From pet-friendly trick or treating to the famous Del Ray Costume Parade and historic ghost tours of Alexandria’s haunted locales, here are some of the can’t-miss Halloween events in Alexandria this month.
One of the region’s favorite traditions – 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
PET-FRIENDLY EVENTS
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
Doggie Trick or Treat – Oct. 28
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 visitalexandriava.com/event/doggie-trick-or-treat/8603/
TRICK OR TREATING!
Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon – Oct. 27
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 http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/trick-or-treating-at-mount-vernon
Trick or Treat the Boo-Tiques – Oct. 27
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.
Trick or Treat Lee Street – Oct. 31
Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria becomes Halloween Central every year. Walk along Alexandria’s historic Lee Street and enjoy the festivities Halloween night, Oct. 31.
WALKING GHOST TOURS
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.
Halloween Ghost Tour – Oct. 29 – 31
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.
HONOR THE FEMALE STRANGER
Female Stranger Beer Dinner with Port City Brewing Company – Oct. 12
The Port City Brewery and Gadsby's Tavern Museum have partnered for a night of celebration to honor the anniversary of the Female Stranger's death with her specialty beer - the Long Black Veil, a craft beer inspired by her famous tale! On Oct. 12, enjoy a four-course meal alongside four great Port City beers and learn the history surrounding her tragic story. Admission is $85.
The Anniversary of the Female Stranger’s Death – Oct. 14
On Sunday, Oct. 14, learn more about the tale of the Female Stranger on tours of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on the 202nd anniversary of the local legend’s death. While journeying through the museum, chat with Dr. Samuel Richards, the physician who treated her, as part of the Museum’s Facetime with History program. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 5-12, children ages 4 and under are free.
Learn more about the Female Stranger here.
HISTORIC HUNTLEY AND HUNTLEY MEADOWS
The Frightful Science of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – Oct. 12
For adults, this Halloween celebration at Historic Huntley will include a demonstration of Frankenstein’s animation of the dead. Beverages and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 per person. This event is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 12. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/historic-huntley/frightful-science/101218
Wild Bat Night – Oct. 13
Fly into the Halloween spirit at Huntley Meadows Park. See live bats and learn about their interesting lives. This event includes a wild bat walk outside and an indoor presentation with rehabilitated bats. This program is from 7 to 9 p.m. and is presented by The Save Lucy Campaign. $12 per person; children must be accompanied. For more information and to register, call 703-768-2525.
Pumpkin Party on the Hill – Oct. 27
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.
ART, ZOMBIES AND TOMBSTONES
Tales from the Vault with Terry & Wayne – Oct. 20
This lecture on Oct. 20 at 6:30 and 8 p.m. at Ivy Hill Cemetery features Haunted Virginia by Historians and storytellers Terry Gish & Wayne Kehoe in The Ivy Hill Cemetery's Public Vault. Hear stories of horror from around the commonwealth of Virginia. The Old Dominion is the oldest state in the United States and thus has the most ghost stories. There will be trivia, raffle prizes, tales and ghostly haunts, and, if you feel something cold near you, do not worry—it might be the spirit of the Petrified Woman. Admission is $20. ivyhillcemetery.net
Tombstone Art Tour – Oct. 21
Come learn the meanings behind the symbols on our tombstones at Ivy Hill Cemetery, from historic to modern day and what messages the dead would like to convey. Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. Admission is $15. www.ivyhillcemetery.net
Zombie Escape at Carlyle House – Oct. 26
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 – Oct. 26
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
Grief & Ghosts Halloween Tours at Lee-Fendall House – Oct. 26 - 28
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
VolAlex Costume Party – Oct. 27
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 – Oct. 27
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
