We last asked you in 2013 what your plans were for Halloween evening. A decade later, let’s ask it again!
While the little kids prepare for a bounty of candy, what does the rest of Arlington have planned? Last time we asked, “nothing” was the most popular answer — but this year’s poll is a bit different.
Check all that apply below.
(Updated 6:15 p.m.) The residents of N. Jackson Street in Ashton Heights have gone all out again this Halloween but they’re not the only ones.
ARLnow also toured other parts of Arlington to size up the competition, and the surrounding neighborhoods did not disappoint.
With the help of social media and some good old-fashioned investigative reporting, we uncovered hidden gems across the county, from Rock Spring to Fairlington and from Lyon Village to Barcroft.
Over in Rock Spring, a home on N. Harrison Street has laid to rest the various “eras” of Taylor Swift’s musical career with a graveyard full of witty references to her song lyrics and albums.
In Barcroft, a home on 4th Street S. turned its lawn into a Girl Scouts-gone-wild nightmare. One scout practices her axe-throwing skills on a comrade, while various monsters enjoy a smorgasbord that goes well beyond cookies.
If you subscribe to the “go big or go home” philosophy, there are two houses in South Arlington you’ll want to see this weekend. One, along Army Navy Drive in Aurora Highlands, showcases larger-than-life skeletons and other jumbo-sized spooky figurines.
Not far away in Fairlington, another home on S. Stafford Street boasts a truly mammoth haunted house display that fills the entire front yard.
For those who prefer their scares more historical, a home on S. Garfield Street just south of Arlington Blvd might be more your speed. Passersby who look closely will see tombstones referencing famous historical events and figures, including victims of the Salem Witch Trials and Edgar Allan Poe.
Homeowners Ken Nagle and Kara Laake said their favorite part of the display are the tombstones that refer to the Great New England Vampire Panic of the 17th and 18th centuries.
“We found out about it a number of years back when we were up in New England. Basically… what would happen is one family member would get tuberculosis and die. Then the rest of the family would get it, and people thought that the dead family member was coming back as a vampire and feeding off of them,” Nagle said.
One tombstone even features the name Mercy Brown, one of the best-documented cases of a body being exhumed over suspicions of vampirism.
“They dug her up, pulled out her heart, burned it, made a drink from it, and had her brother drink it,” Nagle added. “And this wasn’t some medieval Europe event; it happened in the [1890s] in Rhode Island.”
It’s less than a week until Halloween and rookie Arlingtonians might be wondering: when do the kids around here go trick-or-treating?
Thanks to our industry’s never-ending quest to earn the favor of the search engine gods, such that we can collect digital half-pennies for your visit and hopefully get you to stick around for more substantive local news, ARLnow has your answer.
Unlike some local jurisdictions in other parts of the country, Arlington does not designate an official day and time for trick-or-treating. Instead, the annual, costumed candy-gathering spree traditionally takes place on Halloween — Tuesday, Oct. 31 — and starts shortly before sunset. That’s typically around 6 p.m., though some youngsters and parents head out earlier than that.
The door knocking usually ends by 8 p.m., though some stragglers may remain out later.
This year, Halloween is taking place on a weekday, so trick-or-treaters and evening rush hour traffic will mix on local roads. Arlington County urges caution for anyone out Halloween night.
Below are some Halloween tips for trick-or-treaters and drivers, from an Arlington County press release.
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.
- Only visit homes with exterior lights on.
- Never send children out alone. Younger children should be with a trusted adult. Ensure older children take friends and stay together.
- Check candy before eating. Consider bringing treats from home so children don’t snack on candy before it is inspected.
- Walk on sidewalks and cross at corners, using traffic signals and/or crosswalks.
- Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween. Slow down, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn on your headlights earlier in the evening to spot children from greater distances.
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.
Looking for other Halloween-themed fun around town? In addition to checking out some of the extensive decorations on local homes, there are plenty of family-friendly, dog-friendly and drag-friendly events to choose from. And, if you’re planning to drink this weekend, you can get a free Lyft ride home Saturday night.
This weekend, Arlington’s furry friends are ditching the sticks for Halloween treats.
Several local spots are going all out with pooch-friendly Halloween events but one venue is taking it to the next level.
Pups take over The Commentary in Ballston
This Saturday, The Commentary Social House inside The Westin Arlington at 801 N. Glebe Road is hosting “Pups on The Patio” from 4-7 p.m.
Adoptable dogs from the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation will be there, dressed in their Halloween best. Pups will be able to eat “doggy dishes,” such as chicken strips and sweet potato bites. Plus, 20% of proceeds from those dishes go straight to the rescue foundation.
On Sunday, The Commentary will host a “Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Garden Soirée” from 12-2 p.m. “Doggy dishes” will return and Bright Eyes Photos DC will take mini photo shoots, followed by a costume contest.
