As Halloween creeps closer, Maryland comes alive with a variety of ghoulishly exciting events and “must-visit” spots. From daytime, pumpkin-filled adventures to spine-chilling haunted houses, there are activities for everyone. Ghostly walks through some of the nation’s oldest cities offer thrills as well. Gather your friends and get ready to celebrate the spookiest season of the year!

Visit a Local Farm for Fall Festivities (and Pumpkin Picking!). Many farms open their doors for fall festivities and memory-making. Popular attractions include pumpkin and apple picking, tractor-pulled hayrides, petting zoos, and corn mazes. These activities are perfect for large groups, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon outside. Some farms even allow bring-your-own picnics. If you’re not in the mood for a picnic, you can visit the farm market at each farm. There, you can buy fresh produce, baked goods, and jarred goods. Some great local spots include Butler’s Orchards in Germantown, MD, and Weber’s Cider Mill Farm in Parkville, MD. You can also visit Cox Farms in Centreville, VA, or Sharp Farm in Brookeville, MD

Get Scared at a Haunted House. If you’re into night-time activities, Maryland has some of the best haunted houses and trails. Each venue offers it’s own terrors, with expertly designed scares and atmosphere. While these are open to all ages (12+), the decorations are pretty haunting! Spots have bonfires, create-your-own s’mores kits, warm apple cider, and spooky carnival games. Haunt locations include: Markov’s Haunted Forest (Dickerson, MD), Field of Screams (Olney, MD), and Laurel’s House of Horrors (Laurel, MD).

Throw a Halloween-Themed Bash. Maybe going out isn’t your thing, no worries! Thankfully, you can stay in-theme with Halloween decorations are easily attainable from Target and Home Goods. For your get-tother, some halloween staple snacks include: Witches Fingers, Edible Dirt, and Mummy Dogs. Plan your get-together using the Partiful app for easy group coordination.

Watch a Chilling, Scary Movie. If you enjoy getting spooked from the couch, 2024 is an excellent year for horror movie fans. This year proved itself to be one of the best. Not only are this year’s movies “gory”, they also deliver psychologically thrilling, thought-provoking messages regarding today’s society. Here are some of the best 2024 horror movies that came out this year:

• Late Night with the Devil: a talk show host gets more than he bargains for when he invites a “possessed” young girl (is she?).
• The Substance: Elisabeth Sparkle is replaced as the host of her Aerobics TV show. She then finds a mysterious “substance” that seemingly provides an all-in-one solution. However, she also realizes the consequences of aging.
• MaXXXine: part of the X film series, follow Max as she proceeds with her dreams of becoming an actress in this thrilling slasher
• Lisa Frankenstein: a gory rom-com featuring a teenage girl, Lisa, attempting to assimilate her newly-revived zombie boyfriend.

Head Down to DC for a Ghost Walk. Immerse yourself into one of the history of D.C.’s most haunting neighborhoods through a nighttime walking tour. These tours offer both spooky tales and historical insights, making them exciting whether you go alone or with some friends. There are many tour companies, so I’ve chosen some highlights here:

• Capitol Hill Haunts: Explore the Lincoln Conspiracy trials and the Demon Cat that guards Capitol Hill.
• DC Ghosts: Hit up the White House, the Dolley Madison House (James Madison’s wife), and the Decatur House.
• Ghosts of Georgetown: Learn about the War of 1812, Theodosia Burr Alston, and the harbor.