As fall approaches and the leaves start to change, Washington, DC, transforms into a haven for spooky season enthusiasts. From classic movie screenings to doggie costume contests, there’s no shortage of activities to get you in the Halloween mood this year. Whether you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s eerie creations or prefer a more refined Día de los Muertos celebration, these events promise a memorable Halloween experience in the nation’s capital.
The Nightmare Before Bar
When: October 5 – November 3
Step into this immersive Halloween pop-up bar inspired by Tim Burton’s movies. Enjoy eerie cocktails, spooky activities, and prizes for those in costume!
Where: The National Union Building, 918 F St NW
Cost: $12 (Includes a Welcome Drink) Buy tickets – The Nightmare Before Bar – Washington DC – National Union Building
Beetlejuice Bash at Last Call Bar
Thirty-five years after Beetlejuice first graced our screens with his ghoulish charm, Last Call Bar in the Union Market District is celebrating with a 35-day milestone anniversary extravaganza. Starting NOW, this bar brings the afterlife to life with chilling $13 cocktails, strange and unusual drinks like the Ghost with the Most (a Mezcal Espresso Martini with dry ice) and the Go Ahead…Say it Three Times cocktail (featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Butterfly Pea-Infused Botanist).
The Beetlejuice Bash on October 26, 2024, will be the peak of the celebrations with a Costume Contest for the most supernaturally stylish and spooky specials throughout the night.
Where: Last Call Bar, Union Market District
Cost: Varies by item
Hallowine at Sixty Vines
When: October 1 – October 31
Celebrate spooky season with Hallowine Sips & Sweets at Sixty Vines in Foggy Bottom! Enjoy rotating wine flights paired with classic Halloween candies for a fun, festive wine-tasting experience. Each week features a different wine, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé, and Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with Halloween treats.
Where: Sixty Vines, 2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Ste #300
Cost: Varies by flight
dLeña’s Día de los Muertos Celebration
When: October 1 – November 3
Enjoy Día de los Muertos-themed food and drinks, with a special dinner event on October 24th. Sip on cocktails like the Papel Picado Paloma and savor dishes such as mole and empanadas, all while honoring the rich culinary heritage of the holiday.
Where: dLena, 476 K St NW
Cost: Varies (Reservations recommended) Día de los Muertos Dinner Experience
Café du Paws Halloween | Dog Happy Hour
When: October 27, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Celebrate Halloween with your furry friends at Café du Parc, featuring a doggie costume contest, Halloween treats, and more tail-wagging fun!
Where: Café du Parc, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Cost: Free to attend (donations to the Humane Rescue Alliance encouraged)
Fairmont’s 13th Annual Howl-O-Ween – My pick!
When: October 29th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Bring your costumed pup to Fairmont Georgetown for a chance to win prizes while enjoying Halloween-themed cocktails. Peanut butter doggie treats and prizes for the best costumes await!
Where: Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Cost: Free to attend
Jônt’s Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner
When: October 31st (5:15 PM & 8:45 PM)
Solve a culinary mystery while enjoying a multi-course meal at Jônt, a Two Michelin-starred restaurant. Clue cards will help you figure out who committed the murder before dessert is served!
Where: Jont, 1904 14th St NW
Cost: $545 per person (Wine Pairings Included) Jônt Online Reservations | OpenTable
Calico’s 4th Annual Fall Harvest Festival
When: October 6, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Calico’s urban backyard in Blagden Alley will host its annual fall fest with pumpkin painting, caramel apples, and cider donuts. Sip on hot mulled wine or Oktoberfest beers, and grab a pumpkin to paint while enjoying live festivities.
Where: Calico, Blagden Alley
Cost: Free to attend, all food and beverage sold a la carte
13 Nights of Halloween at Wunder Garten
Next Event: October 19th
Drink specials, costume parties, scary movies, and more! Wunder Garten is ready to bring the spooky season to life with 13 nights of Halloween fun.
Where: Wunder Garten
Little Blackbird’s Halloween Wine & Candy Pairings
When: October 31 – November 2
Why should kids get all the treats on Halloween? Little Blackbird indulges adults with a unique collection of wine, candy pairings, and cocktail pairings. Sip on 16 wine pairings or 5 cocktail options, perfectly paired with classic Halloween candies like Reese’s, Candy Corn, and Red Hots. Highlights include the Nerds Martini and Sour Patch Kids Margarita.
Where: Little Blackbird, 3309 Connecticut Avenue NW
Cost: Wine pairings from $16, cocktail pairings from $20
80s Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner at 1310 Kitchen & Bar
When: October 31, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Step into the 80s for a night of mystery, music, and mayhem at 1310 Kitchen & Bar’s 80s Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner! Solve a wicked crime while enjoying family-style dishes like grilled salmon and flat iron steak and nostalgic desserts like mini-cookies and brownies. Don your best 80s gear for a costume contest, and be the first to unmask the culprit for a surprise Grand Prize.
Where: 1310 Kitchen & Bar, 1310 Wisconsin Ave NW
Cost: $90 per person (Dinner included; beverages sold separately)
That’s your guide to getting into the spooky Halloween mood in Washington, DC. Mark your calendars and enjoy!
