Monster mashes, eerie cocktails, and pumpkin fests are happening around town this Halloween. Wear your creepiest costume to a DJ dance party or dress in glitz and glam for a night out with your besties.
PARTIES
1. Murder on the Dance Floor
Longview Gallery | October 22
The Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ DC celebrates its 25th anniversary with a DJ dance party and costume contest at Longview Gallery. The open bar affair is hosted by The Real Housewives of Potomac’s Ashley Darby ($37.50+).
2. District Horror Story
Wharf | October 31-November 1
Spend the day and night indulging in elevated fun at three of the Wharf’s rooftops and cocktail lounges: Zooz, 12 Stories, and Officina ($14+).
3. Nightmare in Navy Yard
Supplyhouse | October 31
Navy Yard’s spooky bash is back at a new location: Supplyhouse. This major dance jam boasts three dance floors with fog and laser shows, more than 50 animatronics, three DJs, cocktails, food trucks, and a Paranormal Activity virtual reality experience ($76+).
4. Eighties Mayhem
Black Cat | October 31
Retro music, ’80s costumes, and a Beetlejuice theme are highlights of Black Cat’s Halloween party. Deejays Steve EP and Missguided are headlining the five-hour dance jam in Shaw ($30).
5. Haunted Ballroom
Clarendon Ballroom | October 30-31
Dress in your favorite haunted—or glamorous—costume to enjoy three floors of music and entertainment across two parties featuring DJ James Kennedy and a photo booth ($15+).
6. Nightmare on U Street
U Street | October 31
Sip freaky cocktails from an IV bag in your scariest costume at Whitlow’s on U Street this Halloween. If you win the costume contest, you’ll score tickets to a Washington Capitals game or free shots and a cash prize (free entry).
7. Haunted Hop
U Street | October 31
U Street is popular for its nonstop parties, and this Halloween season partygoers can bar hop along the social corridor in wild and creepy outfits. A ticket grants access to live DJs and drink specials at Sudhouse, Dacha Beer Garden in Shaw, Calico, The Craft DC, The Alchemist DC, and others ($64+).
FESTIVALS AND PARADES
8. Halloween at The Boo-ro!
The Boro Tysons | October 24
Goblins, superheroes, and pets are welcome to join The Boro’s spook-tastic activity day. The family-friendly extravaganza includes a magic show, mini pumpkin decorating, Halloween goodies, and fun for pets (free).
9. Del Ray Halloween Parade
Del Ray | October 25
At Alexandria’s festive Halloween parade along Mount Vernon Avenue—with a starting point at E. Bellefonte Avenue—spectators and paraders alike can show off their costumes, pet outfits, and decorated children’s strollers. For extra-spirited fun, neighbors can complete a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt at area businesses decked out in creepy decor (free).
10. Pumpkins in the Park
Van Ness Elementary School | October 25
This beloved neighborhood-wide pumpkin celebration teams up with Van Ness Elementary School for pumpkin decorating, carnival attractions, a bake sale, and more all-ages entertainment (free).
11. Howll-O-Ween
Fairmont Washington, DC| October 29
Match your Halloween gear with your furry friend to win prizes. The Fairmont’s luxe courtyard will have coolers and peanut butter treats to keep your pups refreshed as well as spooky cocktails and bites for humans (free).
SHOWS
12. Candlelight concert
National City Christian Church | October 30
Here’s a more relaxed way to partake in haunted festivities. Candlelight’s popular sensory music concert includes a collection of Halloween favorites such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” The Addams Family theme song, and several more tunes ($56+).
13. Drunk Dracula
Sage Theater | through November 1
Prepare for booze-inspired laughter as improv actors tell the story of the timeless bloodsucking villain Dracula. The trip to Transylvania is packed with comedy, live theater, and audience interaction ($53+).
EXPERIENCES
14. Howl at The Moon
Mansion on O Street | through November 1
Go on an adventurous stroll through the Mansion on O Street’s quirky museum to discover hidden doors. The attraction near Dupont Circle contains more than 100 rooms to explore and 80 secret doors to find. For this special Halloween event, there’s a pop-up exhibit to browse and free on-theme cocktails ($55+).
15. Masks & Motives
Viceory Washington DC | October 29
Step into an elegant masquerade where there’s a whodunit mystery to solve, sparkling wine, and a dinner buffet ($92).
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Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
