Halloween is the time for people to show off how creative there are and to be rewarded for said creativity. (Also: Candy and drinking.) Below is a list of the city’s costume contests for both humans and pets. Tomorrow, DCist will have a list of suggestions that should earn you a crown. If you have a contest to add, please email it to tips@dcist.com.
Wednesday, October 23
Park Hyatt Washington (1201 24th Street NW) will host a pet costume contest that partially benefits the Washington Area Rescue League. 6-8 p.m. $14 at the door for two drink tickets.
Saturday, October 26
The 14th annual Nightmare on M Street will culminate once again with a costume contest at the bar hellscape known as McFadden’s. Drink specials include $2 Coors Lights, $3 Blue Moons, $4 Bacardi and $4 Monster Energy drinks. 5 p.m.-1 .m. Tickets $27.50.
Howl To The Chief and Rural Dog Rescue (which, disclosure, I volunteer for) will host the Howl-O-Ween costume contest in Lincoln Park. Categories include most original, best look-alike and homemade costume. There will also be a parade of adoptable dogs, who I can personally guarantee are wonderful. 1 p.m.
Thursday, October 31
U Street Music Hall and DC Brau will host U HELL: Ghoul’s Night Out, featuring Gent and Jawns and a new, limited-edition beer. The winner of the costume contest, judged by DC Brau’s Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock, gets a year of free admission to U Hall, so whoa. 9 p.m. Tickets $10 each.
Metro Mutts will hold a Halloween photo booth contest all day at their H Street NE location. For every participant, the store will donate two cans of food to the Washington Humane Society. Costumes can be rented for $5. The photos will then be uploaded to Facebook, and Metro Mutts staff will pick a winner. The first place prize package is worth $50.
Friday, November 1
The French Embassy will host the “American Werewolves in Paris” gala and party, which will feature an open bar, DJs, live music and French food. Attendees are asked to wear either black tie or a costume. Here are the rules on that: “Given that we are in perhaps the most elegant mansion in Washington, though not required, we ask that your costume be on the elegant and masquerade style. However, if you want to wear something more 21st Century and down to earth, feel free. French themed costumes or Masquerade Style is strongly encouraged. Costumes that are not tasteful (including “togas”), however, will not be permitted>. Got that? Three prizes will be awarded for the best French-themed costume, the scariest and the most original. 8:15-11:45 p.m. Tickets are $84 each.
Saturday, November 2
The Park will host its “A Nightmare on 14th Street” costume party once again. 10 p.m. Contestants must register before 11 p.m. Free if you’re one of the first 100 people to RSVP. $20 cover charge after that.
Photo by Kevin H.
