Where to Get a Scare This Halloween in DC

Halloween gives adults an excuse to do one of two things: eat candy in excess with little to no guilt or dress up in ridiculous costumes and drink alcohol in excess with limited to no guilt. My sweet tooth and I fall into the former category, but if you find yourself in the latter, peruse our list of drink specials and events for this year’s Halloween festivities.
 

Both locations in Georgetown and 14th Street will be rocking festive decorations through the month leading up to Halloween parties on both Friday and Saturday night. Guests can expect classic Mexican cocktails, food from El Centro’s Siesta Menu, and a costume and social media contest. Winners of the contests will receive a $75 gift certificate. (Multiple Locations)
 

Night of the Living Zoo, 6–10 PM

This event features live music, craft beer, food trucks, strolling performance artists, including illusionists and fire twirlers, all set against the backdrop of the National Zoo. Enter the costume contest with prizes for best individual and group costume. Tickets are $30. (3001 Connecticut Ave., NW)
 

Town Tavern Hogwarts Hallows Eve, 9 PM

Town Tavern will be hosting a Hogwarts-themed party in celebration of Halloween. Enjoy beverages that are straight from the wizarding world including Felix Felicis Potion, Butter Beer, and Polyjuice Potion. Tickets are 22 Sickles or $10 online. (2323 18th St., NW; 202-387-8696)
 

Saturday, October 31

Masa 14, 10 AM–3 PM

Get in costume early and head to Masa 14 for a Halloween Brunch. There’s no better way to get ready for the night’s festivities than with a bottomless brunch in costume. Enjoy all the small plates and brunch cocktails you can handle for $39. The winner of the best costume contest will receive $75 in a gift certificate. (1825 14th St., NW; 202-328-1414)
 

Clarendon Halloween Crawl,1–9 PM

A popular perennial event in Arlington, this year’s crawl will include bars like Spider Kelly’s, Whitlow’s, Clarendon Grill, and Mad Rose. Join the crawl and receive a souvenir haunted mug, access to participating bars with drink and food specials for the event as well as other party favors and raffle entry. Tickets are $20. (Multiple Locations)
 

Nightmare on M Street, 3 PM–Midnight

Back for its 17th year, the 2015 bar crawl will span three neighborhoods: Dupont Circle, U Street, and Gallery Place. For nine hours, you can enjoy costume contests and cover-free food and drink specials at participating bars including $3 Coors Light, $4 Blue Moons, $5 Three Olives Vodka, and more. Tickets range from $15-20 depending on bar registration location. (Multiple Locations)
 

Bier Baron’s HA!lloween, 5–8 PM

Billed as “part theme party, part comedy show”, Halloween at Bier Baron Tavern will definitely be an experience unlike any other. Watch local comics kill it on stage and take part in contests including best costume and a mummy wrap. Tickets are $10. (1523 22nd St., NW; 202-293-1885)
 

Mansion on O Street Halloween Party, 8 PM

Wander through the 100 room mansion and enjoy music from a live dj, costume contests (best costume, best couples costume, craziest shoes, grossest costume. and more categories), a chocolate fountain, Halloween treasure hunt, and cash bar. Tickets are $30. (2020 O St., NW; 202-496-2020)
 

3rd Annual Haunted Hunt, 9 PM–2 AM

Hosted at The Sphinx Club, Smith Point and Georgetown Events are joining forces to throw you one big Halloween party featuring multiple dance floors and bars as well as DC’s favorite 90’s cover band: White Ford Bronco. Your ticket gets you access to all of that, in addition to an open bar and costume contest with sweet prizes like a $300 bar tab at Smith Point. Tickets are $60. (1315 K St., NW)
 

Mason Inn’s Monster Mash, 9 PM
If you’re in Glover Park, Mason Inn will be hosting a Monster Mash party with a four-hour open bar  (which includes all drafts, cocktails, wine, and champagne) and costume contests for best individual and group costumes. Tickets are $50. (2408 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-337-1313)