Whether you are looking for a family outing or a decidedly grown-up experience, here are options to get you in the spooky mood. The District SPARKED: THE VANISHING by Rorschach TheatreThe Stacks at Buzzard’s Point, Washington, DC, SWOctober 22-November 14 ($20-$50) Show art for ‘Sparke d: The Vanishing.’ Courtesy of Rorschach Theatre. Two lovers disappear amid a once-in-a-lifetime storm. A neighborhood unravels as residents try to explain the unexplainable. Step inside an electrifying new immersive story inspired by true events of 1933.  THE LIVING DEAD, presented by Playwright Bob BartlettThe Shops at Chevy Chase Pavilion, Washington, DC, NWOctober 8-November 8 ($40) The radically reimagined survival story of Ben and “they’re coming to get you” Barbra, inspired by the horror classic Night of the Living Dead and the zombie apocalypse that has excited generations of horror fans for almost 60 years. The play responds to Romero’s subversive social and political portrait of turbulent late-1960s America. SEE: In ‘The Living Dead,’ Bob Bartlett wants us to have a scary, fun time AN EVENING WITH RIP VAN WINKLE WASHINGTON IRVING by Washington Stage GuildMount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DCSeptember 30 at 7:30 PM (Pay-what-you-can) Washington Stage Guild invites audiences to spend An Evening with Rip Van Winkle Washington Irving on Wednesday, September 30, at 7:30 PM. What would you do if you went to sleep and woke up 20 years later? Stage Guild founding members Laura Giannarelli and Bill Largess read Washington Irving’s time-bending tale Rip Van Winkle — one of early America’s greatest stories. And enjoy complimentary early Halloween candy along with Irving’s evocative prose. The reading is Pay-What-You-Can at the door with cash or a credit card, in any amount you choose. No reservations are necessary; however, reservations can be made at [email protected].  THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW by Washington Stage GuildMount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DCSeptember 24-October 18 ($60) Enter an abandoned (and possibly haunted) tavern in Sleepy Hollow for this haunting and humorous autumn treat. Rediscover the timeless legend of the Headless Horseman in author Washington Irving’s ghoulishly funny cautionary tale of overconfident schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his imminent encounter with the terrifying Headless Horseman — told by one actor. It’s a guaranteed visit of supernatural chills, laughs, and the power of storytelling that will leave you on the edge of your seat.  Maryland JENNIE THE CAT: A HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE at The Puppet Co.Glen Echo, MD October 3-November 3 ($18-$33) The Helen Hayes-nominated favorite from IngridMollie returns! When Jennie receives a Halloween card that calls her a scary cat, she feels like she’s been put in a box. Does she have to be scary? Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving. Who will Jennie choose to be? This show features cuddly puppets, audience interaction, and all original music.   THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW Synetic Theatre performing at Olney Theatre CenterOlney, MDOctober 7-November 1 ($51-$66) Show art for ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.’ Courtesy of Olney Theatre Center. The Synetic Theatre production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, winner of the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Play, comes to Olney Theatre Center’s Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, October 7-November 1, 2026. Like all Synetic productions, highly choreographed movement, dance, and mime are employed in their signature style to create a daring, wordless adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic story. Choreographed by company co-founder Irina Tsikurishvili, and directed and co-adapted by her fellow co-founder Paata Tsikurishvili, the Olney Theatre presentation gives area audiences another opportunity to experience Synetic’s unique style, following their acclaimed run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2025.  ALEXANDER THE PRETTY GOOD: A MIND-READING TRIBUTE TO EDGAR ALLAN POEMaryland Ensemble Theatre, Frederick, MDSaturday, October 10 ($17) On October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe died in Baltimore under circumstances so mysterious they’re still debated today. Three days and 177 years after that, mentalist Alexander the Pretty Good will attempt something almost as strange: reading the minds of a live Frederick audience while unpacking the life, death, and literary legacy of America’s original master of the macabre. Alexander the Pretty Good has built a reputation for smart, funny, audience-driven mentalism, with television appearances on WJZ and performances up and down the East Coast. This Frederick engagement pairs his signature style with source material that’s practically begging for a séance joke or two — proof that even 177 years later, Poe still knows how to draw a crowd. Presented in partnership with Maryland Ensemble Theatre and The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre. MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN, at Chesapeake Shakespeare CompanyBaltimore, MDOctober 9-November 1 ($35-43) Just in time for the chills of autumn, this spine-tingling new take on Mary Shelley’s iconic tale transports audiences to a stormy night at the Villa Diodati, where a horror-story competition creates Frankenstein’s monster. David Catlin’s adaptation plays with the boundaries between Shelley’s real world and the one she creates, encouraging audiences to consider creation, humanity, and the stories we tell. “He’s created a fascinating work of imagination, one that will please both English majors and horror lovers,” writes Lesley Malin, CSC’s producing executive director.   BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK at Adventure Theatre MTCGlen Echo, MDOctober 2-November 1 ($27) Show art for ‘Beatrice Likes the Dark.’ Courtesy of Adventure Theatre MTC. From the acclaimed children’s book by April Genevieve Tucholke, Beatrice Likes the Dark is an imaginative production that blends magic, music, shadow play, and heartfelt storytelling in a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection. When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. Overflowing with wonder, humor, and theatrical ingenuity, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a luminous reminder that families — and communities — shine brightest when every voice belongs.  WITCHES!? IN SALEM!? at Spotlighters TheatreBaltimore, MDSeptember 25-October 18 ($25) Matt Cox, creator of Puffs, has written a new play that also happens to involve witches. Witches!? In Salem?! is a darkly comedic, yet (mostly) historically accurate take on the Salem Witch Trials and all the (mostly) historically accurate horrors that may occur when populism runs rampant, injustice is a day-to-day occurrence, and a rigid religious minority sets the laws of the land. You know, old-timey problems. A companion, or an alternative, to a certain other Salem play you probably read in high school. MOON FESTIVAL ALICE at Maryland Ensemble TheatreFrederick, MDSeptember 26-October 18 ($10-$20) A curious child falls down a rabbit hole during a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration and enters a magical world inspired by Asian folklore, festivals, and modern Asian American life. Presented in partnership with The Asian American Center of Frederick.   WHERE DEAD WOMEN GO TO DANCE at Theatre PrometheusSilver Spring, MDSeptember 25-October 17 ($5-$25) When Kim’s best friend Ellen unexpectedly dies, she uses an old family recipe to bring her back to life. Sort of. Ellen doesn’t have a heartbeat, doesn’t need to breathe, and can’t leave Kim’s house without dying again. The question of whether she needs to eat human brains is still outstanding. Their friendship is put to the test as they learn that resurrection is the easy part. It’s finding a reason to go on living that’s the real trick. THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW at the Colonial Players of AnnapolisAnnapolis, MDOctober 23-November 7 ($28) THEATER ADJACENT Based on Washington Irving’s classic tale, this playful adaptation brings the quirky village of Sleepy Hollow to life, where gossip runs wild, and superstition is practically a sport. As the nervous schoolteacher Ichabod Crane sets his sights on Katrina Van Tassel, he may find himself dodging rivals, rumors, and the possibly real, definitely terrifying Headless Horseman. Spooky, witty, and delightfully theatrical, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow blends laughs and legends for a spirited night at the theatre.  STRATHMORE MANSION AFTERNOON TEAS (with a spooky twist)North Bethesda, MD Renaissance Tea (October 6 7): Revel in a “modern version” of the late 15th-century European Fall Harvest celebration. Edgar Allan Poe Tea and Talks (October 13 14): The Bard of Baltimore’s tales of mystery and macabre are served up at this tea and talk.  Masquerade Tea (October 17): Be dazzled by the exquisite cuisine, refined music, and haunting décor for this elegant bash.  Midnight Tea (October 22  23): Midnight Tea returns, transforming Afternoon Tea into an after-dark affair with eerie treats, seers, and a ghost tour.  Halloween Tea Talks (October 27 28): It’s always a scream when real-life ghost stories are told at our annual haunted tea parties. Virginia DARK ENCOUNTERS HAUNTED HOUSE at Workhouse Arts CenterLorton, VA October 3-30 ($25-$35) Now entering its 13th year, Workhouse’s signature Halloween attraction returns with a bold new vision. Trading theatrical gimmicks for raw, unrelenting tension, guests are guided through the prison’s dense woodland and beyond to uncover the mystery of five friends who vanished in 1996. It’s immersive, it’s unsettling, and it’s built to make every shadow feel personal. This immersive terror runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Afterward, enjoy themed cocktails, mocktails, and a DJ at Rizer Pavilion. Check out the clip below: BAT BOY THE MUSICAL at Workhouse Arts CenterLorton, VA September 5-October 25 ($44-$55) Inspired by a ridiculous tabloid story from the pages of the legendary Weekly World News, Bat Boy: The Musical is a comedy-horror show about a half-boy/half-bat creature discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. You don’t need to be a fan of the original urban legend to love this show. If you like comedy mixed with a bit of horror and rock music, welcome to Hope Falls! You don’t even need to be a fan of musicals to love this show. As long as you like having fun… this show is for you. Is it scary? No! Is it gory? No! … well, maybe a tiny bit. But it is pure comedy from start to finish.  THE ADDAMS FAMILY at McLean Community PlayersMcLean, VA October 9-18 ($18-$29) They’re creepy, they’re kooky — and they’re perfect for the whole family. The Addams Family, presented by the McLean Community Players, is a laugh-out-loud musical comedy that celebrates love, loyalty, and the embrace of what makes each of us unique. When Wednesday Addams falls for a perfectly “normal” young man, chaos — and heart — ensue. With catchy songs, colorful characters, and plenty of humor for all ages, this delightfully offbeat show is a fun, family-friendly night at the Alden Theatre!   MONSTERS OF THE VILLA DIODATI at Creative CauldronFalls Church, VA October 8-November 1 ($25-$75) While a storm was brewing outside their villa on Lake Geneva, the famous writers inside entertained one another with ghost stories. Lord Byron, their host, offered a challenge: produce the perfect tale of terror before the night ends. Conner and Smith’s electrifying musical first premiered in 2016 to critical acclaim. Monsters explores the nature of creativity itself and reveals to us the inner demons that materialized in two of the most iconic monsters in Gothic literature: John Polidori’s The Vampyre and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.   THEATER ADJACENT KING’S DOMINION: Halloween HauntDoswell, VASelect Dates: September 18 – November After dark, Halloween Haunt transforms Kings Dominion into a world where monsters roam freely, screams echo through the park, and every shadow hides something sinister. Haunt Add-onsThe 2026 lineup includes: Six haunted mazes Five immersive scare zones Five live entertainment experiences Nighttime rides and attractions Specialty seasonal food and beverages Hundreds of monsters throughout the park ...read more read less