5 Things You Need To Remember Before You Go Clubbing In DC
The weather is breaking! Therefore, we know that you’re going to want to head out to the club! Here at DCClubbing.com, we may or may not know a few things about having a good time on the town, so we decided to leave a few helpful hints to take your nightlife activities to the next level. Looking to ensure that you and all of your friends have a fantastic night on the town? Follow these guidelines!
1. If you’re traveling in a crew of 8 or more, get a table.

Pure mathematics state that going out and having a “good time” will ideally cost you around $50-$100. As well, we know that most people headed out for a night on the town don’t travel alone. If you and your crew of friends are particularly fond of a particular alcohol and mixer combination or two, that’s when the idea of a table makes sense. In the case of an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, two bottles of your favorite liquor, with orange juice and cranberry juice, PLUS SEATING adds to the comfort and convenience of what can tend to be something often a lot more difficult.
2. Follow dress code guidelines
Dress codes exist for a reason. A venue’s management wanting to add a touch of class to “just” a night on the town to make it a premium event will often add a dress code for atmospheric purposes. Also, if you’re in the market for a potential mate, look at a dress code as not a negative, but rather a positive addition to your attempt at making the ideal connection.
3. Ride-sharing…use it.
We’ve all been there. In either the preparation for a night on the town or at the party itself, we maybe take things a step too far or a drink past our limits. There’s something about ridesharing, and the ease and comfort of direct and customized door-to-door service, that’s ideal for a night where things can get somewhat crazy pretty quickly. Both Uber and Lyft offer first-use rider discounts, and many late-night drivers will often have water, aspirin, or whatever is necessary for solving potential post party headaches.
4. Observe the buddy system
When possible, always head out with a group of friends. Whether at a massive club or an intimate venue, being out with friends you trust makes sticking together and enjoying the atmosphere that much more entertaining. Want a surefire way for your Snapchat stories to be super lit and for your Instagram pics to get hundreds of likes? There’s real worth in being in the most fantastic place with the most amazing people. Hot spots like Ultrabar, Decades, Soundcheck, Barcode, and Echostage are that much more epic when you’re with your friends. A pro tip? Make sure you’ve got everyone’s number and opened up a group chat to make it easy to get in touch if you can’t find each other in the midst of having all of the fun.
5. No two clubs or parties are the same. Homework is essential.
Every venue comes equipped with its own particular set of charms. From Facebook to magazines like DJ Mag and Mixmag, and others in the business of offering helpful reviews and more, there’s always someone in the industry of being in the know willing to give you that extra 10% of knowledge that takes an evening to a whole other level of fun. Is there a unique beverage that is unique to the venue? A special selfie opportunity? Rules regarding dress code, free early entry, and if there’s say, a celebrity in the building? These are all things that are worth learning from a simple background check.
DCClubbing’s Guide To Halloween Weekend 2016
Halloween falls on a Monday in 2016. However, if you’re thinking that the weekend prior to the big day, or the day itself isn’t going to be a SERIOUS party weekend in the Nation’s Capital, that’s where you’re wrong. From bars, to clubs to haunted houses and more, this year’s Halloween won’t just be scary, it’ll absolutely be lit! Here’s DCClubbing’s suggestions for making this coming Halloween weekend one to remember.
Saturday, October 29
There’s two state-of-the-art, award-winning, and completely indoor haunted houses in the parking lot of RFK Stadium. “Exorcism Estate” is said to have been “owned by the parents of the spawn of Satan himself,” while the “Slaughter Factory” is owned by a cruel man who “slaughtered his staff like livestock one fateful night and displayed them like sides of beef hanging on rusty meat hooks stabbed through wrists and ankles.” Intense, right? Scared yet? Check it out!
Saturday night is Ladies Night at Ultrabar, which, on Halloween Fright Fest Weekend means that one can only expect nothing short of the wildest of times with the most amazing of costumes. The party is 18+, and features four floors of music from dance and hip-hop, to Latin, International, Top 40 and mashups. Definitely expect that, given it being Halloween weekend, that there will be epic events planned to match the theme.
DC’s only retro-themed nightclub truly gets into the swing of things on Halloween weekend with a fright-filled fun-overload of a double feature of party action. “Halloween Unrated” takes place on both Friday and Saturday night, and it being “unrated” is meant as a“take it to mean what you will” welcoming with open arms. From slush machines and video games to retro hits from the ‘80s-’10s, there’s always something for everyone at Decades and in adding costumes to the mix, this should be nothing short of an absolutely wild night.
