Too old for trick-or-treating? Who needs one night of Halloween when you can make the best holiday of the year last several days?
National Museum of Crime and Punishment’s Fright at the Museum
If you enjoy being scared out of your mind, attend the National Museum of Crime and Punishment’s Fright at the Museum. The museum is transformed into a “hunting ground for the criminally insane” and boasts to be the scariest haunted house in the District. Read the Washington Post’s review of the tour here to decide if this activity is for you.
Where: The National Museum of Crime and Punishment at 575 7th St. NW, near the Gallery Place Metro Station
When: October 26, 27, & 31 – tours start at 7 p.m. and depart every half hour
Cost: $22 – tickets can be purchased online
More info can be found here
Guillotine Theatre’s Halloween in Georgetown
For a different kind of fright, attend the Guillotine Theatre’s Halloween in Georgetown, a reading of the stories and poems of Edgar Allen Poe. Word is that supernatural phenomena occur every year. Hors d’oeuvres will be served after the reading.
Where: Grace Church in Georgetown at 1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 suggested donation
More info can be found here
Washington Ballet’s Dracula
For another dose of culture, head to the Kennedy Center for the Washington Ballet’s Dracula. The company premiere of this adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel closely follows the classic story, but presents it in a “wildly theatrical” way that is guaranteed to please.
Where: The Kennedy Center at 2700 F St. NW – shuttles leave from the Foggy Bottom metro station frequently
When: now until Sunday, November 4th
Cost: $25-$125
More info can be found here
Town Danceboutique
Put on your craziest, skimpiest costume and head over to Town Danceboutique, D.C.’s Largest Gay Nightclub, on the 26th for Freaky Friday, a costume contest and dance party. Town is the place to dress however you want without judgment, unless you’re participating in the costume contest, in which case you’ll want to be judged for a chance at a $100 cash prize! If your costume is the freakiest, sluttiest, “Nicki Minajiest,” or “Honey BooBooest,” you could be a winner. The contest will be part of Town’s weekly drag show, so it is recommended to arrive by 11 p.m. to participate. Even if your costume doesn’t win a superlative, you can have an amazing time dancing upstairs, where there will be a DJ all night playing Top 40 hits.
Where: Town Danceboutique at 2009 8th St. NW, near the U St. metro station
When: Friday, October 26th. Doors open at 10 p.m. Drag show starts at 10:30
Cost: Guests 18-20 years old – $10 cover all night
Guests 21 and over – $5 cover 10-11 p.m.; $10 after 11 p.m.
More info can be found here
High Heel Drag Queen Race
Every year, racers dressed in drag gather around Dupont Circle for the High Heel Drag Queen Race. They run down 17th Street while crowds of spectators gather to watch this fashion show-like event. With costumes ranging from extravagant to over-the-top, you will not want to leave your camera at home for this #onlyinDC event!
Where: 17th Street between P & S Streets NW – near the Dupont Circle metro station
When: Tuesday, October 30 – the race begins at 9 p.m. but people gather as early as 6 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More info can be found here