13 things to do around D.C. this Halloweekend
Decorate sugar skulls, catch a classic film, and explore a mansion with more than 80 secret doors.
This weekend, you’ve got plenty of options to extend the Halloween festivities, including multiple Day of the Dead celebrations — at a cemetery, food hall, waterfront, and a neighborhood strip. You can also experience Asia After Dark’s Diwali festival, check out some free galleries, and shop early for holiday gifts.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
Live! At The Library: Halloween Happy Hour
This spooky rendition of an ongoing series will feature happy hour food and drinks, costumes, and candy. Attendees can also visit the Library’s Main Reading Room — the institution's largest public reading room which is usually reserved for researchers. (Library of Congress; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; FREE)
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Patricia Quinn, the original ‘Magenta,’ will join moviegoers for this 49th-anniversary cult classic viewing. This showing of the unedited movie will also feature a live shadow cast and opportunities for audience participation. Guests are encouraged to dress up for a costume contest. (Lincoln Theater; 8 p.m.; $55+)
Halloween Night at O Street Museum
This mansion boasts over 100 rooms and 80 secret doors, and this weekend they’ll be decked out in Halloween decor. Wander through them in your spookiest attire and you might just win the costume contest. If not, wash away your disappointment with candy and a cash bar. (O Museum in the Mansion; 4 p.m.- 10 p.m.; FREE)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Día de los Muertos
The National Museum of the American Latino’s Dia de los Muertos celebration will feature live music, dancing, food, and traditional altars to honor loved ones who’ve passed on. This is a two-day event taking place on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and night. Catrines makeup is encouraged. (La Cosecha; various times Friday and Saturday; FREE)
Asia After Dark
This celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, spans multiple locations including the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the Freer Gallery of Art, and Freer Plaza. The various locations will feature food vendors representing the Indian diaspora, arts and crafts activities, and music and dance performances. Guests can also learn how different religions honor the holiday. Stick around until dark to see the museum light up and dance to a live DJ at the after-hours party. (Various locations; 5 - 9:30 p.m.; FREE)
ArtWalk Dupont
It’s the first Friday of the month, which means a host of art galleries, embassies, and cultural centers in Dupont Circle are open to the public — free of charge — for a two-hour stretch. Some of the participating venues include Dupont Underground, Q Street Fine Art, the Washington Studio School, and the Museum of the Palestinian People. (Various locations; 6 - 8 p.m.; FREE)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration at Congressional Cemetery
The Congressional Cemetery’s chapel will house an enormous community ofrenda where guests can honor their ancestors with photos, symbols of things they loved, and other mementos. Storytime will offer a chance to share memories of loved ones. And guests can also learn about how different cultures around the world celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. (Congressional Cemetery; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; FREE)
Day of the Dead at The Wharf
Dance to live Latin music, decorate sugar skulls, and watch lanterns glow during an evening procession at this waterfront event. Kids can also get their faces painted and adults can stop by a Modelo beer garden, among other activities. Vibrant and authentic Día de los Muertos clothing is encouraged. (The Wharf; 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.; FREE)
Del Ray’s Day of the Dead
This spooky event along Mount Vernon Ave will feature food and drink specials from neighborhood restaurants like Junction Bakery & Bistro, The Garden, Evening Star, Dos Hermanos, Piece Out Del Ray, and more. Check-in begins at noon at Lena's, Hops N Shine, or Northside 10. While check-in isn’t required, the first 50 people to show up at one of these locations will get a swag bag. (Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria.; 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE)
DC Beer Fest
Dozens of craft breweries will descend upon Nationals Park with seasonal and classic beers at this annual festival. The event will also include live music from cover bands, DJs, and a dueling piano bar. Purchase food from trucks including DC Slices, Capt’n Crabby, Little Miner Taco, and more. Leave the kiddos and pups at home. (Nationals Park; 12 p.m. - 8 p.m; $55)
Holiday Market and Street Festival
Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping by perusing items from nearly 40 vendors at the Friendship Heights Makers Market. The lineup of makers and artisans specializes in gifts like home furnishings, jewelry, stationery, skincare products, and more. The event will also include a photo station, arts and crafts, and giveaways. (5200 block of Wisconsin Avenue; 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Small Press and Record Fair
Indie book lovers and vinyl enthusiasts can support small press and independent artists while nibbling on Hawaiian and Filipino fare at this afternoon gathering. Fun for all ages, it will include live DJs and brews from the host venue, City-State Brewing Co. Any donations collected will support SAMASAMA programming, which celebrates diversity through art and gathering. (City-State Brewing Co.; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE)
The Negro Motorist Green Book
The MLK Library’s latest exhibit is opening with a weekend of activities, performances, and discussions about the annual guide that helped African Americans travel safely in mid-century America. Sunday’s celebration features a vintage car show and a 1960s dance party. (Martin Luther King, Jr. Library; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE)
