Maryland is a state that takes Halloween seriously, with a wide range of celebrations that cater to both thrill-seekers and families. From haunted houses to pumpkin patches, Maryland offers something for everyone during the spooky season.
Whether you’re exploring the eerie streets of Baltimore or enjoying a family-friendly festival in Ocean City, Maryland’s Halloween spirit is sure to captivate you.
When is Halloween in Maryland?
Halloween is celebrated annually on October 31st in Maryland, just like in the rest of the United States. However, the festivities often begin well before that date, with events and activities taking place throughout the month of October.
Marylanders embrace the Halloween season with enthusiasm, filling their calendars with haunted attractions, parades, and community events that extend the spooky fun for weeks.
Halloween Celebrations in Different Cities Across Maryland
1. Baltimore
Baltimore is known for its vibrant Halloween celebrations. The city’s historic neighborhoods, like Fells Point and Mount Vernon, come alive with elaborate decorations, and trick-or-treating is a big event.
Baltimore also hosts the annual “Fells Point Haunted Pub Crawl,” where adults can enjoy Halloween-themed drinks while learning about the city’s haunted history.
Another popular event is the “Baltimore Halloween Lantern Parade,” featuring illuminated floats and costumes. For those looking to explore more, Baltimore’s local shops often offer Halloween-themed souvenirs and treats.
2. Annapolis
In Annapolis, Halloween takes on a charming and family-friendly vibe. The “Annapolis Halloween Parade” is a highlight, with colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed participants of all ages.
The city’s historic district offers a perfect backdrop for trick-or-treating, with colonial-era homes decked out in spooky decorations.
Additionally, local businesses often host special Halloween events, making it a great destination for families. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Halloween-themed brunches at Annapolis’s cozy cafes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
3. Frederick
Frederick offers a mix of historic charm and eerie fun during Halloween. The “Frederick Ghost Tours” are particularly popular, taking visitors through the city’s haunted past with tales of spirits and unexplained phenomena.
The city also hosts the “Halloween in Baker Park” event, which includes costume contests, games, and a parade, providing entertainment for both children and adults.
Visitors can also explore local antique shops that often feature Halloween-inspired collections and decorations.
4. Ocean City
Ocean City brings a unique twist to Halloween with its seaside celebrations. The “Oktoberfest” event is a major draw, featuring beachside pumpkin races, costume contests, and even a haunted beach maze.
The boardwalk comes alive with Halloween decorations, and many local businesses offer special deals and themed activities. Ocean City’s relaxed yet festive atmosphere makes it a popular spot for families looking to enjoy Halloween by the ocean.
For those staying the weekend, local hotels often offer Halloween packages, including themed rooms and special events.
Halloween Events Across Maryland in 2024
| Event Name | Date | Time | City | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennett’s Curse | October 1-31 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Baltimore | A terrifying haunted house experience with multiple themed attractions. |
| Field of Screams | October 1-31 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Olney | An outdoor haunted attraction featuring haunted woods and cornfields. |
| Laurel’s House of Horror | October 1-31 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Laurel | Haunted house located in an abandoned movie theater, offering a creepy setting. |
| Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch | October 1-31 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Middletown | A family-friendly location with hayrides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, and pumpkin picking. |
| Rodgers’ Farms | October 1-31 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Stevenson | Known for its challenging corn maze and scenic pumpkin patch. |
| Annapolis Halloween Parade | October 28 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Annapolis | A community parade featuring floats, costumes, and live entertainment. |
| Antique & Classic Car Show | October 29 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Rockville | A Halloween-themed festival showcasing vintage vehicles with Halloween treats. |
| Havre de Grace Halloween Parade | October 31 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Havre de Grace | A festive parade with creative costumes and a lively atmosphere. |
Halloween Decorations in Maryland
1. Neighborhood Competitions
Many Maryland neighborhoods take Halloween decorating to the next level, with some even hosting friendly competitions. In Columbia, the “Kings Contrivance Village” is known for its elaborate displays, where residents go all out with spooky themes, animatronics, and light shows.
