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.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Police Host Halloween Sober Ride Outreach Event
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.
- 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.
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.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up