Your October Guide to Fall Fun and Frights!

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Mark your calendars and get ready for some fun and some fright with Prince William County Parks! Our Halloween line-up is stacked this year, so we hope you’ll join us throughout October to celebrate “spooky season.” These programs will fill up fast, so early registration is encouraged.

Myths and Legends of Rippon Lodge – October 3
Join this special guided tour experience of the mysteries, myths, haunts and legends of Rippon Lodge Historic Site on Saturday, October 3. Space is limited, and advanced tickets are required. Tour times are 11-12:30 pm or 2-3:30 pm. Please note guests should be able to walk on uneven surfaces, grass, gravel and stairs.

Take a Sip of History - October 15
Lean into the Halloween season by learning the history behind the legends of Prince William County! From ghost stories and hauntings to enduring myths and local lore, listen to tales of historic Prince William County and decide for yourself what might be real. This is a joint program hosted by Water’s End Brewery in Lake Ridge and Prince William Historic Preservation. Runs from 6:30-8 pm. Free admission. Ages 21+ only.

Spooky Snacks – October 21
It's time for cooking up some spooky snacks together! Join us as we create Halloween-style dishes that will amaze your friends. This class is specifically designed for people with disabilities. Registration required. Food allergies may be able to be accommodated. Please contact Demi Rivera, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator. Program takes place at Birchdale Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 21, 6-7 pm.

Ghost Hunters Showing – October 23
Did you know that Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre was featured on Ghost Hunters back in 2009? This Halloween season, bring your blankets and join us for a special outdoor screening at the very site where it all took place! The showing is free and tickets are not required. 

Ghost Tour of Brentsville – October 23
If you want to dive deeper into the history behind the episode and learn what really happened at Brentsville, you can purchase tickets for the Ghost Tour of Brentsville Courthouse. Following the free viewing of Brentsville’s Ghost Hunters episode, tour the grounds and historic buildings of the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. Come experience the site by candlelight as you explore its past and hear chilling ghost stories that bring its history to life. Space is limited, and advanced tickets are required.

Great Pumpkin Party – October 23
Get ready to party! Children ages 2-8 and their parents can join us for an event filled with laughter, music and creative fun! Wear your best costumes and enjoy exciting games, catchy tunes, dancing and crafts. Plus, there will be delicious snacks to keep the energy going! Please be sure to register all children who are attending this program. Program takes place at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center on Friday, October 23, 10:30 am-noon. Register here.

Family Pumpkin Carving – October 24
Does your family love carving pumpkins? Join us for our 3rd Annual Family Pumpkin Carving Event! We'll provide carving tools and one pumpkin for each registered participant. Start planning your spooky, silly or creative designs!

*Registration fee is per person and includes one pumpkin. Come join us at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, October 24 from 10 am-noon.

Trunk or Treat – October 29
Join Prince William County for an afternoon of Halloween fun as we host our very first Trunk-or-Treat event for the community! Families are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a safe, family-friendly way to trick-or-treat. As you make your way from trunk to trunk collecting candy, you'll be greeted by staff from several PWC agencies. Bring the kids, wear your favorite costume, and get ready for an afternoon of fun, treats and community spirit! Event is free and takes place Thursday, October 29, from 4-6 pm at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center.

Ben Lomond Ghost Stories – October 30 
Ben Lomond has a diverse and grim history as a Civil War hospital, a farm and a private home. Over the years, many residents have claimed to see ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site. Is Ben Lomond haunted or not? Join us for an eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Bring your own chair and flashlight and join us on Friday, October 30, 7-9 pm. Tickets required.

Haunted Mini Golf – October 29-31
On Halloween weekend, drop by Locust Shade Park for some spooky fun! Course opens Thursday, October 29 - Saturday, October 31 from 10am-5:30pm. Beware of any frightful weather. Family friendly, for ghouls of all ages. Swing your life away on our 18-hole Haunted course. See mini golf pricing here.

Related links:

PWC Recmapper app

Leisure magazine

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