Seven Halloween events hit Reston between Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 1. The lineup runs from a dog costume contest to a witches' paddle on Lake Anne.

The Reston Association, Reston Town Center and Reston Community Center are each hosting celebrations, according to Greater Reston Living's fall events calendar. Here's what families need to know.

Walker Nature Center Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail

The marquee event returns Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, at Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive. Sessions run from 5:45 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. each night, according to the fall events calendars. Specific session times are available through RA's online registration system.

Costumed characters and live animals line a nature-themed trail through the center's 72 acres of forest. Inside the Halloween House, kids collect treats and play games.

Apple cider and popcorn are included. The Reston Association describes the event as family-friendly with sound and light effects, not a haunted house, and recommends it for ages 3 and up. Tickets cost $15 for RA members and $20 for non-members.

Naturalist Abby Stocking, who had worked at Walker Nature Center for 16 years as of 2023, called the Halloween Trail "a beloved tradition in the community" in a summer 2023 Reston Letter profile. "Children and adults alike join the Nature Center team and volunteers for a nighttime walk through the trails," she said.

Residents who want to donate a carved pumpkin for the display can drop one off at the Nature House porch Oct. 20–23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students earn one hour of community service credit per donation. Volunteers age 14 and up can help with crafts, face painting and concessions; trail character roles require age 15 and up.

An orientation session is set for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the center.

A separate "Creatures of Halloween" nature walk about spiders, toads, bats and owls runs Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10:30 a.m. and again Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m.

Howl-o-ween Dog Festival

The Howl-o-ween Dog Festival, listed on the Reston Association's fall calendar, takes over the baseball fields at Brown's Chapel Park, 1575 Brown's Chapel Road, on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. The afternoon features costume contests, live entertainment, food, pet-focused vendors and adoption agencies. Dogs are welcome but not required.

Trick or Treat Beyond Market Street

Reston Town Center hosts Trick or Treat Beyond Market Street on Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 3 p.m. Participating retailers and restaurants hand out treats, prizes and special offers. The event includes live music, face painting, character appearances and stilt walkers, according to TysonsToday.

More Reston Halloween events

RCC Halloween Family Fun Day: Saturday, Oct. 17, noon to 2 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Free; registration required. For infants through age 8.

Fairfax County Animal Services adoption pop-up: Friday, Oct. 30, 4 to 7 p.m., Mercury Fountain at Reston Town Center. Adoption fees waived; each dog goes home microchipped with a leash, collar and food.

YMCA Fairfax County Reston Trunk or Treat: Friday, Oct. 30, 4 to 6 p.m., 12196 Sunset Hills Road. Free. Decorated vehicles, candy, games and activities.

RCC Spooktacular: Saturday, Oct. 31, noon to 3 p.m., Hunters Woods Plaza. Free.

SUP, Witches? Lake Anne Paddle: Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m., departing the Lakeside Cluster dock on Lake Anne. Organized by Steve Gurney and Barry Nobles; spectators can watch from Lake Anne Plaza. Lake Anne Brew House is offering discounts to anyone in costume.