Community Corner

Check Out These 15 Halloween Events In Alexandria

Alexandria will have Halloween events for the family and even dogs during October.

Check out these Halloween-themed events around Alexandria throughout October 2021.
Check out these Halloween-themed events around Alexandria throughout October 2021. (Sam Kittner/Visit Alexandria)

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As October begins, it's time for thrills, chills and perhaps some family-friendly Halloween events.

Alexandria has plenty to offer for all ages. Those seeking spooky entertainment can check out ghost tours and the Poems and Stories of Edgar Allen Poe at Ivy Hill Cemetery. There are numerous family-friendly activities as well such as the Del Ray Halloween Parade to trick-or-treat for kids and dogs.

Below is a roundup of upcoming Halloween events courtesy of Visit Alexandria. More information can be found at www.visitalexandriava.com/halloween.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Ghost & Graveyard Tour

October 1 to 31, nightly at 7:30 p.m.; additional tours at 8:30 and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $15 per adult; $14 for seniors, military and law enforcement; $10 per child

Join an 18th-century costumed guide by lantern light through Old Town to hear ghost stories, legends and folklore. You will also hear about unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts looking for revenge. The tour is appropriate for ages 9 and up, and pets are not allowed.

Misha Enriquez/Visit Alexandria

Raven’s Night at the Birchmere

Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.

The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305

Admission: $45 per person

Raven’s Night creeps back to the Birchmere for a 10th year. This event is a unique soirée featuring fusion belly dance, live music and a pre-show carnival. This year’s theme, COVEN, brings the most iconic witched, warlocks and wizards to the stage. Doors open at 5 p.m. with an "All Hallows Eve Exposition" featuring pre-show entertainment including games, palm reading, live performances and more, followed by the "Salon Lunaire" dinner concert at 6:30 p.m., leading up to the main event at 7:30 p.m., "Cabaret Melancholia," a theatrical belly dance program. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Birchmere requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours.

"Wait Until Dark" at The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Oct. 16 to Nov. 6, Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $21 to $24 per person

"Wait Until Dark" is set in the 1960, following the story of Suzy, a blind woman who, while left alone in her apartment, becomes embroiled with a group of con men hatching an elaborate scam. As the tension mounts, Suzy must fend for herself, but the phone line is cut, and the house is plunged into darkness. Can Suzy outwit her murderous visitors? All attendees are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

Halloween Ball and Anniversary Celebration at Barkhaus

Barkhaus, 529 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Oct. 21, 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Admission: $75 per person

Celebrate Barkhaus’s first birthday with a Halloween ball. Guests will dress formally and add their own Halloween twists to their costumes. Dogs are encouraged to dress up as well. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, puppuccinos for dogs, a limited-edition Barkhaus anniversary shirt and more.

Grief & Ghost Tour at Lee-Fendall House

Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2021, 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $15 per person

Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair mementos, mourning clothing and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark. Tours groups will be limited to 10 participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. Face masks are required.

Old Town Trick or Treat by Old Town Business Association

Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: free

Bring your little ghouls and goblins to historic Old Town Alexandria for tricks and treats from your favorite boutiques and restaurants. Check back on the event website for more details and a trick or treat map.

Del Ray Halloween Parade

Oct. 24, 2 p.m.

Parade begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Ave., Alexandria, VA

Admission: free

Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center play fields. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb; awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller. Stay tuned for more details from the Del Ray Business Association.

Claire Mouledoux/Visit Alexandria

8th Annual Doggie Trick or Treat

Oct. 24, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Meet at The Dog Park, 705 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: Free

Bring your dogs dressed in costumes for tricks and treats from your favorite boutiques in Old Town. Winners receive gift cards from The Dog Park in three different categories.

Poems and Stories of Edgar Allen Poe at Ivy Hill Cemetery

October 28 and 30, 2021 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Tour begins at the Ivy Hill Cemetery Office, 2823 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302

Admission: $20

"Even in the grave, all is not lost!" The Guillotine Theatre presents "Poe outside the Vault" at Ivy Hill Cemetery. Actors from Guillotine Theatre will read from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. This event typically sells out, and seating is limited. RSVP to info@IHCHPS.org.

Boos & Booze at Café 44

Oct. 29 to 31

Café 44, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: Reservations encouraged

Café 44 is hosting its annual Boos & Booze Halloween event featuring themed craft cocktail and treats all weekend long. Costumes and reservations are encouraged.

Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House

Oct. 30, hourly sessions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $15 per person

Enjoy some seasonal family fun in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during the Fall Frolic. Put on your Halloween costumes and join in on activities catered to children ages 3 to 12. Activities include a “ghost” hunt, crafts and a costume parade. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon

Oct. 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Admission: General public: $25 per adult; $15 per youth; Members: $17 per adult; $9 per youth

Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Visit Mount Vernon in costume, watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, see 18th-century chocolate-making demonstrations and more. Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon will happen rain or shine.

Nightmare at Barkhaus

Oct. 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Barkhaus, 529 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Admission: free

Visit Barkhaus for the dog bar’s annual costume contest. Enjoy spooky food and drink specials and send your costumed four-legged-friend down the dog runway in pursuit of prizes.

Front Porch Family Halloween at The Back Yard and Front Porch

Oct. 30, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Front Porch and Back Yard, 2006 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Grab a reservation to dine with the family at the Back Yard. There will be prizes for best costume for all entrants age 12 and under. After dinner, there will be trick or treating at each cabana for children. Reserve a table at eveningstarcafe.net.

Too Many Spirits at The No. 9 Lounge

Oct. 30, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

No. 9 Lounge, 2006 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

This event for adults 21 and over will feature food and boo(ze) specials all night long at the bar upstairs as well as pool, shuffleboard, and the suite of arcade games. There will also be live music (with a Halloween twist) beginning at 8 p.m. with no cover charge. Plus, enjoy a costume contest with prizes in several categories.

“Boo Bags” at Hooray for Books!

Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last

Hooray for Books!, 1555 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: free

This Halloween, Hooray for Books! is distributing “Boo Bags” to trick-or-treaters filled with book-related swag.

Trick or Treat at Carlyle House

Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. while supplies last

Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: free

Join Carlyle House on All Hallow’s Eve for good old-fashioned trickery and treats. Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princesses and action heroes to one of Alexandria’s most haunted dwellings. Carlyle House staff will be handing out candy in individual bags. In case of inclement weather, call the museum for event status.

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