Halloween in Baltimore: A Spooky Good Time All Month Long

Now that we’ve flipped the calendar to October, Baltimore comes alive with all things spooky, creepy, and thrilling. Halloween isn't just a single night of trick-or-treating here—it’s a month-long celebration! From haunted houses to ghost tours, costume parties, and even boat cruises, Charm City knows how to throw a Halloween bash. Whether you want to pay homage to Edgar Allan Poe or walk the historic cobblestone streets in search of spirits, Baltimore is the perfect place for some spooky fun. Stay with us at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast this fall, and we'll point you in the direction of Baltimore's best Halloween happenings.

Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival
One of the most unique events in Baltimore is the Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival in Patterson Park. Held on October 26 from 4-9 p.m., this free community event has been going strong for 25 years. Organized by the Creative Alliance and Friends of Patterson Park, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves a whimsical, artistic take on Halloween.

The festival kicks off in the afternoon with lantern-making workshops, pop-up performances, and an arts and crafts market featuring local vendors. There will also be food trucks serving up delicious local bites that you can enjoy on a picnic blanket in the park. But the real magic happens when the sun sets. Thousands of people grab their handmade lanterns and march in a parade through the Highlandtown neighborhood, accompanied by musicians, artists, and performers donning incredible costumes. Whether you're in the parade or watching from the sidelines, the glowing lanterns lighting up the night make for a beautiful, almost otherworldly experience.

All Things Edgar Allan Poe
No Halloween in Baltimore would be complete without celebrating the city’s most famous resident: Edgar Allan Poe. You can immerse yourself even further in Poe’s legacy by visiting the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, the tiny 620-square-foot house where Poe lived in the 1830s with his grandmother, aunt, and two cousins. Grab a drink at The Horse You Came In On, the saloon with the funny name where Poe was known to frequent and was reportedly last seen alive. If you’re feeling really brave, stop by Westminster Burying Ground to pay your respects at Poe’s grave. It’s a spooky and sobering experience, perfect for Halloween.

The Ouija Board’s Baltimore Roots
Here’s a fun fact you might not know: the Ouija Board was patented in Baltimore! Back in 1890, lawyer Elijah Bond, along with several investors, secured the patent for the famous “talking board,” a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and other symbols, used as a tool to supposedly communicate with spirits. Bond's grave in Baltimore's Green Mount Cemetery pays homage to his invention—it’s shaped like a Ouija board. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, stopping by his gravestone is a must-do. Who knows? Maybe you’ll feel a connection to the spirits that inspired the board.

The Nevermore Haunt
For those who crave a good scare, The Nevermore Haunt is not for the faint of heart. Open every weekend in October from 7-10 p.m., this haunted house brings your darkest nightmares to life with monsters, demons, and ghouls lurking around every corner. If the haunted house wasn’t enough, they also offer nightly sideshow performances, and there’s an outdoor bar serving local craft beers, so you can calm your nerves before or after the experience.

Ghost Tours in Fell’s Point
If you want a more historical scare, head to Fell’s Point for a ghost tour. Both Baltimore Ghosts Tours and US Ghost Adventures offer nighttime tours through this centuries-old neighborhood, where you’ll wander down cobblestone streets and hear eerie stories of long-gone sailors, colonial hauntings, and Edgar Allan Poe’s ghost. If you’re up for even more fun, both companies also offer haunted pub crawls, where you can sip on spirits while learning about some of Baltimore’s most haunted watering holes.

Haunted Parties and Boo-ze Cruises
Finally, if you're ready to dance the night away in your best Halloween costume, Baltimore’s got you covered. Parties pop up all over the city throughout October, including the Haunted Harbor at Power Plant Live! Expect a night full of fun costumes, live music, and dancing as this popular entertainment district at Inner Harbor transforms into a spooky wonderland.

But if you’re looking for something with a little more flair, check out the Black Pearl Costume Party Cruise on the Spirit of Baltimore yacht. This “Boo-ze cruise” sails through the Inner Harbor, offering multiple decks of entertainment, from DJs to dancing, and of course, plenty of fun costumes. There’s something especially haunting about watching the city’s skyline from the water on a crisp October night, as you party with fellow ghouls and goblins.

Whether you're into eerie lantern parades or full-on haunted houses, Baltimore has a little something for every Halloween lover. From the ghostly streets of Fell’s Point to the dance floors of haunted yacht parties, this is a city that knows how to celebrate October in style. And after a day or night of embracing the supernatural, you can retire to Rachael’s Dowry Bed and Breakfast, where we promise all of our guests are living.