Spooky Season In DC: Your Halloween Event Guide

October brings pumpkin patches, costume parties, trick-or-treat trails, and plenty of reasons to explore the Washington, DC area. Jennifer Young Homes has rounded up Halloween events for families, comedy fans, and grown-ups planning a night out. Event details can change, so guests should check the event page before heading out.

Boo at the Zoo

Date: October 16–18, 2026
Location: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Time: 6–8:30 p.m.; Zoo members get early access from 5–6 p.m.
Description: Families can follow treat stations, enjoy Halloween decorations and entertainment, and visit select animal exhibits after hours. Tickets are $35, with member savings available.
Who it’s fun for: Families with children, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a not-too-scary Halloween outing.
URL: Event details and tickets

PumpkinPalooza

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Location: Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC
Time: 4–8 p.m. The pumpkin patch opens at 4:15 p.m.
Description: NoMa’s free Halloween celebration includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, alpacas, costumed characters, a parade for people and pets, and an outdoor screening of Minions & Monsters. Free pumpkins are available while supplies last.
Who it’s fun for: Families, kids, and costumed pets; a beer garden offers an extra stop for adults 21 and older.
Instagram: @noma.bid
URL: Event details and RSVP

Air & Scare

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, Virginia
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Description: This free Halloween event brings spooky science to the aviation and space museum, with candy stations, crafts, experiments, puppet shows, Star Wars character photos, and a costume runway show. Timed tickets are required for the outdoor activities; the indoor portion does not require tickets. Parking is $15 per car.
Who it’s fun for: Families, young science fans, and anyone who wants a Halloween activity with a space-and-flight theme.
URL: Event details and ticket information

Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia
Time: 2–5 p.m.; the costume parade starts at 3:30 p.m.
Description: Visitors can collect candy on the historic grounds, join a costume parade, see demonstrations, and enjoy live music and family activities. Kids ages 12 and under can also eat free from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant’s kids’ menu from 5–8 p.m. with an adult entrée purchase. Tickets are required.
Who it’s fun for: Families looking to combine Halloween treats with history, hands-on demonstrations, and a daytime outing.
URL: Event details and tickets

Halloween Whodunit 3

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Location: DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Description: Die Laughing Productions turns a Halloween-themed murder mystery into an interactive comedy show. Audience members can volunteer for roles and try to figure out who the killer is. Tickets are listed at $29.50, including service charges.
Who it’s fun for: Comedy fans, mystery lovers, and groups looking for a Halloween night out with laughs instead of jump scares.
Instagram: @dielaughingproductions
URL: Event details and tickets

DC Halloween Crawl

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: Participating bars in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC; the registration and check-in location is provided with event details.
Time: 2–10 p.m.; check-in runs from 2–6 p.m.
Description: This 21+ costume crawl features access to participating bars, drink and food specials, a costume contest, event photos, and raffle prizes. Organizers list a souvenir mug and cover-free entry among the ticket inclusions; participating venues and event details may change.
Who it’s fun for: Adults 21 and older who want a costume-forward evening of bar hopping with friends.
URL: Event details and tickets

Make the Most of Halloween in the DC Area

From family-friendly Halloween activities in Washington, DC, to a comedy mystery or a costume crawl, the area offers different ways to celebrate the season. Jennifer Young Homes recommends checking each event’s official listing for ticket availability, any weather updates, and final details before making plans.