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. 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!
Howard County Halloween Events
Trick-or-Treating in Howard County
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 20, 2023 - The Happy Haunted Hayride (Columbia): Join a fun hayride that's cute, friendly, and not too scary!
October 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2023 - The Haunted Experience (Elkridge): This spooky hayride goes through eerie trails to a ghostly dwelling located deep in the woods.
October 28, 2023 - Wilde Halloween Pumpkin Decorating and Treats (Columbia): Come decorate pumpkins and grab some treats! Pumpkins will be provided for free. Prizes will be given out for first, second, and third place. Volunteers will be handing out candy. Hosted by the Wilde Lake Community Association at the Wilde Lake Village Center. Registration required.
October 28, 2023 - Kat Wright Trio Celebrates Encore's First Halloween Bash (Columbia): You can't miss celebrating Encore's first Halloween bash with a costume contest, spooky cocktails, decorations, and Vermont's soul-singing songstress Kat Wright. Price $15-$20.
October 28, 2023 - Sinister Speakeasy at Turf Valley Resort (Ellicott City): Enjoy an evening with "Whodunnit" to search for clues and solve the mystery at the Sinister Speakeasy!
October 28-29, 2023 - Halloween Costume Parades at Clark's Elioak Farm (Ellicott City): Visit the home of the Enchanted Forest for a fun Halloween Costume Parade! Parades are at 11 AM and 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
October 28-29, 2023 - Halloween Tricks, Treats, and Trees at Robinson Nature Center (Columbia): Join an adventure where nature’s “tricks” are revealed at delightful stations among the trees. Make a potion with a witch and delight in Halloween-inspired puppet shows. Make crafts and enjoy themed sensory play. All participants must call 410-313-0400 to register for your trail time (additional activities are ongoing). Morning trail activities are designed for 0-4 yrs, and afternoon trail activities are designed for ages 5 yrs +. Ongoing activities are for all ages. Mobility-friendly time slot is offered on Sunday at 9 am. No online registration.
October 28, 2023 - Old Ellicott City Halloween Bar Crawl (historic Ellicott City): Begin at Axe Guard, and make your way down Main Street. Enjoy a costume contest and drink specials!
October 30, 2023 - Halloween Eve Twilight Hike at the Howard County Conservancy (Woodstock): Discover creatures that are lurking in the dark! Costumes are not required, but are encouraged. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., FREE.
October 31, 2023 - Costume Parade at Miller Branch Library (Ellicott City): Show off your costume finery in a parade around the library! From 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Free.
October 31, 2023 - Trick or Treat on Main Street (historic Ellicott City): Dress up as your favorite ghost, ghoul, or goblin! Historic Ellicott City businesses greet the community by giving out lots of free candy.
October 31, 2023 - Murder Mystery at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (Columbia): This murder mystery is an interactive game. Watch out! You could be accused of the crime. $85
Howard County Ghost Tours
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.
