Listen. We know! Halloween is on a Wednesday. When in the world are we supposed to celebrate? Good news is the odd timing lets us take advantage and party with the spirits for two weekends instead of one. Here are 31 of our picks for the up coming spooky weeks.
Death Becomes Us Pub
Now through November 4th. As a pre-game to our upcoming True Crime Festival, we’ve teamed up with Drink Company to host a pop-up bar. The cocktail menu is inspired by our all time favorite murders (you know what we mean, we’re not pro-murder), including drinks like The Pearfect Crime and Mass Maple Hysteria. And don’t forget to grab your tickets to their Halloween party (all of which will be donated to the DKMS, an organization who fights blood cancer). Blood, gore, and booze? We can’t think of a better way to get in the spooky spirit.
Oyamel Day of the Dead Festival
Events through November 4. Oyamel is celebrating Day of the Dead this week with a few of our favorite events. It kicked off Monday, October 22 with an all inclusive event featuring face painting and live music, followed on Tuesday, October 30 with a five-course meal paired with five unique cocktails and on Thursday, November 1 they host 3-Stars Brewing Company for a tasting of their new seasonal brews.
Fright Fest
Weekends through October 28th. If you’re looking to get your heart racing this October, the place for you is Six Flags America. After the sun goes down you can ride roller coasters and encounter the monsters in your nightmares. You can be the judge of which is more frightening.
Beetlejuice Bar
Now through the month of October. McClellan’s Retreat is serving up an entire menu of Beetlejuice inspired cocktails this month. Pop open the aptly named Handbook for the Recently Deceased (aka, the cocktail menu) and you’ll see a small, but well curated list of drinks that speak to surprising variety of cocktail tastes (and are all $13 because we’ve all decided numbers are scary).
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Thursday, October 25th. Australia’s dark prince graces the stage of The Anthem just 6 days before All Hallows’ Eve. This is not a Halloween show per se but every Bad Seeds show is full of death, despair and longing so we’re including it in this roundup.
#ADULTINGÂ with Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos
Friday, October 25th. Don’t miss your chance to see Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos this weekend in DC as they talk about the monster under everyone’s bed – #ADULTING. With special guests Tig Notaro, Sheng Wang, and Amanda Seales this Bentzen Ball show is sure to make you feel better about the struggles of being an adult just trying to figure it out.
Barn Night at the 60th Annual Washington International Horse Show
Thursday, October 25th. WIHS hosts their annual Barn Night Jumping Competition. Riders and their horses dress up in ridiculous costume and traverse the obstacle course at Capital One Arena. Spectators have the chance to enter contests and win prizes, while laughing at the their favorite riders in silly attire.
Frankenstein 1970 at the Library of Congress
Friday, October 26. The Library of Congress is screening the 1958 film Frankenstein 1970. The film set 70 years after the original creation of our favorite Halloween mascot, has the potential to be the best sequel you’ve ever seen – and it serves a cool excuse to spend time in the world’s largest library.
The Coven Presents “Otherworld”
Friday, October 26. TheCovenDC – known for their monthly dance parties, embraces the spirit of Halloween this weekend. Put on your best costume and dance along to the musical talents of DJ Tezrah. This event if free, and typically one of the best parties DC has to offer for Halloweekend. Before the party begins, downstairs at Ten Tigers four local DC queer authors are doing a “creeeeepy reading’. Accompanied by a zombie photo booth and tarot card readings. Hit this reading as a warm-up to the party upstairs hosted by TheCovenDC.
Newseum Frights!
Friday, October 26. Into partying in museums? If not – you should be. The Newseum is putting on an extravagant Halloween bash. Wolfgang Puck bites, Curator-led gallery talks, open bar serving candy (and cocktails!). The best deal for this costume party is that you can buy a new membership and get a free admission!
Night of the Living Zoo
Friday, October 26. During the day the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a magical place of wild animals, learning, and a giant hill that I have tackled on numerous occasions. Somehow. At night the zoo can get pretty spooky, spoopy if you will. And nothing is creepier than Halloween. So what happens when you combine the two? You get Night of the Living Zoo! This could be you on October 26! That’s a lie. You won’t get to handle snakes.
DC Drag Brunch
Saturday, October 27. You can find DC Drag Brunch at the Dirty Martini on any Saturday. But, THIS Saturday is their Halloween celebration. Mimosas and costumes with drag queens is as a good a start as any for your Halloweekend.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening w/ SONIC TRANSDUCERS
Saturday, October 27. Arguably a better Halloween tradition than trick-or-treating or pumpkin carving, is watching Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Landmark E Street Theatre is hosting screenings all Halloweekend with shadowcasting by the SONIC TRANSDUCERS. There is no better way to celebrate the holiday then this one of a kind interactive theatre experience.
Day of the Dead Altar at the Mexican Cultural Institute
Saturday, October 27. On display at the Mexican Cultural Institue is the altar called “They Silence Us”. Created by Mexican artist based in DC, Irene Clouthier. It is dedicated to women who have died as victims of violence. This is one of the MCI’s most popular events and includes traditional Mexican dance performances.
