8 Ways to Scare Up Some Fun for Halloween in DC

Get in the spirit!

From real-life haunted houses (allegedly) to fright night movie fests and watching the dead come alive to tell their ghoulish tales, Halloween events in DC offer something from everyone.  We’ve rounded up a mix of frighteningly fun things to do that will get everyone in the Halloween spirit. Boo!

Spooky Movie International Horror Film Festival ​
​October 8 - 15

If 2020 isn't scary enough, the 15th annual Spooky Movie International Horror Film Festival will give you plenty to scream about! This year's all virtual festival features a terrifying lineup of independent films from around the world on October 8 - 15. Purchase a festival pass for $125 or tickets for individual movies for $12 each.

Twilight Souls Stroll at Congressional Cemetery
​October 16-17 and October 23-24

Congressional Cemetery will lead its annual “Soul Strolls” through the 35-acre burial ground. Consider the event somewhat of a haunted history lesson. Guides will lead visitors on a tour to meet costumed characters telling the stories behind the headstones of some of its notable residents, who include people from J. Edgar Hoover to suffragists and bootleggers. Those who prefer to pay their respects in broad daylight can come back in the morning or afternoon for self-guided tours.

Haunted Places in DC

If you're feeling brave, you can visit some of the creepiest, most haunted spots in DC. Just make sure someone knows where you're going. Just in case.

Flicks & Rose Outdoor Movie Night
October 23 & 25

Celebrate Fright Night with movies under the stars and bubbly at The Bullpen. Screened movies include "Coco" and the movie classic "Hocus Pocus." Tickets are $15; on sale October 8.

Apple & Pumpkin Picking
Thru early November

You can't beat a classic. And what's more classic than apple or pumpkin picking at a family farm? Of course, you could combine this with eating apple or pumpkin pie, caramel or candied apples, or drinking apple cider. BONUS: Some farms have extras like hayrides and mazes for the kiddos or the young-at-heart to enjoy!

Livestream DC Ghost Tours 
​October 30

The COVID-era has made US Ghost Adventures to get creative with their group ghost tours. This Halloween season, you can hang at home and livestream a paranormal tour of DC on October 30 at 7pm, thanks to Ghostflix. How does it work? A Ghostflix guide walks viewers through the same tour they’d take IRL, which in DC circles the White House—where Dolley Madison’s ghost supposedly roams Lafayette Square.Tickets are $15 per viewer. You can also watch a series of pre-recorded tours from various cities if you can’t make the one in DC. Pre-recorded tours are $13 a person, while the live one is $15 a pop. For more haunted encounters, you can download their app to take self-guided ghost tours, and new this year is an Alexa- and Google Home-compatible app that will tell you ghost stories at request.

Trick or Treat Box

Trick or treating is cancelled in DC but have no fear, the "Trick or Treat Box" is here! Petworth local Victoria Richards created the Trick or Treat Box, which aims to capture the fun and surprise of trick or treating. Each fun-filled .Every box comes with activity instructions, activity cards, a thirty-second sand timer, pre-packaged candy (Treats) and Halloween Knick Knacks (Tricks). The instructions are easy to read and understand and there are activity cards for ages 2-4 and cards for ages 5 and up.

Fall Nature Activities

Remember, Halloween was a fall holiday long before it was a scary one. You can get back to the holiday’s roots with a whole afternoon of fall-themed nature activities. Why not elevate your fun with a scavenger hunt with your kids? We've created a fall classic, here, and a sensory nature walk version, here.

Curious? There's more!

• The Creepiest, Most Haunted Places in Washington, DC
• ​Six Places to Have a Pumpkin & Apple Picking Good Time Near DC
• Boo! Omni Shoreham Hotel's Haunted History