The Great Pumpkin Paint Off
When: Oct. 17-18, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Ballston Quarter,4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Mexican-American artist Natalie Rogers will be painting 25 mini pumpkins to complement three much larger ones (each standing 4 feet tall) in Ballston Quarter. Her creations will be raffled off, with proceeds benefiting R.E.A.D. and the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. Take home a DIY pumpkin painting kit with a qualifying purchase of $75, while supplies last.
House of Terror and Family Trunk or Treat
When: Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Old Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
The Old Firehouse in McLean is conjuring up Halloween fun for kids of all ages. Those 10 and up can pay a visit to its first haunted teen center event, House of Terror (timed reservations, masks and temperature checks required). Children under 10 can put on costumes and trick-or-treat from themed cars while maintaining social distance. $2 per person.
Spooky Virtual Family Bingo
When: Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
Where: Online
Gather the fam in front of the computer and try your luck at this game-night classic—with a Halloween twist—courtesy of the McLean Community Center. Prizes will be awarded to round winners and the family with the best costumes. $5 per device; registration is required.
Creative Cauldron’s Pitch Dark Radio
When: Oct. 31
Where: Youtube
Creative Cauldron introduced a new class for kids this fall, in which students ages 10 and up are learning how to develop and perform audio plays fit for a podcast. Their final product, which requires them to perform spooky stories like Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart, can be viewed for free on Youtube. Teasers, trailers and the results of a paranormal advice column (email pitchdarkradio@gmail.com) can be found on Instagram at @pitchdarkradio. Free.
Hocus Pocus at Gateway Park
When: Oct. 23, 6:15-10 p.m.
Where: Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Every Friday this month, the Rosslyn BID is hosting an outdoor movie series in Gateway Park—with seating sectioned off to maintain social distance. Oct. 23 brings a favorite Halloween flick, Hocus Pocus, chronicling the adventures of the the Sanderson sisters. Alcohol is prohibited, but guests are encouraged to bring takeout from local restaurants. Register in advance and wear your mask. Free.