Mayor Bowser Encourages Residents to Attend DPR and MPD Halloween Events and to Work Together to Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will host dozens of Halloween events from Wednesday, October 25 through Tuesday, October 31. The free, family-friendly events will provide a safe and fun way for residents to celebrate the Halloween season throughout the city.
 
“Over the next week, we have lots of family-friendly Halloween events for children, teens, and families to enjoy,” said Mayor Bowser. “As our kids enjoy the Halloween season, let’s all work together to keep them safe – be mindful, especially in the afternoons and evenings when it gets dark, that children and families will be out having fun and running around.”    
 
DPR is offering a full list of Halloween events this year, including:

• Mars-Wrigley Halloween Haunted House  
  • Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE 
  • Wednesday, October 25, 4 – 7:30 pm
  • In partnership with Mars-Wrigley, this annual event features a haunted house and includes a candy giveaway. 

• Monster Tennis Smash  
  • Banneker Tennis Courts, 2500 Georgia Ave NW 
  • Thursday, October 26, 6 – 9 pm 
  • Come in costume ready to play some tennis along with Halloween-themed music, tennis instruction, treats, and more. 

• 25th Annual Ward 7 “Haunted House on the Hill”  
  • Fort Davis Recreation Center, 1400 41st Street SE 
  • October 27, 30, and 31, 6 – 9 pm each day 
  • This annual tradition is back, offering a scary, fun-filled tour of the haunted house, and giveaways of popcorn and candy. 

• Riggs-LaSalle and MPD Hoops Halloween Kickoff 
  • Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road NE 
  • Friday, October 27, 6 – 8 pm 
  • A special event to celebrate Halloween with the officers who serve the community. 

• Wheels Up, Hay Down: Roving Leaders Fall Festival  
  • Oxon Run Park, 1200 Block of Mississippi Avenue SE 
  • Tuesday, October 31, 5 – 7 pm
  • Join DPR for a fun-filled fall festival, including a candy drop from a fire truck ladder with DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services firefighters. 

“I'm thrilled to invite our residents to join us at one of DPR's thriller Halloween celebrations,” said Department of Parks and Recreation Acting Director Thennie M. Freeman. “DPR is proud to open dozens of recreation centers throughout the District for creative, fun, safe, and memorable nights for all.”

MPD and the District Department of Transportation are advising the public that there will be increased traffic enforcement over Halloween weekend. Mayor Bowser is also urging residents to practice the following safety tips during the Halloween season. 

All drivers should: 

• Be alert for Trick-or-Treaters. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited. Slower speed save 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 drink and drive. Use rideshare services, such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement. If traveling with a group, assign a designated driver.

Additionally, 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 ways before crossing the street.
• Make sure that the street is well-lit to 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 a 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 if 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
• Make a report using iWATCH

MPD will also be holding 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 ward below:

To register and learn more about DPR’s Halloween events, visit DPR.events.  
 

Social Media:

Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos