Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Fall foliage in and around Washington, DC

Smoky Mountain fall foliage prediction map is a helpful guide to ensure you don’t miss those colorful landscapes {anyplace in the US}. Now is the time to head out to see the colors– before we know it they will be gone.

Getaways worth the drive:  
Skyline Drive in Virginia offers 75 overlooks

Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia will leave you (get it?!) in awe of the 200,000 acres of scenic countryside traversed by more than 500 miles of trails

Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland spans over 1800 acres and some readers recommend taking a boat ride to see the foliage

Local areas, closer to home–
Maryland:
Seneca Creek State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park
Sugarloaf Mountain

Virginia:
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center

Washington, DC:
Rock Creek Park
U.S. National Arboretum
C&O Canal

West Virginia:
Harper’s Ferry

Places that have good backdrops for photos:
Georgetown
National Cathedral
Arlington Cemetery
Tidal Basin
National Mall

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Fall is here, which means there’s plenty of fruit to pick, perfect pumpkins to be found and fall festivals happening every weekend!

We are so thrilled that we were able to update the theatre and musical productions blog post with in-person shows!

All weekend:
Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon

Disney on Ice! Mickey’s Search Party

Artechouse: Life of a Nueron

Van Gosh: The Immersive Experience

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

Halloween Eye Spy Train at Cabin John

Maryland Renaissance Fair

Bethesda Row Arts Festival

Friday:
5:30pm-8:30pm: Back to the Yards
Yards Park will blast to the past for one night only as it transforms into a nostalgic 80s dance party, complete with throwback tunes and activities. Parents and kids of all ages are invited to learn groovy dance moves with breakdancers, create slap bracelets, scrunchies, and t-shirts, and jam out to a playlist of 80’s chart-toppers, one-hit wonders, and favorites. Glowing giveaways and an LED light up piano will make this a party for the ages! Admission is free and kids of all ages are welcome to attend.

Saturday:
9:00am-4:00pm: Festival del Rio Anacostia
The annual and bilingual environmental celebration of the Anacostia River is back! There will be fun activities for the whole family. Come learn about the River and enjoy boat tours, fishing, tree planting and activities for the whole family.

10:00am-11:30am: Social Studies: The Rabbit Listened at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Reserve a table and join President Lincoln’s Cottage in exercises to develop our listening skills through storytelling, hands-on activities, and reflection. Participate in a group reading of The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. Engage in a guided discussion on how listening can help us cultivate social awareness and relationship skills. Create an imaginative accessory to help you practice your active listening skills. This program was designed for kids ages 2-8, but children of all ages are welcome to participate with their caregivers. Programs are outdoors, socially distant, and reflect our increased safety measures.

10:45am-4:00pm: We Are All Connected Art Opening Festival
Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems will work with invited community members to create We Are All Connected, a large-scale public art playscape on the REACH Plaza. All are invited to come watch their festival day of creation! The REACH grounds will be filled with art making, live music, family-friendly activities like chalk drawing, the return of the giant inflatable Pigeon, and drinks available at Victura Park. This event is free, but register online in advance.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Kids Euro Festival: Embassy of France
Join the European Union and our Member States for one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America: The Kids Euro Fest! Hosted over two Saturdays — first at the French Embassy (October 9th) and then at the Swedish Embassy (October 16th) — the Kids Euro Fest Family Days will feature in-person European performances, interactive workshops, food vendors and music that everyone in your family will enjoy. As always, the Kids Euro Fest is completely FREE, but please make sure to RSVP and review the EU’s privacy policy here​.

Recent posts:
Day off of school camp- October 11
12 family activities to do in October
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Fall bucket list

Volta Park Market & Fall Festival both perfect for families

Volta Park is full of good news and fun events this month. Perhaps you have been to the playground or the pool nestled in the quaint streets of Georgetown at 1555 34th St NW. With summer wrapping up, there is a lot to look forward to this Fall from a new farmers market to an annual fall festival; all perfect for families to enjoy.

