Halloween Hauntings Not to Miss in Gaithersburg

Halloween is just around the corner and the City of Gaithersburg is celebrating throughout October with programs and activities sure to send a chill down your spine. Trick-or-treating, scary films and a Zombie Ball as well as family-friendly ghoulish activities are among the haunted offerings.

The City of Gaithersburg does not regulate door-to-door trick or treating within neighborhoods. Residents are welcome to participate in Halloween traditions in whatever way they feel is most appropriate. Please note that some communities have their own guidelines, or organize community parties. We suggest that residents contact their homeowner or community association if they have one.

Here is the full lineup of can’t-miss Halloween-themed events coming up in Gaithersburg:

Adam Stone Magic

Friday, October 7, 7 & 9 p.m.

Arts Barn

Family Magic Show

7 – 8 p.m.

Adam Stone’s live magic shows are beyond anything you have ever seen and your child will say it was the best time they have ever had. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets here.

A Toast with a Spirit

9 – 10:30 p.m.

Get ready for the perfect start to your Halloween month with mentalist and magician Adam Stone’s haunted show and magically connect with the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe himself. Adam will have you and your guests in awe and wonder. Using mentalism, hypnosis, magic and good old-fashioned trickery, Adam Stone creates an experience that boggles the mind and ensnares your senses. Interacting with the audience allows him to share his creativity with everyone. Tickets are $22, $20 for students ages 15 – 21. Recommended for ages 15 and older. Purchase tickets here.

Milkshake Trio

Saturday, October 8, 2 p.m.

Arts Barn

Purchase tickets online here.

Milkshake brings all little goblins and ghoulies and shake them up for a lively family-friendly concert. Milkshake has been making original kid-friendly music since 2002. They have released five award-winning CDs, a DVD, a comic book featuring the band as cartoon characters, and music videos for PBS Kids, Nick Jr. and the ToddWorld cartoon. Their Great Day release received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Recording for Children. Come join Lisa Mathews, Mikel Gehl and Brian Simms as they get everyone caught up in the magic of music and fun. Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door. All ages welcome.

Dracula – 1931 Spanish-language version with English subtitles

Friday, October 14, 7:30 p.m.

Arts Barn

Purchase tickets online here.

While Tod Browning directed the English-language version of Dracula during the day, George Melford would direct the Spanish-language version at night using the same script and sets. Many consider the Spanish-language version to be the superior version of the two. While this version is longer by almost half an hour, there are no added scenes but each scene plays out longer with added dialogue. There are also more sound effects and bits of music in the Spanish version. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Admission is $10.

Storytime at the Arts Barn: The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

Friday, October 21, 1 p.m.

Arts Barn

Register online here.

Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything. But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life. With bouncy refrains and classic art, this timeless Halloween story by Linda Williams is a perfect read aloud book. A parent or guardian must accompany their young person. Recommended for ages 2 to 6.

Casey Halloween Boo Bash

Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Casey Community Center

Register online here.

Calling all ghouls and goblins. Come in costume for a frighteningly fun family Halloween bash. Enjoy activities, trick or treating, crafts, a costume parade, photo opportunities, and a special performance. This is the perfect, not so scary way to celebrate Halloween with little ones. The special guest performer is no "nightmare" and will leave you in stiches. Registration is for a specific timeslot and is $18 per household with a maximum of six people per party.

Zombie Ball

Friday, October 28, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Olde Towne Plaza

Bring your best Monster MOVES to the first Zombie Ball in Olde Towne Plaza. We will THRILL to the tunes of the best Halloween dance music as we SHAKE, rattle, and roll. Come MASH it up with us. The dancing begins at 7:30 and goes to 8:30, but grab a bite to eat and a drink from the food trucks and beverage vendors before or afterwards. Early registration $10; $15 at the door. Must be 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Drop-In Activity: Trick or Treat at the Museum

Saturday & Sunday, October 29 & 30, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Community Museum

Visit the Museum in costume and receive a treat. Then have fun making a Halloween craft. Free event, reservations not required.

Crafternoon Tea: Witches Brew

Saturday, October 29, Noon – 2 p.m.
Casey Community Center

Register online here.

Put on your black hat and grab your broomstick for this special Crafternoon Tea Halloween event. Dare to try a variety of "witches" brewed teas and spooky treats and conjure up a seasonal craft perfect to add to your Halloween decor and ward off evil spirits. You will also enjoy our fun and social "Spill the Tea" game and take great pictures in front of a themed photo opp. Register with friends or come make new ones. You will leave with a finished DIY project, special treats, great photos, and fun stories to share. Cost is $10 per person.

Once Upon a Boo-Board

Sunday, October 30, 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Kentlands Mansion

Register online here.

Allow us to introduce you to the best thing to happen since the invention of chocolate: the candy kid-cuterie board. With a variety of candy and sweet treats, let your child's imagination run wild to create a confectionary masterpiece of their own. Come join us and CharcuteriE DMV in making some spooktacular candy boards for Halloween! Before you dive into your boards, families will enjoy a special all-kid rock band performance by Bach to Rock music school. Registration includes materials for one adult and child to make a board. Cost is $40, $35 for City of Gaithersburg residents.

For more information, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.