Estadio is transforming into “Espookio” for Halloween.
By DCist contributor Rachel Mastandrea
Haunted-inspired foods? Spooky drinks? Goose-bump inducing activities? Creepy costumes? Whatever it is you like most about Halloween, the D.C. scene has your holiday covered. Here are 10 of the best events happening around the city:
If you want to focus on themed food and beverage:
Estadio gets spooky
Now through the end of the month, Spanish restaurant Estadio (1520 14th St. NW) has added spooky décor and Halloween-themed food and drinks, transforming into “Espookio.” The assortment of bites includes Monster-ditos (also known as the open-faced sandwiches montaditos), bloody garlic bread, and seared “Foie Ghoul” and blood splatter gastrique. The restaurant’s beloved slushitos will be available in haunted varieties, like the Jack O’ Lantern, with pumpkin, Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale, scotch, and lemon. A Dread Red porron will be available as well, for a fun, sharable cocktail. The festivities culminate with the Halloween Bash on Tuesday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. You can buy tickets here. They’re $31 and include festive treats and access to the cash bar.
Burlesque Halloween and cocktails at Black Jack and Tilt
Black Jack and Tilt (1612 14th St. NW) are putting on a burlesque celebration on Saturday, October 28 from 5 p.m. to close. The bar will be outfitted with lots of decorations, and burlesque dancers will add to the ambiance. Featured cocktails will be made with El Silencio mezcal—an agave spirit with a smoky, fiery flavor.
Last call for PUB Dread
Through the end of October, enter PUB Dread (1839 7th St. NW) and prepare to embrace the horror. With rooms themed like a crypt, a haunted forest, and a doll house, the Drink Company crew has ensured you will walk away with a scare. Ask about the haunted doll Cordelia, if you dare. Drinks like “Wanna Play a Game” and “I See Dead People” provide you with equally-creepy cocktails.
If you want to dress up and party like the zombies are coming:
Divas from the Dead karaoke party
Bring out your inner diva and celebrate those who have come before you with a night full of fitting songs at Compass Rose (1346 T St. NW) on Saturday, October 28 from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. Pick your favorite tune and participate in the “Divas from the Dead” karaoke contest. The winner gets free khachapuri (the restaurant’s signature cheesy, doughy egg bread). Gather your friends and prepare to belt one out.
Titanic masquerade and costume party
D.C.’s weather has been so mild, why not take an evening cruise? And not just any cruise. The Titanic Masquerade (Mount Vernon Yacht, 600 Water St. SW) happens Saturday, October 28 at 11 p.m. It boasts three decks, two DJs, and one epic night of dancing. Costumes are optional but encouraged. Your ticket includes light bites, a specialty cocktail, and a spot on the yacht.
Halloween hunt at the Mansion on O Street
There are 100 rooms and over 70 secret doors in the Mansion on O St. (2020 O St. NW). If you’ve never been, come by on Saturday October 28 from 4 p.m. to midnight for a unique experience. It’s sure to bring out your innate curiosity, and if you have been before, you know just how captivating this historic venue can be. The Mansion will be decorated for Halloween, and you’re free to explore. There will be a cash bar, chocolate fountain, and (almost) everything in the Mansion is for sale. Tickets can be purchased online.
Adult trick-or-treating around the world
Things To Do DC is bringing you the adult version of trick-or-treating. Take a walking tour through Dupont Circle and Embassy Row on October 31 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and try international candy along the way. The tour guide will also give the history about the buildings, architecture, and the families who have lived in them. Bring out your inner child while learning about the mysteries and stories of the embassies and Ambassador Residences. Tickets are $40.
If you want to bring the whole family:
A “spooktacular” party for kids
Teach the kids to make spooktacular treats at DBGB (931 H St. NW) on Saturday, October 28 at 11 a.m. For $75, which includes participation for one child aged 7 to 12 and an adult, pastry chef Kelsey Burack will teach them how to make Oreo mummies, chocolate ghost tarts, and Halloween cupcakes. While the kids create their treats, adults will be provided with coffee, mimosas, and continental breakfast.
A pumpkin painting party
Pumpkin carving can be fun, but it’s so messy. So leave the cleaning behind and paint pumpkins at Brookland’s Finest (3126 12th St. NE) instead. On Sunday, October 29 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the neighborhood bar and restaurant is providing everything needed to decorate the perfect pumpkin. Parents can enjoy hot spiced rum cider along with happy hour ($4 rail drinks, $5 select drafts, and $6 house red or white wine), while kids engage in a DIY caramel apple bar. The creator of the winning pumpkin will walk away with kid-friendly prizes, too.
If you want to be healthy:
Hocus focus
Maybe you’ve done your celebrating over the weekend, or maybe you have a big work presentation Wednesday morning. If you want to have a healthful Halloween, head to Sixth and I Synagogue (600 I St. NW) on Tuesday, October 31st at 6:30 p.m. for a balanced-living festival. The evening includes yoga and meditation, a healthy foods fair, and a panel comprised of local health and wellness experts.