Volta Park Market is a farmers market that will offer locally sourced produce and prepared foods, from independent growers and small businesses. The 2021 inaugural season will run from September 10th – December 17th every Friday afternoon from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm.  Head to the market and grab dinner with a cold lemonade then enjoy the playground. Or invite a few friends to play basketball or tennis while enjoying a few tasty snacks from the market.  Whatever you are craving on Friday, Volta Park Market has you covered.

Volta Park Fall Festival is BACK! Save the date: October 2nd 11:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your family and friends (and a blanket, if you would like to picnic in the park) to enjoy live music, food, carnival games, a bounce house, face painting and more.

Learn more about the rich history of Volta Park here. Please visit their website above for more information about the market as well as information on how to become a vendor. And be sure to follow the park on Instagram where they will have a spotlight for each vendor.  

Current farmers market vendors & sponsors:

Georgetown Butcher
Green Planet Microgreens
Kinohi Poultry 
Winding Root Farm
Lei Musubi
Chef Ewa Creations
Georgetown Main St
Little Folks School
Pickles DC
Intown Playgroup
Metropolitan Bakery
OZFEKA Catering
Pasta Ilgatto
Dress It Up Dressing
The FreshMobile
Yufka Bakery
Taim
The Chinese Street Market
Ana’s Twist
Qualia Coffee
J’aime Madeline
Grateful Pizza

Volta Park: 1555 34th St NW Washington, D.C

Where to see fall foliage near Washington, DC

Smoky Mountain fall foliage prediction map is a helpful guide to ensure you don’t miss those colorful landscapes.

Washingtonian outlined some of the dates for us that are in close proximity to Washington, DC- Staunton: October 12, Luray: October 12, Winchester: October 12, Rappahannock County: October 19, Mount Vernon: October 19, Charlottesville: October 19, Shenandoah National Park: October 19, Old Rag Mountain: October 19, Harper’s Ferry: October 26, Great Falls Park: October 26, Frederick: October 26, DC Arboretum: October 26, Rock Creek Park: October 26.

Getaways worth the drive:  
Skyline Drive in Virginia offers 75 overlooks

Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia will leave you (get it?!) in awe of the 200,000 acres of scenic countryside traversed by more than 500 miles of trails

Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland spans over 1800 acres and some readers recommend taking a boat ride to see the foliage

Local areas, closer to home:
Maryland
Seneca Creek State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park
Sugarloaf Mountain

Virginia
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center

Washington, DC
Rock Creek Park
U.S. National Arboretum
C&O Canal

West Virginia
Harper’s Ferry

Ultimate guide to Halloween and fall in and around Washington, DC

There are many orchards and fall festivals that are adhering to social distancing guidelines for those of you who want to pick a pumpkin or sip warm apple cider this fall. We have been crossing off items from our fall bucket list and hope you are starting to enjoy the fun that comes with fall too. Here are the guidelines DC recommends in regards to Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

Outdoor and drive-in Halloween themed movies:
Park Up DC: child and adult movies
DC Party Box: spooktacular drive-in movies October 9-25
Capitol Riverfront movie series: movies through October 30
Halloween drive-up movie night: October 30

Halloween and fall events:
DC Party Box is aiming to save Halloween 2020 with a contactless drive thru trick or treating Halloween experience in Rockville and drive-in movies, complete with trick-or-treating (get candy and give-aways for the whole family) and interactive exhibits (LED screens, live actors, etc).

Creepy Climb at Summit Ropes: October 10, 17, 24 & 31
Creepy Climb starts this Saturday, October 10th at 6:45pm. Our once a year event will be held every Saturday evening thru October 31st. This is truly a unique experience that combines the ultimate indoor adventure with a low-level light display featuring all of your favorite Halloween haunts! There are only 40 passes available each Saturday, and they are selling out fast! This is an event you don’t want to miss, so click the button below to book your reservation. Your reservation is 75 minutes, which includes training, harnessing and 60 minutes of ropes adventure time. This is only held once a year so Book NOW!

Soul Strolls at Congressional Cemetery: October 16-17 & 23-24
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of our “Dozen Decent Docents.” Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6 and 10 pm. Adult tickets are $35; children 12 and under are $15.

Glow in the Park: October 16, 24, 30 & 31
Glow in the Park at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is available on select dates but some are sold out. 2 hours of climbing & ziplining, additional 40 minutes for the intial orientation. Tickets available every 10 minutes starting at 6pm until 8:20pm.

