Rachel Sadon
Fall has barely even arrived and somehow Halloween is already nigh upon us. As in many years past, we’ve got a variety of semi-practical ideas to skip the year’s most popular getups and instead show off your D.C. pride with highly specific local costumes. As we’ve written before: “Anybody else already getting panicked texts from friends worried about their Halloween ensemble? Never fear. Or do, actually. Scary things and pressure to find the right costume are what this holiday is all about, after all.”
Nats bandwagon fan
We’ve all seen the video, read the takes, and even dug into the psychology behind the bandwagon. Now, can we just have some fun with it? Find some Nats gear (maybe ask your highly superstitious friends to borrow some?) and a red wagon and you’re good to go. But bonus points for coming with an actual band in tow.
An “Act of God” at Whole Foods
We at DCist love a good legal filing, and it doesn’t get much better than having to decide if a rodent infestation counts as an act of God against a Whole Foods. Put on your best white robes, grab a reusable shopping tote filled with organic groceries, and pin on some plastic mice. Feel free to ask people to make their own ruling, while you’re at it.
The shirt
It really doesn’t get much easier than this. But might we encourage you to go full gingham?
Bei Bei going to China
Come as a panda, sure, but be sure to have some plane tickets attached to your fur. Extra points for bringing teary friends who follow you around all night saying goodbye.
Naked mole rat queen
Be the bloodthirsty queen you’ve always wanted to be. Get a uniform pinkish-grayish-brownish outfit (may we recommend these thrift stores?), splatter some blood, and top it off with a dramatic crown. If you really want to get into character, get taller as the night goes on and fight anyone who comes near your crown. If you do this, we beg of you, please send photos.
Romantically challenged eagles
Have we got a costume for you and your on-again-off-again partner: Liberty and Justice. We here at DCist were riveted by some serious eagle drama this past winter, when the area’s longest-lasting and most well-loved bald eagle couple seemingly broke up. Long story short: Justice flew the coup nest. His partner, Liberty, tried to fend off an interloper, dubbed Aaron Burrd, before mating with a third eagle, M2, who decided to help incubate her eggs. And then Justice. came. back. Anyway, get your best beak and feathers on. Spend the night flirting with other people. Fly away together at the end of the night, but be sure to leave a clutch of eggs behind.
There have been some great Washington Monument costumes over the years. Up the ante by adding a rocket and some string lights.
Abandoned scooter
Dress up in your favorite (or least favorite) scooter company’s color. Slap a logo on yourself. Put on some roller skates. Get an arm brace. Plop yourself down in inconvenient locations at strange angles. An abandoned, broken scooter, you are.
(Alt version: do all the above, and then set things on fire. Alt alt version: do all the above and then set off some fireworks.)
We are Ready for Tonight! 🏀 @WashMystics #RunItBack #TogetherDC #WNBA pic.twitter.com/JvfbUdFFGS
— Phil Mendelson (@ChmnMendelson) October 8, 2019
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson’s sports videos
One of D.C.’s most powerful politicians has also been called the “Mr. Magoo of D.C. politics.” Say what you will, but the man can tell a good, dry joke. Grab a suit and mustache, get some pump up music, pick a team, and spend the night rooting for them in dramatic and slow-motion fashion.
Dave Thomas Circle
The city’s most vexing intersection might not be for much longer. Take the opportunity to dress up as Wendy and get in literally everybody’s way.
Want ideas from years past?
The Best D.C.-Centric Halloween Costumes of 2018
The 2017 Guide To D.C.-Centric Halloween Costumes
The 2016 DCist Guide to Last Minute, D.C.-Centric Halloween Costumes
The 2014 Guide to D.C.-Centric Halloween Costumes
The 2013 DCist Guide to Washington-Centric Halloween Costumes
