Boo! Frightfully Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween in DC

Zombies, drag queens, haunted houses and more--there's something for everyone, even your pups, to have  a wicked good time!

Looking for a spooky good time on Halloween? There are plenty of thing that go bump in the night to thrill and frighten in DC.

Check out some of these frightfully fun ways to celebrate! Be careful though, you never know what might spirits might awaken . . .
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​Haunted Walking Tours (Various)

There are plenty of skeletons in DC’s closets so it’s no wonder many of the city’s iconic buildings are said to be haunted. Grab your sneakers (in case you have to run!) and check out a frightfully fun walking tour. Capitol Hauntings reveals how America’s most significant buildings, including the US Capitol and the Supreme Court, are said to be haunted by specters, many of them former politicians not content to rest in peace. Ghosts of Georgetown Walking Tour leads victims, er, participants through alleys and streets, talking about curses that have followed families for centuries. The tour concludes at the infamous “Exorcist steps.”

Alfred Hitchcock Movie Festival (Fridays, Oct - Nov)

When it comes to classic suspense movies, it doesn’t get better than Alfred Hitchcock. Unless, of course, it’s a mini film festival featuring four of the Master of Suspense’s most popular works.

PUB Grimm (Oct 17 - Nov 3)

Shaw-based PUB celebrates the darker side of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales. In true PUB fashion, the over-the-top décor will transport guests to the Black Forest with Hansel and Gretel’s house, Rapunzel’s tower, and the wicked queen’s mirror. And don’t forget the cocktails!

Octagon Ghost Tour and Murder Mystery (Oct 23)

Once the temporary home to President James Madison and his wife, Dolley after the burning of the White House by the British, visit the most haunted house in DC for tales of tragedy, mystery and loss. If you dare . . . ​

Congressional Cemetery (Thru Oct 26)

The Congressional Cemetery or Washington Parish Burial Ground is a historic yet active cemetery located at 1801 E Street, SE, in Washington, D.C., on the west bank of the Anacostia River. It is the only American “cemetery of national memory” founded before the Civil War. Over 65,000 individuals are buried or memorialized at the cemetery, including many who helped form the nation and the city of Washington in the early 19th century. Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents” on a ghostly "Soul Strolls," the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, as you explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters.

Silver Spring Zombie Walk (Oct 26)

Because a Zombie Run would break the unspoken Rule of Romero, hit the Silver Spring Zombie Walk (back after last year's huge turnout), where you'll start near Jackie’s, then stumble ('cause you're a zombie!) north up Georgia Ave with the rest of the undead to the AFI Silver Theatre, where they'll be showing The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue aka Let Sleeping Corpses Lie aka Don't Open the Window.

Halloween Make-up Class (Oct 26)

The devil is in the details. Learn special FX makeup tricks from a certified LA makeup artist and take your Halloween costume to the next level! Free at LINE hotel.

Halloween on Screen (Oct 26-31)

Get in the Halloween spirit this year with AFI's  annual presentation of F.W. Murnau’s NOSFERATU, featuring live musical accompaniment by Maurizio Guarini of Goblin; THE EXORCIST presented by legendary local TV horror host Count Gore De Vol; and new digital restorations of a slightly disreputable '70s zombie flick and Sam Raimi’s ‘80s splatter-piece THE EVIL DEAD!

Bone Yards (Oct 27)

The Yards hosts a Halloween celebration for the doggos. Dress your four-legged friend in costume to Bark-or-Treat through the Yards, and stay for the pet costume contest. Don't have a dog but been thinking about bringing one home? Check out the on-site adoption opportunity at the event.

Halloween Hunt at the Mansion on O Street (Oct. 27)

Exploring the historic Mansion on O & O Street Museum on a haunted scavenger hunt definitely be treat this Halloween. Search over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors in one of the most unique properties in the world for seasonal and Halloween-themed prizes. You can also bring along your own shopping bag and purchase memorabilia from the mansion.

17th Street High Heel Race (Oct 29)

Held as it always has on the Tuesday before Halloween, costumed drag queens run (or strut) down 17th Street NW for the annual High Heel Race to the cheers of hundreds of spectators lined along the street. The event’s origins are now the stuff of legend. On a Halloween night in the mid-80s, a friendly wager was made between two men in drag: Who could do a shot, run to another bar, do another shot and race back first? A better question to ask these days: Who’s snatched? You better work!

Harry Potter Halloween Trivia (Oct 31)

Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Slytherins, and Hufflepuffs unite! Show off your knowledge of the Harry Potter universe and the wizarding world at Kramer Books. Channel your inner Hermione and hit the library (or bookstore) to get ready!

Hall-O-Screen Party: The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 31) ​

The  new REACH at Kennedy Center space will host a Halloween bash with a DJ and dance lessons — featuring tunes such as "Thriller," "Monster Mash," and The Rocky Horror Picture Show's "Time Warp" — on the plaza from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a free screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at the video wall starting at 7:30 p.m. Note: attendees are asked to avoid costumes or makeup that covers the entire face and obscures identity.

Pumpkin Painting at LINE Hotel (Oct 31)

Relive childhood memories with a spooky season activity: pumpkin decorating on the front steps of the LINE hotel.  The Cup will be serving up hot apple cider and sweet treats.RSVP required to reserve your pumpkin – they’ll hold onto it until 4:30pm before releasing to the ghouls and goblins. FREE; All paint and supplies provided.
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