Haunted HoCo
As the leaves begin to don their vibrant autumn hues and a crisp chill fills the air, Halloween enthusiasts in Howard County eagerly await the arrival of that spooktacular night. With its rich tapestry of traditions, this corner of Maryland offers a bewitching blend of history, trick-or-treating delights, and rural charm that defines the season.
Howard County Halloween Events
Trick-or-Treating in Historic Ellicott City
From unraveling the haunted mysteries of Savage Mill and Ellicott City to the quest for the perfect pumpkin on a picturesque farm, Halloween in Howard County promises spine-tingling excitement for all who dare to embrace it.
In this blog post, we'll unveil a thrilling array of suggestions to make your Halloween festivities unforgettable. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a hair-raising journey through the heart of Halloween in Howard County!
Not-So-Scary Halloween Events
Photo Credit: Howard County Recreation & Parks
Throughout the Season - Monster Mini Golf (Columbia): 18 holes of indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf, DJ with music, contests, and prizes. Great arcade and awesome virtual reality booths for an amazing experience! Themed with ghost, ghouls, and all things Halloween.
Throughout the Season - DoodleHATCH (Columbia): Discover an imaginative world of play and wonder in this interactive art space. Visitors of all ages can step foot in a cauldron at the Witches Kitchen and Dead and Breakfast Cafe.
October 25, 2024 - Spook-tacular at Color Burst Park (Columbia): You won't want to miss the costume contest, trick-or-treat trail at merchants from 6-8 pm, group costume contest, live music, pumpkin decorating, costume catwalk, and more!
October 26, 2024 - Halloween Costume Parade at Clark's Elioak Farm (Ellicott City): From 11 am to 2 pm both days, enjoy the Halloween Costume Parade, and you won't want to miss the animal races!
October 26, 2024 - Columbia Association's Annual Trunk or Treat (Columbia): From 3 to 6 pm find free Halloween themed activities and games at this sweet and silly Trunk or Treat event in the Columbia Sports Park.
October 26, 2024 (at 2:00PM & 9:30PM) and October 27, 2024 (at 1:15PM) - Halloween Skate at the Columbia Ice Rink (Columbia): Join in Halloween fun with Halloween Themed Ice Skating! Spooky music, disco lights, and free candy await you! If you come in costume, you'll get a free skate rental!
October 26, 2024 - Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas at the Columbia Lakefront (Columbia): Join The Columbia Association for a night of halloween fun with a free movie night showing Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, plus free popcorn!
October 27, 2024 - Halloween Brunch at Alexandra's American Fusion (Ellicott City): Get into the spooky spirit with a festive Halloween Brunch at Alexandra's on Sunday, October 27th, 2024! Kids in costume receive 50% off their meal. Reserve your spot now!
October 31, 2024 - Trick or Treat on Main Street (Old Ellicott City): Experience trick-or-treating in one of Howard County's historic towns with your besties and your kids. Shops and boutiques will give out lots of free candy and chocolates.
Thrilling Halloween Experiences
Photo Credit: Howard County Recreation & Parks
October 18, 19, 25, 26, 2024 - The Haunted Experience with Howard County Recreation & Parks (Elkridge): Join in at Rockburn Branch Park for a spooky hayride through eerie trails to the ghostly dwelling deep in the woods. Awaiting you there are haunting tales of ghosts and goblins and horror that will tingle the spine! For ages 7 years + ($10 per person). Friday, October 18 & 25, 7-10pm. Saturday, October 19 & 26, 6:30-10pm
October 24, 2024 - Halloween Themed Girls Night Out at Savage Mill (Savage): Get your ghouls together for a night of gothic elegance at Savage Mill! Come as you are or dress in your best costumed attire while enjoying sips and savings. Find tarot readings, carnivorous plants, sweet treats, ghost tours, prizes, and of course, bags full of goodies.
October 25, 2024 - Halloween Party at Vacation Columbia & Chill: Enjoy a spooky and fun Halloween Party with DJ Micah Diggs! Purchase a bracelet option that will allow you unlimited drinks and fun snacks along the way.
October 26, 2024 - The Reagan Years Monster Mash and Glow Party at Turf Valley (Ellicott City): Sing along to the greatest hits of the 80s with The Reagan Years Monster Mash and Glow Party at Turf Valley Resort! Dress up in your best costume for a chance to win prizes in their Costume Contest – the top 5 costumes will get an award! $30 per person.
October 27, 2024 - Main Event Halloween Spooktacular Event (Columbia): Creep it real this Halloween at Main Event Columbia for a special Spooktacular! This event includes trick-or-treating, complimentary laser tag, crafts, games, and costume contests where you have a chance to win 1 year of free laser tag!
October 30, 2024 - Movie Night at Vacation Columbia & Chill (Columbia): Get your gang together for a night out with fun themed cocktails and popcorn pairings while you enjoy movie showings of Hocus Pocus at 6PM or Leprechaun in the Hood at 8PM.
