Charles County MD Events This Weekend | October 22–25, 2026

Charles County MD events this weekend are bringing Halloween thrills, fall festivals, trick-or-treating, and plenty of community fun to Southern Maryland from Thursday, October 22, through Sunday, October 25, 2026!

If you've been searching for "Halloween events near me," "free things to do in Charles County," or "family-friendly activities this weekend," you're in the right place.

From spooky Victorian ghost stories in Waldorf to downtown trick-or-treating in La Plata and a fall celebration in White Plains, there's something for just about every kind of weekend adventure.

Whether you're a longtime Charles County resident, new to the area, or visiting Southern Maryland for the weekend, grab your calendar, get those costumes ready, and check out what's happening!

Event information reflects published listings and organizer announcements. Schedules, admission, and availability may change. Always check the linked event page before heading out.

Featured Halloween Events in Charles County MD This Weekend

1. Victorian Halloween at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum

📅 Date: Friday–Saturday, October 23–24, 2026

📍 Location: Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, 3725 Doctor Mudd Road, Waldorf, MD

🕒 Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM (submitted schedule; reconfirm with museum)

Looking for something a little different this Halloween? Step back into the Victorian era for an atmospheric evening of ghost stories, candlelight museum tours, and seasonal refreshments.

This historic setting offers a unique way to explore local history while enjoying some Halloween mystery. It's a great option for visitors who enjoy storytelling, historic buildings, and an old-fashioned spooky atmosphere.

Admission is reported as paid. Confirm tickets and program details directly before attending.

👉 Event Link: https://drmudd.org/2026/10/04/victorian-halloween-special-event-10-23-and-10-24-2026/

2. Cornstalker's Trails of Terror

📅 Date: Friday–Saturday, October 23–24, 2026

📍 Location: Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf, MD (submitted venue; reconfirm)

🕒 Time: Opens at 7:30 PM (submitted schedule; reconfirm)

Calling all thrill-seekers! If your idea of Halloween fun involves creepy trails, elaborate sets, and plenty of unexpected scares, Cornstalker's Trails of Terror belongs on your weekend radar.

This haunted attraction is known for immersive theatrical environments, eerie pathways, and maze-like experiences designed to keep visitors guessing what's around the next corner.

Because the experience is intended to be frightening, check age recommendations, ticket availability, and attraction rules before making plans.

👉 Event Link: https://ebehaunts.com/

3. Downtown La Plata Trick-or-Treat Trail 

📅 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

📍 Location: La Plata Town Hall, 305 Queen Anne Street, and participating downtown businesses, La Plata, MD

🕒 Time: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM on the town's event calendar; a separate town page lists business trick-or-treating from 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

💲 Admission: Free

Grab those costumes and head downtown!

The Town of La Plata's annual Trick-or-Treat Trail invites participants to stroll through the downtown business district and collect Halloween treats from participating local shops.

Look for orange and black balloons marking participating businesses. It's a fun way to enjoy the season while discovering some of the local businesses that make downtown La Plata special.

The town also advertises additional activities at Town Hall. Check the latest schedule before arriving, especially because official pages differ on the starting time.

👉 Event Link: https://townoflaplata.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1404

4. Rec Xpress Fall Festival at Bensville Park

📅 Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

📍 Location: Bensville Park, 6980 Bensville Road, White Plains, MD

🕒 Time: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM (reported schedule; confirm with county recreation)

Wrap up your Halloween weekend with an afternoon of autumn activities at Bensville Park!

The Rec Xpress Fall Festival, organized through Charles County recreation programming, is advertised with face painting, lawn games, food trucks, and trick-or-treating opportunities.

It's a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoy seasonal activities, and connect with the community before the weekend comes to a close.

Check the county's program page for current registration, admission, and weather-related updates.

👉 Event Link: https://charlescountymd.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=31314

Don't Miss This Week in Charles County

There's something special about autumn in Charles County.

The cooler weather, colorful leaves, local festivals, and Halloween celebrations make October a wonderful time to get out and explore. From Waldorf and La Plata to White Plains, Pomfret, and Nanjemoy, communities across the county are filling the calendar with seasonal activities.

One of the best things about living in Charles County is having access to a mix of historic attractions, outdoor spaces, small-town celebrations, and community traditions.

You don't have to travel far to find something interesting to do.

Maybe you're planning a festive afternoon with friends, looking for a free Halloween activity, or searching for a haunted attraction that delivers a few serious scares. Whatever your plans, there's plenty to discover close to home.

For even more activities throughout Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties, visit Southside Happenings: Southern Maryland Community Events & Local Activities.

It's your community resource for discovering local happenings, upcoming celebrations, and seasonal activities across Southern Maryland.

More Charles County Events This Week: Free & Family-Friendly Activities

Still looking for something fun to add to your calendar?

Here are eight more events advertised for October 22–25. Several are drawn from local community calendars rather than directly verified organizer pages, so confirm event access, exact times, and registration requirements before attending.

1. La Plata Courthouse Trunk or Treat

📅 Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

📍 Location: La Plata courthouse area, La Plata, MD 

🕒 Time: 6PM - 8PM

Kick off Halloween weekend with a community trunk-or-treat gathering in La Plata. Check the latest local event listing for participating organizations, the exact entrance, and whether registration is required.

👉 Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1586112930225028&set=a.234540632048938/

2. Matula Elementary School Trunk or Treat

📅 Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

📍 Location: Matula Elementary School, La Plata, MD

🕒 Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Enjoy a school-hosted Halloween trunk-or-treat experience featuring costumes and seasonal fun.

Admission or participation restrictions may apply. Contact the school to confirm whether the event is open to the general public before making plans.

