Even though it won’t really feel like it weather-wise to start the week, we are in the final week of October, which means Halloween is finally upon us—and all the seasonal celebrations that come with it. But there’s still some non-costumed events going on, including the official home tip-off of the NBA seasons, an up-and-coming indie talent, and much more.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
YOU’RE A WIZARD: The Smithsonian Institution’s second Music Movie Monday will be the initial installment in the Harry Potter film franchise, The Sorcerer’s Stone. Between the upcoming Halloween holiday and the fact the movie will screen at the Smithsonian castle, there’s bound to some magical energy at this showing. (Smithsonian Castle, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE)
SOUTHERN: Famed Husk chef Sean Brock will be in D.C. to promote his new cookbook, South, featuring a conversation moderated by José Andrés. If you’re not familiar with Brock and his story, I’d recommend this superlative GQ article from 2016 and his appearance on the Charleston episode of Parts Unknown—but the long and short of it is that Brock has been one of the leaders in helping to legitimize Southern cooking in the culinary world over the last decade or so. (La Cosecha, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $45)
DEADLY: Focused on helping to dispel the myths around the cultural taboo of death and dying, death cafes provides a space for those who want to engage in conversations that won’t make participants feel like they’re being too morbid. (The Potter’s House, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: Spooky Bachata @ The Clifton (The Clifton, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration), National Symphony Orchestra – An American in Paris (The Anthem, 8 p.m., $15 – $30)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
FUN RUN: Now in its 33rd year, the 17th Street High Heel Race will parade down the titular street. One of D.C.’s most beloved events, don’t miss your chance to see the city’s finest drag queens strut their stuff at the parade before the real fun, i.e. the race, begins. (17th Street NW between R and P, 7 p.m., FREE)
POCUS HOCUS: I’m not sure when exactly Hocus Pocus became the millennial Halloween movie of choice (I’m more partial to something scary, like the movie Halloween) but nevertheless it has become a mainstay for many. Put that love to good use at the Hocus Pocus-themed weekly trivia event at Pinstripes. (Pinstripes, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
HARVEST MOON: As we officially head deeper into fall, take the time to celebrate the wonderful—and bountiful—season with Hank’s Oyster Bar, as the restaurant hosts a special Fall Harvest meal. Chef and owner Jamie Leeds will have plenty of seasonally inspired plates for your tasting. Wine pairings will come from Virginia’s very own Barboursville Vineyards. (Hank’s Oyster Bar Old Town, 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $125)
SUGARY: Adding a new spin to a standard paint and sip, El Centro will have a Sugar Skull sip and paint event on Tuesday evening. Swapping in margs for wine and skulls for a canvas, there will also be an unlimited (!) taco bar for those in attendance. (El Centro 14th Street, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $47)
MORE: Cidermaking Workshop (Capitol Cider House, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $39), Filming Spain’s Exile in Our Hearts: Beltenebros (Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, 6:45 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration), Russian Circles – Blood Year North America Tour (Union Stage, 8 p.m., $21)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
SUPERBIKE: Jay Som, one of indie music’s most fascinating talents, will hit Rock & Roll in support of her new album, Anak Ko. The majority of the new work was written during a self-imposed trip to Joshua Tree and often feels like you’re taking a drive with the windows down along the PCH highway. In short: you won’t want to miss this show. (Rock & Roll Hotel, 8 p.m, $18)
HOWL AT THE MOON: If your idea of Halloween is seeing adorable pups in costume, don’t miss out on the Farimont’s eighth annual “Howl-O-Ween” event. Not only will there be plenty of good puppy treats, there will also be a costume contest to determine which is the most adorable dog in attendance. (Fairmont Washington, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
TWO TURNTABLES AND A MIC: Performer Dan Deacon will grace U Street Music Hall for a specialized late-night DJ set. His normal shows have often been high-energy, frenetic affairs. While he’s not performing his own music, we anticipate his DJ set will bring that same energy, as well as displaying what kind of music influences his own artistry. (U Street Music Hall, 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m., FREE)
MORE: Ice On Fire: Coming together to put out the climate crisis DC Premiere (Warner Theatre, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration), J.S. Ondara (Sixth & I, 8 p.m., $20), Superfine! Art Fair | DC 2019 (Dock 5 @ Union Market, 8 p.m., FREE)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
BULL’S PEN: If you haven’t gotten enough baseball or baseball-adjacent action over the last few days, the Bullpen will host White Ford Bronco on Halloween night for an evening full of chilling and thrilling tunes! Join in on the fun with the Bullpen’s special “Elixer of Doom” drink that sounds appropriately foreboding—and be sure to wear your costume! (The Bullpen, 5 p.m.-11 p.m., $20)
DANCING, YEAH: Those looking for something slightly unconventional for Halloween won’t want to miss Local 16’s SilentWEEN Haunted Headphone party. Both levels will be open to allow guests to float from haunt to haunt, all while rocking headphones with access to three different DJ stations for a silent-as-the-grave dance party! (Local 16, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., FREE with registration)
MAGICAL: If you’re looking for Harry Potter double-dip this week, Union Stage’s Halloween party is a whole tribute to one of the most magical stories around. This Wizard Fest will have everything a wannabe Hogwarts student could ever want: butterbeer, Quidditch pong, firewhisky, and even custom-made wands! (Union Stage, 8 p.m., $25 – $75)
CHIC-Y: If you prefer your Halloween parties to be more of a swanky celebration, the Watergate Hotel is throwing what looks to be one of the city’s fancier parties. Held at the hotel’s Next Whisky Bar, the ticket price includes a full buffet and unlimited beer and wine. (The Watergate Hotel, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m., $99)
MORE: 1921 x Halloween (Heurich House Museum, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $10), Halloween Smash (Rock & Roll Hotel, 8 p.m., $10), Amber Run (Black Cat, 7:30 p.m., $20)
