Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and bars and restaurants around DC are offering spooky decor, costume parties, elaborate tasting menus, and plenty of witchy cocktails.
Pop-Up Bars
Nightmare on the Avenue at Del Ray’s Pop Up Bar
2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
When: Through November 1.
Earlier this year, this Del Ray bar with rotating themes had been turned into a faux dive. Now, it’s embracing spooky season with ominous portraits, spider webs, and bloody hands. Its Halloween themed-menu offers treats like “zombie brain chunks” (fried cauliflower in a spicy/sweet gochujang sauce), and you can indulge in a cocktail that looks more like a potion than a drink.
Haunted Circus at Chicken and Whiskey
1738 14th St., NW
When: Through November 1.
Tucked in the back of this 14th Street Peruvian chicken joint is a whiskey bar that’s been turned into a haunted circus. Look for terrifying clowns, themed drink specials, an emo karaoke night and DJ performances, and, on October 31, a costume party.
The Haunting at Sense of Thai and Tiki Thai
20413 Exchange St., Ashburn; 12100 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston
When: Through October 31.
This cocktail pop-up has locations across the country (and beyond). Around here, you’ll find it at two Thai restaurants in Virginia. Drinks in creepy doll head mugs and little witch’s cauldrons are served alongside the restaurants’ regular Thai menus.
Boo Bar at Makers Union Reston
1811 Library St., Reston
When: Through November 1.
This Reston tavern is decked out with purple and orange string lights and floating ghosts. Drinks include “Zombies Just Want to Have Rum” with passionfruit and lime, and a Munsters-themed margarita with pumpkin-spice puree.
Something Upstairs at Black Whiskey
1410 14th St., NW
When: October 15 through October 31.
At this Logan Circle hangout, visitors can follow a creepy stairwell to find bright green poison apple concoctions and blood moon margaritas.
Costume Contests and Parties
Dolly Parton Look-Alike Contest at 1310 Kitchen & Bar
1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW
When: October 31.
Dress like the late, great Dolly Parton for this Georgetown restaurant’s costume contest, which starts at 9 PM. The winner will score a $250 gift card to the restaurant. It’s free to enter, but you have to RSVP.
Crush Dance Bar Costume Contest
2007 14th St NW
When: October 30 through November 1.
For three nights, this LGBTQ+ dance bar on 14th Street is hosting a costume contest with prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000. Staying true to their weekly “Hot Dog Sunday” party, that day’s competition has a special theme: best hot dog costume.
Osteria Morini Halloween Dog Costume Brunch
301 Water St., SE
When: October 31.
At this Navy Yard Italian dining room, costumed dogs are invited to stop by the waterfront patio for a contest and photo op. The best-dressed winner, which will be announced on Instagram, will win a $300 gift card to the Italian eatery. To participate, guests must spend at least $25.
Cucina Morini Costume Contest
901 Fourth St., NW
When: October 31.
Sip martinis and dress to impress at this coastal Italian spot’s costume contest, held in the lounge. The winner gets a $500 gift card to the Mount Vernon Triangle restaurant. There’s a one-drink minimum to enter.
Dress Like a Taco at Taco Bamba
Several locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
When: October 31.
Diners dressed in a taco costume will get a free taco (with the purchase of another item) at any location of Victor Albisu’s fast-casual operation.
Boos and Booze Halloween Party and Costume Contest at McClellan’s Retreat
2031 Florida Ave., NW
When: October 31.
This cozy Dupont bar is hosting a Clue-themed Halloween party and costume contest ($85 per person) with prizes, snacks, and unlimited cocktails. The party’s best-dressed have a chance at some prizes, and there’s a special category for those in costumes inspired by the 1985 murder mystery film. Meanwhile, Clue cocktails such as the “Mrs. White” (featuring vodka with cream cheese and Everything Bagel seasoning) are available all month.
Night of the Living Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
When: October 23.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is throwing its annual adults-only Halloween party with live music, a dance floor, and roving entertainers. The event also offers special after-hours animal exhibits, and, with additional purchase, flash tattoos, piercings, and nighttime carousel rides. Tickets ($75) include unlimited drinks at the zoo’s pop-up bars, tarot readings, and face painting.
House of Hex at Dirty Habit DC
555 Eighth St., NW
When: October 31.
