Searching for a delightfully eerie experience? Explore these Día de los Muertos and Halloween-themed events and activities in and around DC. If you’re yearning for more than just trick-or-treating or face-painting to celebrate these two holidays, we have a variety of options for you. Here’s a look at things to do for Halloween Washington DC 2023.
Ghost Tour in Washington DC
Embrace the spirit of Halloween with a spine-chilling walking ghost tour through Washington, DC. Explore the city’s oldest neighborhoods year-round, and let these tours delightfully spook you as you navigate from one haunt to another. Here are some options.
Six Flags Fright Fest presented by Snickers – Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
The eerie festivities at Six Flags America are back, featuring haunted attractions, entertainment, shows, and the roller-coaster thrills that the DMV area has grown accustomed to. The 2023 edition takes place on select days from Sept. 16 through Oct. 29. Families should also explore the Kids BOO Fest, held on specific dates.
PumpkinPalooza – Oct. 26
Join in the Halloween festivities at NoMa’s annual pumpkin-centric event. Taking place in Alethia Tanner Park, PumpkinPalooza features live entertainment, a seasonal scavenger hunt, delicious food, music, and, of course, the renowned pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
Festival Fun (various, between 4-7 p.m.)
- Pick Your Own Pumpkin: 4-6 p.m.
- Face Painting: 4-6 p.m.
- Dog Portraits: 4-6 p.m.
- Too Much Talent Band: 4-6 p.m.
- Costume Parade (led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse): 4:30 p.m.
- Costume Winners Announced: 6:10 p.m.
- Hocus Pocus Movie Screening: 6:30 p.m.
All Day (4-9 p.m.)
- Red Bear Brewing Co. Beer Garden (21+)
dLeña Día de los Muertos Immersive Campaign – Oct 3 – Nov 5
dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval is excited to announce the return of its annual Día de los Muertos dining celebration this fall. From Tuesday, October 3, through Sunday, November 5, guests are invited to experience the artistry of dLeña’s kitchen and bar programs on a mesmerizing journey that blends the lines between the spirit world and the physical realm.
Día de Los Muertos is a celebration that centers on remembering family and friends while bringing their stories, memories, and lives back to life through food, drinks, and reminiscing. Richard Sandoval Hospitality (RSH) has created an immersive experience to celebrate the holiday’s rituals and symbolize the unification of life and death.
Chef Richard Sandoval and RSH culinary experts have crafted extraordinary dishes incorporating elements from the bar, while talented mixologists created tantalizing drinks infused with elements from the kitchen. dLeña will feature a few of these paired themed menu items including the Empanadas de Muertos ($15) with guajillo, corn masa, cheese, chicken tinga, crema fresca, avocado, and cilantro purée from the ‘physical’ world, paired with an avocado mezcal shot from the ‘spirit’ world, and Filete de Mole Negro ($55) with beef tenderloin, housemade mole negro, heirloom carrot, butternut squash purée, marigold, and microgreen from the ‘physical’ world, paired with a mezcal sour from the ‘spirit’ world. Drink offerings include the Smoky Sweet Potato Margarita ($17) with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, sweet potato purée, lemon, and agave from the ‘spirit’ world, paired with sweet potato chips from the ‘physical’ world, and Purple Corn Oaxacan Old Fashioned ($17) with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, purple corn agave, and mole bitters from the ‘spirit’ world, paired with crispy corn kernels with tajín dust from the ‘physical’ world.
Opaline Bar & Brasserie
Opaline Bar & Brasserie is celebrating Halloween on October 31 from 4pm until 10pm. The theme – Les Phantoms d’Opaline, features spooktacular cocktails, mocktails, live entertainment by French DJ David Dupree and Tarot Card Readings.
Cocktails
- Black Curtain – $17
- Bloody Margarita – $17
- Color Changing Collins – $18
- Phantom Old Fashioned – $15
Mocktail
- Vampire Punch – garnished with Gummy Worms and Dry Ice – $12
Halloween Treasure Hunt at the Mansion on O – Oct. 27-31
Embarking on a visit to the enchanting Mansion on O & O Street Museum is truly an extraordinary experience, particularly when you explore the historic venue through a scavenger hunt. Witness the Mansion adorned in its Halloween finest as you navigate through themed rooms and discover secret doors, all while seeking seasonal and Halloween-themed prizes. Feel free to bring your own shopping bag to indulge in purchasing delightful goodies from the mansion as well.
Sketch Night of Frights at DC Improv – Oct. 28
Get ready for a spooktacular evening of sketch comedy as DC’s beloved comedy troupe, Bad Medicine, brings forth a night filled with Halloween-themed, high-energy entertainment. Experience a blend of characters, music, and thrills that will send chills down your spine – all with a touch of comedic mischief.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon – Oct. 28
Mount Vernon invites the whole family to partake in Halloween festivities. Enjoy candy collecting with special Mount Vernon treat bags, witness an 18th-century baking demonstration and magic show, strike a pose at the straw bale selfie station, revel in live music, and indulge in much more.
- Collect candy in your special Mount Vernon treat bag around the historic grounds.
- Snap a selfie at our Straw Bale Selfie Station in front of the Mansion on the Bowling Green. Share your snapshot with us on social media using #MVHalloween.
- Watch your children in a Costume Parade on the historic grounds.
- Greet the General & Lady Washington in the historic area.
- Learn about 18th-century magic with Mr. Peter Gardiner at 3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. on the Bowling Green.
Nightmare in Navy Yard – Oct. 28
Immersive special effects, animatronics, and haunting props metamorphose Navy Yard into a nightmarish setting. This Halloween celebration boasts a DJ, an open bar, a lively dance floor, and a thrilling costume contest. Tickets here.