Halloween Toddler Time at B&O Railroad: October 22 at 10:00am
During this special Halloween Toddler Time, all participants enjoy a socially-distant craft at 10 AM and Halloween story time  at 10:30 AM in our Roundhouse, followed by a costume parade, with pre-filled goodie bags available for pick-up at the end! Costumes recommended but not required. Event included with admission. Free for B&O Members.Story: Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle

Drive thru at the Zoo: October 24 & 25 SOLD OUT
Start your engines and prepare for some spooky fun during Boo Drive Thru, sponsored by Mars Wrigley, a special edition of the beloved children’s trick-or-treating event. Pack your car full of ghouls, ghosts, princesses and superheroes and cruise down the Zoo’s North Road, all in support of Friends of the National Zoo. Supernatural sights await along your drive—and so do treat bags stuffed with M&Ms, Twix and more!

Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon: October 24 & 25
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities & demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.

Halloween in the Garden: October 24
Join Anne Marie Sculpture Garden for a socially-distanced, low-touch/no-touch day of Halloween fun and games!  Working with local health department, they have reconfigured the beloved Halloween event into a family-group based celebration of the fall season.  Activities will be spread out across 30 acres, giving families plenty of room to social distance!  Dress up, put on your masks, and come enjoy an awesome day of socially-distanced trick-or-treating, low-touch/no-touch games, great photo opps, music, and yummy food and drinks! 

Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House: October 24
Enjoy some safe and seasonal fun with the family in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during our Fall Frolic! Put on your Halloween costumes and join for crafts, a ghost hunt, a Trick or Treat walk, and more! Sessions are at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Only 10 participating children per session, plus accompanying family members, face masks are required.

My Gym Halloween Party: October 24, 30 & 31
Dress up in your favorite costume (and mask!) and join for a 45 minute Halloween-themed circle time, games, a costume parade, and not so spooky fun! They’ve decorated and planned for both In Gym and Outdoor entertainment to make it fun and exciting for the kids as well as safe and comfortable for parents. Every child will leave with a My Gym Halloween Treat! My Gym Potomac – In Gym Events (Up to 9 children/adults) on Oct. 24th 10am and 11am & Oct. 31st 10am and 11am. Outdoor Events: Inverness Recreation Club field: Oct. 24th 3pm and 4pm & Oct. 30th 4pm and 5pm

Virtual Halloween Concert: October 30 at 6:30pm
What do Sharon and Randi and their family do for Halloween during a pandemic? They dress up in costumes and make music together, of course! Fans of all ages are invited to dress up in their Halloween attire and join Sharon and Randi for a very special LIVE virtual show, SKINNAMARINK with Sharon and Randi, Back by Popular Demand!

Trackside Trivia: Halloween Edition at B&O Railroad: October 30
from 6:00-10:00pm
Trackside Trivia returns for a frightfully fun night of spooky trivia, drinks, food, and laughs! Whether you want to scare the competition stiff or just distract them with laughter, costumes are encouraged. We’re even holding a special Halloween themed scavenger hunt to keep you on your toes! Pre-ordered tickets include one free drink.

Hill-O-Ween: October 30 from 5:30-7:30pm
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St. Count on moon bounces, hay rides, treats, face painting and many, many costumes.

“Halloween Party” LIVE Virtual Family Concerts: October 31 at 12:00pm and 5:00pm
Double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams! To join in the fun, fans of all ages should plan to grab their superhero capes, their instruments (or noisemakers), their dancin’ shoes, and a stuffed animal (for their heads)! Halloweeny stuffed animals like cats, bats, or even friendly monsters would be great for kids to bring to this show.

The Station at Riverdale Park’s: October 31, from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Join this FREE, family-friendly Halloween event. The Station will be hosting socially-distanced outdoor activities including mini golf, a self-guided photo scavenger hunt, prize raffle, and more! Guests can also enjoy food and drinks from The Station’s retailers including Denizens, District Taco, and more as well as a food truck on-site, and of course, candy.

