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Things to do in the DC area: Halloween parties, Adams Morgan Fall Porchfest…and more!


Things to do in the DC area: Halloween parties, Adams Morgan Fall Porchfest…and more!

For spooky last-minute festivities, WTOP brings you this list of Halloween events happening in the DC area on Thursday and later this week.

For spooky last-minute festivities, WTOP brings you this list of Halloween events happening on Thursday and later this week.

For a list of over 10 bar and restaurant pop-ups in the DC area, check out this roundup from WTOP. Anyone looking for spooky experiences should check out these haunted houses, fields, forests and other attractions.


Check back every Thursday for a recap of what's happening in the DC area.


First, for those interested in fashion, the DAR Museum delves into the history of costumes in films old and new with its “Terror in the Seams” event. Thursday’s event is $25.

In an interview with WTOP, Kevin Lukacs, Curator of Education at the DAR Museum, said, “We're bringing these classic horror films that many of us know and love and are obsessed with, like James Wales' 1931 classic 'Frankenstein.' , to the cinema.” 1992's Dracula is a real love-it-or-hate-it proposition, and that's why we're looking at these films from the perspective of fans and historians.”

You do not need to be a member of the museum to attend the event.

On Halloween, Atlas Doghouse in Northeast DC hosts a Howl-o-ween Pawty costume for furry friends, complete with ghost games and spooky treats. Costumes are optional but encouraged.

The Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress is hosting a Halloween Happy Hour on Thursday with food, drinks and candy. Visitors also have the opportunity to tour the large main reading room, which is arguably one of the most beautiful rooms in the city.

The Howard Theater also hosts a Monsters Ball on Halloween. The event costs $59 per person and includes an immersive live music show with aerialists and dancers.

If you're looking for drinks, head to popular watering hole Lyman's Tavern for a costume contest and pinball tournament on Thursday. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Ward 1 Mutual Aid fundraiser.

On Saturday, Eckington Hall in Northeast DC is hosting a free Halloween costume party and patio market.

Elsewhere, in Alexandria, Virginia, the Galactic Panther Art Gallery is hosting a live musical performance Thursday, with bands changing instruments and playing each other's songs. The Halloween Band Switcheroo hosts four local bands: Professor Goldstein, Fake Radio, The Orange Slices and Sol Reactor. General admission is $16.

Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia is also hosting the Vampire Glam Halloween Party on Thursday. This event will feature local pop artist Ari Voxx and The Sad Lads, Zeus on the Leus and Shelley Star and the Galaxy. General admission is $15.

Experience The Dracula Experience in Leesburg, Virginia through November 3 for an immersive journey into the vampire legend. The hour-long experience has danger lurking around every corner and ticket prices are around $40 per person for ages 13 and older and $35 for ages 12 and under.

Here's what else is happening in the DC area:

Direct current

Dia de los Muertos
Celebrate Day of the Dead at The Wharf on Saturday with live music, a beer garden, sugar skull decorations and a community lantern parade. The event is expected to include several cultural performances with a variety of food and beverage offerings. The event is free to attend and no tickets are required.

The top shelf of the Story District
Story District brings together the best storytellers in DC to tell completely true stories at the Top Shelf event. This Saturday at Capital Turnaround, the event will feature eight stories with themes such as gay pride, women's history and the “Worst Date Ever.” For more details on this event, check out Kyle Cooper's post on WTOP.

Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
For more live music options, head to Adams Morgan this Saturday for the popular PorchFest event. Some of the city's best local music talent will perform across 25 venues throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public.

“Dance Like Black People Are Watching”
Woolly Mammoth hosts a hilarious, witty and brand new show created exclusively for DC Theater Company, featuring rising comedy stars, songs and sketches. The show runs from November 6th to December 22nd and features ASL interpreted performances, open captioned performances and masked performances.

“The Other Americans”
Don't miss actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo's appearance in “The Other Americans,” a theater production about a “Colombian-Puerto Rican laundromat owner dealing with a failing business and buried secrets.” The show runs until November 24th at the Arena Stage. Special performances are also available that provide closed captioning, ASL interpretation, or mask requirements.

Maryland

Hot Apple Cider Hustle
Prepare your running shoes. The Hot Cider Hustle 5K and 10K Run/Walk-A-Thon is this Saturday.

44th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Experience the conclusion of the annual Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland through Sunday. This year, there's a brand new playground in addition to attractions like a hayride, corn maze and pony rides. Advance tickets range from $11 to $18 depending on the day.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Festival
In Mt. Airy, Maryland, the Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm runs through November 5th, so get in on the family fun while you still can. The event features over 65 exciting attractions, including a seven-acre corn maze. Tickets are $14.50 on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

Virginia

“$100 and under”
Expand your art collection with works at more affordable prices at Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia. From November 1st through December 1st, the $100 and Under exhibition will feature members' original artwork, all priced at $100 and under. The gallery is free and open to the public.

Celebration of Día de los Muertos
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is hosting a free Day of the Dead celebration Friday with food trucks, family-friendly games and art-making. For more Día de los Muertos events to consider, check out the WTOP events guide here.

Alexandria Fall Festival
For fall, family-friendly fun, head to Alexandria, Virginia for the Fall Festival. This event includes pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and bouncy castles. Because the event takes place on Sunday, tickets and parking must be purchased in advance. No tickets are available on site.

Have an event you'd like featured in WTOP's weekly “Things to Do in the DC Area” guide?

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