Mayor Bowser Urges Residents to Help Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe, Invites Families to Fun, Free Halloween Events

(Washington, DC) - With Halloween just days away, Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging families to learn about and attend free, family-friendly Halloween events happening across all eight wards. Mayor Bowser is also urging the community to work together to keep kids and teens safe throughout the Halloween season, especially on Friday, October 31, when many kids will be out trick-or-treating.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will increase traffic enforcement over the Halloween weekend. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice will also deploy Halloween Go Teams on Friday, October 31, from 6 pm to 1 am, in 11 locations throughout the District. Safety Go Teams consist of non-law enforcement individuals who engage with families and monitor and de-escalate situations.

Drivers should:

• Be alert for trick-or-treaters, especially when it gets dark. Slow down on Halloween - slower speed saves lives.
• Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery.
• Do not look at your phone when driving.
• Never drive under the influence; use public transportation or rideshare services instead. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement. If traveling with a group, assign a designated driver.

If your family and friends are trick-or-treating this Halloween, follow the below safety tips:

• Children should travel in small groups and be accompanied by parents or an authorized adult chaperone.
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame-retardant. Parents/chaperones should ensure costumes have a reflective attachment to be easily seen in the dark.
• Only cross the street at street corners/crosswalks. Do not walk in between cars.
• Always look around in all directions before crossing the street.
• Stick to well-lit streets so you can see oncoming traffic.
• Children should never go into homes - stay on the porch or stoop when asking for treats.
• Children should avoid homes that do not have their outside lights turned on.
• Children should never go into strangers' cars if approached.
• Children should stay within familiar areas and surroundings.
• Children should be aware of how to contact their parents/chaperones while out trick-or-treating.
• Children should use flashlights and stay on sidewalks.
• Parents should inspect all treats to make sure they are safe for consumption.

Remember that while you are out enjoying Halloween activities, if you see something, say something:

• To report immediate threats or emergencies, call 911.
• To report anonymous tips or information, text to 50411.
• To report suspicious activity or behavior, call 202-727-9099.
  

Upcoming DPR events:

Petworth Halloween Community Event
A Halloween community event featuring arts and crafts and a candy giveaway.

MARS Halloween Bash 2025
In partnership with MARS, come out for Halloween fun and candy!

Halloween Trunk or Treat
A community-driven evening of fun, candy, and cars.

Haunted Town & Haunted House
A scary haunted place with people dressed as frightening characters, creating a chilling experience for visitors.

Halloween Parade & Trick or Treating
Join us for a Halloween parade in the park and a candy giveaway.

Benning Stoddert Halloween Costume Show Off and 'I Scream' Social
The Benning Stoddert Halloween Costume Show Off and I Scream Social brings the community together for fun, music, delicious ice cream, Halloween treats, and a chance to show off creative or spooky costumes.

Nightmare at Brentwood Haunted Costume Party
Join us for a spooky Halloween party filled with live music, delicious food and drinks, fun tricks or treats, and exciting prizes!

Pumpkin Palooza at Lafayette-Pointer
Come join us for Pumpkin Palooza! Bring along your own pumpkin to decorate and enjoy a fantastic time. We'll have stickers, paint, and plenty of spooky fun for everyone to enjoy.

New York Ave Rec Trunk or Treat
A fun and safe way for the community to trick-or-treat.

A Spooktacular Silent Disco
Come join us for a fantastic Halloween party! Enjoy candy, lively music, and lots of fun for everyone.

Ridge Road Halloween Party
Join us at the Ridge Road Community Center for a fantastic and spooky celebration! Enjoy a variety of fun activities like candy, games, face painting, a dance contest, a best costume competition, a famous spooky wall, and so much more. It's sure to be a memorable time for everyone!

Haunted Hallway + Movie Night
Join us if you dare…for a night of frights and delights! Riggs-LaSalle will host a haunted house and a family-friendly movie night.

Halloween Costume Skate Party
Join us for a SPOOK-tacular night! Grab your costumes and hit the rink for a night filled with thrilling music, creepy costumes, and roller skating fun! Bring your friends and family!

Thriller Flash Mob
Join DPR's Roving Leaders-led Thriller Flash Mob during the Halloween Costume Skate Party - featuring the Eastern Senior High School blue and white marching band.

Haunted Mansion Drive-In Movie Night
Join DPR for this exciting haunted movie night in the park from the seat of your car!

Wheels Up, Hay Down
Join us for a fun-filled wheels up, hay down, fall festival! Enjoy seasonal treats, games, and activities for all ages!

MPD will also hold a series of child-safe, family-friendly events for Halloween known as the Halloween Safe Haven events. View a full list of events for each police district below:

First District
Haunted House

• 1D Station, 101 M Street SW
• Wednesday, October 29 through Friday, October 31, 5 to 9 pm

Trunk or Treat

• 1D Station, 101 M Street SW
• Friday, October 31, 5 to 9 pm

Second District
Trunk or Treat

• 2D Station, 3320 Idaho Avenue NW
• Friday, October 31, 5 to 8 pm

Third District
Haunted House

• 3D Station Garage, 1620 V Street NW
• Friday, October 31, 6 to 9 pm and Saturday, November 1, 6 to 8 pm

Fourth District
Haunted Campgrounds

• 4D Station, 6001 Georgia Avenue NW
• Thursday, October 30, 6 to 8 pm

Fifth District
Halloween Party

• Arboretum Recreation Center, 2412 Rand Place NE
• Friday, October 31, 6 to 8 pm

Sixth District
Trunk or Treat

• RFK Parking Lot, 2400 East Capitol Street NE
• Friday, October 31, 6 to 8:30 pm

Haunted House

• School Safety Engagement, 5002 Hayes Street NE
• Friday, October 31, 6 to 10 pm

Seventh District
Trunk or Treat

• 7D Station, 2455 Alabama Avenue SE
• Friday, October 31, 5:30 to 8 pm

MPD Youth and Family Engagement Bureau
Haunted House

• 5002 Hayes Street NE
• Friday, October 31, 6 to 10 pm

Other upcoming Halloween events include:

The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
House of DACL
A legendary celebration that honors the rich history of the Ballroom scene and LGBTQ+ seniors in DC.

• Mary's House, 401 Anacostia Road SE
• Friday, October 31, 12 pm

Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE)
3rd Annual Trunk of Treat Fall Festival

• ONSE Office, 100 42nd Street NE
• Friday, October 31, 4 to 7 pm
• RSVP here.

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Bluesky: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser