Looking for some scary good fun this Halloween? Well then, you’re in for a treat! Howard County is chock-full of ghoulish goodies for the whole family to enjoy, from ghost tours and murder mysteries to improv shows and corn mazes. Whether you’re “haunting” for a good fright, or just in it for the candy, we guarantee we’ve gathered a list of the best ways to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve.
Remember the horror-themed “choose your own adventure” novels you read as a kid? Now imagine participating in a live-action version. Hallowscream is an improvisational show performed by local talent, “What’s Improv Group?!?! [W.I.G.]” The show runs on spooky suggestions from the audience, including personal nightmares, and real-life tales of terror. The scarier the better for this bunch! Kicking off the start of the Halloweekend, Hallowscream will be held on Friday, October 28 at Howard Community College (10901 Little Patuxent Parkway) in Columbia. Tickets are $15 for general admission, but children under 12 years of age are not permitted.
The classic “whodunit” drama plays out over the course of three courses at the Baldwin’s Station restaurant (618 Main Street) in Sykesville. If you’re looking for something with a little more substance than a Halloween bar night, this is the perfect option! You and your friends can enjoy an all-inclusive meal with happy hour drink specials throughout the evening, and the chance to solve a crime! Advance reservations are required for the preset event on October 28, but you can also arrange for your own private party. Tickets are $60 per person.
Historic Savage Mill Ghost Tour
Who ever would have guessed that the shops at Savage Mil (8600 Foundry Street) are haunted? The spirits must be dying for those sale prices too (HAH). All puns aside, the property that defines Historic Savage Mill dates back to the 1800’s and there is certainly a chance that its previous residents aren’t too fond of the upgrades. That, or they’re looking to have a little spirited fun with the mill’s current tenants and visitors. This activity is the ideal way to get your errands done while also having a little Halloween fun. Ghost tours cost $12 and tickets can be purchased online. The tours run rain or shine on Fridays and Saturdays, but reservations are required at least a day in advance.
While the other activities on this list might be a little too crazy for the kids, this 10-acre maze is the perfect solution for families that want fall fun without ghosts or goblins. This year’s maze theme is “Battle of the Beltway” featuring the images of two local football favorites, the Ravens and the Redskins. Throughout the maze visitors can answer football trivia questions for the chance to win a local restaurant raffle! Also on location at the Mullinix Corn Maze (15115-15165 Carrs Mill Road) in Cooksville is a corn kernel pit, a “make-your-own straw man” activity, a bouncy ball station, and even pumpkin bowling! Admission is $9 per person, and children under three years of age are free. Discounts are also provided for groups over 15 people. The maze remains open through October 30.
Pumpkin Picking at Sharp’s at Waterford Farm
Have you purchased your pumpkin yet? It’s the most important errand of October! Pick from the prime selection at Sharp’s at Waterford Farm (4003 Jennings Chapel Road) in Brookeville! On any weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., now through the end of October, you can visit the pumpkin patch and general store to gather tasty fall treats, including apples and cider, honey, and even pumpkin jam. The folks at Sharp’s are pumpkin experts and can help you find one perfect for pie making, and another perfect for carving! Talk about Halloween customer service! Even if you can’t make it until the last minute, don’t fret! Sharp’s is hosting a Harvest Celebration on October 31 from noon to 3 p.m. The party includes a hayride, farm animal feeding, pie pumpkin picking, and s’mores! Yum! Registration for the harvest is required in advance, and admission is $8 per person. Adults accompanying children are free.