A Witchin’ Halloween at City Tap
Saturday, October 27. This Halloween party and costume contest at City Tap is worth checking out. It’s only $35 for their party package that includes drinks and bites from their gastropub menu. Be sure to bring your costume A-game to win a prize!
Halloween Night Circus Party
Saturday, October 27. Dirty Habit is holding their Night Circus in their huge outdoor courtyard. Complete with fire dancers and house made absinthe cotton candy. If American Horror Story: Freak Show was your favorite season – this party is for you.
DC Fray Halloween Bonfire Party
Saturday, October 27. Want to do all the cute fall things? Add this to your bucket list. DC Fray is hosting a Bonfire at Butler’s Orchard where you can roast weenies and marshmallows. They will also be serving all you can drink beer and wine. Snuggle up by the fire with your friends in your best Halloween costumes. More cozy, less creepy.
Halloween Costume Party at Top of the Gate
Saturday, October 27. The rooftop bar at The Watergate Hotel serves some of the best views of DC and the Potomac. For their costume party this Halloweekend, if you show up in costume they give you complimentary glass of champagne. Even if you don’t have the best costume you get a prize, everyone’s a winner!
Black Jack Happy Hour
Sunday, October 28. End your Halloweekend celebrations on a high note with a happy hour at Black Jack from 12pm to 6pm. Also, all weekend they will be hosting an instagram costume contest for a chance to win giftcards. Tag @blackjackbardc Friday to Sunday to enter! Winner announced on Halloween.
The Annual 17th Street High Heel Race
Tuesday, October 30. We’ve been covering the annual 17th Street High Heel Race for the past ten years. It is one of the most fabulous events in the city each year. For over 30 years, men have been donning wigs, outlandish costumes, and their highest heels to race down 17th Street, NW from R Street to Church Street. What began as a promotion between two bars has grown into an event that draws thousands.
Hip-Hop Halloween Yoga
Tuesday, October 30. Crystal City Sport Pub is giving you the chance to live out all of your yoga dreams. Vinyasa flow and costumes? Hip-hop? Cocktails? All of the above, please! Head to Arlington to get your corpse pose on, seriously.
Halloween Spooktacular Scary Story Time
Tuesday, October 30. The Perfect Liars Club is putting on their Halloween Spooktacular at Union Stage. Seven of the East Coast’s best storytellers will share their ghost encounter tales, followed by a Q&A with a paranormal investigator. Listen to their stories and let them spook you into the Halloween spirit.
Superfine! Art Fair
Wednesday, October 31 through Sunday, November 4. The millennial friendly art fair is coming to DC. Not only will they be showcasing art made by 50% DMV based artists, but they will host events to educate young and aspiring collectors. Attend the fair and one of their discussions – use the code BYTICECREAMANDART at superfinedc.eventbrite.com for 30% off tickets.
Espookio at Estadio – Spooktacular Bash
Wednesday, October 31. Rounding out their more than two week long spooky season celebration, Estadio is putting on their 3rd Annual Spooktacular Bash. Tickets are a festive $31 for tapas and treats with a cash bar serving Pumpkin Slushitos and other themed cocktails. Don’t forget your costume for a chance to win gift cards or wine!
Truxton Inn Pet Sematary Party and Pet Costume Contest
Wednesday, October 31. A party where you can bring your pet in costume, and see other pets in costumes! The ideal Halloween celebration, honestly. To compliment their Stephen King themed bar that is running this month. Truxton Inn is hosting a Halloween costume contest for pets in their outdoor courtyard. A percentage of the sales will be donated to City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties.
Wizard Fest: Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 31. If Harry Potter and Hogwarts is your jam, this pick is for you. Union Stage is hosting a Halloween event for muggles who wish they were wizards. This dance party features Quidditch Pong, magic themed cocktails, and a chance to win cash prizes in their costume contest!
Alice Isn’t Dead Book Talk
Wednesday, October 31. The Politics & Prose bookstore is hosting a talk with Podcaster Joseph Fink. His novel is based on his popular podcast which follows the diaries of a truck driver across America in search of her dead wife. The talk will be moderated by Petra Mayer of NPR Books.
Halloween Fun Run!
Wednesday, October 31. Get those miles in, wearing a costume! Head on an easy group run from Fleet Feet DC. Run from the monsters and goblins wandering the streets this Halloween. Best to wear bright colors as it will be dark outside.
Stranger Things Trivia Night
Wednesday, October 31. The Upside Down! Demogorgons! Eggo waffles! The Lucky Bar DC is hosting a Stranger Things trivia night if you’re in the mood for a more laid back Halloween night. Binge-watching is a good way to get in the scary spirit and study up for this event.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Friday, November 2. Spend Dia de los Muertos at the Kimpton Mason & Rook rooftop bar! Grab dinner and drinks after work and celebrate the dead. Get your face-painted by a professional sugar skull artist and sip on tequila and mezcal cocktails in the spirit of the Mexican holiday.
We Happy Few Presents: Dracula
Saturday, November 3. Continuing their “Classics in Action” series, We Happy Few is putting on Dracula this Halloween season. Follow them through their vampire hunt, as they put on a thrilling, immersive, and silly production. If Dracula isn’t your cup of tea – they also put on performances of Frankenstein and A Midnight Dreary.
