From pet-friendly trick or treating to the Del Ray Costume Parade these are some of the can't-miss Halloween events in Alexandria leading up to Halloween.
Ghost & Graveyard Tour - Nightly
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. Appropriate for ages 9 and up. No pets. Tours are at 7:30 p.m. nightly, with a second tour Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. Tours leave from the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King St. $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 7 to 17. alexcolonialtours.com
Ghosts of Alexandria Tour – Various Dates
Explore haunted Old Town at twilight with a Discover Alexandria walking tour, and learn about the City’s history and its lingering spirits. Dogs are welcome on this tour that leaves from the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King St. This tour is at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, 11, 14, 18, 19, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, activity duty and veterans, $5 for children. (Ages 5 and under are free.) discoveralexva.com.
Grief & Ghosts Halloween Tours at Lee-Fendall House
These special evening tours examine funeral and mourning practices in the Victorian era. 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. The tours are Oct. 26 through Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 (free to Lee-Fendall House members). leefendallhouse.org
Halloween Ghost Tour
Explore the places in Old Town that may really be haunted on this special Halloween Ghost Tour. All tours leave from the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King St. This tour is at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, 30 and 31. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, activity duty and veterans, $5 for children. (Ages 5 and under are free.) discoveralexva.com
Spook Walk Del Ray
On Oct. 27 and Oct. 31, take a Spook Walk. From 7 to 9 p.m., walk through a crematorium and pet cemetery. For the address and more information, go to the event's Facebook page. No pets.
Friday, Oct. 26
Bark or Treat Canine Cruise – Oct. 26
Join the Potomac Riverboat Company Oct. 26 at 6 and 8 p.m. for this annual Halloween canine cruise on the Potomac. Pets are welcome and costumes are encouraged! Treats will be available. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for humans ages 5 to 11, free for dogs. potomacriverboatco.com
Zombie Escape at Carlyle House
The Zombie Apocalypse. D.C. was one of the first cities to fall when the apocalypse began. As such, Alexandria was a close second due to proximity. However, your group has managed to survive by barricading off a hotel. For a while the supplies were enough to keep your group going. But now, they’re dwindling at a fast rate. To keep your group afloat, several of you have volunteered to head out on a supply run. Now, you must navigate your way through zombie infested territory to claim what supplies are on your list and make it back to your base safely. This event is from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 26 at The Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Admission: $30 online in advance or $40 at the door. novaparks.com
Ghostly Tales at Carlyle House
Join storytellers from Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past on the front lawn of Carlyle House for ghostly tales of Alexandria's past. This event on Oct. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. is at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., and admission is $5. novaparks.com
Saturday, Oct. 27
Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon
A special scavenger hunt, a wagon ride and crafts are all part of this special evening on Oct. 27, along with historic demonstrations, 18th-century dancing and more. A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begin at 5 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for the best George and Martha costumes! mountvernon.org
Trick or Treat the Boo-Tiques
Start trick-or-treating early and stop by the dozens of shops of the Old Town Boutique District dishing out treats to goblins and ghouls of all ages beginning at open of business on Oct. 27.
Pumpkin Party on the Hill
For children ages 2 to 12, come to a pumpkin party at Historic Huntley. Bring a pumpkin to paint or decorate, make and taste pumpkin ice cream and make pumpkin playdough. Learn about the history of pumpkins and more. The program is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 27. $15 for individuals or $32 for a group of four. For more information, call 703-768-2525.
VolAlex Costume Party
Volunteer Alexandria hosts its October event at Ivy Hill Cemetery. Historical tour included and prizes for best costume. This event is Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. and admission is $20. ivyhillcemetery.net
Gadsby’s Tavern Masquerade Ball
Inspired by the season, disguise yourself and dance the night away at the Masquerade Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Come dressed in your favorite pre-19th century costume and don’t forget your mask! Enjoy live music, English country dancing, cash bar and dessert collation. Pre-19th century period attire or cocktail attire welcome. Reservations required. This event is Oct. 27 from 8 – 11 p.m., and tickets are $45. For more information, go to alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern.
Sunday, Oct. 28
Del Ray Halloween Parade
The 22nd annual Del Ray Halloween Parade is set for Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. This event is free. The parade starts at Mount Vernon Avenue just south of East Bellefonte and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Children will receive goodie bags at the rec center fields, and children, pets and strollers are invited to participate. The Del Ray Business Association will present awards for the Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home, and Best Decorated Stroller. visitdelray.com/Halloween
Doggie Trick or Treat
Four-legged family members are invited to come to Old Town to trick or treat together! Treats, sales and a costume contest are included in this event. Stop by The Dog Park at 705 King St. in Old Town Alexandria to get your map, have pictures taken and tour the rest of the participating stores for more treats. This event is Oct. 28 from 1 – 3 p.m. visitalexandria.com
