You’ve done it again. Months ago, you told yourself you needed to buy a Halloween costume early or risk throwing together a bizarre costume idea no one understands except your date — and even they only half get it (actually, they’re a little bit embarrassed for you). But don’t panic, DCist’s annual tradition of helping locals out in a spooky pinch is here. Check out our 2021 roundup of last-minute costume ideas for local procrastinators:

The escaped Prince George’s County zebras

The story of the zebras that escaped from a farm in Upper Marlboro, Md. and avoided capture has captivated the entire region for the past two months. Tread lightly with this costume idea, though — one of the zebras was found dead in a snare trap, and the zebras’ owner has been charged with animal cruelty in Prince George’s County. The story has all the makings of a wild Netflix documentary and an even wilder costume idea.

A 7000-series train

Not trying to talk to other partygoers? Fine. Others will avoid you if you throw on a cardboard box with some tinfoil and a Metro map glued on, draw on some sliding doors and the number 7000 on your forehead, and only answer people with phrases like, “Step back. Doors closing.” The sidelined 7000-series Metro railcars have caused major headaches for commuters, as the National Transportation Safety Board investigates a Blue Line derailment from earlier this month.

Don’t be surprised if you see others dressed in a Metro-themed costume. With reduced service through at least Oct. 31, groups could also dress up as frustrated passengers learning about Metro delays.

A big cat at the National Zoo

There will be plenty of cat costumes on Halloween, but stand out from the crowd by dressing as a mask-wearing lion or tiger. (All the big cats recovered from COVID-19 this month.)

Am I losing my mind or does the note on the table say: CRIME CRIME CRIME | JACK EVANS 2024” ?!? https://t.co/Z4Euyq0OiC

— Rachel Kurzius (@Curious_Kurz) October 12, 2021

“CRIME CRIME CRIME Jack Evans 2024”

Impress D.C. politics nerds by showing up wrapped in white butcher paper with this mysterious phrase from Jack Evans’ Martin’s Tavern receipt written on it. Or, dress up as Jack Evans dressed up as 007 — either way, you’ll find plenty of interesting costume ideas just scrolling through the former Ward 2 councilmember‘s social media pages.

Brood X

Couple’s costume idea: One person shows up as a rambunctious, once-every-17-years cicada, with tomatoes for eyes and black-and-green tennis rackets for wings, of course. The other wears the same thing but rolls around in flour to become the hollow shell the cicada emerged from. Good luck deciding who’s who. (If you’re a lil’ family, wrap your baby in a white cloth so they can be a cicada egg.)

Rafa in D.C.

One of the true delights of being in D.C. this past summer was witnessing tennis legend Rafael Nadal fall in love with the city during his first trip here. He even met one local who named her dog after him. This one’s easy — throw on a cool backwards hat, a Nike tank top, some short shorts, and work out a lot before the weekend to be in great shape.

The lime green water in Rock Creek

This might work better for the spiked punch at the party than a costume, but some green face paint and rocks will make for a convincing take on the radioactive slime (aka test dye from DC Water) that flowed down a tributary in Rock Creek last month.

RIP the Dave Thomas Circle Wendy’s

The Wendy’s at the notorious intersection of Florida and New York avenues NE won’t go down without a fight. Tie your hair in pigtails with blue ribbons, and attach those foam interlocking traffic pieces to your shoulders to represent this confusing combination of traffic and fast food. Go all the way by attaching a fake bloody knife to your stomach; the establishment is, in fact, closed.

JoJo Siwa Washington National Airport

You’ll need plenty of sequins, glitter, and hair dye to dress up as the young Tik-Tok and YouTube star, who inspired a petition to change the name of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Throw on some aviators and cardboard airplane wings to complete the look. Who knows? Maybe your costume will gain the petition a few more signatures.

Want ideas from years past?
DCist’s 2020 Guide To Last-Minute D.C. Halloween Costume Ideas
The 2019 DCist Guide To Last-Minute D.C. Halloween Costume Ideas
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