Rockville Sweet Treat Drive Thru & Car Costume Contest: October 31 from 1:00pm-5:00pm
Join a fun and safe way to Trick-or-Treat in your car while maintaining social distancing. Celebrate this Halloween in style, get the family together and decorate your car in the Halloween spirit and you could win a prize! Children will also be able to take home a goodie bag with Halloween cookie (gluten free), crafts and candy. So, grab your keys, dress up in your favorite costumes, and make your way to the park to collect sweet treats and crafts at fun Halloween stations throughout the parking lot.

Mister G Help Save Halloween virtual concert: October 31 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm
There will be two worldwide virtual concerts from the historic Academy of Music Theatre. Tickets are FREE, but space is limited so sign up here to claim a front row seat in your living room. Each family that reserves their free spot to our Help Save Halloween costume party will also receive a printable activity pack.

Halloween Spooktacular: October 31
Enjoy trick-or-treating, socially-distanced fun and activities, a family-friendly movie, pizza, popcorn and more at The St. James. Halloween Spooktacular is a great way to enjoy a fun-filled, safe Halloween evening. Bring your own blanket for socially-distanced family movie night in The St. James Field House. Your ticket includes the following: Trick-or-treating (pre-wrapped candy only), Halloween activities and fun (masks required), 1 slice of pizza, 1 bag of popcorn, Spot in the Field House to watch Hotel Transylvania.

Corn mazes:
Liberty Mills Farm– Virginia’s largest corn maze
Winterbrook Farm– Maryland’s largest corn maze
Summers Farm
Montpelier Farm
Wayside Farm

Date nights:
Halloween Hayride & Haunted Bonfire
Enjoy a tractor driven hayride in the darkness with demons and devils. We will then gather around a HAUNTED bonfire where we can enjoy roasting hotdogs, marshmallows and making s’mores (all will be provided and included in the ticket)! 

Grief & Ghost Tours at Lee-Fendall House: October 23 & 24, 30 & 31
Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing, and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark. Tickets are $10 and must be reserved in advance due to limited space. Face masks are required.

Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Shocktober
Six Flags Fright Fest

Ultimate guide to Halloween in and around Washington, DC

October 3-27 (various times): Jack’s Pumpkin Glow
Experience a lovely fall evening by creating memories and treasuring Jack’s Pumpkin Glow with family and friends. Also enjoy our pumpkin patch, live carving demonstrations and tasty fall food & beverages. This pumpkin wonderland is sure to be an unforgettable fall spectacular.

October 4-27: Eye Spy Train at Wheaton & Eye Spy Train at Cabin John Regional Park
All aboard the Cabin John Eye Spy Halloween Train! This “not so scary” train ride is fun for the whole family – it’s all about fun, not fright! Each child will receive an Eye Spy card before boarding the train. As you ride through the woods of Cabin John Regional Park, look all around to find Halloween friends hiding there, and mark them off the Eye Spy card. They’ll also show free Halloween movies inside the Train Station Party Room and have other fun Halloween activities for the kids. Costumes are encouraged! Please bring a canned food donation for your neighbors in need – they’ll donate them to Manna Food Center. Trains will run Fridays from 4 – 6p, and Saturdays and Sundays beginning October 4 and ending October 27, 10a – 6p.

October 10-on: DC Library Halloween events
Modify your search for your local DC Library if you desire.

October 11-31- 6:00pm-10:00pm: Dark Nights & Frightful Heights at Summit Ropes
From October 11 until Halloween night every Friday & Saturday night from 6pm – 10pm Summit Ropes turns into a haunted ropes course.  There will be scavenger hunts and candy. Scary Fun for the whole family.  Limited availability.  BOOK NOW to ensure your spot is reserved. 

October 18-20– 5:30pm-8:30pm: Boo at the Zoo
The spooky season is almost here! Kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town during Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke. This frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole family.

October 18, 19, 25 & 26 (various times): Soul Strolls in Congressional Cemetery
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of our “Dozen Decent Docents.

October 19-20–9:00am-5:00pm: Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon celebrates the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music.

