News Summary
Washington D.C. is set to celebrate Halloween throughout October with a variety of events for residents and visitors. From the Snallygaster festival featuring local brews to family-friendly activities like Race the District and the Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest, there’s something for everyone. In addition, special events such as Boo at the Zoo, Haunted Library storytelling, and the Murder at the Masquerade dining experience highlight the diverse offerings of the month. With educational programs and entertainment, D.C. promises an engaging Halloween season for all ages.
Washington D.C. is gearing up for a month full of exciting Halloween-themed events and activities throughout October. Residents and visitors have a wide array of options to enjoy the spooky spirit of the season, ranging from festive gatherings to unique experiences designed for all ages.
The popular Snallygaster festival returns to Downtown Washington D.C., featuring endless tastings of local beers and ciders. Music superstar Chris Brown remains in town, adding to the city’s lively atmosphere.
Families can participate in a free go-kart experience titled Race the District, inviting neighbors to join in on the fun. This month in D.C. also presents opportunities to unplug from negative news with a variety of entertainment options.
Dog lovers can celebrate at the Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Dacha’s Navy Yard on October 11 for a nominal entry fee of $10 or $20. Following this, the Howl-O-Ween Bar(k) Crawl at The Yards on October 15 offers a free event for both dogs and their humans, making it a perfect outing for pet owners.
The Boo at the Zoo event at the Smithsonian National Zoo runs from October 17-19, with general admission priced at $35, giving attendees access to special exhibits and live activities. For older audiences, a Haunted Library storytelling event tailored for ages 13 and older will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on October 22, admitting guests at no charge.
On the same day, PumpkinPalooza at Alethia Tanner Park promises a bustling pumpkin patch, live characters, a costume parade, and a petting zoo. Further spooky exploration awaits with the Haunted House Decorating arts and crafts session at the National Building Museum on October 25, with registration fees of $7 for children and $10 for adults.
Participants can enjoy the Air & Scare event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on October 25, featuring trick-or-treating and crafts, though the outdoor segment requires tickets. On the same day, Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon will also be available, with tickets priced at $30 for adults and $25 for youth attendees.
Other special events include An Evening of Poisons and Potions at the U.S. Botanic Garden on October 17, costing $35 for adults aged 21 and over. A high-end experience, Murder at the Masquerade at the Michelin-starred restaurant JÔNT on October 31, offers a lavish dining experience at $695 per person.
Halloween enthusiasts can also take part in events like the Spooky-Danza natural wine party at Sonny’s Pizza on October 31, with tickets approximately $80 per person, and a screening of the classic film “Nosferatu” with live musical accompaniment at Lincoln Theatre on October 29, priced at around $45.
For those seeking chilling narratives, the Ghosts of Georgetown walking tour runs throughout October for adults at a cost of approximately $39 and $25 for children. The Soul Strolls tour at the Congressional Cemetery is also available in October, with the second wave of ticket sales opening on October 10.
Literature and history lovers can attend lectures such as An Evening with Jack the Ripper on October 15 at the Hill Center, priced around $15, and the Early American Witch Hunts lecture on October 27, at a fee of about $15. The COVEN: A Halloween Dance Party at Black Cat on October 23 offers a lively atmosphere for $13 in advance.
Adding to the Halloween excitement, the Girls Rock! D.C. Halloween Benefit concert at Songbyrd Music House on October 26 offers tickets for approximately $25, and the HORRORGVSM IV horror-themed burlesque show at D.C. Brau on October 25 welcomes guests for $25 general admission.
Educational events are within reach too, with the All About Bats session at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on October 25 being free, though preregistration is encouraged. For those looking for unique performances, the Creature Feature drag show at Rhizome on October 30 is a donation-based event.
As October comes to a close, an array of themed Halloween events continues, including the Nightmare in Navy Yard party on October 31 priced around $45, Halloween Drag Bingo + Dinner at Unconventional Diner at $60 including a buffet, and a festive gathering at the Fantom Comics x Dupont Underground Halloween Party on October 31, with tickets starting from $20.
As the Halloween season illuminates D.C., residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the fun, unique experiences the city has to offer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Washingtonian: Things to Do in the DC Area
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- WTOP: DC Area Halloween Parties
- Google Search: Halloween events in Washington DC
- Mommy Poppins: Things to Do in Washington DC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Northern Virginia Magazine: Best Events in Northern Virginia
- Washington Post: Best Events in DC
- Washington Informer: DMV Events October 2025
- Google News: Things to do in Washington DC
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
