Play a Game of Murder Mystery Cocktails This Halloween Weekend in DC
Fun things to do in Washington DC this weekend.
Halloween weekend is finally upon us, and we are so here for it! The city has been decked out in its finest for weeks, and the next few days are packed with more parties, specials, and ghost tours than we can count. And if you’re in need of some last-minute costume inspiration, take a peek at what other DC residents might be donning this year.
Of course, if the scary holiday isn’t your jam, there’s plenty else to do. From indulging in a meal with a rare wine pairing to hunting for vinyl or practicing some necessary self-care, read on for all the intel. Along with our new Ultimate Guide to DC Nightlife, here’s everything fun you can do in DC this weekend.
Where to Enjoy Family-Friendly Events in DC
October 28, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Penn Quarter, $18.95
The National Children’s’ Museum is always a great place to spend a Saturday, but this weekend there’s even more incentive to visit. The locally-based toy brand, Follies, will be on-site at the museum and hosting 30-minute haunted house building workshops all day. The workshops are included in the price of admission to the museum and will challenge kiddos to create their very own haunted houses using some of Follies’ new art materials.
October 28, 2 pm–6 pm
Alexandria, $17 and up
Did George Washington ever welcome trick-or-treaters to his Mount Vernon home? We’re going to guess no, since candy-collecting costumes didn’t become popular in the US until after WWII. But you can make a go of it on Saturday with a family-friendly Halloween party on the grounds of Mount Vernon. Come in costume (of course) and learn some things you probably didn’t know, like some secret 18th century magic tricks and dances. There will also be a puppet show, crafts, and, of course, trick-or-treating.
Where to Explore Arts and Culture in DC
October 27, 7 pm
Capitol Hill, $8
Halloween simply isn’t complete without a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic, Psycho. And The Miracle Theater, DC’s oldest movie house, has the perfect amount of old-school jitters to see the film. Whether this will be your first time or you’ve watched the thriller, or the hundredth, the film’s genius will not escape you. Try not to spill all of your popcorn when you jump out of your seat during the iconic shower scene.
October 27, October 29
Navy Yard, Free
If your skin is suffering in this rapid transition into colder temps, or if you’re just in need of some self-care (and who isn’t?), head to Silver Mirror Facial Bar in Navy Yard. The spa is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a free happy hour on Friday (5 pm–7 pm) complete with skin tips, complimentary skincare products, and some wine and snacks. Or, for something more vigorous, head to the Yard on Sunday (9 am) for a free workout class by local trainer favorite, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, followed by a session on how to incorporate face-yoga into your daily morning routine. Consider this your weekend reset.
October 27–29
Dupont Circle, $50
The Mansion on O is one of DC’s most infamous spaces. As a hybrid historic home, inn, museum, and event space, it looms large in haunted talks of the district. So, it’s no surprise that the Mansion goes all out for Halloween, decorating most of its 100 rooms and 80 doors. This weekend, the massive haunt is hiding Halloween candy throughout its many nooks and crannies for a special treasure hunt. There'll be a cash bar, costume contest, and prizes for those who can find some of its hidden doors (apparently there are many).
October 29, 11 am–5 pm
Downtown, Free
The day vinyl lovers all over the city have been waiting for is here: the return of the DC Record Fair. Taking place at the Eaton, downtown’s hotel, radio station, café, and community space mash-up, the fair will host over forty record dealers. Although it runs all day, the early bird gets the worm—or hard-to-find vinyl record—so the saying goes.
Where to Drink in DC
October 27–29
Penn Quarter, Prices Vary
Bar Spero, the sophisticated and lively restaurant in a fast-developing stretch of the city is always a good idea, but this weekend it’s bumping even further up our list. The spot has teamed up with RdV Vineyards, the renowned Virginia winemaker that is nearly impossible to book a tour and tasting due to its intense popularity and stellar reputation. This is your last weekend to sample RdV’s new release—their 2020 Lost Mountain Red—paired with Spero’s specialty lamb cooked with beets, shishito peppers, and spicebush, designed with RdV’s wine in mind. Trust us, it will be a meal (and a glass) to remember.
October 27, 7 pm–2 am
Edgewood, Free
Halloween-inspired drinks, Ouija boards, tarot and astrology readings, crafts, costumes, and a dance floor—there’s a lot of action happening at The Dew Drop Inn’s Halloween Party! Gather your coven of besties, get a tarot reading, and plan to tear into the dance floor for the long hall—or until the bar closes well after witching hour.
October 29, 6 pm
Logan Circle, $12 and up
Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery movie? Clue, the 1985 classic, might be the best of them all, and on Sunday you can both watch the movie and reenact some of its iconic stagings at a themed party. Taking place at Dovetail, the restaurant and cocktail bar in Logan Circle’ Viceroy Hotel, guests, who are encouraged to arrive in costume, will get to move through a series of rooms that have been transformed into the film’s Boddy Mansion. Clue-inspired drinks specials ($16 each) include the Colonel Mustard (scotch, peach liqueur, honey, and mustard) and the Miss Scarlet (Italian liqueur, sweet vermouth, blood orange, and cava bubbler).