It’s that time of year again: Halloween is about to leap out at us from the shadows. It’s time to carve pumpkins, don scary masks and costumes and trick-or-treat until those candy buckets are filled.
But beyond pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating, there are other events taking place to celebrate this spooky season.
Here we choose six great Halloween hauntings and happenings in Loudoun:
Loudoun Museum's "Hauntings"
Wittily subtitled, “Discover the Real Nightlife of Leesburg,” the Loudoun Museum’s 31st annual “Hauntings” tours take place on the evenings of October 21 and 22, with funds going to the museum. The tours take attendees on a winding walk through the historic streets and alleyways of downtown Leesburg, guides telling stories of the homes and buildings en route, many said to be haunted by past inhabitants. Among the buildings on the tour: the Presbyterian Church, the Loudoun County Courthouse and the 1811-built Eliza House, named for Eliza Thompson, a woman who bravely fought a 13-year court battle for ownership of the home after her husband was killed in the Civil War. You will also visit Glenfiddich House (Harrison Hall), said to be haunted by the ghost of solider Colonel E. R. Burt who died here four days after being brought in with a gunshot wound. Tours take place every 20 minutes between 5:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m.
Shocktober Haunt Party
The Arc of Loudoun is repurposing its Shocktober this year so prepare to scream…on ice! Located at the Ion International Training Center in Leesburg, Shocktober is staying on theme with all your favorite ghoulish ghosts and combing it with a live performance of your favorite alt rock songs by They Might Be Giants, who come with their own surprises up their sleeves. Wear your best haunt-themed costumes and join in on the extravaganza - food and beverages will be available to purchase on site. Book the RIP Package – “Really Important People” – for the best seats. Tickets from $40-$125.
"Air & Scare" at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
On October 29, the annual family-friendly Halloween dress up “Air & Scare” will return to the spectacular air and space museum. Kids, parents and even museum staff dress up in costumes and there are scores of fun activities to do including trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and spooky science experiments. Of course, families also get to see the incredible displays and aircraft at the museum including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the Space Shuttle Discovery.
ScreamLoCo 2022
The newest haunted attraction to Loudoun will make you scream! Located just outside Leesburg at the abandoned Graydon Manor estate, the mutants are waiting to thrust you into an experience like no other. To escape the toxins in the above world, descend into the abyss for safety. However, be warned, once you’re inside no one can hear you scream. Once you make it out of the creepy experience, find food trucks, live performances and Vanish Brewery serving up some iconic brews. Buy your tickets today.
Corn Mazes
Back by popular demand - there’s something about getting lost in a corn field that gives us the creeps. In keeping with the spooky spirit of the season why not take the family to a Loudoun corn maze. Great Country Farms in Bluemont has a winding 1.5-acre puzzle of a maze that takes about 30 minutes to work through. Tell your kids about the apple cider and donuts you’ll reward them with at the country market if they make their way out. For something even more challenging, head over to veteran-owned Harvest Gap Brewery in Hillsboro where the corn field has been turned into a complex corn maze that pays tribute to the Marines who raised the American Flag during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. After you’re through, relax at the brewery with a glass of delicious Holler House New England style IPA. The brewery offers great bar food and delectable South Mountain Creamery ice cream for the little ones.
Ghostly Craft Beverages
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery is hosting a step-by-step workshop on knitting blankets for the fall combined with some brews. The brewery has special releases for the season including Pumpkin Chai Latte, a beer made from the starch of sweet potatoes. Popular Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn is doing The Oxorcist II, a re-release of the haunting Imperial Pumpkin Ale from last year. What is it? Consider 100 pounds of pumpkin and 10 gallons of pure Vermont maple syrup brought to a boil then finished with a light touch of pumpkin pie spices and some vanilla bean. Offset the sweet brew with the other release, Oxtober Bier, with Vienna malts and nice toast accents accompanied by a pleasant hop – Scary good!
For a complete list of events, visit our Events Page!
Happy haunting!