From boutique trick-or-treating to drag brunches and poison tours, Alexandria is pulling out all the stops for Halloween 2025. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, pet parades, or adults-only thrills, the city’s packed calendar offers something for every ghoul and goblin.
Here’s your guide to the best Halloween happenings around the city.
Oct. 3 – Nov. 1, Thursday-Sunday, noon – 6 p.m. (Friday until 9 p.m.)
Drawing inspiration from Spike Milligan’s poem “Bump” and the old Cornish Litany about ghoulies and ghosties, this art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans reveals the source of frightening, unexplainable noises heard at night. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.
Daily through Nov. 2
Del Ray’s Pop Up Bar has transformed into Nightmare on the Avenue for the Halloween season.
Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
Oct. 4-31, 6-7 p.m.
Explore the sinister side of medicine on this one-hour tour examining different types of poisons, their historic uses at the apothecary, and what we know today—recommended for ages 18 and up. Please arrive between 5:45 and 6 p.m. as doors will be locked when the tour begins—Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St.
Thursday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Get a personal tarot reading and hang out with cats. Adult beverages and soft drinks are available for purchase at the bar. Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St.
Program: Death at the City Hotel
Friday, Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m.
Learn why some spirit-filled legends made the cut and morphed into ghost stories while others faded away following Alexandria’s bicentennial in 1976. The presentation explores scientific explanations for seemingly supernatural events and is followed by craft-making of your own paranormal communication pendulum tool. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Friday, Oct. 17, 6:30-8 p.m.
Make protection charms for your front door that double as fun fall decor at this witchy crafts workshop. Materials provided. Space is limited. Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bring the whole family for fall-themed fun, including a historic home scavenger hunt, face painting, arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, ghost stories, and treats. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child ages two and up. Children under 2 are free. An optional family-friendly house tour is offered at 1 p.m. for an extra $5 per person. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 12:30-3 p.m.
This frightful afternoon includes a chilling cycle session at Zweet Sport, spooky power yoga at Radiance Yoga, and a bone-shaking Sculp’d class. Each class is 30 minutes, and space is limited to 14 people per group. Participants receive a swag bag and a medal. Starts at Zweet Sport, 727 N. Henry St.
10th Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo
Saturday, Oct. 18, 3-7 p.m.
Expect hands-on science stations, live music, food trucks, a STEM-themed costume parade, and a walk-in planetarium. Teens can volunteer and earn service hours. Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 8-9:30 p.m.
Join the Auxiliary Improv for an evening of made-up-on-the-spot improv comedy, all with a Halloween twist. Wear a costume, have some candy, and laugh. The show is recommended for 18 and older. Tickets are free with a suggested donation of $10. Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Alexandria Halloween Bicycle Ride
Sunday, Oct. 19, 6:30-8 p.m.
See some of Del Ray’s spectacularly spooky Halloween decorations on this free, family-friendly bike ride organized by the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The route is about 6-7 miles, very flat, and on neighborhood streets. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome. An adult should accompany children younger than 10. Costumes are encouraged. Bring a functioning bike, helmet, and front and rear lights. Meet at the traffic circle at the south end of Main Line Boulevard, just off the Potomac Yard Trail.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy a spooky good time with games, drink,s and prizes for the winners. This event typically sells out quickly. Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St.
Thursday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Port City Brewing Company celebrates the return of Alexandria’s favorite spooky beers, Optimal Witch and Long Black Veil, with live music from After The Party and food from La Tingeria. Don your spookiest costume. The tasting room opens at noon, and the party starts at 5 p.m., 3950 Wheeler Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to Historic Old Town Alexandria for tricks and treats from more than 30 boutiques throughout the district.
Saturday, Oct. 25
CAKE POP returns as host with special performances by Druex Sidor and Daya B. Tease. Come dressed in your Halloween best for the costume contest, where gift card prizes will be awarded to the top two costumes. Tickets are $30 with a $25 food and beverage minimum. King & Rye, 480 King St.
Fall Fest Market at Lost Boy Cider
Saturday, Oct. 25, 1-5 p.m.
Shop from local makers and artists while sipping seasonal ciders, including Pumpkin Head. Free to attend, family and dog-friendly. 1103 Commonwealth Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2-5:45 p.m.
Dive in to pick your very own real pumpkin from the pool, then decorate it. Other themed fun includes swimming, a floating obstacle course, an underwater obstacle course, and Halloween treats. The event runs in 45-minute intervals, accommodating up to 30 participants per session. Fee is $9. Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, 3210 King St.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2-5 p.m.
Collect candy around the historic grounds and celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Hear live musical performances, see soap-making and blacksmith demonstrations, and meet Martha Washington: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.
The Curious Case of Patrick Buckley
Saturday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Step back to Nov. 17, 1912, when the body of local tour guide Patrick Buckley was found on the grounds of the Braddock House. This walking scavenger hunt explores Buckley’s tour haunts to determine if this was an accident or murder. Your group can enjoy 1912 Halloween games and activities after completing the hunt. Time slots are every 10 minutes, with the last group leaving at 7:40 p.m. Rain or shine. Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St.
Sunday, Oct. 26, noon – 4 p.m.
Bring your costume-clad four-legged friends to Historic Old Town Alexandria for tricks and treats from your favorite boutiques. It’s free to join the fun. Pick up your goodie bag and map from The Dog Park, 705 King St.
29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m.
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions takes place along Mount Vernon Avenue, beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue. Children, pets, and decorated strollers are invited to march and show off their costumes. The parade ends with live music and an award presentation at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center field.
Sunday, Oct. 26, 6-7 p.m.
Enjoy tai chi with cats. No experience required. Since it’s Halloween, why not wear a costume? Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St.
Horror/Thriller Book Swap & Sip
Sunday, Oct. 27, 6-7 p.m.
Bring a horror or thriller book to swap for another, then grab a drink and spend some quiet time reading and relaxing with the kitties. Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St.
Oct. 29-30, 8-9:15 p.m.
Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum’s lecture hall to re-create Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. This year’s performance includes short stories, poems, musings, and literary criticism. Reservations strongly recommended. Doors at 7:15 p.m., performance begins at 8 p.m. Wine and beer bar available before the show. Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Friday, Oct. 31
Say “I do” in spooky style with Halloween-themed wedding officiant services. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted ceremony or something a little more haunting, this is the perfect way to celebrate love with a Halloween twist. Gadsby’s Tavern Ballroom, 138 N. Royal St.
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 4 p.m. – midnight
This two-day bar crawl features creepy cocktails, costume contests, and an electrifying atmosphere. The crawl includes 2-3 drinks or shots, no cover at any bar, professional photographers, exclusive drink specials, and an after-party. Check-in is from 4-6 p.m., crawl locations from 4-10 p.m. Attendees must be 21 and older. Starts at The Light Horse, 715 King St.
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween @ John Carlyle Square
Saturday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This family-friendly Halloween celebration features handmade arts and crafts, treats, a kids costume parade at 1 p.m., a pet costume parade at 3 p.m., a beer garden, pumpkin painting, and face painting. Admission is free. Rain or shine event. John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St.