October 20– 2:00pm & 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular at Kennedy Center
Enjoy spooky fun for the whole family at this annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when our ghoulishly attired musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween. Nicholas Hersh leads this exciting concert experience, which features music from Harry Potter and more. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Ages 5+

October 25- 3:00-4:00pm or 5:45-6:45pm: My Gym Potomac & My Gym Bethesda Halloween Party
Looking for not too spooky family fun this Halloween season? Find it at My Gym’s Halloween Party! Join us for ghostly games, music, treats, and loads of fun!  Kids can dress up for the party!  Book your spot today! Members $15, Non-Members $20, Siblings get 20% off

October 25– 5:30pm-7:30pm: Hilloween at Eastern Market
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St. Count on moon bounces, hay rides, treats, face painting and many, many costumes.

October 25- 5:30pm-8:30pm: BOOtanica
Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award winning storyteller Gary Loyld present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young telling tales more funny than scary. Space is limited. Register children ages 3–12, parents are free.

October 25- 6:00pm-9:00pm: Not-So-Spooky Parents Night Out at Busy Bees
calling all lil monsters, super heroes, princesses & knights. With Halloween just around the corner, we thought of adding some Not-So-Spooky fun into our Date Night! Bring your kids in costume: they will enjoy some awesome fun in our playscape, have a pizza dinner and Halloween cupcakes & milk for dessert! Your lil’ goblin will be ready for a great night sleep after so much fun! Space is limited, so go on and reserve your spot today. You know you deserve a lil’ break! Bonus: your kids will have a blast, guaranteed!

October 26– 10:00am-1:00pm: Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Get into the Halloween spirit! Explore the Tudor Place garden as the seasons change, and trick or treat throughout the site. Make your own superhero bracers and festive owl decoration. Play traditional outdoor games, enjoy face painting, and paint your own pumpkin to take home. Costumes suggested but not required. 

October 26- 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm: 6th Annual Pumpkin Hunt at Lee-Fendall House
The Lee-Fendall House Annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt returns to Alexandria! Alexandria’s ghosts and goblins will fill the museum’s garden with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Halloween objects for local children to discover. Other activities include crafts, games, refreshments, spooky stories, and a costume parade. Every participating child will receive a toy pumpkin. All children of elementary school age or younger are eligible to participate in the Halloween Pumpkin Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy all other activities. Tickets are available for sale through Eventbrite. Advance tickets are $15 for participating children, and $5 for adults.

October 26- 11:30am-3:00pm: Día de los Muertos Family Day at American Art Museum
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with SAAM! Enjoy Mexican folk dance performances throughout the day, a live Mariachi band, and face painting! Leave your handmade ofrendas (offerings) including paper marigolds, calaveras (skull masks), and paper monarch butterflies on our beautiful Day of the Dead altar.

October 26–12:00pm-5:30pm: Air and Scare at National Air and Space Museum (Virginia Location)
Explore the spooky side of air and space at Air & Scare, our annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe indoor trick-or-treating.

October 26-12:00pm-2:00pm: Spooktacular Family Day Piano Show
Need an excuse to dress up? Nope, we didn’t think so. But…. don’t miss an afternoon Halloween party that’s not to be missed. Come down to the National Harbor for some serious FUN! They will combine 2 hours of all request live music with a costume contest, a lunch buffet, fountain drinks, and of course encouragement of singing along and wiggling in your seats!

October 26– 1:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Fest at Market Commons
Pumpkin decorating, family photos, kids’ crafts & activities, tricks & treats, dog costume contest and more.

October 26– 1:00pm-4:00pm: Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Glen Echo Park Partnership’s annual Halloween-themed family event. It’s open to the public, and visitors of all ages are invited to the Park to explore the arts through hands-on crafts, Halloween activities, trick-or-treating and visiting open studios. It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! See schedule of events online. The Halloween celebration will conclude with a costume parade through the Park at 3:30pm.

October 26– 2:00pm-6:00pm: Pumpkin Rock n Roll at Warner Circle Park
The park will be transformed into a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Participate in a fun costume contest and parade, and enjoy family-friendly attractions including festival-style musical performances, food trucks, inflatable rides and slides and a rock wall. The main event is a derby race of Halloween pumpkins-turned-boxcars! Admission is free.

