Halloween Fun Runs, Walks and Festivals
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Halloween is just around the corner, and an active way to celebrate the holiday is to go to different Halloween themed runs or walks and festivals. These themed events can be a fun and exciting way to become involved with different charities and organizations while staying on theme for the month. In addition, for many students staying active during this time of year, despite the change in weather, can be very beneficial.
“I like to stay active during this time of year because it makes me feel more productive,” said Hailey Schaaf, a sophomore business major.
Listed below are some themed events happening near the University of Maryland that you and your friends can go to.
Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk
Website:
Young Ladies of Tomorrow will be helping to kick off the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, Oct. 26. The kickoff includes a fun zumba party. The annual Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk is founded by the American Cancer Society. The walk raises money for breast cancer research and goes toward helping patients. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, participating in this walk could be a great way to help a good cause while staying on-theme for the month. You can sign up for the walk online or register upon arrival. If you’re not in the mood to walk, you can still cheer on those who will be walking, including many breast cancer survivors.
Nightmare on M Street (21+)
Lindy Promotions is hosting the 21st annual Nightmare on M Street Bar Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 26. The event will take place in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The tickets for the bar crawl range from $16 to $35, and registration on the day of the event is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. According to the event page, there will be costume contests, giveaways, drink specials and cover free admission. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to come early and stay late. If you are 21 and older, this could be a fun event to dress up for and spend the day in D.C. with friends.
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Website: http://www.visitdelray.com/halloween
The 23rd annual Del Ray Halloween Parade will be happening in Alexandria, Virginia. The website for the event states that the parade had more than 7,500 participants last year. This parade starts on Mount Vernon Avenue, and participants attend in dressed up in costumes. After the parade, participants are given awards for different categories, such as “best costume” and “best pet costume.”
According to the website, there will be live music and lots of food and activities. No matter how old you are, dressing up to walk in a parade can be a fun thing to do with your friends or family in order to get into the Halloween spirit. The parade will take place on Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.
17th Street High Heel Race
The 17th Street High Heel Race in Washington, D.C. has been a tradition for 30 years. It is listed as a quarter mile race where people get dressed up with full makeup and costumes. All participants then run in their high heels. This is a fun event to go to with friends to help cheer on the runners decked out in drag or to try out for yourself. The event is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 29.
Fall Festival D.C.
The Fall Festival in downtown D.C. is going to be on Oct. 31 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will have different activities, such as face painting a hay bale maze, pumpkin decorating and more! According to the event listing, there will also be food vendors and costume characters. This is a great way to celebrate the last day of October and kickstart your festivities on Halloween!
Attending a themed event can be a fun way to stay active during October. No matter what you do, there is always a way to get into the Halloween spirit.
“I plan on making one of the cycling classes I teach Halloween themed to help celebrate,” said Julia Jager, a cycling instructor at Eppley Recreation Center and a sophomore public health science major.
Whether it be running, walking, or even going to a parade, there are so many ways to be outgoing and have fun with the different October themes!
