An abundance of Halloween-inspired events are being held around Fairfax County.
In the run-up to the ever-popular holiday, events ranging from parades to haunted houses and everything in between will welcome visitors.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
- Halloween Parade in Vienna (Maple Avenue): The three-block parade — running down Maple Avenue between Branch Road and Center Street — will feature a variety of floats and other entertainment. The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26
- Family Skate Night at Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia): Locals are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to the event, which will feature a DJ and a variety of music. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door, but skates will not be provided.
- Halloween Bash at South Run Rec Center (7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield): Springfield’s Halloween Bash includes a Monster Mash 5K Dash ($25) and a Halloween Fun Run ($15), as well as the Spooktacular Tiny Tot Trot ($15) obstacle course. Costumes are encouraged.
- Halloween House and Trick or Treat Trail at Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive, Reston): The event is billed as family-friendly without a huge focus on horror. Apple cider, popcorn, games and real animals will be available, but beware: your party must be registered by Wednesday, Oct. 23.
- Halloweekend at The Perch (1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons): The Beetlejuice-inspired event will feature face painting, pumpkin pie-eating contests, costume contests and more. It will be held from noon until 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27
- Trick or Treat on Market Street in Reston (11900 Market Street): Participating retail stores and restaurants at Reston Town Center will give out “treats, prizes and special offers.” The RTC tent in front of Mercury Fountain will also give out treats while supplies last, and there will be character appearances, face painting, balloon twisters and more activities.
- Halloween Party at Carnegie Diner in Vienna (501 Maple Avenue West): Carnegie Diner and Cafe will host a kid-friendly Halloween Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Join us in costume, enjoy face-painting from 12pm-2pm, & be sure to try our delicious Halloween desserts!” the restaurant says.
This Weekend (Oct. 25-27)
- Halloween on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon): Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including crafts, games and visits with farm animals, while tours of the property’s farmhouse will also take place. The program runs on one-hour time slots, with pre-registration available online.
- Haunted Mini Golf at Oak Marr Rec Center (3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton): The mini golf course features a chance at winning “various goodies” at each hole. Pre-registration is encouraged, with limited spots still available, as of publication.
- Ghost Town at Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station): Held both Saturday and Sunday, there is plenty for visitors to experience at the Ghost Town. The event boasts a variety of activity areas, including a bounce house, mini golf, crafts, carousel rides and train rides.
Next week (Oct. 28-31)
- Reston after Dark (1639 Washington Plaza): Join Reston Museum from 7-8:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 for a presentation of spooky stories from Reston’s history, including tales involving robberies, graveyards and more. The event is free, but an RSVP and donation to the museum are encouraged.
- Halloween at The PARC (8508 Leesburg Pike, Tysons): Kids can enjoy “safe trick-or-treating” at this family-friendly event on Oct. 31 supported by Fairfax County agencies and nonprofits. There will also be games, crafts, face-painting, themed photo opportunities and a Vienna Inn food truck.
- Mosaic Halloween Spooktacular in Merrifield (District Avenue, Fairfax): Stores at the Mosaic District will give out candy throughout the day on Oct. 31. Trick-or-treaters can then enjoy their haul while watching “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” on the screen in Strawberry Park, starting at 6 p.m.
Recurring
- Meadowlark’s Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna): Visitors will search the property to check off their scavenger hunt list, earning a prize once completed. The scavenger hunt is available daily through Oct. 31.
- Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror (9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton): The “heart-pounding journey” takes visitors through the former Lorton Reformatory prison with “nightmarish surprises” to be found. Tours will run through Nov. 2.
- Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGO Discovery Center (Springfield Town Center): Visitors will be able to meet a LEGO Halloween character, in addition to scavenger hunts, seasonal builds and more. The festivities run through Oct. 31.
- The Haunted Wine Tours at The Winery at Bull Run (15950 Route 29, Centreville): For $55 per person, visitors will receive a souvenir wine glass and samples during a lantern-led walking tour “as spirits of the battlefield come to life.” The tours will run through Oct. 31.
