WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
ChurchKey’s Night of the Living Ales
1337 14th St., NW
The fifth annual Night of the Living Ales returns, taking over all 50 draft lines with a variety of wild ales, known for their sour flavor. Local producers like Lost Rhino and Hardywood Park are represented alongside American and international producers. The event is free; beers are priced individually.
When: Starts at 4
Scary movies and cocktails at McClellan’s Retreat
2301 Florida Ave., NW
Get in the festive mood at this Dupont spot, which screens scary movies at the bar on Wednesday to psyche up guests for their Halloween (Saturday) 80’s theme party. Regardless of which you visit, try the house punch.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
Doggy Howl-o-ween Costume Contest at Jackson 20
480 King St., Alexandria
Halloween meets the final Doggy Happy Hour at Jackson 20, where canine contestants in costume strut down the catwalk, and their human companions enjoy discount drinks and snacks. ABC7’s John Gonzalez will MC the costume contest, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. There’s a $15 registration fee for all participants, and a $10 suggested door donation for non-participants. Register your pup at the door at 5, or in advance online.
When: Doors open at 5
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Two nights of festivities El Centro D.F.
1819 14th St., NW; 1218 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Both the Georgetown and 14th Street locations plan to party hard for two nights. Drop by on Friday or Saturday for Mexican cocktails, a special menu of stomach-padding dishes (bacon-wrapped hot dogs, nachos), and costume contests.
When: Friday and Saturday after 9 pm in Georgetown, 10 pm on 14th Street
Three headed monster weekend at Republic Takoma Park
6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park
You’ll find three days of festivities at Jeff Black’s restaurant. Events begin on Friday with live music starting at 10, followed by a Halloween costume party on Saturday, and a Day of the Dead hangover brunch on Sunday. See if you can survive all three in a row.
When: Friday, live music starting at 10; Saturday, party starting at 10; Sunday spooky brunch from 10:30 to 3.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 (a.k.a. HALLOWEEN)
Halloween brunch at Masa 14
1825 14th St., NW
We can’t promise you’ll make it to a Halloween party if you start with all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch, but hey, A for effort. Dress up for a costume contest; two winners will receive a $75 gift certificate. The meal is $39 for adults, $10 for kids under ten.
When: 10 to 3
Wicked Garden Party at Poste Moderne Brasserie
555 Eighth St., NW
Hit Poste’s outdoor patio—warmed with fire pits and heaters in cool weather—for a party featuring drinks at happy hour prices—think a “bobbing for apples” punch—music from DJ Lu-han, and food specials.
When: 8 to midnight
Murder mystery dinner at the Grille at Morrison House
116 South Alfred St., Alexandria
Dress in costume for a 1920’s-themed murder mystery dinner. The night begins at 7 with a cocktail hour, followed by a three-course meal with wine. You won’t find out “who done it” until the end. The meal is $100; reserve by calling 703-838-8000.
When: Starts at 7
Bluejacket Brewery’s Halloween Bash
300 Tingey St., SE
Drinkers can embark on two haunted brewery tours at 8:30 or 9:30 during Bluejacket’s party, or don a mask and win beery prizes during a costume contest. The bar will tap some of their vintage kegs, including a number stored in bourbon or wine barrels. Admission is free; reservations for the tour must be made online.
When: Starts at 8:30
All-you-can-eat doughnut feast at Captain Gregory’s Speakeasy
804 N. Henry St., Alexandria
The speakeasy inside Del Rey’s Sugar Shack donut shop throws an all-out party, which includes an all-you-can-eat spread of doughnut-inspired snacks, entrees, and desserts. Drinks are priced individually. Tickets go for $20, and space is very limited. Text 571-281-0059 for reservations.
When: Saturday
Nightmare on 18th Street at Black Squirrel
2427 18th St., NW
All three floors of this AdMo bar will serve pumpkin beers with Halloween candy pairings, pumpkin-themed foods, and drink specials. Feel like kicking things off early? Drop by on Friday for a scary movie marathon starring Freddy Krueger and Jason Vorhees. Admission is free for both.
When: Friday and Saturday, open to close
Halloween tap takeover at Pizzeria Paradiso Georgetown
3282 M St., NW
Head to the downstairs beer bar on Halloween for a costume party starting at 5. The festivities are fueled by ghoulish cocktails and drafts, and a thematic “orange, white & black” pizza made with carrot puree, Jack and cheddar cheeses, a black bean salad, and sour cream.
When: Saturday starting at 5
Grateful Dead tribute at Villain & Saint
7141 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda
Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s live music venue summons the Deadheads on Halloween with live music from a series of local Grateful Dead tribute bands. Look for themed cocktails and barbecue in addition to the music. Proceeds benefit the Rex Foundation. Tickets ($30) are available online.
When: Saturday, doors open at 4; music and auction begin at 6
Pumpkin decorating at Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza
Clarendon and Silver Spring locations
Drop by Pete’s before trick-or-treating with the kids for a pumpkin decorating pizza party (Clarendon and Silver Spring locations only). Mini-pumpkins and all the artsy supplies are available for $5. Look for pumpkin specials in addition to the regular menu, including a pumpkin and kale pizza, pumpkin ravioli, and a pumpkin spice gelato. Admission is free; food, drinks, and pumpkin kits are available for individual purchase.
When: Saturday, 11 to 2
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Pig roast birthday bash at Bluejacket
300 Tingey St., SE
Pick up where you left off at Bluejacket, which follows their Halloween party with a second-anniversary bash on Sunday. Head to the patio starting at noon for a pig roast, grilled fare, live music, and four special brews. Admission is free; drinks and food are priced individually.
When: Noon to 4
Scary eats and Halloween party at Red Apron/B Side
8298 Glass Alley, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Diners can try an offal-filled dinner at Red Apron before heading to sister bar B Side for a Halloween party after. The $85 meal includes odd-bits like popcorn sweetbreads, pig foot pastrami with pig skin noodles, and crispy pig tails, all paired with a cocktail from barman Jeff Faile (email reservations@redparonbutchery.com for reservations). Next door you’ll find specialty cocktails, more offal-y snacks, and a costume contest, as well as the bar’s full menu.
When: Red Apron dinner at 7:30; B-Side party at 9:30.
DC Brau and the Rocky Horror Picture Show
555 11th St., NW
Combine a local beer tasting with a screening of the cult classic at Landmark E Street Cinemas on Sunday evening. Reps from DC Brau will be serving brews before the show, so you can sing along with plenty of spirit.
When: Tasting at 6; movie at 7.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
