From kid-friendly trick-or-treating to adults-only costume parties, these annual Halloween events in Baltimore are highly sought after.
Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays, as it is with most people. The costume and candy-filled day lets you get creative, and with the spooktacular festivities nearing, we rounded up all the best ways to spend Halloween in and around Baltimore.
The Nevermore Haunt
- Address: 450 Mott St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | $22 – $56 | Website
Every October, The Nevermore Haunt transforms into one of the scariest haunted houses in Maryland – and the best part is that it’s never the same, so I go every year!
Each aspect is expertly crafted and so unique and realistic – this isn’t like the cookie-cutter haunted houses you usually come across. Every dark corner is filled with monsters and demons that will terrify your very being.
They also have bizarre attractions and sideshow performances every night, as well as on-site stalls that sell some of Baltimore’s best local food and beer.
ZooBOOO!
- Address: 1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217 | Free with admission or membership | Website
The Maryland Zoo’s annual Halloween festival, ZooBOOO!, is an awesome way to celebrate the season with the entire family. There’s trick-or-treating, games and contests, live entertainment, and tons of prizes given away, making it a hit with toddlers and younger ghouls and goblins – and you’ll still get to visit all of your favorite animals!
ZooBOOO! lasts from 10 AM to 4 PM from the 29th to the 31st of every October.
The Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival
- Address: 2601 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (Patterson Park) | Free | Website
Operating for over 20 years, The Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival in Patterson Park is a family favorite! The fun lasts all day and well into the night with everyone coming together to make lanterns or spend time at the arts and crafts market.
There’s also live music and entertainment throughout the day, hayrides, a costume contest for kids, and tons of picnic space surrounded by food and drink stands – lots of local favorites will be there so come ready to eat!
It only gets better when it gets dark; thousands of people, in costume and with lanterns, walk the parade route alongside artists and performers and light up the skies.
The Original Poe Grave Ghost Tour
- Address: 105 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201 (Lord Baltimore Hotel) | $30 – $125 | Website
What could be eerier than spending Halloween with the macabre poem himself, Edgar Allen Poe? The ghost tour starts at Poe’s grave and delves into the history of the burying grounds. You’ll hear tales about his mysterious death as well as local ghost stories, all before you conduct your very own seance to conjure the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe!
Power Plant Live’s Official Halloween Bar Crawl
- Address: 34 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Power Plant Live) | $14.99 – $39.99 | Website
Every year, Power Plant Live hosts an official Halloween Bar Crawl. 21+ only, the annual event is a nonstop party that lasts well into the morning. There’s a kick-off, half-time, and after-party!
Ticket prices include general admission, free entrance to over five venues (all door cover charges waived), 50% off drinks, 25% off selected foods, and much more. There’s staff guiding the crawl from bar to bar but you can enjoy it at your own pace. Most places will have DJs, entertainment, and costume contests.
Some of the participating venues other than Power Plant Live include LIVE! Alley, Luckie’s Tavern, the Leinie Lodge Beer Garden, Crush Bar, and Mosaic Nightclub.
Trick or Treat at the Square
- Address: 529 E Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212 (Belvedere Square) | Free | Website
Hosted at one of Baltimore’s most popular food halls, Trick or Treat at the Square is an annual day-long, family-friendly festival that everyone will enjoy. The entire community comes together to listen to live music and other entertainment – bring lawn chairs or a blanket to get comfy.
There’s a Monster Mash dance lesson, pumpkin carving tables, an 18 and under costume contest, trick-or-treating, and surprises and specials from Belvedere Square merchants.
Bennett’s Curse
- Address: 7875A Eastpoint Mall, Dundalk, MD 21224 | $25 – $45 | Website
Bennett’s Curse is the ultimate haunted house attraction that will give you nightmares for months afterward.
There are tons of different aspects such as Blackout Night when the entire haunted house is pitch black and you walk the halls with a small finger light, as well as Inferno in 3D – a horrifying light show.
My favorite is the Demon Baby Scavenger Hunt, which is like the ultimate game of hide and seek, complete with a killer doll. Held completely indoors, Bennett’s Curse operates rain or shine on certain days in October and November.
Halloween at the Maryland Science Center
- Address: 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230 (Maryland Science Center) | $49 – $99 | Website
Funnily enough, the Halloween event at the Maryland Science Center is 21+ only so plan accordingly! Going on for its 8th year, the entire three-story building turns into a Halloween party unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Every room has a different vibe; the mainstage theme is going to be 90’s Mixtape while the other hall is Totally 80’s.
There’s going to be live performances, a planetarium show, and even a rooftop dance party. The artist lineup is exquisite and there will be food trucks and drink vendors scattered throughout.
It’s the Maryland Science Center like you’ve never experienced before!
AVFD Station 7 Terror Trail
- Address: 2380 Davidsonville Road, Gambrills, MD 21054 | TBD | Website
A Halloween event that stands out from the rest, the Station 7 Terror Trail is a fundraising event hosted by the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD).
Going on for nearly ten years, there are multiple trails. Adults who are looking for something very thrilling can head deeper into the woods where creepy characters and horrifying scenes await them.
The Terror Trail is for visitors 8 years and older and has just the right amount of scare, while the Boo Haunt Loop is family-friendly and perfect for all ages. The trails are a great way for the family to spend some time outdoors and work off all that Halloween candy, while still raising money for a good cause.
