Image courtesy of Carlyle House Historic Park
In a city with as much history as Alexandria, it’s no surprise that tales of ghostly sightings abound. Halloween is the perfect time to learn more about the spooky spirits that haunt the city at one of the many ghost tours or events being offered this year.
Honor the Female Stranger with Long Black Veil ®
Oct. 14 | 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
3950 Wheeler Ave.
Kick-off your venture into the paranormal with a drink of local beer on Oct. 14. Port City Brewing Company in partnership with the Gadsby Tavern Museum are hosting the annual release of their black IPA called the Long Black Veil ®. This brew is inspired by Alexandria’s most famous ghost, the female stranger, who passed away in Gadsby’s Tavern on Oct. 14, 1816 at the age of 23 following a long illness. She was buried in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Cemetery with a mysterious gravestone and her spirt is said to still haunt the tavern. For every 16 oz pour sold, $1 will be donated to the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.
https://www.portcitybrewing.com/event-details/long-black-veil-release-with-the-female-stranger
Related: Who was the Female Stranger?
Alexandria Colonial Tours’ Ghost and Graveyard Tour
Image courtesy of Alexandria Colonial Tours
Various dates and times
221 King St.
Sign up for Alexandria’s Original Ghost and Graveyard tour. Tour guides wearing colonial era costumes lead fright-seekers for an hour through six blocks in Old Town Alexandria by lantern light. Listen to tales of romance, revenge, death and mystery and learn about Alexandria’s most notorious ghosts. Tickets range from $9 - $15 and children under six are free. Visit the Alexandria Colonial Tours website here for a complete list of dates and times.
Frights and Pints Old Town Alexandria Tour
Various dates and times
301 King St.
If you need a little liquid courage while you listen to scary stories, Nightly Spirits offers their Frights and Pints Old Town Alexandria Tour year round. The two and a half hour long tour stops at three or four pubs or bars. A costumed guide shares ghost stories and history of Alexandria’s most haunted spots along the way. Tours are every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and participants must be 21 years of age or older. Private tours are also available.
https://nightlyspirits.com/dc-tours/old-town-tours/
Spirits of Carlyle House
Oct. 15, 22 and 29 | 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
121 N. Fairfax St.
Carlyle House’s long and diverse history is full of truths, myths, and rumors that makes it one of the most visited places on Alexandria’s ghost tours. Come and experience a uniquely haunting tour of the house and grounds by candlelight, perhaps encounter the departed spirits of notable residents and neighbors, and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. This event is being held in partnership with the Little Theatre of Alexandria. Tickets are $10 and reservations must be made in advance. Tours are offered on the half hour.
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park/events/spirits-of-carlyle-house
Image courtesy of Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden
Grief and Ghost Tour
Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30 | 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
615 Oronoco St.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden is holding their popular Halloween tour for two weekends only. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to see the house after dark. The tour will focus on some of the more macabre Victorian mourning customs like hair jewelry and séances. Visitors will also hear the stories of some of the tragic deaths and mysterious incidents that have occurred over the home’s centuries long history. Tickets are $15 per person and must be reserved in advance due to space limitations. Face masks are required for all particpants. Tours are offered Oct 23, 24, 30 and 31 every half hour between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
http://www.leefendallhouse.org/
Ghost Tour of Ivy Hill Cemetery
Oct. 22, 24 | 7 p.m.
2823 King St.
Alexandria’s 22-acre Ivy Hill Cemetery was established in 1856 and remains an active cemetery today. Come hear tales of ghostly encounters as told by staff members of the cemetery on this one hour walking tour. Tickets are $10 per person, pay at the door but RSVP is required by emailing info@IHCHPS.org or calling 703-549-7413.
Image courtesy of Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe + Wine Bar
Ghost Tails – Ghost Story Nights with Cats
Oct. 15 | 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Oct. 16 | 7 p.m.-8 p.m. and 8 p.m.-9 p.m.
109 S. Alfred St.
Alexandria’s cat café, Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar invites visitors to cuddle with adoptable black cats as they listen to spooky stories. Martha Washington will be in attendance to talk about haunted Mount Vernon and you are invited to share ghost stories of your own! The event is for ages 12+ and cost is $30/per person.
https://www.mtpurrnoncatcafe.com/events
Halloween Storytime Aboard Tall Ship Providence
Oct. 30, 31 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1 Cameron St.
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly experience then come aboard Tall Ship Providence for a spooky Halloween story time with Captain John Paul Jones as he sharestwo tales of terror on the high seas. This 15 minute long program is great for kids ages 5-12. Story times will be held at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person with a special family rate of $25 if more than five family members. Kids and grown-ups alike are welcome to come in costume; each guest will receive a bag of goodies on the way out. No weapons, toy weapons or props weapons of any kind will be permitted aboard the ship.
