Easy Access and Cheap Halloween Happenings Around GMU

Illustration by Laura Baker

Illustration by Laura Baker

Written by Savannah Norton

Mason and the Fairfax community is fully preparing students, friends and families for a fun and safe Halloween holiday with various activities throughout the fall season.

Cox Farm Festival

Sept. 27- Nov. 2 , Cox Farms Fall Festival is in full swing as Northern Virginia’s largest and most famous fall festival.  There are five giant slides, hayrides, rope swings, farm animals, apple cider, food and over ninety acres of farmyard fun.  Attendees also get a free pumpkin to take home.

Burke Lake Ghost Train

Oct. 18- 26, Burke Lakes’ famous Ghost train will be open.  The train will take you on a ride through the forest that has been decorated for Halloween from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  It costs $5 per person.

Boo at the Zoo

Oct. 24-26, The National Zoo is holding Boo at the Zoo.  Starting every day from 5:30-8:30 p.m., participants can view animal demonstrations, view decorated trails and get Halloween snacks along the way.  It costs $20 to attend and attendees are encouraged to wear a costume.

Witch Watch

Oct.26 from 1-4 p.m., Mason Student Government will host the Witch Watch.  There will be free food, fall activities, games, raffles and prizes.  Witch watchers are encouraged to dress up in costumes.

Spooky Selfie Challenge

Oct. 31 at 5 p.m., WAVES is holding a Spooky Selfie Challenge at Mason Pond, Bridge and SUB I, Room 3008.  Students are invited to take selfies and eat pizza.  Attendees will meet at the bridge by Mason Pond to get their Spooky Selfie Challenge list and scorecard.  If selfie challenge goers complete the challenge then they will get pizza at 5:20 p.m. in SUB I.  If students are feeling really competitive, they can compete for t-shirts by taking more selfies and sharing them on social media.  The top three competitors will receive prizes.

Halloween Mayhem

Oct. 31 at 9 p.m., Patriot Activities Council will be holding Halloween Mayhem at the Hub Ballroom.  Expect music and fun!

JC Cinema: Shocktober Films

As a part of the Johnson Center Cinema’s Shocktober Films, during Halloween weekend, students can watch The Purge Anarchy Thursday, Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m..  They will also be playing the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.  Attendance to any film at the JC Cinema is free for students.

Field of Fear

Saturday, Nov. 1, Weekends at Mason will take students along for a night at Field of Fear located at Cox Farms.  $10 student tickets are on sale at the Office of Student Involvement Mon-Fri.  Students can get two tickets per ID.