Children young and old look forward to Halloween festivities every year. The candy, the costumes, and the crisp Fall weather draw crowds to both public events and neighborhood trick or treating. However, as COVID concerns continue, especially among young children, what can families do to be safe and still enjoy Halloween this year. Join us below as we highlight a few local events around Montgomery County, MD, as well as tips to keeping germs at bay.
Halloween Festivities in and Around Montgomery County
Halloween is a fun holiday for adults and kids alike, whether you are looking for family activities or a haunted hayride with friends. So, if you want to venture out this Halloween, check out these upcoming local events below.
Flashlight Halloween Hunt
Flashlight Halloween Hunt- Where: Gordon W. Bowie Music Pavilion – 19003 Watkins Mill Road, Montgomery Village
- When: October 23, 2021
- Cost: $3 if you register by Thursday, October 21, or $5 at the gate Saturday, October 23
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
Break out the flashlights for a Halloween-themed egg hunt with tons of candy and prizes. Just be sure to bring your own basket and light so you can collect as many eggs as you can find. The hunt will be broken down by age group, and costumes are encouraged. Participants must social distance and follow all local COVID guidelines.
- 6:05 to 6:20 pm for Ages 2-4 yrs
- 6:25 to 6:40 pm for Ages 5-7 yrs
- 6:45 to 7:00 pm for Ages 8-12 yrs
Halloween Boo Bash at Casey Community Center
- Where: Casey Community Center – 810 South Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg
- When: October 23, 2021, at 11:30 am
- Cost: Check out the event website for tickets and pricing
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
The Casey Community Center Boo Bash is a family-friendly event packed with activities, trick or treating, a costume parade, crafts, and a Monster Mash dance party. Visit their website for up-to-date COVID requirements and to purchase tickets, which are required for both adults and children.
Halloween Hayride and Haunted Bonfire
Halloween Hayride and Haunted Bonfire- Where: Butler’s Orchard – 22222 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown
- When: October 23, 2021, from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Cost: $35 to $45
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
For those over 21 and looking for Halloween festivities, this BYOB haunted bonfire and 40-minute hayride may be the season’s best ticket. Participants can roast hotdogs and marshmallows around the fire while joining in on songs, games, and ghost stories. So, wear your best costume, gather your friends, and pack a few alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to liven up the festivities.
Parent and Tot Skate
- Where: Cabin John Ice Rink – 10610 Westlake Dr, Rockville
- When: October 27, 2021, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm
- Cost: $5 per child plus Adult and Skate Rental fees
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
If you have a preschool (age 3 to 5) child that loves Halloween, this is the event for you. Cabin John Ice Rink will host a special parent and tot skate event, which is the ideal time to let your little one try out skating. While you are there, check out the other facilities around Montgomery County Parks, including the many trails. Costumes are welcome, and face coverings are required indoors.
Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular
- Where: The Puppet Company Playhouse at Glen Echo Park – 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo
- When: Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 am, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 am and 1 pm. Special performance at 10:30 am on October 27 and 7 pm on Halloween!
- Cost: $15 per person
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
Witch Wartsmith, the sister of Witch Wartsmith from the Puppet Company’s Legacy show Rapunzel, invites you to the annual Halloween Spooktacular. This is a spooky-themed variety show sure to make you laugh featuring the talents of Kristina Hopkins, Kelcie Kosberg, Jackie Madejski, Danny Pushkin, and understudy Liz Dapo. Due to COVID, all adults must provide proof of vaccination or wear a mask at all times.
Forest Estates Community Association Halloween Celebration and Parade
- Where: General Getty Park – 10000 Woodland Drive, Silver Spring
- When: October 30, 2021, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
These annual Halloween festivities offer fun for all ages, including a parade, games, dancing, and more. Visitors are encouraged to show off their best costumes and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies courtesy of local Forest Estates realtors Laura Pawlowski and Yvonne Lee.
Neelsville Trunk or Treat
Neelsville Trunk or Treat- Where: Neelsville Presbyterian Church – 20701 Frederick Road, Germantown
- When: October 30, 2021, from 2 pm to 4 pm
- Cost: Free, but please register through the event website
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
Bring your costume and the whole family to this free Halloween Trunk or Treat event. The festivities include decorated trunks offering all sorts of goodies along with activities, games, a bounce house, and contests. Event managers are committed to providing a safe environment for all, and thus there are some restrictions due to the ongoing COVID threat –
- Participants must pre-register for a specified entry time to help control capacity.
- Please social distance whenever possible
- If unvaccinated, please wear a face mask
Trick-or-Treat at the Museum
- Where: Gaithersburg Community Museum – 9 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg
- When: October 31, 2021, from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm
- Cost: Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
At this family-friendly event, all ages are welcome to enjoy the museum, receive treats, and participate in a Halloween craft. However, for COVID safety, all museum-goers are asked to distance themselves socially, and any unvaccinated participants are requested to mask up for everyone’s safety.
Not So Scary Hike and Storytime
- Where: Black Hill Regional Park – 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
- When: October 31, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Cost: $6 per person or $5 for FOBH members
- More Information: Visit the Event Website
Parents and children ages 1 to 6 can come out and take part in a spirited, but not so spooky, walk through the park. Come in costume with a reusable trick or treat bag and collect treats while discovering mysterious creatures. Participants should register through the events website and reach out to the Black Hill Nature Programs at 301-528-3493 with any questions.
Tips for Enjoying Halloween Safely During COVID-19
This Halloween, everyone is excited for the return of some beloved seasonal activities. However, with COVID still looming, safety is paramount for families and individuals alike. Check out these health and safety tips to stay safe while enjoying some holiday fun.
- Take Advantage of the Outdoors – Whether trick or treating or having a small family get together, think outdoors. That said, the virus is less likely to spread outdoors, and there is a better opportunity for social distance.
- Avoid Contact – When handing out goodies to children, consider prepackaging some treats and lining them up on a table outside. Thus, avoiding lots of little hands and potential germs in one big bowl. Also, if possible, make some hand sanitizer available for use by parents or children passing by.
- Mask Up – In some area’s masking indoors is still a mandate. However, if unvaccinated or at high risk, masking is a great idea regardless of whether mandated or not. For kids, consider making a mask an essential or decorative part of their costume.
New to the Montgomery County Area?
Montgomery County has so much to offer residents, from its exciting cities to rolling countryside. With close proximity to Baltimore and the nation’s capital, there is something for everyone. If you are new to the area and in search of a well-maintained rental home, reach out to the area’s leading property management firm. Bay Property Management Group has the latest listings and a dedicated leasing team to walk you through every step towards your next home in beautiful Montgomery County.