On Halloween night starting at 9 PM, the courtyard at this Penn Quarter hotel bar/restaurant will transform into an immersive voodoo-themed realm. Expect macabre decor, themed drinks and food, and a DJ spinning top 40 hits. The most impressive costumes will win up to $300. Tickets range from $30 to $47, and include one drink.
Alley Sessions 2: Tacos and Treats at Last Call Bar
1301-A Fourth St., NE
When: October 31.
This Union Market dive bar is collaborating with Taqueria Habanero for a Halloween party featuring a DJ, giveaways, tacos, and cocktails. One ticket ($28.52) includes two tacos, a Jell-O shot, and a trick-or-treat bucket, and the party kicks off at 8:30 PM.
Halloween After Dark: Rooftop Party at SLY
222 M St., NE
When: October 31.
The swank rooftop bar at NoMa’s Morrow hotel is hosting a Halloween party ($100 per person) with a live DJ, open bar, and unlimited snacking and dessert stations. The best-costumed attendee will win a $500 cash prize.
Festivals, Markets, Movies, and More
Pumpkin Boulevard by Cookbook Courtyard
416 Morse St., NE
When: October 25.
For one Sunday, Autoshop at Union Market will turn into a fall market with over 60 local vendors selling everything from gourds to seasonal treats to homemade crafts. Tickets ($5) are offered for a few different admission times: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
Fall Harvest Festival at Fish Shop
610 Water St., SW
When: October 22.
This Thursday evening celebration will feature various stations where attendees can watch Fish Shop purveyors do everything from break down a whole tuna to shuck oysters. Tickets ($75) include snacks, an open bar, and a DJ performance. The event begins at 6 PM.
Spooky Season at Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Ave., NE
When: October 23 through October 31.
From a Halloween market with body art to a zombie-themed singles mixer, this indoor/outdoor bar in Edgewood has a full slate of spooky activities. On Halloween eve, check out a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with drag performances and pre-show live music, games, and prizes. On Halloween, the bar will host a Soul Train party with plenty of dancing and Halloween cocktails.
Drag Bingo at Unconventional Diner
1207 Ninth St., NW
When: October 31.
This Shaw dining room is celebrating Halloween night with a tarot card reader, drag performances, a buffet dinner with dessert, and bingo with prizes. Each ticket ($60) will cover five bingo cards, and the festivities start at 6:30 PM.
Halloween Movies at the Bit
613 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
When: Saturdays through October 31.
Every October Saturday starting at 4 PM, Barrel’s downstairs speakeasy-style cocktail bar will screen a Halloween movie on a loop. Snack on popcorn and sip on themed drink specials with garnishes like sour gummy worms.
Dinners
All Hallows Eve Wine Dinner at Cordelia Fishbar
550 Morse St., NE
When: October 29.
The seafood-focused Union Market restaurant will serve a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings ($130 per person) starting at 6:3o PM.
Halloween Dinner at Del Mar
791 Wharf St., SW
When: October 31.
Fabio Trabocchi’s glittery Wharf Spanish restaurant will host a three course dinner ($70 per person) with dishes like roasted-kabocha-squash soup and pumpkin-spice tres leches. There will also be a DJ and costume contest with a restaurant gift card as the prize.
An Evening at Jôntaine Estate at Jônt
1904 14th St., NW
When: October 31.
The splurgiest event in DC? This 14th Street tasting counter’s lavish Halloween menu ($795 per person) featuring roughly 17 courses with wine pairings.
The Trick: Masquerade Mystery Dinner at 1310 Kitchen & Bar
1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW
When: October 30 and October 31.
At this Old-Hollywood-themed dinner ($95 per person), dig into a family-style spread of seasonal dishes while taking part in an interactive mystery experience, in which every guest may or may not be suspect.
Dinner for Charity at Inca Social
1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 2670 Avenir Pl., Vienna
When: October 29 and October 31.
These Peruvian restaurants are holding a few Halloween events. On Thursday, October 29, the Vienna location will throw a party with dinner, music, drink specials, raffles, and a costume contest. A portion of the proceeds from the event, which is hosted by The Lending Hand, will help provide Thanksgiving food for families in need. On Halloween night, both locations will host a dinner with DJs, food and drink specials.
