Spooky Season in Arlington: Halloween 2022

Published on October 25, 2022

Ghouls, ghosts, and goblins – oh my!

The days are growing shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and the leaf trucks are gearing up to start their collection – another spooky season is here in Arlington County.

With Halloween creeping around the corner, we've compiled some ways to make the most of your trick-or-treating, frightening fun, and safe spookiness in Arlington.

Trick-or-Treating

While Arlington doesn't have set hours for trick-or-treating, you should expect the candy crusade to coincide with sunset, which is just after 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022.

As Arlington's younger population takes to the streets, keep in mind these trick-or-treating tips from our friends at the Arlington County Police Department:

• See and be seen! Select bright costumes, add reflective tape and/or carry flashlights and glow sticks.
• Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance. Stick to familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets. For those on the Nextdoor app, check out its annual Treat Map, which allows people to share how they will be celebrating Halloween – whether it’s decorating one’s home or taking part in the neighborhood trick-or-treating by giving out candy.
• Never send children out alone. Younger children should be with a trusted adult. Ensure older children take friends and stay together.
• Walk on sidewalks and cross at corners, using traffic signals and/or crosswalks.
• Motorists are encouraged to slow down, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn on your headlights earlier in the evening to spot children from greater distances.  

MORE: October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Remember to stop for pedestrians, maintain safe distance from cyclists on roadways, and follow all speed limits. Learn more about the County’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

Eerie Events

• Howl-O-Ween: The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS) are teaming up for a Halloween-themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats, and fun at the Gateway Park Interim Dog Park on Friday, Oct. 28, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Dracula at Synetic Theater: Bram Stoker’s classic tale rises again in Synetic’s bold and bloody adaptation of the world’s most iconic horror story. Event page; Oct. 13-Nov. 6
• Día de los Muertos: Celebrate Día De Los Muertos at an evening picnic at one of Arlington’s venerable cultural institutions recently renamed Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (formerly Arlington Arts Center). Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Frightful Family Fun 

• Monstergrams: Get Instagram-spooky this Halloween season (if you dare)! Check out the Monstergrams mural at Lubber Run Park featuring your favorite spine-chilling monsters made especially for you and your social media friends by the Parks and Recreation’s Community Arts team. Take a photo and post on Instagram with #ArlMonstergrams.
• Virginia Ghosts Campfire: The whole family is invited to the Fort C.F. Smith Park fire ring for old-fashioned fun and of course, S’mores. Thursday, Oct. 27, and Friday, Oct. 28., 5 p.m.-6 p.m.; Registration required.
• Nature Spooktacular: Join a 'Spooktacular' evening of fun learning about nighttime animals and cultural festivities surrounding nature this time of the year. Saturday, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. and 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

A Spooky—and Safe—Halloween

Over the past two-plus years, we’ve learned new ways to enjoy pandemic holidays – from the CDC, here are some more tips for staying COVID-safe this Halloween:

• Stay home if you’re sick. Skip the Halloween party if you aren’t feeling well.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 
• Take precautions in crowded or indoor events as informed by your county’s COVID-19 Community Level, like wearing a high-quality mask (and Halloween masks don’t count). Consider making the mask part of the costume—like a doctor, nurse, ninja, or cowboy.
• If you’re hosting celebrations, review options for improving ventilation in your home. This can help you reduce virus particles in your home and keep COVID-19 from spreading.
• Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer. If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.

And of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19 on Halloween (and every day) is to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations! Use this tool to find out when you can get a booster.