Halloween in DC
Costumes! Parties! Candy! Halloween is one of our favorite holidays because it gives you an excuse to party ALL WEEKEND without judgement of any kind – especially this year when it falls on a Saturday. Break out your best inappropriate version of [insert occupation], lamest pun-based outfit, or killer face paint job: the best part about Halloween is the prizes, so start planning now and bring your A-game wherever you decide to go. Where might that be, you ask? Halloween 2015 has some pretty outstanding options:
Scream City
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Now through November 1st
Why: Award winning scare tactics brought to you by a Las Vegas based special effects company. Already hailed as one of the most terrifying haunted houses in the country, RFK’s set up has people warning families that it’s “not recommended” for children under the age 13. Even the website is scary. Scare yourself senseless while having the time of your life for just $45. Photo courtesy of screamcity.com
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Ghost Tours in DC
Where: There are a lot of creepy places in DC (besides the infamous Exorcist stairs, which don’t require a tour guide to visit), but we suggest going on the above-linked tour of the creepiest and most haunted houses around New York Ave and 18th Street.
When: Now through October 31st every Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 pm
What’s up: No reservation needed, but tickets for the roughly 2-hour tour are $20 a person.
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DC Drag Queen Race
Where: 17th Street, between P and S
When: Tuesday, October 27 at 9pm (but people start gathering closer to 6)
Why: It’s tradition! Every year, Dupont gets flooded with high-heeled heroes flaunting and running in their best. Show up and show support, then go out to the nearby bars to celebrate afterwards. Photo courtesy of washingtonian.com
Scream Tuesday
Where: Soundcheck – 1420 K St NW
When: Tuesday, October 27
The deal: The first halloween party at Soundcheck is sure to be a hit. Scream Tuesday promises prizes, great drink specials, and awesome music (this is also perfect for you industry kids out there who may have to work all weekend). Go.
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ONE: Halloween Edition
Where: Barcode – 1101 17th St NW
When: Thursday, October 29
The deal: Their usual $1 progressive bar begins at 9 – which is already great enough – but on this particular Thursday they’ve also added a costume contest. Check their website for details and prize info.
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Fright Night
Where: Ultrabar – 911 F St NW
When: Friday, October 30
What’s going on: Night 1 of 2 for a big weekend at Ultrabar, the Friday party has 5 levels and 4 DJs pumping out music and fun starting at 10pm. Scariest costumes get cash and prizes totalling $500.
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Night of the Living Zoo
Where: The National Zoo, obviously.
When: Friday, October 30 (6:30 – 10PM)
The deal: UM. IT’S HALLOWEEN AT THE ZOO. They nix their usual free admission, but for $30 ($20 for members) you get a park-full of special exhibitions, craft beers, costume contests, food trucks, and live music from Black Masala and DJ Squirrel (pun probably intended). The adults-only event is for 21 and up and tickets are on sale now. Photo courtesy of nationalzoo.si.edu
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Nightmare on F Street
Where: Ultrabar – 911 F St NW
When: Saturday, October 31
What’s going on: The annual RAGER Ultrabar throws down is one of the best in the DC club scene. Their costume prizes (this year’s main category: hottest) have a total upwards of $1000 dollars and the multiple levels of varying music formats and dancing is sure to keep you having fun.
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Halloween Social at the W
Where: 515 15th Street NW (F between 14th and 15th)
When: Saturday, October 31
The deal: POV is probably the dopest bar in DC. With a really cool atmosphere and INSANE views of the city, you can party here on Halloween for the low price of $30. The real kicker, though? Their costume contest winner receives a SLEEPOVER PACKAGE with a “recovery breakfast” the next day. They just get us. Photo courtesy of wwashingtondc.com
Chainsmokers
Where: Echostage – 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE
When: Saturday, October 31
What’s going on: The 3500 person venue has the #SELFIE masters putting on the show of a lifetime. This is probably definitely going to sell out, so get your tickets and tables while you still can.
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Boo Cruise
Where: Departs from Pier 4, Water Street SW, Washington DC
When: Saturday, October 31 at 9pm sharp.
What’s up: “Eat, Drink, and Be Scary!” Don’t want to party with the heathens on the streets? Take to the high seas! Or, in this case, the areas of the Potomac between the bridges (the ship is too tall to pass underneath them) for a swanky, upscale Halloween cruise. For $45 per person, you get appetizers with a cash bar and great views of the city before it freezes over. It should probably be noted that this party is 21+.
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Nightmare on M Street Bar Crawl
Where: Multiple locations throughout Dupont, U Street, and Gallery Place.
When: Saturday, October 31 (5pm-midnight)
The deal: Not to be confused with the nightmare over on F, this party takes place all over the district. Over 30 bars in DC are participating in this HUGE bar crawl (for $12-15 a ticket). For seven hours you get free entry to all the participating bars, exclusive drink specials, and over 10,000 costumed party-goers who are just as amped as you are.
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