Are you looking for some lighthearted, last-minute, family-friendly fun to enjoy just before Halloween? How about “treating” yourself to daylong delights at the National Harbor in the greater D.C. region? It’s no trick that today, October 27, marks the seasonal return of one of the area’s favorite fall follies. It’s Halloween at the National Harbor—the perfect pre-Halloween happening designed for all ages and interests.
Festivities, activities, and general fun will get underway starting at 10 a.m. This is when the famed 180-foot Capital Wheel opens for the day and will begin offering rides. Note the costume special in which kids decked out in their Halloween best get to ride free with paying adults.
For pooch parents, a similar special will be featured for you and your dog to share a scenic spin within one of those climate-controlled gondolas of great acclaim. Two photo packages are available as part of the memorable ride. One is the Howlin’ Halloween Photo Package at $25, which includes an 8×6 photo with a souvenir frame, keyring, magnet, digital download, and a doggie treat. The other is the Monster Mutt Mash Spin & Photo Package, valued at $65. This comes with two adult tickets to the Capital Wheel, two beverages, an 8×6 photo with a souvenir frame, a keyring, a digital download, and a doggie treat. Visit the Capital Wheel website for all other details.
While there will be early endeavors to enjoy, most of today’s happy Halloween happenings will be reserved for the afternoon. Trick-or-treating will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and run a two-hour course. Click here for a map of the trick-or-treat trail route and a listing of all participating locations.
The 12:30 p.m. timeslot is also when costumed kids can enjoy free rides via Spirit Park Carousel and share in meet and greet opportunities with community partners. Then, be sure to head for the Plaza Stage from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a special free public screening of Hocus Pocus 2.
Check out pumpkin artistry at its finest as local chefs and renowned area artists alike battle it out on the Plaza Stage at 2:30 p.m. in a most pleasing Pumpkin Carving Contest. Go from gaudy gourds to gorgeous transformations you won’t believe!
The Capital Wheel isn’t the only attraction going to the dogs today. Aside from an afternoon Howling Happy Hour at the Flight Deck, there’s also the ever-pleasing Pet Pawrade to get everyone wagging. The poochy procession featuring costumed dogs of many kinds will step off at 2:45 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in the categories for best costume, most creative, and other titles, varying in each specific weight category. Click here to learn more or to register your dog.
Halloween at the National Harbor provides the perfect family-friendly folly to take to if you’re seeking a less sinister seasonal celebration. Learn more about this event and other happy happenings by visiting the website at www.nationalharbor.com.