Other spooky pooch events around town
Starting tomorrow, Thursday, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington will host a Howl-ween event at Metropolitan Park in Pentagon City from 4:40-6:30 p.m., complete with art-making and a dog costume contest.
On Friday, Fire Works Pizza in Courthouse is throwing a “Halloween Yappy Hour” from 4-7 p.m., where the best dog costume will snag its owner a $100 gift card.
Over at the Gateway Park interim dog park, Rosslyn Business Improvement District and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group are also hosting a Halloween event for dog owners from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Expect pet vendors, raffles, and a beer and wine bar.
Wrapping up the weekend, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is holding “Doggie Trick-or-Treating” at Dogma Bakery in Shirlington Village from 2-4 p.m. For a $20 registration fee, you’ll get a treat bag, a Halloween toy from BarkBox, and a shot at the costume contest.
Photo via Columbia Pike Partnership/Facebook
Spooky season is upon Arlington and the county parks department has a few family-friendly activities in store.
Next week, families can gather around the campfire for ghost stories and s’mores or take slightly spooky evening nature walks.
First up is the Virginia Ghosts Campfire at the Fort C.F. Smith Park fire ring, held next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-6 p.m.
“The whole family is invited to join us at the Fort C.F. Smith Park fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun and of course, s’mores,” the county says.
Around the campfire, storytellers will narrate Algonquin legends, Virginia witch trials and ghosts of the Civil War, among other ghost stories, a county spokeswoman said.
There is a $5 fee to register and the parks department requires registration by 4 p.m. the day before the event. As of publication, there is a waitlist for next Friday’s time slot.
Next Sunday (Oct. 29) afternoon and evening, the Long Branch Nature Center will host a Nature Spooktacular from 3:30-5 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.
“Join us for a ‘Spooktacular’ evening of fun learning about nighttime animals and cultural festivities surrounding nature this time of the year,” the county says. “[The] later time will be just as fun and a little bit spooky for families with older children.”
The parks department suggests that families with young children sign up for the earlier slot, which promises to be “more fun and less spooky.” As of today, there were open spots for both available time slots. Registration is required and comes with a $7 fee.
Other family-friendly Halloween events this month are sold out or have waitlists.
Registration is closed for this weekend’s Trunk or Treat at the Lubber Run Community Center. People can add themselves and their pets, meanwhile, to the waitlist for the Halloween Animals Campfire next Saturday at the Long Branch Nature Center.
Photo (1) via Arlington County/Facebook
Lyft will offer free rides up to $15 next weekend to curb drunk driving as Arlington sees an uptick in alcohol-related crashes.
Organized by the Tysons-based nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the initiative, known as SoberRide, aims to prevent drunk driving during holidays, such as Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve when such behavior is more common.
Arlington saw two DUI arrests and three alcohol-related crashes over the last three Halloween weekends, according to data provided by ACPD.
Looking beyond Halloween, alcohol-related crashes have nearly doubled overall since 2020, surging from 96 to 172 in 2022, according to ACPD. DUI arrests have followed a similar trend, nearly doubling from 269 in 2020 to 425 in 2022.
Nationwide, drunk driving-related crashes on Halloween night claimed the lives of 159 people between 2017 and 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Just over half of those fatalities, 55%, involved adults ages 21-34.
WRAP, which previously partnered with Red Top Cab of Arlington and other taxi companies, has partnered with Lyft since 2017 to combat those statistics.
Those interested in a free ride can enter a forthcoming promotional code into Lyft’s “Payment” tab. The code, for use only to those 21 and older, will be published on WRAP’s website at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. The code is valid from 4 p.m. on Saturday until 4 a.m. on Sunday.
The nonprofit will offer a minimum of 1,500 rides this Halloween, WRAP President Kurt Erickson tells ARLnow.
He noted that 943 people used the SoberRide code last Halloween, which is the second-highest number of people to use the code in the program’s history.
SoberRide saw its highest usage for Halloween 2019, when more than 1,200 people used the code to get a free ride.
The Arlington County Police Department, meanwhile, will be hosting a Halloween anti-drunk driving event on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. at the intersection of N. Hudson Street and Wilson Blvd. The event will highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills.
Join ACPD and @WRAP_org on Saturday, Oct. 28 for an interactive Halloween Anti-Drunk Driving Event to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills. Starting at 8 p.m., see why a sober ride is the ultimate accessory to your costume. Additional details: https://t.co/loATGZoN3x pic.twitter.com/5VI1DCuoQ7
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) October 16, 2023
N. Hudson Street between Wilson Blvd and 13th Street N. will be closed from approximately 6-11 p.m. for the event, according to an ACPD press release, excerpted below.
Celebrate with a Plan
Don’t let drunk driving haunt your celebrations – if you plan to drink, follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2023 Halloween SoberRide® program is offering free rides home, in partnership with Lyft, from 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28 until 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 29.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Always remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information, visit the NHTSA website.
