SHOWS AND MOVIES

THURSDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS: Pull out the popcorn, because it’s movie night at Legacy DC. On Oct. 20 the movie-of-the-night is Jennifer’s Body, followed by Us on Oct. 21. Expect popcorn, candy, and free herbal gifts. Ages 21+. (Legacy DC; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; $5)

FIND YOUR BOO: Head to The Crown & Crow at the end of October for a Halloween-themed taping of the Game Show of Love. Rumor has it there will be costume prizes for both the participants and the audiences… so attendees, take this as your hint to dress for the season. (The Crown & Crow; Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m; $15+)

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS WITH QUETZAL: Grammy award-winning band Quetzal is coming to the District on the last Saturday in October — and you’re invited . The bilingual rock group cites their goal as “[telling] the stories of marginalized people’s struggles and resistance.” (Museum of the American Indian; Oct. 29, 2 p.m.; FREE)

SOFAR SO CLOSE: On Halloween night, SoFar Sounds hosts their Halloween show in Ivy City. Here’s the deal: sign up for the event and the secret venue will be revealed to party-goers approximately 36 hours before the musicians take the stage. Drinks and food will be available for purchase. (Ivy City; Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.; $21)

VAMPIRE BALL: Join Synetic Theater at the end of October for a show and Vampire Ball. Here’s how it works: attendees get tickets to a performance of Dracula before heading upstairs to the exclusive after party. Expect an open bar, dance party, costume contests, and more. Tickets include admission to both the show and party. (Synetic Theater at Crystal City; Oct. 28, 7 p.m.; $115)

MORE: Food Justice DMV Benefit (Pearl Street Warehouse; Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m.; $20.00); Sun Cinema Showings (Sun Cinema; Times vary; $15); Halloween Honky Tonk featuring Jess Eliot Myhre & The Honky Tonk Heroes (Hank Dietle’s; Oct. 30, 6 p.m.; $15) 

FAMILY FRIENDLY

HOWL-O-WEEN: Get in the spooky spirit by cheering on very good dogs at Boro Park. Pooches will walk down the catwalk and post for judges before the “Best in Show” pups are crowned. If you don’t have a dog, don’t worry: you’re still invited to spectate and join in family-friends games and crafts. (The Boro Tysons; 3 p.m.; FREE)

HARVEST SKATE: Friends of Anacostia Park and other Anacostia organizations present Harvest Late Skate, a full day of events at the park’s roller skating rink and surrounding area. There will be a pumpkin patch, adult and kids’ costume contests, live music from Bela Dona, free skate rentals and more. (Anacostia Park; Oct. 29, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; FREE)

GHOSTS, STORIES: The whole family is invited to “2022 Halloween Party and Storytime!” at the end of the month.  The celebrations promise to “use music and creative movement” to learn more about the season. Event-goers can expect an interactive storytime, arts and crafts — and optional, but highly encouraged, costumes. (Commonwealth Baptist Church; Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m.; $5 per child, adults FREE)

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: On Oct. 29, the Smithsonian American Art Museum & the Renwick Gallery is hosting a family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebration. The party will include face painting, arts and crafts, and  live music from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, Mariachi Aguila DC, and Sol y Rumba. Virtual activities are also available. (Smithsonian American Art Museum; Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m.;  FREE)

SPOOKTACULAR: Head to Color Burst Park on Oct. 27 for Merriweather District’s Spook-Tacular. Kids (and adults!) can expect everything form pumpkin decorating, to spooky photo backdrops, to (of course) halloween candy. (Color Burst Park; Oct. 27, 6 p.m.;  FREE)

PUMPKIN CARNAGE: Prince George’s County Parks and the Gateway Arts Center host Calabash Carnage: Family Pumpkin Carving on Oct. 22. Pumpkins are $5 apiece, though admission is free for those not carving. (Gateway Arts Center; Oct. 22, 2 p.m.; $5)

MORE: Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration (Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens; Oct. 22, 4 p.m.; $0 – $13), Not-So-Spooky Skate (Cabin John Ice Rink; Oct. 28, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; $12), Halloween Night Costume Party (Rendezvous Rockville; Oct. 29, 7 p.m.;p $15), Harbor Halloween (National Harbor, Oct. 30, 12:30-4:30 p.m., FREE), Hirshhorn Howl-o-ween (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; Oct. 29, 10 a.m.; FREE, registration required)

PARTIES

HIP-HOP HALLOWEEN: On Oct. 29, RegMoPromo is hosting their “Old School Hip Hop Bar Crawl: Halloween Edition.” Nine DJ’s will be set up at bars up and down U Street, each spinning a different hip-hop genre, while party-goers can access exclusive specials and giveaways. (U Street; Oct. 29, times vary; $10+)

