Five Best DC Halloween Events … and One for DC Pets!

DC loves Halloween! From bar crawls to boo bashes, there’s something for every type of trick-or-treater… even the furry ones. But since all of the event offerings can become overwhelming, we’ve narrowed down some of the best in the area so you can focus on fun. (And full-sized candy bars. There should always be full-sized candy bars.)

Here are K Street Magazine’s five best DC-area Halloween events… and one best for DC pets:

Best for Families 

There’s something for everyone in the family at Halloweekend at the Perch in Tysons. A costume party, pumpkin and face painting, live music, spooky golf at Perch Putt, a bocce tournament, Hocus Pocus on the big screen, and even a pumpkin pie eating contest! This weekend celebration takes place Saturday, October 29th, 12pm-8pm. This free event is open to the public with more details and a link to register here.

And here’s a treat if you’re not *scared* to add a new four-legged member to your family: Adoptable pups from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue will be on site.

Best for Party People 

Experience the frightful delights of Gotham On 8^th Street: Halloween Costume Party at Dirty Habit on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 9PM. Those that come dressed to impress may win cash prizes at this Gotham-themed bash serving up festive specialty cocktails, live entertainment acts — like an aerialist and fire dancer! — and a live DJ playing the best of Top 40 hits inside and out. Entry is free but tickets are required and can be found here.

Best for Candy Collection

Boo at the Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s beloved and family-friendly Halloween event definitely has more treats than tricks — it’s sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery! Guests (rec 4 and up) not only get to dress up in costumes and collect candy at 30 treat stations around the zoo, but they’ll also enjoy a dance party and special after-hours access for animal viewing at the Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, Great Ape House and Think Tank. This classic seasonal favorite is back Oct. 28th and 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The 29th is already sold out! Tickets here.

Best for Bar Crawling

The 24th Annual Nightmare On M Street Bar Crawl on Saturday, October 29th gives costumed revelers the best reasons to roam Dupont’s newest bars and rooftops — awesome DJs, amazing drink specials, the largest costume contest, free raffles, surprise giveaways, and signature party favors! See here for details on registration, participating bars, and complete details.

And… Best for Pets! 

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s Canine Ambassador Georgie invites friends to stop by with their canine companions for Fairmont’s 11th annual Howl-O-Ween. Not only will dogs be treated to on-site made peanut butter biscuits and canine coolers, but multiple prizes will be awarded to costumed pups with their people. This free event takes place on Thursday, October 27 in the Courtyard Bar from 6:00pm and 7:30pm, with registration encouraged.

Stop by and say hello to K Street Kate at Howl-O-Ween — she’ll be serving again this year as a canine costume judge!

Looking for more? A more complete list of DC-area Halloween and seasonal events can be found on the K Street Magazine community event calendar.