Sunday, October 30
If looking for another area staple haunted house, Laurel’s House of Horror is built inside of an abandoned movie theater, and has been visited in the past by the likes of Texas Chainsaw Massacre series actor “Leatherface” R.A. Mihailoff. The space has had it’s own paranormal experiences as determined by Chesapeake Ghost Hunters. If horror movie superstars in *actual* haunted houses aren’t enough to get you excited, then the 2016’s “Zombie Apocalypse” house theme should do the trick (or treat).
Rising house music superstar Oliver Heldens pushes throwback and club-ready vibes via his Hi-Lo side project. If looking to hear very familiar dance sounds updated with kicking basslines and techno-style grooves, look no further. If a true dance fanatic, seeing a top performer like Heldens in such an intimate space is an opportunity not-to-be missed. Add in the promise of what Soundcheck is calling “Hi-Lo-Ween” has in store, and it’s a surefire recipe for a great night on the town.
Rocky Horror Picture Show At E Street Cinema
Being in your seats by 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 30 makes this annual showing of 1975’s most wild film and one of the most uniquely entertaining movie-viewing experiences ever. From getting dressed in costumes to literally throwing bread slices at the movie screen, it’s an amazing time. If you’ve never seen the on-screen antics of Brad, Janet, Dr. Frank-N-Furter and crew, this film is playing from the 15-31 at E Street, and is well worth taking the time to check out, maybe even twice.
Monday, October 31
Aside from being likely scared beyond belief by it’s four haunted attractions, Olney’s “Field of Screams” has 15 bonfires, smores, funnel cakes, fried Twinkies, and Oreos. The nighlight of making the trek could be the “Trail of Terror,” which for 2016 is themed as a “Camp Fear” where “a group of 20 year old campers once laughed, played and brutally died.” It’s recommended that nobody over the age of 13 head out to the Field of Screams, so definitely expect something that’s a bit more over-the-top and adult-aimed in presentation.
Funky vibe-man Griz brings his unique brand of festive celebration to DC on Halloween. The soul-stirring bass lover oftentimes plays a like saxophone during his set, which puts the whole presentation over-the-top. The Detroit-based DJ/producer’s latest album is entitled Good Will Prevail, and with tracks featuring the likes of future-forward hip-hop adoring producers like Louis Futon and Cory Enemy, it’s possibly his most mainstream-ready release-to-date.
Monday Night Football at Barcode
If fright and fear aren’t exactly your cup of tea, the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears will be playing each other in a game with huge implications if the Vikings remain undefeated and/or one of the most surprising stories in the NFL in 2016. As well, the matchup is one of the NFL’s oldest, and the teams have played each other 12 other times on Monday night. Checking it out at Barcode’s long-standing Monday night event is definitely one of the premier spots in town for checking it out.
Halloween Fright Fest 2016: at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Halloween Fright Fest
Friday, October 28, 2016 – Sunday, October 30, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
We take Halloween very seriously here at DCClubbing, and with only 1 week left until the scariest time of year we think it’s time for you to get on our level! We are bringing you 3 Nights of Horror and Fun at Ultrabar
Friday, October 28 : Fright Night
Saturday, October 29: Nightmare on F St
Sunday, October 30: Scream Sunday
NYE 2016 in DC
Time for a much-needed clean slate and a way to celebrate it! Here’s what we’ll be up to when the clock strikes 12:
Ultrabar NYE
As one of the longest running New Year’s Eve parties in DC, this one is bound to be awesome. To begin with, they’ve got an open bar for the first hour of their party. After that, they’ve got 5 floors, 4 DJs/musical experiences, and a great champagne special going for both the bar and VIP tables.
How much: If you are one of the first 300 smart buyers, your ticket for everything is only $30. If you’re even smarter, you’ll reserve a table in advance and get entry along with a complimentary bottle of champagne to pop at midnight.
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Krewella
Every year Echostage delivers a great show and this year promises to be no different: the #2 in the country mega-club is hosting the amazing DJ duo Krewella for their 2016 New Year’s bash. If you want to ring in 2016 dancing alongside 3,000 of your closest friends, this is the place to do it.
How much: $50 to get into this party and it’s well worth it.
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Booze Cruise on the Potomac
Want to keep things a little more low-key, but still awesome? Take an Odyssey Dinner Cruise or hope on the Spirit of Washington and sail along the scenic Potomac River and ring in the new year on the water. Complete with a Platinum open bar, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, a pre-set crafted dinner menu, and incredible views of the monuments followed by a dock-side party until 1am. Image courtesy of spiritcruises.com
How much: A celebration as swanky and upscale as the Odyssey cruise is going to cost you and the slightly more affordable Spirit Cruise will as well, but either way you’ll remember a night like this forever.
