Spooky Events Near Anne Arundel County: Bat Hike, Fall Fest, Scary Stories

MARYLAND — Halloween is almost here. Marylanders can celebrate with bat activities, outdoor festivals or scary stories.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Bat Hike

Celebrate Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, by going on an exploratory hike with a Patapsco State Park naturalist in search of these amazing creatures who have gotten a “bad rap” for being scary. Learn about bat biology, diet and conservation. Open to all ages; bring a flashlight! Reservations required. Oct. 21, 6:15 to 7:15; Patapsco Valley State Park- McKeldin Area, Marriottsville, MD. More information and reservations"

"Oxon Hill Farm Fall Festival

Celebrate the cool fall weather and the changing colors at this day of free fun for the whole family. Learn to make a corn husk doll, build a park ranger scarecrow, or try your hand at one of the other ranger-led activities. Travel back in time to the 19th century as the Ship's Company Chanteymen share sea shanties from the War of 1812. Enjoy some nuevo square dancing (join in!) and some old-time bluegrass. Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm, Oxon Hill, MD. More information"

"Haunting of the Pumpkin Ash Trail

It appears that something has changed, or perhaps been disturbed at Piscataway Park. The staff has begun an investigation of these strange goings-on and has invited you to join in….if you dare. Tickets include a survival kit, [a] hayride to the trailhead, and an experienced guide to get everyone through the hike in one piece. Be sure to check out the chilling video the park has produced to help get you in the mood. $25 for [adults]; children under 12, $15. More info and tickets"

"OysterFest!

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum sure knows how to celebrate the Bay’s favorite bivalve. It goes without saying that they’ll be serving up oysters in a variety of ways, but there will also be a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings available for purchase as well as craft beverages. Enjoy music spanning many genres all day long, and you won’t want to miss the always-popular oyster stew competition. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More to see and do and tickets"

"Nightmare on Sotterley Lane

Historic Sotterley has put together a walking tour of some of their favorite creepy spaces where you should be prepared to encounter both the earthly inhabitants and those not of this earth. This is a self-guided walking tour which includes going through woods and is recommended for ages 8+. Tickets are $15/person and must be purchased in advance online. Oct. 21, 22, 28, and 29; Historic Sotterley, Hollywood, MD. More info and tickets"

"Celebrate Bat Week

October 24 to October 31 is Bat Week. Why should we celebrate bats? Bats help control insect populations, some of which damage crops and spread diseases. Bats help spread seeds to grow new plants, and some bats pollinate plants. Use this annual celebration timed with Halloween to learn about the important role bats play in nature. Visit BatWeek.org for a full list of inspiring
Bat-ivities, including a bat coloring book, origami bat, bat finger puppet and cookbook using foods that bats pollinate. For adults who want to go to bat for bats, BatWeek.org also has instructions for how to build your own bat house or where to order a bat house kit."

Related:

• Oyster Festival In Shady Side + Ghost Paddle Trip In Lothian
• War Of 1812 Event In Pasadena + Hispanic Heritage Month In Annapolis
• Birders Unite For Full-Day Watch + Waterfront Event Hosted In Spanish
• Annapolis To Host Kunta Kinte Festival + Small Boat Fair Coming To MD
• Watermen's Festival, Charitable Swim To Protect Waterways Coming To MD
• Raft-Up Boat Concert To Feature Annapolis Band + Railroad Event Slated
• Fleet Week Returning To MD + Bark In The Park Will Teach Pet Safety
• Historic MD Ship To Be Commissioned + Tall Ship Festival Coming Soon
• Visit White Sand Beach On Eastern Shore + Enjoy Western MD Mountains
• Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market
• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• Latino Conservation Week Approaches + Native American Festival On Tap
• Sharkfest Coming To MD + London Town To Celebrate Independence Day
• Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks
• Fireworks Shows In MD, DC + Introduction To Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Seining Class At Sandy Point + Juneteenth Celebration In Annapolis
• Strawberry Festival In Linthicum + Snakehead Fishing In MD
• Antique Boat Show Coming To MD + Father's Day Cruise Offered
• All of the stories from year one of this partnership are posted here