The 17 best Halloween events in Washington, D.C. to celebrate fright night

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National Union Building

October 5-November 3

Step into a spooky wonderland straight out of a Tim Burton fever dream at this eerie, Halloween-themed pop-up bar in Penn Quarter. For 90 minutes, you’ll be transported into a twisted realm of fantasy and horror, complete with costumed characters, scary movie trivia, mini-pumpkin carving and mask-making at The National Union Building. Tickets include a complimentary drink. Tickets $12 per person. 

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O Museum in the Mansion on O

October 25-November 2, 4-10pm

Discover one of D.C.'s quirkiest hidden gems this Halloween at the O Museum in the Mansion. Known for its 100 rooms, themed hidden spaces, and more than 80 secret doors, the museum is turning up the spook factor with a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Come in costume and nosh on Halloween candy (and drink from a cash bar) to celebrate the season as you explore the mansion. Reserve tickets online; tickets $52.50 per person. 

Cox Farms in Centreville, Va.

September 20-November 2
at various times


Head to Centreville, Va. for a night of horror at Cox Farms’ annual Fields of Fear. As darkness takes over, the farm morphs into a chilling landscape filled with frights. Hop on the Dark Side Hayride, where you’ll come face-to-face with chainsaws, giant spiders and all your worst nightmares. Jump scares lurk around every corner on a creepy trail through the woods. If that's not enough, try to make it through the “Cornightmare,” a haunted trail in a spooky cornfield.

When catch your breath, soothe your nerves with plenty of food, a trip down a giant six-lane slide or a spell in front of a massive bonfire. Buy tickets online; tickets from $30 per person. 

Trouble Bird

October 8-November 2

Black Lagoon, the award-winning Halloween pop-up where mixology meets the macabre, takes over Trouble Bird in Navy Yard this month. Dive into a spine-tingling atmosphere with eerie décor and sip on Halloween-inspired cocktails like the Memento Mori (Mezcal, cold brew liqueur, rum, and more) or non-alcoholic options like the Witching Hour, a refreshing blend of matcha, lemon, honeydew cordial and tonic. 

Legacy DC

October 14, 21 and 28; 6:30-9:30pm

Your favorite local dispensary, is celebrating October with a spooky movie marathon. Head to Legacy DC's gallery on 14th St. and U. Street every Monday in October to watch horror movies on a massive 150-inch projector. Your tickets include free unlimited popcorn. What's screening? Leprechaun in the Hood (October 14), Barbarian (October 21) and Halloween (October 28). Reserve tickets online; tickets $5 per person. 

Congressional Cemetery

October 18, 19, 25, 26 

Tour the historic Congressional Cemetery by lantern-light on a  ghost tour this Halloween. During the annual Soul Strolls, guides will lead you through the spooky grounds and share eerie tales of the cemetery's residents. The hour-long tours run for four nights only—you won’t want to miss this haunting experience. Book tickets online. 

Alethia Tanner Park

October 24, 4-8pm

Celebrate the season at PumpkinPalooza, NoMa’s annual free fall fest. Enjoy live entertainment, a seasonal scavenger hunt, music, food, and the beloved pick-your-own pumpkin patch—perfect for family fun. Sip fall drinks from Red Bear Brewing Co. at a popup beer garden to get in the mood. Stick around for a 6:30pm outdoor screening of Monsters Inc., a Halloween favorite for all ages. Free. 

Various locations on U. Street 

October 25-November 2, 6pm-4am

Celebrate Halloween with Barcrawlerz’ annual U. Street bar crawl. Since 2017, this event has brought together top spots like Sudhouse DC, The Alchemist, Chicken + Whiskey, and El Rey for a fun, laid-back crawl through the neighborhood. Your tickets gets you drink specials at each stop and no cover charge for entry.

This five-night event is perfect for those looking to experience U. Street’s bar scene with a Halloween twist. Buy tickets online; tickets $20 per person. 

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The Capital Turnaround

October 26, 8pm-2am

Get spooky at the fifth annual installment of this dance party. Get groovy on two dance floors to music from DJs and take advantage of a five-hour open bar. There will also be more than 50 animatronics, haunted decor, Paranormal Activity and The Exorcist VR experiences and a costume costume to keep you on your toes. Reserve tickets online; tickets from $49.99 per person. 

Morven Park International Equestrian Center, Leesburg, Va.

October 26-December 8, start times from 6:30-9:45pm

Calling all Potterheads—step into magical world of witches and wizards. Wander through an enchanting nighttime trail, cast spells, encounter magical creatures and immerse yourself in the Forbidden Forest and its many surprises. Reserve tickets online; tickets from $58 per person. 

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Smithsonian National Zoo

October 25, 7-11pm

Get your haunt on at Night of the Living Zoo, the zoo's annual afterhours Halloween party. Take in spooky scenes and circus acts, indulge at the open cocktail bar and dance until you drop to whatever the DJ's spinning. You can feel good about partying, too, because all proceeds benefit zoo conservation efforts. Reserve tickets online; tickets $65 per person. 

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Black Cat

October 26, 9pm-2am

For the twelfth year in a row, Black Cat is ringing in Halloween with a Beetlejuice/eighties-themed dance party. DJs will spin five hours worth of the 80s bops—don't forget to wear your best costume. Reserve tickets online; tickets $25 per person. 

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

October 27, 2 and 4pm

Prepare for a hauntingly fun time as the National Symphony Orchestra brings Halloween to life at the Kennedy Center. The Concert Hall will be decked out in spooky decor as musicians in ghoulish costumes perform eerie classics and exciting new works.

Arrive early for trick-or-treating and the Haunted Hall Musical PLAYspace where children will have the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. Reserve tickets online; tickets $25.30 per person. 

DC Improv Comedy Club

October 30, 7:30pm

Get ready for a killer night at this Halloween Whodunit, from Die Laughing Productions and DC Improv. Step into the neighborhood's biggest Halloween costume party, where fun turns to fright as a murder unfolds. This interactive murder mystery invites the audience to participate, play their costume character, and solve the crime. Reserve tickets online; tickets $25 per person. 

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UpCycle Creative Reuse Center

October 30, 7-9pm

Get crafty this Halloween at UpCycle’s Adult Craft Night. Transform old photos and postcards into spooky ghost-filled art, and create witchy potions from donated bottles and mixed media.This Halloween-themed workshop is perfect for getting into the spooky spirit and revamping old items. Grab your friends and join for a fun night of DIY decor with a spooky twist. RSVP online; admission $40 per person. 

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St. Francis Hall

October 24 at 30, 7pm and 9pm

Step into a magical candlelit setting with classical renditions of your favorite spooky hits. Musicians will perform all hauntingly beautiful orchestral arrangements of your favorite Halloween songs, including the medly from "The "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Thriller." Perfect for music lovers looking for a unique twist on the holiday. Reserve tickets online; tickets from $56 per person. 

Lincoln Theatre

October 31 at 8pm

Celebrate 49 years of The Rocky Horror Show with none other than Patricia Quinn, the original "Magenta." Head to the Lincoln Theatre for a screening of the uncut film, complete with a live shadow cast, audience participation, a costume contest and plenty of Halloween surprises. Reserve tickets online; tickets $55-$75 per person.