It’s the weekend before Halloween, so you know what that means — Halloween parties and bar crawls and haunted mini golf, mazes, and tours are set to take over the region this weekend. Here are 14 scary (and non-scary) events during the weekend of October 27–29.
Halloween Bar Crawl
October 27, 5–10 p.m.
Dawn your spookiest or funniest costume to enjoy your favorite brews. Those who visit all five locations will be entered to win a prize pack. Participating breweries include Loudoun Brewing Company, Crooked Run, Black Hoof Brewing Company, Dynasty Brewing, and Black Walnut Brewery. Multiple breweries in Leesburg, free admission
Pumpkin Plunge
October 27, 5–7 p.m.
Pull your bathing suit out of the closet and head to the fourth annual Pumpkin Plunge. Dive for pumpkins, try your hand at the water obstacle course, and have fun at the glow party. The St. James: 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield, $12
Fields of Fear
October 27 & 28, 7:30–11 p.m.
Once the sun goes down, this Centreville farm turns spooky. It has several scary attractions, including the Dark Side Hayride, Cornightmare, and The Forest: Back 40, a half-mile walk through the woods complete with chainsaws and spiders. For a less terrifying experience, The Firegrounds area has fire pits, a dance floor, karaoke, and a six-lane slide. Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, $30–$40
Scream LoCo
October 27–29, times vary
The Funhouse isn’t your run-of-the-mill carnival attraction. At this haunted house, navigate through illusions and disorienting mirrors to escape the creepy clowns. Dulles Town Center: 21100 Dulles Town Cir., Sterling, $20–$25
Haunt: Game Over
October 27-29, times vary
Walk along a path with abandoned historic buildings and creepy characters at the Workhouse Arts Center’s 10th annual Halloween attraction. You’ll be supporting local actors as you do. Once you’ve survived the trail, stick around for bands, food trucks, and themed drinks. This trail is wheelchair accessible. Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, $30
Madhaunter’s Madhouse
October 27–30, times vary
This indoor haunted house has live actors, gory set details, and “more jump scares than a slasher movie marathon,” its website reads. Enter, if you dare. 37658 Legard Farm Rd., Purcellville, $30
Old Town Manassas Holiday Crafts & Treats
October 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A kids’ costume parade will be held, with the Best Costume prize awarded between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. A Halloween parade for pets will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Manassas Museum Lawn. Don’t miss crafts and sweets, as well as arts vendors. 9101 Prince William St., Manassas
International Gold Cup
October 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
One of the most anticipated events in Northern Virginia is back for its 86th anniversary. Put on your fanciest hat and dress to the nines for a day full of racing. The day will include eight different races, along with a hat and tailgate contest. Great Meadow: 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, $75 for general admission
Haunted Mini Golf
October 28–29, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Ghouls and ghosts are taking over Locust Shade Park. The mini golf course will be decked out in Halloween decor, so wear your favorite costumes for a quick round of 18. Locust Shade Park: 4701 Locust Shade Dr., Triangle, $6 ages 17–59, $5.25 for youth (3–16) and seniors (60 and older), free for 3 and under
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
October 28, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
The Barbie craze is far from over. The pink van heads to the shopping center with exclusive Barbie merchandise. Find keychains, hats, jackets, home décor, and more. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, free
Día de los Muertos Family Day
October 28, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for an afternoon of music, dance, crafts, and cultural activities. Watch a traditional Mexican folk dance and a mariachi performance. Different music genres and dances will be performed. There will be face painting, crafts, and a Día de los Muertos scavenger hunt in the museum. Smithsonian American Art Museum: Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC, free
Halloweekend at The Perch
October 28, noon–8 p.m.
Take your Halloween festivities to the rooftop. The family can enjoy spooky golf, face painting, and inflatable bounce houses during the afternoon. After 4 p.m., the adult party kicks off with festive drinks at the haunted bar and a costume contest. The Perch at Capital One Hall: 1805 Capital One Dr., Tysons, free
Haunted Maze & Spirit Garden
October 28, 5–10 p.m.
For one night only, you can test your nerve at Occoquan’s haunted maze. Full of 32 different scare zones, you’ll find plenty of skeletons, goblins, and bugs around every corner. At the dive bar, enjoy spooky music and tasty drinks that’ll quench your post-scare thirst. 305 Mill St., Occoquan, $10 for guests 13 and older, $5 for guests 12 and under, free admission to the Spirit Garden
Specialty Tour: Poison at the Apothecary Museum
October 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Spend your Hallo-weekend learning about the sinister side of medicine. Explore the history of the apothecary, different types of poison, and how the field has changed. This tour is recommended for ages 18 and older. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: 105–107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, $15
Featured image by Visit Fairfax/Marissa Strong
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