👉 Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/154341141802090/posts/2211616802741170/

3. Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat at SPARKS

📅 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

📍 Location: SPARKS, Waldorf, MD — exact street address requires confirmation

🕒 Time: Begins at 11:00 AM - 1:00PM

Looking for a Halloween experience with sensory-friendly considerations? This advertised community trunk-or-treat offers another option for enjoying the season in Waldorf.

The event is listed as free, but visitors should confirm the location, accessibility details, and planned activities with the organizer.

👉 Event Link: https://allevents.in/waldorf/sparks-waldorf-learning-center-sensory-friendly-trunk-or-treat/200030797801458

4. Shops at Waldorf Center Spooky Fall Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

📍 Location: Shops at Waldorf Center, Festival Way, Waldorf, MD

🕒 Time: 2:00 PM–6:30 PM

💲 Admission: Advertised as free

Get ready for a festive afternoon featuring trick-or-treating at participating shops, crafts, games, seasonal activities, and entertainment.

The event is also advertised with photo opportunities, animal encounters, and a magic show. Check the shopping center's latest announcements for the final activity schedule.

👉 Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spooky-fall-festival-by-shops-at-waldorf-vendor-registration-only-tickets-2000156503946

5. Melwood Family Fall FunFest & SpOOktacular

📅 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

📍 Location: Melwood Recreation Center, 9035 Ironsides Road, Nanjemoy, MD

🕒 Time: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

This autumn celebration brings together pumpkin-themed activities, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, a glow dance party, and a vendor market featuring local makers.

Important: Melwood states that attendee parking will not be available at the recreation center. Registered attendees will receive designated off-site parking and shuttle information.

Check the organizer's page for registration and admission details before attending.

👉 Event Link: https://melwood.org/event/familyfallfest26/

6. SMYO Field Trunk or Treat

📅 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

📍 Location: Southern Maryland Youth Organization field, Pomfret, MD

🕒 Time: 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

💲 Admission: Advertised as free

Enjoy a community Halloween gathering with costumes and trunk-or-treating at the SMYO field.

This is another option for anyone looking for local Halloween activities in the Pomfret area. Verify parking and field entrance instructions before arriving.

👉 Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/8210-marshall-corner-rd-pomfret-md/smyos-annual-trunk-or-treat/28648724181402688/

7. Capital Clubhouse Halloween Trunk or Treat

📅 Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

📍 Location: Capital Clubhouse, Waldorf, MD — exact event location requires confirmation

🕒 Time: Not independently verified

Keep the Halloween festivities going with this additional community trunk-or-treat candidate in Waldorf.

Event details are not fully confirmed, so check with the venue before adding this stop to your Sunday schedule.

👉 Event Link: https://smnewsnet.com/archives/565423/charles-county-halloween-trunk-or-treating-and-community-events-for-2026/

Halloween Weekend Tips for Families in Charles County

Planning a great Halloween weekend doesn't have to be complicated. A little preparation can help you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying the fun.

Choose activities that match your group's interests. Some events focus on costumes, crafts, and daytime trick-or-treating, while haunted attractions are designed for visitors who enjoy more intense scares. Read each organizer's description and age guidance before heading out.

Check whether admission is free. Charles County has several advertised free Halloween activities, including La Plata's Trick-or-Treat Trail. Other events may require paid tickets, reservations, or registration. Always check before leaving home.

Plan for October weather. Southern Maryland fall temperatures can change throughout the day. Layers, comfortable shoes, and a backup plan for rain are useful, especially for outdoor festivals and evening attractions.

Confirm parking and transportation. Downtown events may involve walking between participating businesses. Melwood's SpOOktacular specifically requires off-site parking and shuttle transportation.

Double-check last-minute announcements. Event schedules can change because of weather, attendance limits, or organizer updates. Official event pages are your best source for the latest details.

And here's one more tip: If you're planning multiple stops, group nearby events together. For example, you might enjoy afternoon activities in La Plata before heading toward Waldorf for an evening attraction.

Want Your Charles County Event Featured?

Are you organizing a festival, community celebration, charity fundraiser, live performance, workshop, or seasonal event in Charles County?

We'd love to help more people discover what's happening around Southern Maryland!

Southside Happenings welcomes opportunities to spotlight local businesses, organizations, and community events throughout Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties.

Whether you're planning a small gathering or a larger seasonal celebration, sharing your event helps residents and visitors find more ways to connect with the community.

👉 Submit Your Event or Apply for a Community Spotlight

Have an event coming up next month? Don't wait until the last minute. Send your details early so the community has time to make plans.

Stay Connected with Local Events Across Southern Maryland

Halloween weekend is just one part of a busy Southern Maryland community calendar.

Throughout the year, you can discover:

• ✔ Local festivals and seasonal celebrations

• ✔ Family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures

• ✔ Live music and entertainment

• ✔ Community gatherings and cultural events

• ✔ Seasonal events across Southern Maryland

From spring markets and summer concerts to autumn festivals and holiday celebrations, there's always another reason to explore the area.

Bookmark Southside Happenings and check back for new community event guides.

Discover More Things to Do in Southern Maryland

Looking for even more local adventures after Halloween weekend?

We've got you covered!

Explore our Things to Do in Southern Maryland blog collection for local activities, seasonal inspiration, community attractions, and ideas for exploring Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties.

Want to bring some seasonal fun home? Browse our Home Tips, Hacks, Decorating & Maintenance Guides for home decorating inspiration, practical upkeep tips, and ideas for making the most of the changing seasons.

You can also visit Southside Happenings: Southern Maryland Community Events & Local Activities to keep up with upcoming community events.

Know about a great event we should feature?

👉 Share it through our Community Spotlight page.

Here's to a weekend filled with costumes, community spirit, fall fun, and unforgettable Southern Maryland moments.

Happy Halloween, Charles County! 🎃