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Jessie Leiber for Alexandria Living Magazine
In a historic town like ours, there’s no shortage of ghost tales, haunted locales and Halloween spirit. Here’s what you have to look forward to this month (listed by date).
Click on the event titles for more information about each event!
Ghosts & Graveyard Tours, ongoing throughout the month
Follow an 18th-century costumed guide by lantern light through Old Town Alexandria while listening to ghost stories, legends and folklore. You will also hear about unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts looking for revenge. Tours start at The Ramsay House on King Street.
Ghosts of Alexandria Tours, ongoing throughout the month
Explore haunted Old Town at twilight with a walking tour, and learn about the City’s history and its lingering spirits. Dogs are welcome on this tour that starts from the Alexandria Visitor’s Center.
Ghost Stories: Raising Spirits in the Crypt, Oct. 5, 12
Everyone loves a good ghost story, and this is your chance to be part of one! Go after dark into the underground vault at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria as mentalist and psychic entertainer Michael Jons shares his story of a peculiar haunted artifact and his attempts to return it to where it belongs.
Alexandria Fall Festival, Oct. 12
Celebrate the change of seasons at the City of Alexandria’s annual Family Fall Festival. The festival is free, with activities that include scarecrow building, inflatables, pumpkin painting and entertainment. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Female Stranger Beer Dinner at Gadsby's Tavern, Oct. 14
Join Port City Brewery and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum as they honor the anniversary of the Female Stranger’s death with her specialty beer and a Beer Dinner!
Specialty Tour: Death at the City Hotel, Oct. 19
This special tour explores the stories of the people who breathed their last breath at the hotel and the scenes surrounding them. Bring your friends and raise a glass (drink provided) to those who have come before, from a famous actress to Civil War soldiers.
The Haunting of Hill House, Oct. 19 – Nov. 9
When three strangers are invited to join the mysterious Dr. Montague at the eerie house on the hill, not even their darkest dreams could have prepared them for what awaits. This performance at The Little Theatre will have you on the edge of your seat. Tickets are available now through the theatre's website.
Canine Cruise, Oct. 25
Costumes are encouraged on these evening Canine Cruises with the Potomac Riverboat Co. Dogs ride free but must be on a leash for this boatride along the Potomac.
Movie Night at Carlyle House, Oct. 25
Join Carlyle House for a double feature of classic horror movies. Voting for the movies will take place two weeks before on Carlyle House’s Facebook page. The top two picks out of the six movies will be played back to back on the terrace starting at 7 p.m.
Grief & Ghosts Tours at Lee-Fendall House, Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1, 2
Traditional mourning clothes and hair jewelry will be displayed and guides will share stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences that have happened in the house.
Howl-O-Ween 2019 with the AWLA, Oct. 26
Give your favorite costume canine(s) a chance to strut their stuff and win amazing prizes at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's Howl-O-Ween event, held at Riverside Taco Company at the Old Town Waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory from 2 to 4 p.m. This event is fun for the whole family, and proceeds benefit animals in need across the community.
Old Town Trick-or-Treat, Oct. 26
Starting at 11 a.m., Old Town businesses roll out the orange carpet for trick or treaters!
Carlyle House's Wonderland, Oct. 26
Carlyle House will be hosting a Tim Burton themed party on the front lawn of the house. Visitors will be able to interact with several characters from Tim Burton’s films (such as Alice in Wonderland) and play a variety of Burton themed games.
Carlyle House's Nightmare, Oct. 26
As night falls, Carlyle House will be taking on the more sinister movies created by Tim Burton. Participate in a Burton themed scavenger hunt around the grounds of the house.
Lee-Fendall House Pumpkin Hunt, Oct. 26
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. The Hunt schedule is 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon Estate, Oct. 26
From 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., wear your best costume and trick or treat with George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon Estate. Advance tickets are recommended, as this event always sells out.
Historic Cemetery Tour, Oct. 26
Enjoy a guided tour through several of Alexandria’s historic cemeteries. Learn about Alexandria’s famous residents, including those who fought in the Revolutionary War, Mexican War and Civil War.
Dog Trick or Treat, Oct. 27
Start at The Dog Park in Old Town Alexandria at 705 King St. at 1 p.m., pick up a map and a goodie bag, and hit Old Town for tricks and treats for pets and families. Dozens of shops are participating!
Pumpkin Party on the Hill, Oct. 27
Ideal for children ages 2 to 12, enjoy this Sunday afternoon pumpkin party at Historic Huntley! Bring a pumpkin to paint or decorate, make and taste pumpkin ice cream and have fun with other pumpkin-related crafts and activities.
Del Ray Halloween Parade, Oct. 27
Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade begins at Mt. Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues.
Poe in Alexandria, Oct. 30 and 31
Don't miss two unforgettable Halloween evenings with America’s earliest master of the macabre: Edgar Allan Poe.
Costume Halloween Shindig with Volunteer Alexandria, Oct. 30
Party in Ivy Hill Cemetery with Volunteer Alexandria! Enjoy music, drinks, food, a costume contest and more. This is for adults ages 21 and older.
Trick-or-Treating at Carlyle House, Oct. 31
From 4 – 6 p.m., join the Carlyle House on All Hallow’s Eve for good old fashioned trickery and treats!
Halloween on South Lee Street, Oct. 31
South Lee Street is one of the best neighborhoods for trick or treating! Learn more about what to expect this year here.
