare
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The annual Air & Scare event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is back with loads of activities! Enjoy spooky discoveries along with science fun, like an obstacle course through space, a toddler puppet show, story time ad photo ops with Star Wars characters, a Halloween scavenger hunt through the collection, opportunities to create. Dress in costume , and note that tickets for outside activities are sold out — but there’s plenty to enjoy indoors!
Pumpkins in the Park
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 11am
Admission: Free
The middle block of Canal Park will be transformed into the neighborhood’s very own pumpkin patch! Enjoy all kinds of seasonal festivities — pumpkin decorating (while supplies last), a giant moon bounce, festive photo booth, live music, magic show, and seasonal beverages (for 21+). All ages are invited to join. Pumpkins will be available on a first come, first served basis throughout the event, so go early to get yours.
Women’s Championship Soccer!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 8pm (Fan Fest 5:30pm)
Admission: Tickets start at $30
The KC Current face the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League championship match at Audi Field on Saturday evening. It’s a big deal because 1) It’s a big match! 2) It’s the first time the NWSL final game is being played in the evening, getting the prime time broadcast coverage the women athletes deserve. There will also be a pre-game Fan Fest starting at 5:30pm with autograph sessions, face painting, skills competitions, food, and more fun. Purchase tickets here.
Watch the Wizards
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $16
Catch some hoops actions on Friday night, as the Wizards host the Indian Pacers at home. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Shake Shack, and Oyamel.
Adams Morgan Apple Festival
Where: Unity Park | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The 9th Annual Adams Morgan Apple Pie Baking Contest and the 14th Annual Licking Creek Bend Farm Heirloom Apple Tasting returns to Adams Morgan on Saturday! Event highlights include an apple tasting and a homemade apple pie baking contest from restaurants and residents in the neighborhood. Area bakers compete for the title of Best Apple Pie, and attendees can purchase pie slices for $5 each to support Miriam’s Kitchen.
Victura Park Fall Fest
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
our annual Fall Festival! From 12pm – 4pm, we have an afternoon of fun planned with face painters, games, s’mores, chili, hot cider and more. Free admission. No reservations or tickets required. Bring the family (including the fluffy ones) and come by!
S.P.I.E.S. 2: Flight of the Hawk
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday through November 20
Tickets: $25
Join S.P.I.E.S. in person, where it is more interactive than ever! This follow-up to the online hit S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis combines live theatre and taped adventure scenes to create a collaborative and exciting experience where each audience gets to be the hero and solve the puzzles–and no two performances are alike. Recommended for ages 5-11.
Finding Rhythm: Go-Go Music
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 11am & 1:30pm
Tickets: $20
Take a journey through the musical brain with Mother Dance, Father Rhythm, and the Curious Scientist! D.C.’s own Go-go music and brain science come together for this lively show that’ll have kids singing and dancing to the beat. Learn the origins of human rhythm, how rhythm grows the brain, and where children find the source of their own power AND connection. Music neuroscientist and show creator Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver draws together a team of master musicians and teaching artists to tell this powerful, unifying story. Recommended for ages 5+.
More Live Entertainment
Where: Theatres around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular at The Puppet Co.
* Tiny Tots at The Puppet Co. (littlest ones)
* Dracula at Synetic Theater (teens & older)
* Once on this Island at Source Theatre (age 10+)
* The Ballad of Emmet Till at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (teens & older)
* Dance Nation at Olney Theatre (Rated R)
All the Fall Fests
Where: Around the DC region
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Fall festivals are in full swing at locales all around the area to celebrate the season From pumpkin patches and apple picking to corn mazes and hayrides to giant slides and jumping pillows, there are activities GALORE to help folks embrace the autumn spirit.
Autumn off the Farm
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Farm festivals may be the go-to autumn outing, but there are lots of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post lists 10 great places to check out for fall adventures.
Halloween Party & Storytime
Where: Commonwealth Baptist Church | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
Admission: $5/child, free for adults
JoinArts on the Horizon for a fun and festive Halloween party and interactive storytime! Explore the wonders of the fall season and all things Halloween using music and creative movement to experience new and exciting stories. After the storytime, stick around to create some fun Halloween and fall themed crafts. Wear your Halloween costumes (adults, too!) and get ready to move and groove with stories, music, and movement. Commonwealth Baptist Church is located at 700 Commonwealth Ave. in Alexandria. Register in advance!
