Trick-or-Treating Through the Shops in Downtown Columbia
Merriweather District throws its sixth annual Spook-tacular on Friday, October 30, starting at 6pm in Color Burst Park. The main event for kids is the trick-or-treat trail: from 6 to 8 the shops in the district hand out candy while it lasts, so it pays to start early.
Back at the park there's a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, games, a glitter tattoo artist and photo spots. The first 250 guests who check in at Guest Services get a free goodie bag. If your family does group costumes, there's a group costume contest with a catwalk at 7:15, and the winners get a Merriweather District prize pack worth more than $250. You have to sign up for that one ahead of time on their site.
There's no ticket. The district asks families to RSVP on its event page, which I'd do so they know how many goblins are coming. It's a good pick if you live in Howard County or just don't want to fight DC traffic on a Friday night.
Event Details
Kid Favorites
Planning the rest of Halloween?
Every kid-friendly Halloween event around DC for the rest of October is on one free printable, weekend by weekend. Sign up and you'll get the PDF right away, plus our weekly family events email.
Getting There 🗺️
Parent Tips 💡
- RSVP on their page. There's no ticket, but the district asks families to RSVP.
- Check in early for a goodie bag. Only the first 250 guests at Guest Services get one.
- Doing a family costume? Sign up for the 7:15 group catwalk ahead of time. The prize pack is worth more than $250.
- Start the trail at 6. Candy at the shops runs while supplies last.
- Bring a bag and a jacket. It's outdoors and it gets cold after sunset.
Questions Parents Ask
When is Spook-tacular at Merriweather District?
Friday, October 30, 2026, starting at 6pm in Color Burst Park in Columbia, Maryland. The trick-or-treat trail runs from 6 to 8pm.
Is Spook-tacular free?
There's no ticket. Merriweather District asks families to RSVP on its event page.
What is there for kids?
A trick-or-treat trail at local shops, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, games, glitter tattoos, photo spots and goodie bags for the first 250 guests.
Where do I park?
The district points event guests to the Symphony Woods Garage at 6275 Mango Tree Rd.
Get next week's events in your inbox
Every week, the best DMV family events, picked by a local parent.
Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
More Halloween Fun This Weekend
Free Coloring Book!
Grab Finn's Zoo Adventure coloring book, plus get our weekly family events newsletter. It's free!
Get It Free