<cal1>Ongoing
<cal2>SoberRide. The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) gives free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers on Oct. 29-31, from 8 p.m.-4 a.m., through its Halloween SoberRide program. Area residents over 21 can call 1-800-200-TAXI for a free ride home (up to a $50 fare). Cingular Wireless customers can dial #-TAXI for the same service. Visit www.soberride.com.
Pumpkin Patch. Burke Nursery and Garden Center runs a pumpkin patch through Oct. 31, in the Fountain Plaza at Fairfax Corner. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. Visit www.fairfaxcorner.com.
Candy Bags. Rent-A-Wreck of Springfield distributes free Halloween bags to area youngsters, Monday-Saturday, through Oct. 31., from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The bags feature safety tips for trick-or-treating. Rent-A-Wreck is located at 6803 Backlick Road, Springfield. Call 703-799-1700.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 27
<cal2>Halloween Party. The annual Kid's Halloween Party for Burke Centre residents is 6-7:30 p.m., at Oaks Community Center, 5708 Oak Leather Drive, Burke. Registration required; e-mail reception@burkecentre.org or call 703-978-2928.
Halloween Party. A celebration of Halloween for 2-5 year olds, featuring costumes, stories and activities, is at 1 p.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 28
<cal2>Ghostly Stories. "Things That Go Bump in the Park," featuring a natural science session and ghost stories, is from 8-9:30 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. The event is for ages 6 and up, costs $4, and reservations are required. Call 703-451-9588.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 29
<cal2>Ghost Train Ride. The Ghost Train travels through Burke Lake Park, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Halloween-themed train ride is designed for children under 10, and costumes are encouraged. Cost is $3, and children under two ride for free. Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Call 703-323-6600.
Halloween Parade. Springfield Plaza merchants present a free Halloween trick-or-treat parade, at 10 a.m., in the Springfield Plaza courtyard on Commerce Street, next to Dollar King.
Haunted Trail. The Town of Clifton presents its Sixth Annual Haunted Trail, from 7:30-10 p.m. The trail winds through Clifton's 8-acre park and promises to scare. Other entertainment includes free Monster Movies Under the Moon courtesy of Cox Communications, a tarot card reader, and warm drinks, food and Halloween items for sale. Not suitable for young children. Call 703-968-0740.
Scary Animals. The Nature Nook with a Book, with programs that focus on scary animals and book recommendations to match, is from 10:15-11:15 a.m., at Richard Byrd Community Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Free, but reservations are required. Call 703-451-8055.
Howloween. A talent show, costume contest and boneyard hunt, all for dogs, are from 2-4 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. All dogs must be leashed. The charge is $5 per dog. Call 703-569-0285 to register or for more information.
Goblin Golf. A round of miniature golf, carousel rides, spooky music and a bonfire are all part of the Halloween celebration, from 6-9 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. $6 per person. Call 703-569-0285 to register or for more information.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 30
<cal2>Dog Day Afternoon. Howlaween, a cruise aboard a pontoon boat for dogs and their owners, is at 4 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. $5 for adults, $4 for children ages 8-15. No children under 8. Call 703-569-0285 to register or for more information.
Halloween Party. The American Legion Post #176 presents a free Halloween party, featuring a costume contest, food, and a fire and safety visit from the fire department, from 1-4 p.m., at 6520 Amherst Ave. in Springfield. Call 703-440-0336.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 31
<cal2>Mall-O-ween. Fair Oaks Mall presents the 18th Annual Mall-O-Ween from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Children and parents are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the mall at participating retailers. The event is free and open to the public. Fair Oaks Mall is located at 11750 Fair Oaks in Fairfax. Visit www.shopfairoaksmall.com or call 703-359-8302.
Halloween Event. Springfield Mall presents its Annual Halloween Spooktacular, from 5-8 p.m. The event features trick or treating, a fun house, a cake walk, and arts and crafts tables. Springfield Mall is located at 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield. Call 703-971-3600.
Trunk or Treat. The Jubilee Christian Center's Children's Ministry presents a free "Trunk or Treat" Halloween alternative for families, from 6:30-8 p.m., at 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. Free candy for children and children's activities in the church gym, with free refreshments. Call 703-383-1170 or visit www.jccag.org.