Lil’ Pumpkins Festival
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission:
The 3rd Annual Lil’ Pumpkin Fest at BlackRock Center for the Arts offers the Upcounty community a fun, free, and safe way to enjoy all the Fall and spooky festivities. Activities include trick-or-treating, photo booth, lil’ pumpkin painting, free pumpkins for children under the age of 11, beer garden, and a costume parade. Later that evening, adults can enjoy a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live cast on the MainStage at 6pm & 9pm.
Halloween on the Farm
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Clifton, VA
When: Saturday, 5-8pm
Admission: $10
Trick or treat on the farm! Visit with farm animals, create crafts, play games, tour the decorated farmhouse, and enjoy the fall on the farm. The program runs in three one-hour time slots. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance!
Día de los Muertos Family Day
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum in celebrating Día de los Muertos! Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, Mariachi Aguila DC, and Sol y Rumba. Enjoy face painting and our featured Día de los Muertos-themed crafts for all ages. If you are unable to make it in person or want to continue the celebration online, visit our Family Zone for more crafts, coloring pages, and performance videos.
PJ Party
Where: Past Tense Yoga | Mount Pleasant, DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission: $40
Ready for a night out? Pat Tense is throwing a pajama party for your kids (5 and up). Drop them off at 5pm with dinner in hand, and they’ll eat, play games, watch a movie, and even do some yoga. Pick ‘em up at 8pm – or they might turn into pumpkins.
Autumn Bonsai Exhibit: The Colors of Nature
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
The little trees in the bonsai exhibit at the National Arboretum change with the seasons, too! Ripe fruit and fall foliage hang from the miniature branches of bonsai and penjing before falling away to reveal their bare winter silhouettes. See selections of red maples, golden ginkgo, and fruited trees from the museum’s permanent collections. Of course, plan to tour the rest of the Arboretum, which is brilliant with fall color right now.
Halloween at the Harbor
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 12:30-3pm
Admission: Free
National Harbor is hosting an afternoon full of spooktacular fun for the whole family, including Trick-or-Treating at select restaurants and retailers, a Halloween Movie, a Chef Pumpkin Carving Contest, and a Pet Pawrade. Visit the website for the full schedule of the day’s events.
Pumpin Rock ‘n Roll
Where: Warner Circle Park | Kensington, MD
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
The Pumpkin Rock ‘n Roll is back! Warner Circle Park in Kensington will be transformed into a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Enjoy lots of family-friendly attractions, including live musical performances, pumpkin derby race, food trucks, and a hay maze.
Family Day Piano Show
Where: Bobby McKey’s | National Harbor, MD
When: Sunday, 3:30-6pm
Admission: $27.50-32.50
Tack this on to your Halloween fun at National Harbor! It’s a Family Show at Bobby McKey’s on Halloween weekend, so it’s likely to celebrate the spooky season, too (ie, go ahead and dress up!) Enjoy two hours of all request live piano music, plus food and drinks, and of course encouragement of singing along and wiggling in your seats! Bar is open for non-driving parents.
The Ins & Outs of DC
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are loaded with ideas for ongoing pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* A new museum is opening in DC on Saturday! Read more about the Rubell Museum DC.
* If you’re looking for fun with little ones on Friday, there are a couple of festivals going on in the morning into the afternoon.
* Don’t forget to enter the lottery for tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting on November 30!
* Speaking of holiday events, tickets for Step Afrika’s Holiday Step Show are now on sale. (It’s so good!)
* One of DC’s all-time best moments happened three years ago Sunday! (I still get chills watching it.)
* 11 of the scariest places to travel.
* My mom just sent me this cookbook, and I can’t wait to try some of the recipes!
* I’ve been loving this light, heartwarming TV series, and enjoyed this love story binge.
* Also so excited for this new season to begin on Sunday!
* Halloween costumes for couples… who are going through something. 😉