While trick-or-treating may not be in the cards, there are plenty of other unique opportunities to safely celebrate October 31 and the days leading up to the haunted holiday. With family yoga, spooky stories, pumpkin carving, and movie nights, there is plenty to get excited about. Here are the socially distanced local events bringing on all of the frights this October.
Enjoy old-school classics outdoors at The Charles
Ongoing: On Saturdays leading up to Halloween, The Charles Theater will be projecting classic horror films (A Nightmare on Elm Street on October 17, Beetlejuice on October 24, and Evil Dead II on Halloween night) in the parking lot across the street. To enforce proper distancing, staffers have painted four-person “seating pods” on the ground of the parking lot, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to throw on a mask, bring your lawn chairs, and grab some popcorn from the concessions stand before settling in for the freaky flicks. 1711 N. Charles St. $10
Get spooked by Everyman Theatre’s Resident Ghost Company podcast
Ongoing: If you prefer to listen to spooky stories rather than watch them on the big screen—this ongoing podcast (new episodes drop on select Wednesdays at 8 p.m.) is for you. Resident company member Danny Gavigan has produced the five-episode series, which features interviews with other members of the Everyman family about their own ghostly tales from inside the theater. Tune in to get transported to the dark side, and consider making a donation to support more work by the beloved Baltimore performance venue by texting GHOST to 44321.
Grab dinner and catch a frightening flick at Cross Street Market
Ongoing: Cross Street Market is hosting Friday Night Frights every Friday throughout the month of October to get you ready for the most spook-tacular time of year. Featuring your favorite films like The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus, and Ghostbusters, it is sure to be a wicked time. Seating is first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early to get your fair share of bites and boo-ze. Cross Street Market, 1065 S Charles St. Fridays at 7 p.m.
Eat, drink, and be scary at Diamondback Brewing Company
Ongoing: Eat, drink, and be scary every Saturday night of October with gory flicks at this Locust Point hangout. The team at Diamondback Brewery is using their socially distanced setup to show scary films on the patio while pouring pints and serving their wood-fired pizzas. IT, Shaun of the Dead and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre are just a few of the films that will be debuting on the big screen throughout the month. Films are free to attend, with classic movie concessions for sale in addition to Diamondback’s regular menu. Diamondback Brewery, 1215 E Fort Ave. Every Saturday, 8:30 p.m.
Dress up your pup for a costume contest at R. House
10/22: R. House has created the perfect way to celebrate National Make a Dog’s Day with its Pups on the Patio event October 22. From 4-7 p.m. support the Maryland SPCA with dog-friendly activities and games, a Halloween costume contest, virtual adoptions, food trucks, and more. Food and drink are not included in the price of the donation ticket, and dogs must remain leashed during the event. R. House, 301 W 29th St. Free admission, suggested donation
Carve your best jack-o-lantern during Ladew Topiary Gardens’ virtual Garden Glow
10/24: This Monkton haven is hosting its annual Garden Glow event virtually this year, with an online showcase of jack-o’-lanterns, fun educational programs for children, and a look at Irvine Nature Center’s in-house owl. Participants are encouraged to submit a picture of their carved creation by October 18 at 10 a.m. The digital display will take place on October 24 and remain up on the gardens’ website through November 30, free for all to enjoy. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 7-8 p.m. Free, donations encouraged.
Boo-ze on the beach at Sandlot
10/24: Sandlot is hosting this safe, socially distanced soiree on the water in Harbor Point. Whether you choose to hit the dance floor and enjoy the live DJ, enter the costume contest, or simply sip fall cocktails by the fire, there will be plenty of moonlit fun in store. Tickets include one welcome cocktail. Sandlot, 100 Wills St. 6-11 p.m. $15 admission.
Go trick-or-treating with your furry friend at Pooles Island Brewing Co.
10/24: Middle River’s Pooles Island Brewing Co. refuses to let pets miss out on the fun, so they’ve created the perfect Halloween celebration for you and your furry friends. Join in on the paw-rade and pet costume contest, munch on pies from Love.Crust.Pizza, and sip craft drafts from the host brewery. Contest entry registration begins at 2 p.m. with the events following at 3 p.m. A prize will be awarded to the pet with the best costume, and all pets will head home with a fun treat bag. Donations from the event will benefit BARCS animal rescue and care shelter. Free, donations encouraged.
Embark on an outdoor family scavenger hunt in Charles Village
10/29: In lieu of its annual Halloween party, Village Learning Place is organizing this evening of thrills for families in Charles Village. Dress up the kids and stop by any station (checkpoints range from the 29th Street Community Center to Village Learning Place on St. Paul Street) to pick up an event passport. Then, follow the map to visit other neighborhood stops and collect additional treats throughout the night. 5-7 p.m. Free.
Shake your bones at The Point’s Halloween-themed drag brunch
10/30: The Point in Fells is kicking off its most popular event with a festive twist. These crazy talented kings and queens will be showcasing their many tricks and treats while implementing necessary safety measures for all attendees. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress for a chance to win prizes while enjoying the show. Tickets are $25, and include a seat and an entree from the drag brunch menu. For an additional $20, bottomless drinks will be served from 6:30 p.m. to curtain call. Doors open at 6:30, and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Point in Fells, 1738 Thames St. 8 p.m. $25+
Explore creepy stories of Maryland’s past with the Enoch Pratt Free Library
10/30: Join the Enoch Pratt Free Library this Halloween season and explore the spooky stories of Maryland’s past. This webinar will tell true tales and folklore from across the state to explore what life was really like for those accused of witchcraft. Tune into the event by visiting the library website or its Facebook page. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 6-7 p.m. Free.
Strike your best phantom poses with Yoga on York
10/31: Celebrate Halloween with yoga that you can attend from the comfort of your own home. Yoga on York is hosting a Halloween Zoom class with festive poses and games to play while you find your inner zen. Registration is $15 per household or per device, and no experience is necessary to participate. Pre-register at least 30 minutes before class to receive the Zoom link and get moving. 11-12 p.m. $15+
Attend Ampersea’s outdoor spook-tacular on the water
10/31: As if 2020 couldn’t get any scarier, Ampersea is hosting a socially distanced spook-tacular guaranteed to thrill all you ghouls and goblins. The evening will kick off with a Yappie Hour and dog costume contest from 6-8 p.m., followed by a “Monster Mash” celebration with drink specials and live DJ entertainment from 10-1 a.m. AmperSCARE will go on rain or shine. Ampersea, 1417 Thames St. 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free.
Browse autumn artwork at the Ottobar’s pop-up market
10/31: Local artists will safely gather on the patio at the Ottobar in Remington from 1-5 p.m. on Halloween to showcase their one-of-a-kind wares. Grab some early holiday gifts or fall decor while enjoying a slice from Pizza Llama, which will be on site slinging its signature wood-fired pies. 2549 N. Howard St. 1-5 p.m.
Climb aboard a booze cruise
10/31: Enjoy a two-hour moonlight cruise with incredible views of the Inner Harbor to mix up your Halloween routine. The Halloween Moonlight Boo’s Cruise hosted by Spirit of Baltimore will be full of fun with two DJ’s, raffles, and cash costume prizes all night long. Ticket admission includes one drink ticket. Spirit of Baltimore, 561 Light St. 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. $65 admission.