With the leaves starting to fall and pumpkins beginning to show up around porches, you know we’re heading into the spooky season. Halloween is a special holiday around the Chesapeake, with ghosts and ghouls abiding in the Bay’s historic towns. Here is our list of unique celebrations you should check out…if you dare.
Weekends Now through Nov. 2, Aberdeen, MD
Legends of the Fog
“There’s a scare for everyone.” With a haunted hayride, a hotel you can check into but not leave, a demon-infested corn maze, and finally, if you haven’t screamed enough, a slaughterhouse … this upper Chesapeake experience promises to introduce you to a whole new level of fear.
Oct. 4-Nov. 2, Baltimore
The SS John W. Brown Ghost Ship
Project Liberty Ship transforms itself into a Ghost Ship on Baltimore’s Pier 13 for a month of spookiness. The spirits of the SS John Brown await your presence! See CBM’s sneak preview video here.
Oct. 12, Darnestown, MD
Hike the Site of the Blair Witch Project
Released in the summer of 1999, The Blair Witch Project was a worldwide sensation and is still one of the most profitable movies in Hollywood history. It was produced by student filmmakers in the woods of the Potomac rivershed. To celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary, visitors can hike in the filmmakers’ footsteps and see locations where the chilling film was made.
Oct. 18, Smithfield, VA
Hard Cider Tasting and Cemetery Tour
The St. Luke’s Cemetery has been accepting saints and sinners alike since the 1600s. In this spooky tour, you’ll get to sip some excellent ciders and then learn the stories of those buried in these hallowed grounds.
Oct. 18, Historic St. Mary’s City
Vampire Manor
The State House transforms with Gothic grandeur for this evening you’ll remember. Enjoy outdoor screenings of classic vampire movies, entertainment by the Black Magic Circus, tarot readings, and tastings from local wineries and brewers.
Oct. 26, Baltimore
Sailors and the Art of Tattooing Pride of Baltimore II Festival
Attendees of all ages will have fun at this festival celebrating the lives and traditions of Baltimore’s sailors in the Fells Point community. Tattoo demonstrations will happen on the deck of the Pride, with scrimshaw activities, drum corps, music, and so much more.
Oct. 26, Norfolk
Haunted Harbor Halloween
Norfolk’s Waterside transforms into a realm of shadows, legends of the deep, and spooky mermaids. With fun extras like karaoke, a silent disco, and a costume contest, this 14+ event elevates your trick or treating game.
Oct. 26, Baltimore
The Great Halloween Lantern Parade
Patterson Park is illuminated with the splendor of artistic lanterns for this annual parade. Make your own or simply come to spectate. There’s a family-friendly Halloween festival earlier in the day with an arts and crafts market, performances, and much more. Food trucks keep you full until the sun sets, when the magic begins.
Oct. 26, Norfolk
The Hip Hop Haunted Halloween Yacht Party
Hey, night owls! The Spirit of Norfolk becomes a haunted yacht for this fun, after-hours event. Costume contests, great music, and all-you-can-eat midnight snacks will keep you up partying with the witches and werewolves.
Nov. 2, Washington, DC
Dia de los Muertos at the Wharf
Come celebrate The Day of the Dead with an afternoon of live music, cultural performances, street food, a Modelo beer garden, an illuminated lantern procession, and much more. The Mexican Cultural Institute sponsors the event.
