Falls Church Halloween Carnival

Carnival Games, Bounce Houses and Two Costume Contests

Falls Church puts on a Halloween Carnival every year at Cherry Hill Park, right next to City Hall, and it's one of the easiest free outings of the season. This year it's Saturday, October 24, for kids up to 11 and the grown-ups with them. There's nothing to register for and nothing to pay. You pick one of the two time slots, 1 to 3 or 3:30 to 5:30, and show up. The city asks families to come to just one so more kids get a turn.

Kids play carnival games to win treats and small toys, jump in the inflatables, make Halloween crafts and pose at a photo spot. There's a new spooky sensory station this year and Halloween music playing, and the popcorn, cider, cotton candy and fall snacks are free. If you want something more filling, Mr. Flavor's ice cream truck and Badd Pizza will be there selling food.

The costume contests are the part my kids would care about most. There's one at 2:30 and another at 5, both in front of the barn, so each time slot gets one. Every kid who enters gets a silly prize, which is a nice way to avoid tears on the walk back to the car.

If the weather turns, the carnival moves into the Community Center at 223 Little Falls Street. Strollers have to stay outside in that case, and the city suggests leaving them at home. They post weather updates the day of the event, and you can also call 703-248-5027.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Pick one slot. The city asks families to come to just one of the two so more kids get a turn.
• ✓Want the costume contest? It's at 2:30 in the early slot and at 5 in the late one, in front of the barn.
• ✓Bring a bag. Kids win treats and small toys at the games.
• ✓Check the weather that morning. If it moves inside to the Community Center, leave the stroller at home. Updates: 703-248-5027.
• ✓Bring a card for food. The snacks are free, but the ice cream truck and the pizza cost extra.
• ✓Come early for the market. The Falls Church Farmers Market is at City Hall, next door, on Saturday mornings.

Questions Parents Ask

Is the Falls Church Halloween Carnival free?

Yes. It's free and you don't need to register. Food from the ice cream truck and the pizza vendor costs extra.

What are the Halloween Carnival time slots?

There are two on Saturday, October 24, 2026: 1 to 3pm and 3:30 to 5:30pm. The city asks families to choose one.

What ages is the Halloween Carnival for?

Kids up to 11 years old and the adults who come with them.

What happens if it rains?

The carnival moves inside the City of Falls Church Community Center at 223 Little Falls St. Strollers have to stay outside, so it's best to leave them at home.