Halloween Fun with October Events & Oktoberfest
The leaves may not be falling quite yet but Pumpkin Spice everything is everywhere in Maryland so it’s time for all things Fall. Make sure to check out our page for Things to Do in Maryland during the fall: Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, Fall Fun Runs, Fall Foliage, Haunted Houses and more! The events below start with celebrating that Friday the 13th is happening in September and continue with spooky and fun events happening in Maryland throughout September and October.
Historic Ghost Tour of Annapolis
Follow our spirited guide through the timeless narrow streets of this old and creaky town. Stopping at spooky spots, you’ll hear stories told with dramatic zeal of those that have passed. You will visit sites that still to this day have unexplained phenomena. Your last destination will be the old St. Anne’s cemetery. Join Watermark’s period-attired guides for four centuries of suspenseful and intriguing documented occurrences on this Annapolis ghost tour. We spook you with stories, not screams! And check out Special Historic Hauntings – our October ghost tour special! 8pm-9:30pm. $22/person. 188 Main Street, Annapolis.
https://watermarkjourney.com/events/historic-ghost-tour/
October 3
Spooky Sip & Paint
Spooky season is here! Join us for this special Paint Night at the William Paca House and Garden. Sip a glass of wine (or cider) as our instructor guides you step-by-step in the creation of your own seasonal painting masterpiece. All levels welcome, no experience required! Admission fee includes guided instruction, canvas, and use of tabletop easel, brushes, and a palette with preselected paint colors. Please bring your own apron or smock. Recommended for 13+. 5pm-7pm. $35/person. William Paca House & Garden, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis
https://www.annapolis.org/events/spooky-sipnpaint/
October 4
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis Fall Festival
Family-friendly spooky attractions, food trucks, vendors, face painting, live music, arts & crafts, open mic, and seasonal treats! 5:30pm-9:30pm. $10/person. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis
https://www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org/event/ctas-fall-festival/
October 4-26
Historic Ghost Tour of Annapolis
Saturdays and Sundays in October, including Wednesday October 30. Follow our spirited guide through the timeless narrow streets of this old and creaky town. Stopping at spooky spots, you’ll hear stories told with dramatic zeal of those that have passed. You will visit sites that still to this day have unexplained phenomena. Your last destination will be the old St. Anne’s cemetery. Join Watermark’s period-attired guides for four centuries of suspenseful and intriguing documented occurrences on this Annapolis ghost tour. We spook you with stories, not screams! And check out Special Historic Hauntings – our October ghost tour special! 8pm-9:30pm. $22/person. 188 Main Street, Annapolis.
https://watermarkjourney.com/events/historic-ghost-tour/
October 5
2024 Key City Foundation Octoberfest 5K Fun Run
Come run (or walk) with us, enjoy the Family Fun Zone, and check out a local brewery. It is October, so bonus points for those runners brave enough to wear a costume! Proceeds will help fund ongoing Key City Foundation youth sports initiatives, like free sports skills clinics and our youth lacrosse program. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to our nonprofit partner Girls on the Run Mid and Western Maryland. Frederick
https://www.keycityfoundation.org/octoberfest-5k-fun-run
Hyattsville Zombie Run
The annual Hyattsville Zombie Run will be held in Driskell Park on October 5th! This fun, family-friendly event includes three races: a 1K Family Fun Run, a 1 Mile Kids Run, and a USATF certified 5K, all of which raise funds for our neighborhood schools. Your donation will help purchase art supplies, instruments, teacher appreciation efforts, school beautification, classroom supplies, and more. Hyattsville
https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Hyattsville/HyattsvilleZombieRun
October 4-October 27
ZooBooo!
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays in October. Celebrate Halloween and the fall season with the Zoo’s annual ZooBOOO! Parents and kids of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes. Hay rides, Pumpkin Patch, treat or treaing, games, moon bounce, and more! Free with zoo admission. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoobooo/
October 5-October 27
Halloween Eye Spy Trains at Wheaton Regional Park
Starting October 5 and available Saturdays and Sundays in October. Take a Halloween-themed ride aboard the miniature trains in Wheaton Regional Parks. $8/person. 9:30am-4:30pm. Wheaton Regional Park, 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton.
montgomeryparks.org
October 12
“Hocus Pocus” Movie Night at Pine Whiff Beach Community
PWBOA is hosting a movie night at Beach One in the Pine Whiff Beach Community in Edgewater. Join Us for a movie, refreshments and other spooky surprises under the stars! We will be showing Hocus Pocus! Movie will start at 7:00 pm or when its dark. Bring your chairs and blankets. This will be a free event for paying PWBOA members, and only $5 per person for non members. If you live outside the neighborhood, please park at Edgewater Park (back lot) and follow the arrows to the beach. If by some miracle the back lot is full, park in the front lot and walk to the back lot to follow the arrows. The back lot is the one that is in the neighborhood off of Pine Whiff Avenue.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1033613485095965/?ref=newsfeed
October 16-19
Garden Glow at Ladew Gardens
See a showcase of hundreds of creative jack o’ lanterns carved by artists, celebrities, dignitaries, local businesses, and friends and neighbors. Plus illuminated sculptures and installations, live music and strolling performers, family-friendly educational activities for children, and delicious eats from local food vendors, beer, wine & spirits. 5pm-9pm. Ladew Gardens, Monkton. *Please note: this event is currently sold out however you can enter to win 4 tickets by going to their website contest page before October 14.
ladewgardens.com/Event-Calendar/Events-at-Ladew/Garden-Glow
October 19
Halloween in the Garden
Join us for this family-friendly Trick-or-Treating festival. The garden will be decorated for the season with lots of great Halloween and fall decor, with fun photo ops around every corner! More than 60 local businesses and organizations will be here handing out treats for the kids, plus there will be fun and games, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and more! So dress up the whole family and enjoy a spooktacular day at Annmarie! $5-$8/person. 10am-4pm. Annemarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons
annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/halloween-garden
Jug Bay Ghost Kayak Paddle
Up for a “SPOOKY”, but fun evening in the water? Join volunteer Philippe Hensel and Patricia Delgado (Park Superintendent) for a one of a kind evening paddle along the Patuxent River. We will make one stop by the water’s edge where Philippe will share local legends and ghost stories around a campfire. Enjoying hot cider, sandwiches, and popcorn. During our paddle, we will look for beaver, otter, muskrat, birds, and other wildlife along the shore line. It will be an evening to remember! $45.00. 5pm-9:30pm. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian.
https://jugbay.org/inspire_events/jug-bay-ghost-kayak-paddle/
October 24
A History of Maryland Witches
Witches are and always have been real. Join us at the Museum of Howard County History to explore Maryland’s history in magic with our guide and researcher, Rissa Miller. Here, 12 people were accused of felony witchcraft. Four died. Learn their stories and delve into the liminal of the Free State, starting in the 1600s and coming into the present. Our popular presentation returns to the haunted Museum of Howard County History this fall. There’s plenty of room to park your broomstick on Mt. Misery. Feel free to wear your witchy hat or spooky cloak. This event frequently sells out. There will be no second presentation this fall, so secure your spot early! Tickets: https://maryland-history-tours-llc.square.site/. Museum of Howard County History, Ellicott City.
October 25
Not so Spooky Skate
Wear your costumes and celebrate Halloween at Cabin John Ice Rink. Starting at 4:30 pm, we will have public skating (including a costume parade) as well as Halloween crafts and treats set up in our party rooms. 4:30pm-6:30pm. Cabin John Ice Skate Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville
Montgomeryparks.org.
Pumpkins on the Green
Why attend Pumpkins on the Green? Year after year, it is said that Pumpkins on the Green is the Best Fall Party in the region – featuring live music, spectacular food, expertly crafted cocktails, an extraordinary silent auction, animal encounters, and more surprises. $175-$200. Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills
https://www.explorenature.org/pumpkins-on-the-green/
October 25-26
USNA Halloween/All Saints Concert
The USNA annual Halloween Concert is a spectacular event of music, light, drama, and dance. One of the most popular events on the Yard, this production is an experience you will not soon forget! $10- $40/person. USNA Chapel, Annapolis
usna.edu
October 25-27
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will present Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert, featuring a screening of Disney’s timeless holiday classic. The film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. The BSO performs Danny Elfman’s GRAMMY®-winning musical score performed live while the film is played on the big screen. $22-$76/person. Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore
https://my.bsomusic.org
October 26
Halloween at The Maryland Science Center
Celebrate Halloween in the Science Center at night. Music, dancing, food truck, lawn games and beverages. The DMV’s legendary Halloween Event returns Saturday, October 26th at The Maryland Science Center with a groovy lineup of dance floor filling talent! For one night only it’s Studio 24, and the party, is on. 21+ with ID. $55-$99. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore
halloween-baltimore.com
Día de los Muertos Virtual Family Celebration
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance by Corazon Folklorico, a mariachi performance by Mariachi Aguila DC, and a showcase of different Latin American music genres and dances with Sol y Rumba. Attendees ages 12 and younger can enjoy face painting throughout the day, while visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on craft activities. Round out the day by exploring the museum’s collection with our Día de los Muertos-themed scavenger hunt. 11:30am-3pm. Free (Registration encouraged). Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washingtonhttps://americanart.si.edu/events/dia-de-los-muertos-family-day-october-26-20.
Paws and Pumpkins Fall Fest!
Join us for a fun-filled day at the American K9 Dog Ranch in Davidsonville as we celebrate the beauty of fall with our furry friends! The Paws and Pumpkins Fall Fest is a dog-friendly festival that offers a variety of activities for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Not to worry, there will be activities for adults and children too! There will be a pumpkin patch, vendor market, Wild Kid Acres Petting Zoo, face painting, live music, and a doggie costume contest! Admission: $10.00 per person (Pre-Paid ONLINE)/$15.00 per person at the door. Dogs enter for free and Children under one (1) enter for free. *Admission Fee includes FREE access to face painting, airbrush tattoos, a professional photograph, the petting zoo and trail walks. 11am-3pm. Purchase your tickets here: https://bit.ly/PawsAndPumpkins
American K9 Dog Ranch, 3869 Birdsville Road, Davidsonville.
October 29
Halloween Spooktacular with the Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly The Londontowne Symphony Orchestra)
Our annual family-friendly “Halloween Spooktacular” is a great way to introduce kids to the beauty and fun of orchestral music. Join us at Riva Trace Baptist Church as we combine the magic of Edvard Grieg in the Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, along with haunting themes and spooky tunes from Batman, The Addams Family, Harry Potter, and Hook. Other Halloween favorites include Thriller and Monster Mash. Don’t forget your costume – there will be a costume contest for all ages! $25. (18 and under are Free). 3pm. Riva Trace Baptist Church, Davidsonville
https://naptownphil.org/concerts/
October 31
Halloween Events at the Library
Check out all the fun Halloween activities going on at the Anne Arundel County Public Library. So many family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween at various branches.
https://www.aacpl.net
