Harbor Halloween Returns to National Harbor on October 25
Family-friendly celebration features trick-or-treating, Hocus Pocus, pumpkin carving/decorating contest, Pet Pawrade and more
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Harbor Halloween Returns to National Harbor on October 25
Family-friendly celebration features trick-or-treating, Hocus Pocus, pumpkin carving/decorating contest, Pet Pawrade and more
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 29, 2026—Harbor Halloween returns to National Harbor on Sunday, October 25, with an afternoon of family-friendly Halloween fun, including trick-or-treating, a waterfront movie, pumpkin carving contest, Pet Pawrade, free Capital Wheel and carousel rides, and more. Activities take place from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
The festivities kick off with trick-or-treating from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., featuring 30+ participating retailers, restaurants, and hotels handing out candy to costumed guests ages 12 and under. Adding to the excitement, the first 2,000 trick-or-treaters will receive a complimentary, reusable trick-or-treat bag courtesy of Andrews Federal Credit Union and Tom's Watch Bar.
At 1:00 p.m., families are invited to gather in front of the Plaza screen (150 National Plaza) for a free waterfront showing of the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus.
The smiles will reach new heights with free carousel & The Capital Wheel rides: Children ages 10 and under who arrive in costume can enjoy free rides on the Spirit Park Carousel and The Capital Wheel. The free ride on The Capital Wheel is valid during regular operating hours when the child is accompanied by a paying adult (limit one free child admission per paid adult admission).
Following the movie at 2:30 p.m., National Harbor merchants will put their creativity to the test in a pumpkin painting and carving contest. Spectators can watch the pumpkins take shape and vote for their favorites during the 30-minute competition.
At 2:40 p.m., pets get their turn in the spotlight during the Pet Pawrade on the Plaza stage. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, most creative costume and more. Pets can also ride The Capital Wheel for free with paid adult admission.
Throughout the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to meet and interact with various community partners. Representatives from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS, local police departments, and the 3-1-1 On The Go! Mobile Unit will be on-site with emergency vehicles, educational resources, and community safety services.
For more information about Harbor Halloween, visit www.nationalharbor.com/events/harbor-halloween/. For more information about National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.
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About National Harbor
Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center and has almost 2,000 hotel rooms and 660,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort with renowned chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades. The iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel, Tanger National Harbor’s 85 designer outlet brands, and a robust calendar of events round out this destination that welcomes more than 15.2 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.