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Meet The Frights. They want to know: do you have the guts to dress up for the haunted season? Costumes are okay at most haunts. Call. Spooky season opens September 20.
The shift from humid summer nights to crisp, eerie autumn air is almost here. And for thrill-seekers in the DMV, that means one thing: it's time to get scared.
As August winds down, the region's darkest local legends, haunted houses, and twilight walking tours are waking up early. We have featured a few of these before (Laurel's House of Horror and Georgetown's ghost tours are longtime favorites), but this is the first time we are rating them. So, here is your essential guide to the spooky season's opening acts—complete with a Fright-Scale so you know exactly what you are signing up for.
Markoff's Haunted Forest (Dickerson, MD)
What: An immersive outdoor woodland trail filled with actors, fire, and intense jump scares. Recently ranked the #1 haunted attraction in the world by The Scare Factor for its handcrafted sets and immersive storytelling.
When: The 2026 season kicks off on Friday, October 2, operating on select nights through Sunday, November 8. Check their website, markoffsforest.com, for details.
Where: 19120 Martinsburg Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842.
Logistics: Arrive early. This is a multi-hour experience featuring The Forest, The Town, and a midway with food and entertainment. Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven woodland terrain.
Fright-Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5) – World-class outdoor intensity. Not for beginners.
Field of Screams (Olney, MD)
What: A massive multi-station layout featuring terrifying trails, a "slaughterhouse," and a high-tech haunted house. The attraction serves as a fundraiser for the Olney Boys & Girls Club.
When: September 2026. The attraction took 2025 off for a "comprehensive transformation" and will return with a "fully reimagined haunt experience."
Where: 4501 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney Shopping Center, Olney, MD 20832.
Logistics: This is a large-scale experience with over 50 scary scenes. Check their website, screams.org closer to opening for exact dates and ticket information.
Fright-Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5) – High-intensity with multiple themed zones. Great for groups.
Laurel's House of Horror (Laurel, MD)
We featured this one during the summer pop-up, but the full fall season is a whole different beast.
What: Maryland's largest indoor haunted attraction, housed inside a sprawling 28,000-square-foot abandoned movie theater. Features horror movie-themed escape rooms and a new "Studio 13" attraction.
When: The regular season runs from September 20 through November 1.
Where: 935 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 (Laurel Shopping Center).
Logistics: All attractions are indoors, so rain is not an issue. Tickets include General Admission, Fast Pass, and VIP options. Visit laurelhaunt.com for more.
Fright-Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5) – Intense indoor horror with interactive escape elements. The movie theater setting amplifies the dread.
Bennett's Curse (Baltimore, MD)
What: A legendary indoor dark attraction known for high-intensity classic horror and monster themes. The haunt is celebrating over 25 years of fear with over 30 minutes of immersive, nonstop horror.
When: The 2026 season is LAST Season at the current location before moving to a new site. New for 2026: a Limited VIP Fright Tour Pass combining Bennett's Curse with Creepywoods Haunted Forest in one night. Details at bennettscurse.com.
Where: 7875 Eastpoint Mall, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Logistics: This is a legendary haunt with a 25-year legacy. Plan for an intense, multi-location experience if you opt for the VIP pass.
Fright-Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5) – A legendary, high-intensity experience. This is horror at its most immersive.
Creepy Urban Legends & Historic Sites
The Exorcist Steps (Washington, DC): The steep, 75-step stone staircase famous for the climax of the iconic horror film. Located at 36th and Prospect St NW. Pro tip: Visit after sunset for an enhanced spooky atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes—those steps are steep.
Fright-Scale: 👻👻👻 (3/5) – Atmospheric but relies on your imagination. Best enjoyed at twilight.
The Octagon Museum (Washington, DC): One of the most haunted historic residences in the District. Located at 1799 New York Ave NW. Known for the tragic deaths of two daughters on its spiral staircase and the ghost of Dolley Madison.
Fright-Scale: 👻👻 (2/5) – More historic than terrifying, but the ghost stories are compelling.
Bunny Man Bridge / Colchester Overpass (Clifton, VA): The infamous Fairfax County urban legend site. The Southern Railway overpass spans Colchester Road near Clifton. The legend speaks of an escaped inmate in a white bunny suit carrying a hatchet. Approach with caution—this is an active railroad bridge.
Fright-Scale: 👻👻👻👻 (4/5) – Urban legend with a creepy, isolated setting. Best visited in a group.
Guided Ghost Walks & Historical Tours
Georgetown Ghost Tours (Washington, DC): A favorite we have featured before. A 1.5-hour walking tour through Georgetown's historic streets, blending elite 18th-century architecture with dark, restless local secrets. The tour ends at the famous Exorcist Steps.
Fright-Scale: 👻👻👻 (3/5) – More storytelling than scares, but the historical context adds depth.
Old Town Alexandria Ghost & Graveyard Tours (Alexandria, VA): Lantern-led historical storytelling through colonial alleyways and old churchyards (details available through local tour operators).
Fright-Scale: 👻👻 (2/5) – Atmospheric and historical. Great for those who prefer ambiance over jump scares.
The Bottom Line
Spooky season is coming early this year. Markoff's Haunted Forest opens October 2. Laurel's House of Horror returns September 20. Bennett's Curse is celebrating its final year at its current location. And the ghosts of Georgetown are already waiting.
Pro tip: Peak September and October dates sell out fast. Check ticket windows early and book ahead. Use the Fright-Scale above to choose your level of terror.
#SpookySeason #DMVHaunts #MarkoffsHauntedForest #LaurelsHouseOfHorror #BennettsCurse
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