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Georgetown Waterfront
Want to stay on solid ground but don’t want to miss the views that come with a cruise? No worries! The Georgetown Waterfront is alight with celebration on New Year’s Eve. Restaurants and bars along the river band together to offer great packages filled with dining, drinks, and celebration all night long.
How much: Depends where you go and what exactly you want to do, but here’s a good jumping off point.
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Crawl Til the Ball Falls
There’s nothing like a good old fashioned bar crawl (and one with a name like like this HAS to be a fun). Dupont has a pretty solid set of bars and clubs, no matter who participates this’ll be a great time.
How much: There haven’t been any solid plans announced yet, but the Eventbrite is up and active with more information. Check back for updates on location and registration timing. Odds are when tickets go on sale they’ll be gone pretty quickly.
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NYE Masquerade Ball
The W is known for it’s high class and high-up views – their POV rooftop bar has the best views of the city and now one of the coolest parties you can attend for New Year’s. Watch the DC skyline light up as the year rolls over with hand crafted cocktails and a cool atmosphere.
How much: Tickets start at $75 for general admission, but if you want to enjoy some great food beforehand they have an offer that includes entry plus a 4-course meal at the ultra-hip Pinea for $135.
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NYE Burlesque Ball
Manor is another swanky spot to enjoy your New Year’s Eve. It’s the best if you want to watch the streets erupt in celebration – the floor-to-ceiling windows in this lofted lounge have a great view of Connecticut Ave.
How much: Tickets are only $35 for the early birds, but the price goes up the closer to the event you try to buy tickets. The hot setup: find a friend and buy a couples ticket, you get a pretty good discount by doing it that way.
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Duffy’s NYE
Are trendy lounges, booming clubs, or champagne toasts not your thing? Have no fear, Duffy’s is here. With an open bar all night, free appetizers from 9-11, and party that requires no fancy attire (not to mention the special Jameson toast at midnight): this is definitely the place for you. Image courtesy of yelp.com
How much: Get your tickets now and they’ll only be $45, wait until after the 15th and they go up a whopping $15 a pop.
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Start making those plans now – the sooner you do, the better.
Nightmare on F Street: 10.31.15 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Nightmare on F Street
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Our annual Halloween party is Saturday, October 31 at Ultrabar! Join us for Nightmare on F Street and compete to win in our costume contest!
Hottest costumes win $1000 in cash and prizes!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music format:
– Main Floor: Dance & Top 40
– Bedroom (second floor): Latin & International
– Chroma: Hip Hop & Top 40
– Basement: Mashups
Location, Info:
911 F St. NW Washington DC 20004. Nearest metro: Gallery Place
Fright Night: 10.30.15 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Fright Night
Friday, October 30, 2015
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Halloween weekend has finally arrived! Get to Ultrabar on Friday October 30 for Fright Night and our scariest costume contest! Winners will receive $500 in cash and prizes!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ C-LO (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ Hi Def (Dance, Top 40)
Location, Info:
911 F St. NW Washington DC 20004. Nearest metro: Gallery Place
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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Panorama Productions: NOW HIRING!
Join our team of Event Coordinators, VIP Hosts, and Promoters!

- Must be over the age of 18
- Experience with club and/or party promoting
- Excellent time management skills
- Familiar with our venues (Barcode, Ultrabar, Echostage)
- Must live in the DMV area
Independence Weekend Beach Party at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Independence Weekend Beach Party
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
It’s Independence Day Weekend and we’re bringing you the beach! No work or school on the 4th of July! Grab your shades and flip flops! We will provide the rest!
No dress code, beach attire is accepted!
Open Bar 10pm-11pm
DJ SAAM
Music: Top 40, House and International
$350 table special: Jack, Stoli, and House Champagne
Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
Dress Code: NONE
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911 F Street NW, Washington DC
Nearest Metro station: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red and Yellow/Green lin
Halloween Fright Fest Weekend
DCClubbing presents
Halloween Fright Fest Weekend
We take Halloween very seriously here at DCClubbing, and with only 1 week left until the scariest time of year we think it’s time for you to get on our level.
Thursday 10/30: hAUnted Rooftop – Eden
Friday 10/31: Nightmare on F Street – Ultrabar
Saturday 11/1: Naughty or Nice – Ultrabar