Halloween is on Saturday—yes, this Saturday. If you’ve procrastinated your costume, here are some DIY options ripped from local headlines.
Canoe Guy and Reflecting Pool
This costume can be done solo or as a duo. Olympic canoeist David Hearn was indicted for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool this summer, and though the case was dismissed, the legend of Canoe Guy lives on.
Steal the look: For Hearn, put on red, white, and blue clothes to represent Team USA. Find yourself a paddle-like contraption—a rubber spatula works in a pinch—and a scrap of blue paper. If you’re representing the peeling Reflecting Pool, tear up a blue T-shirt.
Bonus points: Bring a third friend into the mix to be a chunk of algae, completing the trifecta of Reflecting Pool drama.
National Harbor Sphere
Our homegrown Sphere recently got a vote of approval, marking another step towards Oxon Hill becoming the Las Vegas of the Eastern Seaboard. Eat your heart out, Atlantic City!
Steal the look: Don teal, like the rendering above, or blues and greens for an Earth-like look, and then stuff a pillow into your shirt to achieve that orb shape. Lest anyone confuse you for a globe, print out a “mini Sphere” sign for clarity.
Bonus points: Carry a speaker to host your own “performances” all night long.
United States Triumphal Arch
Donald Trump wants to build a massive 250-foot arch topped with golden statues near Arlington National Cemetery. Meanwhile, a National Park Service report details how the Arc de Trump could potentially block views and disrupt traffic.
Steal the look: Wear all white and layer a hat with any gold material you can find—the taller, the better.
Bonus points: Stand right in front of people, obstructing the sightline of those around you.
Rabid Maryland Beavers
Five years ago we had the fugitive zebras. This year’s zany Maryland animals? The rabid beavers wreaking havoc on Cunningham Falls State Park.
Steal the look: Break out your best fuzzy brown fit, attach a photo of the Maryland flag, and carry some sticks.
Bonus points: Get your hand on some vampire teeth or make giant fangs from paper. Add some shaving cream for that rabies foam.
Katie Zacharia
The blink-and-you-miss-it press secretary outdid Anthony Scaramucci when she was ousted five days into her tenure. Still, her one and only press briefing made an impression.
Steal the look: Throw on a dark blazer and wrap your neck with a white scarf. If you have a blonde wig handy from the Barbie days, throw that on or pat some powder on your hair for a pale sheen.
Bonus points: Leave the Halloween party five minutes after you arrive.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
