The month of October is when the mornings start getting crisp, leaves begin to change and ghosts and skeletons come out. The best part of Halloween is that it brings out the kid in almost all of us. Perhaps it is because of social media, but I think more homeowners are upping their Halloween decorating game this year. While every neighborhood has a few houses that are cleverly decorated, no other street goes quite as far as N Jackson street (between N Pershing and Wilson Blvd). Take a drive along this street to see some of the most creative and over the top displays. These neighbors take it very seriously. Not only do they close the street on Halloween night, but from what the neighbors tell me, the weeks leading up to Halloween can bring thousands of Halloween viewers who come to see these amazing Halloween displays.
Even if you are not planning on trick or treating here, it’s worth a visit to see the giant spider, skeleton prisoners or the famous hearse house.
That is just one activity to get you in the ghostly spirit. For kid themed spooky activities leading up to Halloween:
- Head to The Village at Shirlington on October 26, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for treats and entertainment for the kids. Buy tickets here. Your ticket benefits the Arlington Food Assistance Center.
- Join the Pumpkin Carving Bash at Potomac Overlook on October 26, 1-3 p.m.
- Want some sugar free fun? Take your elementary age child to GlenCarlyn Library for Halloween story time at Glencarlyn library on October 26, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Or enjoy a reading from Edgar Allen Poe by Kenmore middle School students Oct 28 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Community Garden at Glencarlyn library. Poe Garden: A Literary Halloween Tradition
- On Halloween night try Columbia Pike’s Halloween Bash from 6-7 p.m. for Trick or Treats, crafts and storytime.
Looking for more adult Halloween activities? Put on your most creative costume and head to Clarendon Ballroom. They host 4 nights of spooky dance parties and costume contests.
- October 26th is the Nightmare Before Halloween for live DJ, dancing and prizes.
- October 31st The Annual Monster Ball
- November 1st Haunted Carnival
- November 2nd the Afterlife Party
If a bar crawl is more your speed? Try Big Tony’s Pizzeria Bar Crawl October 26th 4-11 p.m..
Don’t want to put the costume away just yet? Try Nightmare on Wilson on Nov 2 from 2-9 p.m. for a post Halloween Bar crawl.
Let’s not forget our furry dog ghouls. Put your pooch in a costume and head to Metropolitan Park on October 22 5-7 p.m. for a costume contest and yes, trick or treats for your pet. Howl-ween! Art making, Dog Costume Contest, and Dog Trick or Treating.
Or head to Rosslyns Gateway Park on October 25 4:30-6:30 p.m. for Howl-o-ween. They even offer pet portrait sketches. I am absolutely getting one for Caesar!
Want fun for your dog while helping a worthy cause? Head to Dogma Bakery in Shirlington on October 26th for fun that benefits Luck Dog Animal Rescue. There is a pet scavenger hunt and a costume contest. Register here.
As you can see, the fun starts now and just keeps going. We have so much to be serious about. Why not take a moment to be silly and get into the Halloween spirit? No matter what your age, there is something to do. Dress up, decorate your house and have an excuse to act like a kid again.
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