Road Closure
N. Hudson Street between Wilson Boulevard and 13th Street N. will be closed from approximately 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. to accommodate this event.
Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs in the area. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.
It’s October and thus officially spooky season — and the Halloween decorations are out in Arlington.
Just walk through a local grocery store or down a residential street and there are ghosts and goblins galore.
But not everyone is into decorating, or into Halloween for that matter. So today we’re asking: how extra are you when it comes to Halloween decor?
The residents of N. Jackson Street in Ashton Heights have again outdone themselves.
The street, which traditionally hosts some of the most elaborate Halloween decorations in Arlington, scaled back its festivities during the pandemic but does not seem to be holding back this year, with witches, pumpkins, skeletons and ghosts galore.
“Halloween is a treasured tradition in our community,” Scott Sklar, president of the Ashton Heights Civic Association, told ARLnow in 2020.
Those who want to view the spooky street in its full frightful foliage can walk the blocks between Wilson Blvd and N. Pershing Drive, which are not far from both the Clarendon and Virginia Square Metro stations.
Arlington County police are organizing a Halloween-themed anti-drunk-driving event.
The “Sober Ride outreach event” is being held Saturday night in Clarendon, starting around 8 p.m., and will block a portion of N. Hudson Street near Wilson Blvd.
More from an ACPD press release:
There is nothing more frightening on Halloween than an impaired driver. Don’t turn the holiday’s scares into real life dangers by getting behind the wheel after drinking. To help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, the Arlington County Police Department, in partnership with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), is hosting a Halloween anti-drunk driving event to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills. This free event is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, October 29th at the intersection of N. Hudson Street and Wilson Boulevard, beginning at 8:00 p.m.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2016 and 2020, there were 129 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night nationwide (6:00 p.m. October 31 – 5:59 a.m. November 1). Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (68%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2020. That’s why the Arlington County Police Department is reminding community members that in addition to planning the perfect costume, your celebratory plans should also include a sober ride home.
Celebrate with a Plan
Don’t let drunk driving haunt your celebrations – if you plan to drink, follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:
- Remember it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2022 Halloween SoberRide program is offering free rides home, in partnership with Lyft, from 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 29 until 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 30.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Always remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information, visit the NHTSA website.
Road Closure
N. Hudson Street between Wilson Boulevard and 13th Street N. will be closed from approximately 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. to accommodate this event.
Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs in the area. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.
Halloween 2022 is just days away and if you’re new-ish to Arlington you might be wondering: when do kids trick or treat around here?
Unlike some local jurisdictions in other parts of the country, Arlington does not designate a day and time for trick-or-treating. Instead, the annual, costumed candy-gathering spree traditionally takes place on Halloween (Oct. 31), starting just before sunset (around 6 p.m.).
The door knocking typically ends around 8 p.m., though some stragglers will remain out later.
This year, Halloween is taking place on a Monday, so drivers and trick-or-treaters alike should be extra careful on the roads during the evening commute. Compounding the danger, rain is in the forecast for Monday.
Here are some general tips for planning your Halloween evening, from past years:
Arlington County put out the following press release about Halloween celebrations this year.
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 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.
The press release goes on to urge those who are feeling ill to stay at home, given that the pandemic still ongoing and other respiratory viruses like flu and RSV are circulating in Virginia.
“Skip the Halloween party if you aren’t feeling well,” the release says. Hand washing is also encouraged.
“If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer,” the county wrote. “If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.”
Friday is your chance to dress the dog as a cute pup-kin for Rosslyn’s annual Howl-O-Ween.
The second annual Halloween-themed dog-centric event is set to happen this Friday, Oct. 28, from 3:30-5:30 p.m at the Gateway Park Interim Dog Park in Rosslyn.
“Dog costumes are strongly encouraged,” per the event’s website.
There will be vendors, activities like pet portraits and dog trick or treating, and pup-friendly giveaways like puppuccinos. There will also be a raffle to win a week of doggy daycare at Playful Pack in Rosslyn and a $100 gift card to Open Road or SALT, both located at 1201 Wilson Blvd.
Then, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a dog parade to show off that doggy Halloween costume. Winners will be named in four categories: spookiest, cutest, most unique, and “community choice.” Each winner’s humans will receive a gift card to a Rosslyn restaurant and some neighborhood swag.
To finish off the evening, there will be a special reserved “bark section” for the final movie of Rosslyn’s fall cinema series at Gateway Park. That movie, of course, is dog-themed — 2002’s Scooby-Doo. It will start just after sunset, around 7 p.m.
All of this is being put on the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS), the nonprofit that supports Rosslyn’s dog park.
This is the second time this event is being held “following the success and positive response received from 2021,” per a Rosslyn BID spokesperson.
Gateway Park Interim Dog Park was Rosslyn’s first dog park when it opened in early 2021. It’s technically “temporary” until a Park Master Plan is developed and funded, though that may not happen for a while.
