Arts & Entertainment
19 Spooky Halloween 2019 Events You Can't Miss In Alexandria
The arrival of October means a lineup of Halloween haunts to mark on your calendars.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — If you're not in the mood for Halloween chills and thrills yet, the numerous events coming to Alexandria certainty will. From haunted tours and the popular Edgar Allen Poe event at Ivy Hill Cemetery to the family-friendly Del Ray Halloween Parade and doggie trick-or-treat, Alexandria makes a name for itself as a Halloween town in October.
Below are the highlights of the Halloween season.
Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Oct. 1-31, nightly at 7:30 p.m. and additional 9 p.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays
Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Admission: $15 for adults; $14 for seniors, military and law enforcement; $10 for children
Location: Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street
An 18th-century costumed guide will lead you through Old Town by lantern light. Along the way, you'll hear ghost stories, legends and folklore, as well as unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts looking for revenge. The event is appropriate for children ages 9 and up. Pets are not allowed.
Female Stranger Beer Dinner with Port City Brewing Co.
Oct. 14, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission: $85
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
This event marks the anniversary of the Female stranger's death at Gadsby's Tavern on October 14, 1816. Port City Brewing Company will offer Long Black Veil beer inspired by the famous tale of the Female Stranger. Guests will enjoy local beers and a four-course meal while learning the history of the Female Stranger. Buy tickets at shop.alexandriava.gov/events.aspx.
Specialty Tour: Death at the City Hotel
Oct. 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $20
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
This special tour focuses on people who died at the City Hotel and the scenes surrounding them, from a famous actress to Civil War soldiers. Drinks will be provided. Buy tickets at shop.alexandriava.gov/events.aspx.
"The Haunting of Hill House" at The Little Theatre of Alexandria
Oct. 19-Nov. 9, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
Admission: $21-24
Location: The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street
Get spooked by "The Haunting of Hill House," based on Shirley Jackson’s 1959 gothic horror novel. Considered one of the best recent ghost stories, this tale is a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror.
Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Admission: $24.99 for adults; $15.75 ages 2-11; infants and dogs ride free
Location: Alexandria City Marina, 1 Cameron Street
Bring your costumed canine for a cruise along the Potomac River to some Halloween tunes. Halloween treats will be provided on board.
SEE ALSO:
- 12 Fall Events You Can't Miss Around Alexandria In 2019
- Mount Vernon Fall Events: Wine Festival, Trick-Or-Treat
Poems and Stories of Edgar Allen Poe at Ivy Hill Cemetery
Oct. 26-28, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Admission: $20
Location: Tour begins at the Ivy Hill Cemetery Office, 2823 King Street
The Guillotine Theatre presents “Poe in the Vault” at Ivy Hill Cemetery, an event known to sell out. This ghost tour, accessible to those with limited mobility, begins at the Ivy Hill Cemetery Office and ends at the Receiving Vault, where actors from Guillotine Theatre will read from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Seating is limited. RSVP to info@IHCHPS.org.
Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Admission: $5 for adults; $15 ages 1-18; free for infants. Prices differ at the door.
Location: Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street
Alexandria’s ghosts and goblins will fill the garden with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Halloween objects for local children to discover. Other activities include crafts to take home, a sticker station, temporary tattoos, spooky stories, a costume parade with prizes as well as drinks and refreshments. Every participating child receives a pumpkin, and one pumpkin in each of our pumpkin hunt sessions will have a certificate for a special prize hidden inside. Costumes are encouraged.
Oct. 26, beginning at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Old Town Alexandria
Old Town is rolling out the orange carpet for all the ghouls and goblins this year. Visit Old Town Alexandria in your costumes to collect treats from participating restaurants, shops and attractions.
Admission: $5 for children up to 12; $1 for adults and children age 13 and up
Location: Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Join this Tim Burton-themed party on the front lawn. Guests can interact with characters from Tim Burton’s films, including Alice from Alice in Wonderland, play Burton-themed games, and enter the costume contest at 2 p.m. Burton films will play on the back terrace throughout the event.
Oct. 26, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $10
Location: Carlyle House, 121 North Fairfax Street
Carlyle House transforms into a more spooky interpretation of Tim Burton’s movies. Participate in a Burton-themed scavenger hunt around the grounds of the house for the chance to win a Burton-themed prize. Burton films will play on the back terrace throughout the evening.
Historic Cemetery Tour
Oct. 26, beginning at 5 p.m.
Admission: $15 for adults; 12 for senior citizens, students, active duty military and veterans; $8 for children; free for ages 6 and under
Location: Tour departs from the corner of Wilkes and South Payne Street
Enjoy a guided tour through several of Alexandria’s historic cemeteries. Learn about Alexandria’s famous residents, including those who fought in the Revolutionary War, Mexican War and Civil War. Private tours are available by request. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Alexandria Visitor Center.
Oct. 26, 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Fish Market, 105 King Street
Fish Market is hosting its annual Nightmare on King Street with two DJs and cash prizes for a costume contest, couples' mummy wrap contest and scary scream contest.
Chadwicks Monster's Ball
Oct. 26, 9 p.m.
Location: Chadwicks, 203 The Strand
Come out to Chadwicks for the Monster's Ball from 9 p.m. to close. There will be a DJ with dancing, a photo booth, killer drink specials and a costume contest.
Oct. 26-28 and Nov. 1-2, beginning at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $10; free for members
Location: Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street
Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions combined with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious encounters at Lee-Fendall House. Learn about the rituals and customs surrounding death in the Victorian period, including funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing and séances. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark.
Oct. 27, 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Start point at Mount Vernon Avenue south of East Bellefonte Avenue
The 23rd annual parade features children, pets and strollers decked out in their spooky Halloween costumes. The parade goes up Mount Vernon Avenue past businesses decorated for Halloween. Following the parade, awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller.
Oct. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: The Dog Park, 705 King Street
Dogs and their humans are invited to come to Old Town and trick-or-treat together. There will be treats, sales and a costume contest. Come to The Dog Park in Old Town Alexandria to get your map and have pictures taken, then tour other participating stores for more treats.
Oct. 29-30, 7 p.m.; Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 for adults; $12 for senior citizens, students, active duty military and veterans; $8 for children; free for ages 6 and under
Location: Tour starts at the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street
This extended Ghosts of Alexandria tour is only offered during Halloween week. Guests will explore haunted Old Town at twilight, learning more about the city’s history and lingering spirits. Dogs are welcome.
Oct. 29, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $45
Location: Captain Gregory's, 804 North Henry Street
Join Captain Gregory's for a curated menu of spooky cocktails paired with bar bites and a costume contest with a $50 gift card prize. Each ticket includes two drink tickets, small bites, and gratuity. Additional drinks will be available for purchase. This event sold out last year.
Poe in Alexandria
Oct. 30-31, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $15
Location: The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Don't miss two unforgettable Halloween evenings with America’s earliest master of the macabre: Edgar Allan Poe. Actor David Keltz recreates one of Edgar Allen Poe’s 19th-century speaking engagements, including literary criticism, short stories, poetry and musings. Keltz’s performance has been lauded by The Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, The Poe Museum in Richmond and the Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia. Buy tickets at shop.alexandriava.gov/events.aspx.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.