These neighborhoods often become destinations for visitors looking to admire the creative and sometimes terrifying decorations.
2. Notable Displays
Public parks and community centers across Maryland also contribute to the Halloween spirit with impressive displays. The “Brookside Gardens’ Garden of Lights” in Wheaton offers a Halloween-themed light show, where visitors can walk through a haunted garden illuminated by thousands of lights.
In Baltimore, the “Mount Vernon Place” transforms with spooky decorations, making it a popular spot for Halloween photos.
Halloween Food and Drink in Maryland
1. Local Treats
Maryland’s culinary scene embraces Halloween with a variety of seasonal treats. Bakeries and cafes across the state offer goodies like pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apples, and spooky-themed cupcakes.
In Baltimore, “Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop” is known for its Halloween-themed cannolis and cookies, while “Dangerously Delicious Pies” offers a special selection of pumpkin and pecan pies for the season.
2. Popular Spots
Several dining spots in Maryland go all out for Halloween with special menus and themed events. In Annapolis, “Iron Rooster” offers Halloween brunch specials, including pumpkin pancakes and spiked cider.
“The Brewer’s Art” in Baltimore creates a spooky atmosphere with its haunted basement bar, serving up Halloween cocktails and seasonal beers.
These spots are perfect for those looking to indulge in Halloween-themed food and drink.
Halloween Celebration Parties in Maryland
1. Public Parties
Maryland hosts a variety of public Halloween parties, attracting both locals and visitors. The “Nightmare on M Street” in Baltimore is one of the largest, featuring multiple venues and a citywide costume contest.
In Annapolis, the “Halloween Pub Crawl” is a popular event, where participants can enjoy drinks and games at different bars throughout the city. These parties offer a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween with friends.
2. Family-Friendly Events
For families, Maryland offers a range of Halloween parties that are suitable for all ages. The “Pumpkin Walk” at Brookside Gardens is a family favorite, featuring a lighted trail, games, and crafts for kids.
The “Halloween Spooktacular” at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and a costume parade, making it a great event for young children.
Halloween Celebration Costumes in Maryland
1. Trends in Costumes
Maryland residents love to get creative with their Halloween costumes. Popular trends include costumes inspired by pop culture, historical figures, and traditional spooky themes like witches and ghosts.
Local costume shops like “Party City” and “Theatrical Costumes” in Baltimore offer a wide selection, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect outfit for their Halloween celebrations.
2. Costume Contests
Costume contests are a big part of Halloween in Maryland, with many events offering prizes for the best-dressed participants.
The “Fells Point Halloween Costume Contest” in Baltimore is one of the largest, attracting hundreds of participants each year.
Additionally, the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screening in Frederick often includes a costume contest, where fans of the cult classic can show off their best Rocky Horror-inspired outfits.
Conclusion
Halloween in Maryland is a vibrant and diverse celebration, with something to offer for everyone. From haunted houses and spooky tours to family-friendly pumpkin patches and festive parades, the state comes alive with Halloween spirit throughout October.
Whether you’re looking to be scared out of your wits or simply enjoy some seasonal treats, Maryland’s Halloween celebrations are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Embrace the spooky season and explore the many Halloween events and activities that Maryland has to offer.
FAQs
Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, and Ocean City are some of the top cities in Maryland for Halloween celebrations. Each city offers unique events, from haunted houses to family-friendly parades, making them great destinations for Halloween fun.
Yes, Maryland offers numerous family-friendly Halloween events, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and community festivals. Events like the “Pumpkin Walk” at Brookside Gardens and the “Halloween Spooktacular” at the Maryland Zoo are perfect for families with young children.
Some of the scariest haunted houses in Maryland include “Bennett’s Curse” in Baltimore and the “Field of Screams” in Olney. These attractions are known for their intense scares and immersive experiences, making them a must-visit for horror enthusiasts.
Popular Halloween costume ideas in Maryland often include characters from pop culture, historical figures, and classic spooky themes like witches and ghosts. Local costume shops provide a wide variety of options, ensuring everyone can find the perfect costume for their celebrations.
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