The National Air and Space Museum brings back its annual “Air & Scare” family day on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C.
This free Halloween-themed celebration invites families to explore the spooky side of air and space, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. The day includes trick-or-treat candy stations, spooky science experiments, crafts, story times, puppet shows, photo opportunities with Star Wars characters, and a brand-new Air & Scare Runway costume fashion show.
Costumes are encouraged — space- or flight-themed, or any safe favorite. Admission is free; the outdoor portion requires free timed tickets (released October 1), while indoor activities are walk-in. The Center is reachable via the Metro Silver Line plus Fairfax Connector, and parking is $15.
Made possible by Mars Wrigley, Air & Scare is one of the region’s happiest free family traditions of the season.
Photo: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
