Montgomery Parks Announces Halloween Special Events and Programs

Montgomery Parks  announces a spooky lineup of events to celebrate Halloween this October with offerings for all ages. Halloween events in Montgomery Parks include:  

Halloween Eye Spy Trains | Every Saturday and Sunday in October | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Cabin John Miniature Train, 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Wheaton Miniature Train, 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, Maryland 20902             

Board the miniature Halloween Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks to ride through “Transylvania.” Riders receive an “Eye Spy” card with seasonal items to find along the tracks during the ride. Advance ticket purchase through ActiveMontgomeryis recommended to guarantee a seat. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the venues. All ages (ticket required for ages 2 and older). $6- $8.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show | October 7 | 6 – 9:30 p.m.  
Northwest Branch Recreational Park, 1450 Norbeck Road, Aspen Hill, Maryland 20906

The gender-bending alien from Transylvania is back! Join us on Friday, October 7, for a screening of the 1970s cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Attendees can begin arriving at 6 p.m. with blankets and chairs to get a spot on the lawn. At dusk, shadow cast company Bloody Mayhem will take the stage to introduce the film and perform scenes along with the film. Audience participation and costumes are encouraged. Prop bags will be available from Montgomery Parks’ table on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Food and beer will be available for purchase from Liquidity Aleworks, Catalyst Hot Dogs and O’Boy Pizza & Ice Cream. Ages 17 and older. Free.

Tequila Talk and Bat Walk | October 14 | 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.                                                     Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20855       

Learn about the surprising ways bats bring some of our favorite foods–and poisons of choice–to the table at the Tequila Walk and Talk. After a Tequila Moonrise mixology demonstration and bat talk, attendees will take a short walk in the park, guided by park staff, to locate bats using the bat echo meter touch mobile app. This program is in English and Spanish. Registration required. Ages 21 and older. $15. 

Spooky Skull Hike | October 16 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville, Maryland 20905

Take a self-guided hike through the woods and use the clues to find the hidden animal skulls.  A Halloween treat awaits hunters who find all the skulls or are wearing a costume. Registration is required. Ages 3 to 12. $2.

Parks Spooktacular | October 23 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
South Germantown Recreational Park, 17920 Germantown Park Drive, Germantown, Maryland 20874

Parks Spooktacular will feature performances of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs by the Puppet Co. and a magician. Fun can also be had wandering a haunted maze, jumping on Halloween-themed moon bounce inflatables, face painting, dancing to a DJ and more! Concessions from Steeze Burger and Blondie’s Doughnuts will be available for purchase. Stop by the photo booth to take a photo keepsake of your Parks Spooktacular experience. Costumes are encouraged and dogs on leash are welcome. Ages 2 to 12. Free.

Adult Spooky Night Hike | October 27 | 7:30 – 9 p.m.  
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20855       

Come learn about the rumors that Meadowside is haunted. Stories of little William, who lived at the Pioneer Homestead and local urban legends, such as Goatman. The evening will begin with roasting marshmallows and telling creepy stories. Then, a guided one-mile hiketo the Pioneer Homestead and covered bridge. Registration is required. $7.

Not So Spooky Skate | October 28 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Cabin John); 5:30 – 7 p.m. (Wheaton)
Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Ice skate into Halloween at the Not So Spooky Skate. Skaters should come in costume so they can trick or treat at the rink and participate in the Halloween costume parade. Beginners welcome. Registration required. Ages 3 – 12. $12.

Campfire Time: Carving Pumpkin Critters | October 29 | 10 a.m.– 12 p.m.                                           Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902       

Turn your pumpkin into a bat, spider, or other scary critters. One pumpkin, safety carving tools, scoopers, additional decorating supplies and design suggestions will be provided for each registered attendee. Registration is required. Ages 6 and older. $7.

Creepy Critters After Dark | October 30 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.                                                    
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20817       

Snakes, spiders, toads…celebrate nature’s creepiest members with a special presentation featuring live animal ambassadors. Afterward, venture into the woods to look for nocturnal animals. The evening will end around a campfire, roasting a marshmallow treat. Costumes encouraged. Registration is required. Ages 5 and older. $8.

Visit the Fall 2022 Montgomery Parks Program Guide or the Montgomery Parks event calendar to view a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.