DRINKS, PARTIES, AND SHOWS

BLACK CAT: You have options if you’re looking to celebrate Halloween with Black Cat on 14th Street. On Friday, October 29 the venue is hosting Halloween Weekend With DJ Ed Wood. Then on Saturday, breakout your neon for the Eighties Mayhem Halloween Dance Party. (Black Cat DC; Friday October 29th doors at 10:00 p.m.,  Saturday October 30 doors at 8:00 p.m; $15+)

COMEDY SHOW: This Halloween, Busboys & Poets is hosting Seven Black Minutes: DC (Halloween Edition). Billed as “Seven Black Comedians doing seven minutes of Blackity Black Black Blackness…” the show will feature Paris Sashay, Rallo Boykins, Justo the Comedian, WooWoo the Comedian, Mahdiy Drummond, and Ashley Mayo, hosted by Anthony Oakes. Please note that this is also a costume contest (with a cash prize). (Busboys and Poets 14th Street; 7:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m.; $20)

NIGHTMARE ON 8TH: On October 30, Dirty Habit DC is hosting “Nightmare on 8th Street,” a costume party that also includes an aerialist and fire dancer on a private patio (actually). Party-goers can expect specialty Halloween cocktails, prizes for the costume contest, and a live DJ. (Dirty Habit DC; 7:00 p.m.; FREE admission with RSVP) 

MASKED: At the end of October, City Tap House Penn Quarter is throwing… what else, but “Mask: Halloween Costume Contest.” Although there is a competitive $250 cash prize on the line, all revelers can take advantage of the 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. specials including $3 beers, $4 wines, $5 mixed drinks. (City Tap House Penn Quarter; 10:00 p.m.)

TRICK OR DRINK: It’s a three day event. At the end of the month, Barcrawlerz is hosting a Halloween-themed bar crawl across the city. Crawlers start their journey at Sudhouse DC and, after picking up their wrist-band and map, go on a self-guided boozy tour. (Sudhouse DC; $20+) 

HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS

WORKHOUSE HAUNT: Head to Lorton, Virginia this October to visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s Workhouse Haunt: the Collection. The event “immerses guests through a highly-themed walk-through experience, as creepy characters deliver contactless scares in multiple scenes.” Please note that this is best suited for participants over the age of 13. (Workhouse Arts Center; timed slots 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m; depending on the evening; $25+) 

MARKOFF HAUNT: Get your fright on by heading to Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Maryland. Ye who enter will  “take a wagon ride to the outskirts of the Markoff property, where you’ll disembark and make your way through the remnants of an abandoned mining town” filled with its undead residents. (Markoff’s Haunted Forest; Times and Dates Vary; $25+)

​FIELD OF SCREAMS: This one is really not meant for kids under the age of 13. The “#1 rated screampark”, Field of Screams, welcomes guests to both the Super Screams Haunted Trail and the Slaughter Factory Haunted House. A signed liability release is required for all participants. (Field of Screams MD; 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., depending on the eventing; $100+)

DC GHOST HOST: Throughout October, get a tour of the ghost scene in the District. Every night this month, DC Ghosts is hosting in-person ghost tours near the White House — rain or shine. The tour crosses a mile over a one hour period: spooks encouraged. (Starts at the Treasury Building at the intersection of 15th Street NW and F Street NW. 8:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., depending on the evening; $24.99/adult and $12.99+ / child) 

VA GHOST HOST: Learn about all the spirits in the region by taking a Halloween Ghost Tour in Old Town Alexandria. The walk begins at the Basilica of Saint Mary and tells the stories of war, murders, and tragic accidents. Please note that the event take approximately two hours. (Starts at the Basilica of Saint Mary; October 29 at 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; $23+)

KID-FRIENDLY

AIR & SCARE: It’s back! The Air & Space Museum is hosting its annual Air & Scare educational festivities — and this year they include both virtual and in-person options. Head to “Air & Scare Outside” for trick-or-treating, crafts, and a costume contest. The Air & Scare At Home includes downloadable activities, stencils, and even a virtual costume contest. (Virtual or at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at the National Air and Space Museum; Times Vary; FREE)

CORN MAZE: This October, head to Maryland to get lost in an eight-acre corn maze, take a hay ride, visit a petting zoo, or even fly on a zip line. The Maryland Corn Maze offers activities for the whole family to enjoy, no matter your go-to scene.  Food fare will also be available for purchase. (Maryland Corn Maze; 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., dependent on the day; $12.95+)

ALL ABOARD: Every weekend in October, Montgomery Parks is opening its John Miniature Train and the Wheaton Miniature Train tour through “Trainslyvania.” The Halloween-themed tour is perfect for the whole family — and each ride is a replica of the 1863 C.P. Huntington, a 4-2-4T steam locomotive. ( Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park; Times & Dates Vary; $6:00 +)

ON ICE: Celebrate the cooling weather at the Fairfax Ice Arena. On Saturday October 30, the venue is hosting its “Halloween on Ice” event featuring a costume parade, prizes, and games. Costumed kids (under 12 years old) will receive a discounted admission, and there will be raffle prizes for the following age groups: 6 and under, 7-9 year olds, and 10-12 year olds. (Fairfax Ice Arena; Saturday, October 30, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; $8.50)

RESTON COMMUNITY CENTER: Head to Reston, Virginia on October 23 for the “Halloween Family Fun Day.” The celebration is organized specifically for tots up to eight years old and will include performances and entertainment for kids and adults alike. Costumes are encouraged. (Reston Community Center; 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; FREE)

PUMPKIN PATCH: Pick your best pumpkin at Temple Hall Farm. Every day in October (from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), pickers of all ages are invited to pick out their pumpkin of choice. The venue also features “Jumping Pillows,” a wagon ride, and farm animals. (Temple Hall Farm Pumpkin Patch; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily; $10+, pumpkin included)

HALLOWEEN HUNT: Throughout October, visit the The Mansion on O & O Street Museum for a Halloween Treasure Hunt. The O Street mainstay’s hunt covers over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors — waiting for DC residents to celebrate spooky season. Please note masks are required and complimentary gloves are also available and children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. (The Mansion on O & O Street Museum; 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., dependent on the date; $35+)

MORE: Halloween Day Rager (Cloak & Dagger; 3:00 p.m. onwards); I Love the 90’s – Halloween Day Party (Pure Lounge; 3:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.; $25+); “AlterEgo” Halloween Day Party (Decades; Sunday, October 31, 3:00 p.m . –  Monday November 1, 9:00 p.m.; $0 – $20). Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park (Leesburg Animal Park; Date & Times Vary; $13.95+); Fall Festival 2021 (Cox Farms; Dates & Times Vary; $7+).