BUENA VIDA CLARENDON: At the end of the month, head to Buena Vida in Clarendon for the Halloween costume party with DJ Pandu. The beats begin at 9 p.m. and go until the early morning — with a costume contest (up to a $250 gift card at play) and two complimentary house margaritas. (Buena Vida Clarendon; Oct. 28, 9 p.m.; $20 advance, $25 at the door)

NIGHTMARE ON M: On the Saturday before Halloween, head to the 24th annual Nightmare on M Street Bar Crawl. Creepy crawlers can expect VIP entry into bars and rooftops across Dupont, souvenir party favors, exclusive drinks and food specials, costume contests, and free prizes. (24th Annual Nightmare On M Street Bar Crawl; Oct. 29, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $15 – $20)

ROE RAGE: On the last Thursday in October, Hook Hall is hosting a event to raise money for the DC Abortion Fund. The “Rage for Roe: A Halloween Bash to Support the DC Abortion Fund” will include a costume contest, music by DJ Chan Don, an appearance by drag performer Tara Hoot, and photographer Farrah Skeiky shooting the crowd. The DC Abortion fund is a District-based non-profit that offers grants to pregnant people who cannot cover the full cost of abortion health care. (Hook Hall; Oct. 27, 7 p.m.; $20 – $25)

MORE: Hi-Lawn Halloween  (Hi-Lawn; Oct., 29 6:30 p.m.; $0 – $5), The Legwarmers ’80s Halloween Friday: The Haunted Theatre (The State Theatre; Oct. 28, 8 p.m.; $25), Eighties Mayhem ’80s Halloween Dance Party (Black Cat; Oct. 29, 9 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door), Hallo-Week Day #6 Dog-friendly Halloween costume contest and dance party (Bark Social North Bethesda; 7 p.m.; FREE admission, though dogs must be pre-registered)

FOOD & DRINK

NATURAL WINE: On Saturday, Oct. 29, Sonny’s Pizza is hosting “Abbondanza! A Halloween Natural Wine Party.” Don your best costume, head to the pizza garden, and get ready for unlimited pours of natural wine. Free beer and cider tastings, Sonny’s pizza, and treats from Gonzo will also be abound. (Sonny’s Pizza; Oct. 29, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; $75 – $85)

SPOOKTACULAR SIPS: Have you always wondered which candy goes best with which wine? District Winery has you covered. At the end of the month, the local winery is hosting a wine and candy tasting that will include pairings like Blanc de Blancs and candy corn, Riesling and caramel popcorn, and Fortitude and kit kats. (District Winery; Dates and times vary; $50)

TACOS: Mark your calendars, because Pink Taco is hosting their Dia De Los Muertos party. Expect a live DJ, a photo booth (hint: bring your costumes), and an exclusive menu to drive the celebrations. (Pink Taco; Oct. 29; Prices Vary)

CUPCAKES: From Oct. 27-31,  Mr. Bake Sweets will be selling their famed Halloween cupcakes at Le Fantome Food Hall. Flavors will include Pumpkin Candy Corn, Vanilla Halloween Sprinkle, and Sweet Potato Eyeball. (Le Fantome Food Hall; From Oct. 27-31; Prices vary)

MORE: Halloween Brunch at Assembly (Assembly; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Prices vary), Dia de los Muertos Cocktail Class (Oyamel; Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.; $65)

CLASSES & EXPERIENCES

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: In the final days of October, O Museum in the Mansion is hosting their “Halloween Night Hunt w/ Sweets Experience.” Attendees are encouraged to attend this treasure hunt in costume — and can expect the 100-room mansion decked out for the season, with secret doors, Halloween candy, and a cash bar. (O Museum in the Mansion; Oct. 27 – 31, times vary; $50)

EMBROIDERY FOR BASIC WITCHES: Get your spooky sew on with Shop Made in DC at a Halloween-inspired embroidery class taught by Nichole Sorhaindo (owner of The Other Cat). (Shop Made in DC – Georgetown; Oct. 27, 5 p.m.; $45)

NIGHT HIKE: Explore the supposedly haunted side of this Rockville nature center, including the story of a little boy named William and the urban legend of Goatman. The evening includes roasting marshmallows around the fire and a light 1-mile hike. (Meadowside Nature Center; 7:30 p.m.; $7)

MORE: Spooky Wax Melts w/ Shadija Romero (325 Morse St. NE, Union Market; Oct. 30, 11 a.m.; $85); Sugar Cooking Class (Lost Boy Cider; Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.; $60), High Heel Race (17th Street NW, Dupont Circle; Oct. 25, 7 p.m.; FREE)