Being a horror fan and lover of all things haunted, I eagerly await Halloween every year. From getting dressed up to watching scary movies to eating sugary candies, everything about the spooky day gets me excited! Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year, I have put together a whole weekend of freaky fun. There’s literally an event at every bar in DC, but here’s my list of parties that are not to be missed!
Friday
Truckerboo – essentially Truckeroo with a Halloween twist, this event is located on 8th Street SE. Head over during or after work and revel in foodie fun while stopping by Backstage to grab your last minute costume essentials. Event is from 11am-midnight.
Howl-O-Ween Bash – the W Hotel and Bacardi are hosting this Halloween party to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Party starts at 9pm in the POV Lounge and includes a cash bar and prizes. No pets are allowed and costumes are required.
A Night at the Newseum IV – the Brightest Young Things’ Halloween party at the Newseum includes after-hours exhibit exploration, posing in photo booths, 3-D animation and a plethora of bars to choose from. DJ Questlove of the Roots will be present and since the event is open to everyone 18 and older, expect a young but hip crowd.
Saturday
Nightmare on M Street Bar Crawl – the 12th annual party will be the biggest one yet, with 17 bars offering $2 Coors Light, $3 Blue Moon, $4 Bacardi drinks and other food and drink deals. Register between 5-10pm at McFadden’s, the Front Page or Mackey’s and hit up all the participating bars – Public Bar, Sign of the Whale, the Madhatter, BlackFinn, the Mighty Pint, James Hoban’s and Dirty Martini.
Lost Souls – Halloween costume party at Lost Society with 2 floors of terror and a rooftop massacre. Tickets can be purchased through Gilt City DC.
Surreal, a Magical Halloween Masquerade – Artomatic, Naaga Events and iStrategy Labs present this masquerade ball with a tech twist. Sponsored by Washington Harbour Georgetown and Flying Dog Brewery, $25 gets you an open bar with treats til 10pm.
Halloween Ball & Push – Jimmy Valentine’s annual Halloween party always proves to be a good time. A costume is required and so is dancing!
Monster Bash – Clarendon Ballroom’s annual party is always one of the area’s biggest and busiest Halloween events, so early arrival is strongly suggested. Costume contest registration runs from 8 to 10 p.m.; prizes include $300 for the best costume.
Boo! Halloween at Lincoln – $30 party starts at 8pm at Lincoln restaurant. Best costume wins a brunch for two at Lincoln.
Nightmare on F Street – with 6 bars, 5 levels and 4 different DJ lineups, you will be certain to get spooked at Ultrabar’s annual Halloween party. Doors open at 9pm and ladies get in for free.
Sunday
Tilted Torch Spook-O-Rama – this annual party at the Red Palace features Miss Joule’s horrifying hula-hooping, Malibu’s vicious variety, Shakra’s eerily haunting belly dancing and Cherokee Rose and Booz Allen Hamilton’s wicked burlesque. Get tickets in advance and save $5 at the door.
Spirits in Black – American Ice Company plays host to this monthly cocktail party where AIC’s bartenders and special guests whip up appropriately ghoulish cocktails while DJs get the crowd pumped. On Sunday, award-winning PS7’s mixologist Gina Chersevani gets behind the bar for a one-time-only cocktail menu and local thrash band Warchild judges the costume contest. Prices include 9:30 Club tickets, tattoo gift certificates and liquor.
18th Street Lounge – the Halloween Eve edition features the weekly Sunday night lineup of Sam “the Man” Burns and DJ Thomas Blondet. DJ Master Kev will also be present as well as happy hour specials til 11pm. This is my favorite weekly party so don’t miss it!
Costume Keg Kill – Might Pint hosts this $10 party that includes a commemorative cup & free Miller Lite drafts until 9pm.
Monday
Masquerade Ball – Dirty Martini will be hosting a three-story Masquerade rager which includes a five-hour open bar, a DJ on the 3rd floor, a live jazz band on the ground level, light hors d’oeuvres, and a $100 prize for Best Dressed. Tickets are $45 in advance.
Phantom of the Opera – the new Opera Ultra Lounge hosts this Halloween party that encourages costumes for a chance to win cash prizes and a VIP table to enjoy the night of. *There will also be an Angels and Demons party on Saturday night at Opera.
Halloween Masquerade Party – join Maxim for its Halloween party at the Park at Fourteenth. Doors open at 5pm and tickets range between $40-$75.
FamousDC thanks Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC for her list of activities.