Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

How do I contact you?

Please message us on Facebook!

What is the Haunting of Yacht Haven?

The Haunting of Yacht Haven is an annual Halloween event featuring over 200 animatronics, immersive themed areas, and interactive displays. It’s a community tradition held in the Yacht Haven neighborhood of Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia.

When is the Haunting of Yacht Haven open?

The event is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, weather permitting. On Halloween Night, we open at 5:00 PM and run until the candy runs out!

How much does it cost to visit?

The Haunting of Yacht Haven is free to attend! However, donations are always appreciated to help us maintain and grow the event.

Trick-or-Treating

What happens on Halloween Night?

Halloween Night is the highlight of the event! We hand out individually wrapped bags of candy, offer peanut-free and candy-free options, and host a costume showcase table at the entrance for kids and adults.

Do you provide treats for children with allergies?

Yes! We have peanut-free and candy-free treat options available so everyone can participate in the fun.

Event Details and Safety

Is the event suitable for young children?

Yes! While some areas may be spooky, the Haunting of Yacht Haven is family-friendly and designed to be fun for all ages.

What happens if it rains?

For safety reasons, we do not operate lights or animatronics during rain or if the ground is wet. Please check our website or social media for real-time updates on weather-related closures.

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available in the neighborhood. Please be mindful of our neighbors and follow any posted signs or guidelines.

Behind the Scenes

Can I help with the setup or teardown?

Absolutely! Starting the weekend after Labor Day, we host a Setup Party where volunteers can help assemble the decorations. After Halloween, we also welcome volunteers to assist with teardown. Both events feature amazing food from Suzy-Q’s BBQ!

Do you sell Halloween-themed items?

Yes! On weekends leading up to Halloween, we have a small shop featuring handcrafted Halloween-themed items like lanterns, backlit village decorations, collector coins and cards, and more.

How long does it take you to set this up?

It takes a few weeks. We have our setup party where the community comes together and assembles all of the animatronics.

Where do you store all this stuff?

All of the animatronics break down and get stored away in boxes. Then, with the magic of Halloween, it all shrinks to a manable size.

Visiting the Haunt

Are costumes required to attend?

Costumes are encouraged but not required! However, we’d love to see your Halloween spirit if you choose to dress up.

Are pets allowed?

We recommend leaving pets at home, as some animatronics may frighten them, and we want to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all visitors.

How long does it take to walk through the display?

Most visitors spend about 30-45 minutes exploring the display, depending on how much time they spend in each themed area.

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to the Haunting of Yacht Haven for a Halloween experience you’ll never forget!