October 26- 2:00pm-5:00: Día de Los Muertos at District Wharf
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf. We’re taking over Pearl Street for a memorable afternoon with live music by La Unica, beer stations, street food, a photobooth, and more. Want to get creative yourself? Decorate a sugar skull or get your face painted. Plus, we’re giving out prizes for the best self-painted faces. 

SOLD OUT October 26– 3:30pm-6:30pm: Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft in this unforgettable evening. Come and see wool carding, spinning, and fish net making in the historic area before greeting “Martha Washington” on the piazza of the Mansion. In order to burn off all the extra excitement, try 18th-century dancing in the upper garden. Historic chocolate-making demonstrations and chocolate tastings will take place. A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begin at 5 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for most fang-tastic “George” and “Martha” costumes! Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine. Purchase Tickets.

October 26– 4:00pm-8:00pm: Haunted Garage and Day of the Dead Festival at Oyster Adams Bilingual School
Join for a walk through the haunted garage and for traditional Day of the Dead activities such as decorating sugar skulls. Wear your costumes. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin painting, spooky cake contest and a fortune teller.

October 26- 4:00pm-8:30pm: Pumpkins in the Park + Free Screening of Hocus Pocus
Pumpkins in the Park is back for its sixth year with a cauldron full of spooky new surprises! The Capitol Riverfront BID has brewed up an evening of wicked good times that are sure to have mischief-makers of all ages howlin’ at the moon. Bring your little monsters out to decorate their own pumpkins, play in the moon bounce, and get their faces painted (all for free)! For the kids-at-heart: come make insta-worthy leaf wreaths, enjoy beer, wine, and cider (for purchase), and get your cards read by a real life fortune teller! At the witching hour (6:00 pm), hop on your brooms and head across the street to catch a free screening of Hocus Pocus in the North Block. And for an extra treat, some bites will be available for purchase courtesy of Smorgasburg DC!

October 26– 6:30pm-7:30pm & 7:30pm-8:30pm: BOO-stravaganzaat Frying Pan Park
Celebrate the Halloween season with this variety event at Frying Pan Farm Park. This year, the event is outside at the Kidwell Farm. Attendees enjoy a variety of themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals, and enjoy a wagon ride. Finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road.

October 27 & 28 (various times): Witches & Wizards at B&O Railroad
Young witches and wizards can head to the B&O because wizarding school is now in session! Learn simple science in potions class and explore the history of railroading in our “magical objects” display! Grow your own plant buddy in herbology class plus run through our magical maze to enter a raffle to win a railroading storybook and a free cone card from The Charmery! All of this and more awaits you at Witches & Wizards weekend!

October 27– 1:00pm-4:00pm: Harbor Halloween
Bring kids 12 and under to this free event with Trick-or-treating, National Harbor chefs pumpkin carving contest, movie Hocus Pocus, and more!

October 27- 2:00pm: 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Don your best Halloween costume and march in the 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, which historically has attracted thousands of participants. Awards will be given for best pet costume, best decorated business, best decorated home, and best decorated stroller. Awards will be presented in a brief ceremony after the parade, along with refreshments and goodie bags for the children. Adults, children and dogs are all welcome to join and for free. Goodie bags for children are handed out. There is live musical entertainment provided by Mars Rodeo. There will be Goblin Games and activities for the children.

October 27- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Not So Spooky Halloween Party at Busy Bees Fairfax
Dress up in your awesome costume & join us for our  “Not So Spooky Halloween Bash!” There will be unparalleled fun in the playscape, followed by a lil’ parade leading us to a party room, where each child will try their hand at becoming the next great baker: Cake Time! will be teaching how to decorate your very own SPOOKTACULAR cupcakes! One FREE birthday party to the BEST FAMILY COSTUME!

October 27- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Annual Halloween Parade in Sherman Circle
Rain or shine! Sherman Circle, NW

October 31-10:00am-2:00pm: Fall Festival at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy free Halloween festivities including: hay bale maze, face painting, pumpkin decorating with Blick, candy giveaways, costumed characters, DC Public Library Book Bike, music, food vendors, and so much more! Bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy free fall festivities in downtown DC.

