The DC area has a wealth of events and festivals for all ages and preferences.
The family-favorite event of the season returns! No tricks here – explore the National Zoo for trick-or-treating and enjoy after-hours access for animal viewing, a dance party, fun vignettes, tasty treats and much, much more family fun.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
NoMa celebrates Halloween with its annual pumpkin-centric event. Held in Alethia Tanner Park, PumpkinPalooza offers live entertainment, a seasonal scavenger hunt, food, music and of course, its famous pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
Free admission
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
Visiting the wondrous O Museum in the Mansion is quite the experience, especially when you journey through the historic venue on a scavenger hunt. View the Mansion in its finest Halloween attire as you search through its many themed rooms and secret doors for seasonal and Halloween-themed prizes. You can also bring along your own shopping bag and purchase goodies from the mansion.
2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Hirshhorn Museum celebrates the fall season and Halloween with a special edition of its Art Cart series, which offers creative activities for kids and parents throughout the year for free.
Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Experience the spooky side of air and space with the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's annual Air & Scare. Come in costume to this free event and enjoy creepy crafts, spooky experiments and other Halloween-themed activities for the whole family. While the outdoor portion is sold out, the indoor activities do not require tickets.
Free admission
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151
Join Off the Mall Tours to explore Georgetown’s beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery with historic tales and haunting ghost stories. Dating back to 1848, the graveyard is comprised of the notable and notorious, from confederate spies to union generals, educators to architects, Civil War to Cold War. Costumes are not only welcome, but encouraged.
Oak Hill Cemetery, 3001 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a day of Día de los Muertos activities meant for the entire family to enjoy. Take in live performances from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, Mariachi Aguila DC and Sol y Rumba. Take part in themed crafts, face painting (ages 12 and younger) and a scavenger hunt.
Free admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Mount Vernon welcomes the entire family to enjoy Halloween fun. Festivities include candy-collecting in special Mount Vernon treat bags, an 18th-century baking demonstration and magic show, a straw bale selfie station, live music and much more.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Muahaha ... DC's favorite comedy troupe presents a frightful night of sketch comedy. Join Bad Medicine for Halloween-themed, high-energy entertainment featuring characters, music, thrills and chills.
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Special effects, animatronics and haunted props transform Navy Yard into a scene straight from your nightmares. The Halloween party features a DJ, open bar, dance floor and a costume contest.
Capital Turnaround, 700 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
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