Spooktacular Trunk‑or‑Treat Events Across Virginia This Halloween

As the nights get longer and the leaves turn orange, communities all over Virginia are rolling out their trunks, hanging cobwebs, and gearing up for a very modern take on Halloween. Trunk‑or‑treating—where decorated vehicles become mini‑candy stations—has become the go‑to alternative for families who want a safe, organized way to celebrate.

We’ve rounded up 18 events scheduled between Friday, Oct. 23 and Halloween night itself. Most are free, most are outdoors, and most welcome anyone who’s dressed in a costume (even the pets, if they’re feeling spooky).

Friday, Oct. 23

• Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, McLean – Starting at 6 p.m., the hotel’s parking lot transforms into a candy‑filled wonderland. After the trunk‑or‑treat, families can catch a Halloween movie at 8 p.m. Snacks are available for purchase.

• The Learning Experience – Sterling – From 6 to 7:30 p.m., kids can wander among whimsically painted vans, collect treats, and snap photos in the school’s festive lobby. Non‑students are invited, too.

Saturday, Oct. 24

• Manassas Park Community Center – Noon to 2 p.m. sees rows of decorated cars lining the lot. The city says it’s open to all ages, so bring the grandparents.

• George Mason University, Fairfax – The 5th Annual Trunk‑or‑Treat runs from 4 to 6 p.m. in Parking Lot L, featuring games, music, and plenty of candy for Mason families and neighbors.

• Nova Labs, Fairfax – Between 6 and 8 p.m., tech meets terror. Think spooky robots, carnival‑style games, and a few high‑tech treats for the curious.

• Stone Ridge Association & John Champe High School – From 3 to 5 p.m. at 24605 Stone Carver Dr., trunks are decked out, and while candy is free, there’s a modest fee for anyone who wants to register a vehicle to hand out sweets.

• Lovettsville Community Center – 5 to 7 p.m. at 57 E. Broad Way, where library staff will be doling out candy and free books for little readers.

• St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Leesburg – Kicking off at 2 p.m., the parish parking lot will host music, games, and a modest feast of treats.

Sunday, Oct. 25

• St. James' Episcopal Church, Leesburg – A quick 10‑10:55 a.m. session at 14 Cornwall St. NW with costumes, games, and a friendly ghost or two.

• St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Sterling – From 2 to 4 p.m. at 201 E. Frederick Dr., enjoy allergy‑friendly treats, toys, and even a pet blessing for furry companions.

• Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Alexandria – 3‑5 p.m. at 1608 Russell Rd. offers a relaxed vibe with classic trunks and a few Halloween crafts.

• Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival, Alexandria – Starting at 4:30 p.m. (1301 Collingwood Rd.), this larger festival adds a haunted house, live music, an inflatable obstacle course, and a reptile demo alongside the trunk‑or‑treat.

• Grace United Methodist Church, Manassas – 5‑6 p.m. at 9750 Wellington Rd. features a “Boo Bus,” a photo booth, and plenty of fall‑themed activities.

Thursday, Oct. 29

• Alexandria Public Safety Trunk‑or‑Treat – From 5 to 7 p.m. at the police headquarters (3600 Wheeler Ave.), kids can snag candy from police, fire, and EMS vehicles—plus meet the heroes behind the uniforms.

Friday, Oct. 30

• The Learning Experience – Bristow – 4:30‑6:30 p.m. combines a trunk‑or‑treat with an open house, letting prospective families tour the center while kids collect sweets.

• The Learning Experience – Ashburn – 3‑5 p.m. at 20005 Riverside Commons Plaza welcomes all, whether or not they’re enrolled.

• Primrose School of Chantilly – 3:30‑5:30 p.m. at the school campus, offering decorated trunks, local vendors, and a relaxed atmosphere for families.

Saturday, Oct. 31 – Halloween Night

• Festival of Frights & Trunk‑or‑Treat, McLean – 5‑8 p.m. at The Old Firehouse (1440 Chain Bridge Rd.) blends live music, games, food trucks, costume contests, and, of course, endless candy.

All of these events aim to keep the Halloween spirit alive while giving parents a safe, supervised setting. Check each venue’s website or social‑media page for any last‑minute updates—especially regarding weather or COVID‑related policies. And remember: the best part of trunk‑or‑treat isn’t just the candy; it’s the smiles, the community chatter, and those fleeting moments when a child’s costume truly comes to life.

So grab a pumpkin‑spice latte, load up the car, and enjoy a week of spooky fun across the Commonwealth.