October 31, 2024 - Halloween Open Mic Night at Busboys & Poets (Columbia): Get ready for a spooktacular time at this Halloween-themed Open Mic Night! Come in dressed up for a cash prize costume contest and enjoy thrilling performances, including spoken word artists, first-time performers, as well as live musicians. Tickets: $5.00 + tax and fees online | $8.00 (tax and fees included) at the door
Halloween Fun at Breweries and Bars
Photo Credit: Turf Valley Resort
Throughout October - SPOOK-EASY in the Fairway Lounge at Turf Valley Resort (Ellicott City): Don't miss the introduction of this year's SPOOK-EASY in the Fairway Lounge where you can find unique featured drinks and lots of Halloween spirit. Come and pick your poison this spooky season!
October 20, 2024 - Trick or Treat Drag Brunch at Lost Ark Distilling Co (Columbia): Get ready to scream with Absolutely Dragulous at the Trick or Treat themed Drag Brunch at Lost Ark Distilling Co. Ticket includes one welcome cocktail and food can be purchased separately from nearby restaurants! Please purchase all seats for your party under the same name in order to be sat together. $28.52 per person.
October 26, 2024 - Boos & Brews Party at Reckless Shepherd Brewing Co. (Columbia): Join the second annual Halloween bash! Carve pumpkins, bring the pups for a Yappy Hour Doggy Costume Contest, and take part in a Costume Contest with a $500 cash prize!
October 26, 2024 - Pre-Halloween Bash at GameOn (Columbia): Celebrate Halloween with this fun event being through in partnership with Columbia Social, featuring drink specials, costume contests, and more.
October 28 - October 31, 2024 - HalloWeek at Bark Social (Columbia): Don't miss this week-long spooktacular celebration of Halloween at the newly-opened location of Bark Social, a bar for dog lovers, in Columbia. All humans are welcome, whether you have a dog or are just a dog enthusiast. Guests without dogs may enter for free. Humans under 21 may visit any time before 8PM, and must be accompanied by an adult over 21. Dogs must be registered with current vaccine records and have a Bark Social Club membership or monthly or day pass to enter.
- Monday, 10/28 - Breed Meetup: Spooky Names
Time: 4-7 PM
Have a dog with a spooky name? Join other pups and their owners for a themed breed meetup. 25% off dog treats! - Tuesday, 10/29 - Mummy Wrapping Contest
Time: 6:00 PM
Grab some TP and see how fast you can wrap your partner like a mummy in this hilarious contest! Teams of 2 can participate, toilet paper will be provided, just bring yourself! - Wednesday, 10/30 - Mini Pumpkin Decorating Station
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (while supplies last)
A festive workshop of spooky fun and pretty lettering for beginners! - Halloween Calligraphy & Pumpkin Lettering Class
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (while supplies last)
Get creative and decorate pumpkins with us! All supplies will be provided. - Thursday, 10/31 - HALLOWEEN!
Time: All Day
Dog costumes are encouraged! We'll have free pup cups for all dressed-up pups and a special screening of Hocus Pocus at 7-9 PM.
October 29, 2024 - Spooky Season Potions - Oversea Distillery Cocktail Making Class (Columbia): Get spooky with a special themed cocktail making class that includes a take home glass where you'll learn how to make 3 cocktails perfect for the Halloween season!
October 29, 2024 - Spooky Singles Mixer at GameOn (Columbia): Singles mixer but make it spooky! Drink specials! Costumes encouraged but not required. 6-8 pm.
Wondering which ghosts still linger around to spook visitors and residents? One must-visit activity during the Halloween season is Howard County Ghost Tours.
Mt. Misery Ghost Walk
MT. MISERY GHOST WALK
The hills north of town harbor some very eerie legends of spirits and unexplained happenings from decades ago and even days ago!
The tour meets at the Museum of Howard County History 8328 Court Ave. Ellicott City, Md. Recommended for guests age 16 and up.
HAUNTED MAIN STREET
Old Ellicott City today is a resilient town almost 250 years old with great shops and a vibrant nightlife…so is it any wonder that the many ghosts who still call this town home remain to see if they can still raise the hairs on the back of your neck?
GHOST TOURS AT HISTORIC SAVAGE MILL
An hour-and-a-half ghost tour led by Savage Mill’s Historian exploring the history and ghostly tales of Savage Mill. Are you a paranormal thrill-seeker? Do you binge Ghost Hunters until 3 a.m.? Discover the Mill’s haunted history, where restless spirits continue to roam these halls to this very day. Learn about the working conditions during 19th century Savage Mill and how they tie to the ghostly encounters today and the cheeky little girl who loves tripping the living.
Reservations are required - no walk-ups allowed
See a full listing of upcoming events in Howard County here
Check back often for updated Halloween events, and make sure to Submit Your Events here. Event details are subject to change. Make sure to check dates, times, and locations with the organization before attending.
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