October 31– 4:00pm-6:00pm: Spooktacular Trick or Treat along Connecticut Ave
Sponsored by the businesses along the Avenue. Kids can safely walk up the street “trick-or-treating” as the businesses are set-up outside. Starting at Livingston St and going up towards Chevy Chase Circle.

October 31- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Pumpkin Painting at the LINE DC
It’s Halloween, and The Cup We All Race 4 is teaming up with artist Kasey O’Boyle for a favorite spooky season activity: pumpkin decorating on the front steps of the LINE DC. All paint and supplies provided. The Cup will be serving up hot apple cider and sweet treats. RSVP required to reserve your pumpkin it’ll be held until 4:30pm before releasing to the ghouls and goblins.

October 31- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Lobby Trick-or-Treating at Brothers And Sisters at the LINE DC
The team at Brothers And Sisters welcomes ghouls and goblins of all ages to the lobby this Halloween: join us for a family-friendly hunt for treats from. Keep your eyes peeled throughout Brothers And Sisters for all manner of Halloween goodies from Pastry Chef Pichet Ong (and maybe a few tricks, too).

October 31- 5:00pm: Ballston Quarter Celebrates Halloween
Halloween is coming to Ballston Quarter! Kids and families are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the mall for fun goodies and special Halloween treats! Favorite movie characters including Spider-Man, Black Panther, Merida, and Wonder Woman, and local mascot Slapshot from the Washington Capitals will also be available for special spooky photos. The evening will be capped off with a showing of Hocus Pocus beginning at dusk in the Plaza, where viewers can enjoy food and drinks from Quarter Market and Ballston Quarter while they watch this favorite throwback movie.

November 1- 6:00pm: The Nightmare Before Christmas at the Kennedy Center
The REACH will transform into Halloween Town with a FREE screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on a video wall. Plus a Halloween themed dance lesson. Now this is Halloween! With a gorgeous score by Danny Elfman featuring tons of catchy tunes like “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?,” you can’t help but get into the Halloween spirit. Directed by Henry Selick with all the hallmarks of Tim Burton’s legendary films, this stop-motion animated musical is the perfect movie for a night of frights and fun.

November 2 & 3: Smithsonian Sleepovers: Spend a night at the Natural History Museum!

November 2 & 3- 10:30am-5:00pm: Día de los Muertos Weekend Festival at National Museum of the American Indian
Artist Lilia Ramirez (Nahua) will create an interactive mural featuring La Catrina, one of the most iconic images drawn by Mexican illustrator and printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada. Visitors can honor your loved ones by making paper marigolds, the bright flowers that decorate family ofrendas (altars) set up for the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is a festival celebrated by people in Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and many Latino communities across the United States as a way to honor family and friends who have passed away.

2019 guide to Fall festivals, farms and orchards in and around Washington, DC

Date Nights:

October 21- 6:00pm-9:00pm: Boos & Brews at National Building Museum
Join the National Building Museum for an evening to eat, drink, and be scary! Boos & Brews will feature scary ghost tours around the famous landmark, a costume contest, a monster mash-up of songs by DJ EPX, games, devilishly delicious food, and wicked good beer from various breweries including Port City and Right Proper.

October 25- 7:00pm-10:30pm: Night of the Living Zoo
A dark carnival is approaching … and will arrive for Friends of the National Zoo’s annual adults-only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo, ghouls and goblins will enjoy craft beer, fare from popular D.C. food trucks, a DJ dance party, a spooktacular costume competition, hosted by Science on Tap, and more. It’s a wicked night of fun that would be scary to miss!

October 25-26 & November 1 & 2- 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30pm: Grief and Ghost Tour at Lee Fendall House
Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing, and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark. Tickets are $10 through Eventbrite. These tours frequently sell out so the purchase of tickets in advance is strongly recommended. 

October 29- 7:00pm-10:00pm: 17th Street High Heel Race in DuPont Circle
The High Heel Race is one of Washington, DC most unique events with a rich history of “Crossing The Line Since 1986”. On the Tuesday before Halloween, thousands of spectators pack the Dupont Circle Neighborhood to watch hundreds of costumed drag queens show off their extravagant outfits and race down Historic 17th Street, NW.

Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Shocktober
Six Flags Fright Fest

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