Families in McLean and Great Falls have at least seven Halloween events on the calendar in October, starting with a sensory-friendly trick-or-treat at Clemyjontri Park on Sunday, Oct. 18.

The Clemyjontri event, run by the Fairfax County Park Authority, offers carousel and train rides, arts and crafts, a sensory tent and themed treat stations across the playground. Noise levels will be reduced and sensory support will be available. Costumes are welcome but not required. Tickets are $20 per person. The park is at 6317 Georgetown Pike in McLean.

Five days later, Colvin Run Mill hosts Virginia Hauntings, a lantern-lit nighttime tour through the historic house and 19th-century gristmill on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Guides will cover local ghost stories and legends of the supernatural. Tickets are $10; the tour is open to ages 12 and up. The mill is at 10017 Colvin Run Rd. in Great Falls.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Shipgarten in McLean holds Dog-O-Ween from 1 to 8 p.m., with a dog costume contest, trick-or-treating for pups, games and vendors. Shipgarten is at 7581 Colshire Dr.

Four events run on Saturday, Oct. 31, across both communities.

The Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular and Pet Parade takes over Village Centre Green at 776 Walker Rd., according to TysonsToday. A dog parade and costume contest runs from 3 to 4 p.m. Trick-or-treating follows from 5 to 7 p.m. (no pets during that stretch). Boy Scout Troop 55 builds the haunted house. The Optimist Club will offer family photos.

That same evening, Riverbend Park leads Halloween in the Hollows, a guided hike along the Follow the Hollows trail from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Hikers will search for bats, toads, salamanders, spiders and owls, then gather around a fire for s'mores. Tickets are $12 for ages 4 and up. The park is at 8700 Potomac Hills St. in Great Falls.

Back in McLean, the Old Firehouse Center hosts its Festival of Frights & Trunk or Treat from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1440 Chain Bridge Rd. Admission is free. The lineup includes live music, games, food, contests and candy. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Families who want to host a trunk can call OFC staff at 703-448-8336.

Shipgarten closes out October with Bier-O-Ween from 1 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 31, featuring seasonal brews, food, local vendors and costumes.

Upcoming Halloween events

  • Sunday, Oct. 18: Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat, Clemyjontri Park, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., $20
  • Friday, Oct. 23: Virginia Hauntings, Colvin Run Mill, 7 p.m., $10
  • Saturday, Oct. 24: Dog-O-Ween, Shipgarten, 1–8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular, Village Centre Green, 3–7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween in the Hollows, Riverbend Park, 7–8:30 p.m., $12
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Festival of Frights & Trunk or Treat, Old Firehouse Center, 5–8 p.m., free
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Bier-O-Ween, Shipgarten, 1–6 p.m.