Every Thursday, we share weekend events happening around the city. Are you planning an event you’d like us to consider for this roundup? Send it to our team using this form. Find more events in our Civics Roundup, which focuses on ways to get more involved locally.
Get into the spooky spirit this weekend with horror films, witchy dance parties, and Halloween adventures for all ages. Whether you’re carving pumpkins or rocking out for a cause, there’s a trick or treat for everyone.
THURSDAY, OCT. 23
Halloween J-Film | Ringu You might have seen The Ring, but what about the 1998 Japanese horror classic that inspired it? The Japan Information and Culture Center is hosting a special Halloween screening. (Embassy of Japan; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; FREE with registration)
Coven: A Halloween Dance Party Join the coven at Black Cat for a night of dancing, witchy vibes, tarot readings, and pole performances, with spooky costumes highly encouraged. Open to all ages, the event features DJ Dianamatic and $et keeping the energy high all night. (Black Cat; 7:30 p.m. to late; $13)
Cupboard's Cabaret BloomBars in Columbia Heights hosts the first in a series of local comedy showcases that begin with an open mic (anyone?) followed by clowns, drag performers, and promised “tomfoolery.” (BloomBars; 7:30 p.m. doors; $17.85)
BloomBars in Columbia Heights hosts a night of local comedy on Thursday. (Jespi06/Wikimedia Commons)
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
Running Tour of Reveille in Washington Lace up for an easy-paced ~2-mile route through D.C. Civil War sites, with stops at historic landmarks and an after-hours visit to the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Museum — designed as a “shakeout” before the Marine Corps Marathon and based on a 1942 Pulitzer Prize–winning history book. The host, Read & Run on the Road, specifically designs book-themed guided runs, but no prior reading is required. (Starting point at Nuns of the Battlefield Civil War Nurses Monument; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; first 20 tickets free, then $20 via Venmo or $29 on Eventbrite)
Queer Black Broadway Walking Tour This guided walking tour — a partnership between Off the Mall Tours and the Rainbow History Project — highlights the intersection of local Black and LGBTQ+ history. You’ll learn about the history of U Street, from the Prohibition Era to the Civil Rights Movement, and about the queer community that shaped “Black Broadway.” (Howard Theatre; 6 - 8 p.m.; $30)
Asia After Dark | Diwali Festival The Smithsonian museums might still be closed due to the ongoing government shutdown, but the National Museum of Asian Art isn’t letting that dim its light. Its annual Diwali celebration is still happening, just in a new location. Come join the fun with South Asian bites from local vendors like CHA Street Food, Himalayan Soul Foods, and the new Chai Pani — plus traditional crafts and dance performances that will transition into a set from DJ Bianca Maeili. Entry is first-come, first-served. (Dock5 at Union Market; 4 - 9:30 p.m.; FREE with registration)
Take a walking tour of Black Broadway's queer history. (Elvert Barnes/Wikimedia Commons)
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
District Arcade 2025 Celebrate the vibrant world of video games and local gamemakers at this event, hosted by the DC Chapter of the International Game Developers Association. Check out interactive installations and meet the creators behind new indie games! (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 1 - 5 p.m.; FREE)
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SPONSORED: Hill Family Biking — Halloween Ride Get your costumes ready! Starts at Lincoln Park for a 4-mile slow ride along the spookiest blocks on the Hill. Ending at Eastern Market Metro Plaza for Halloween fun, including a live band, special baked treats by Bread Par Avion, limited-edition stickers, and a costume contest with gift cards for the winners. All ages and abilities are welcome. (Meet at Lincoln Park before 3:30 p.m. for the ride — full route here — or join the group at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza after 4:30 p.m. ; 3:30 - 6 p.m.; FREE)
All About Bats in the District ‘Tis the season to learn about these often-misunderstood creatures: Join Kelly Russo-Petrick, Ph.D., for a fascinating talk on the science of bats, exploring their role in the local ecosystem. (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 1 - 2 p.m.; FREE with registration)
Saturday Morning Live Presents: Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure This family-friendly, interactive performance follows a cat named Jennie as she discovers friendship, courage, and a touch of spooky fun. Costumes are encouraged! (The National Theater; 10- 10:45 a.m.; FREE with registration — currently waitlisted)
Pumpkins in the Park At Canal Park's 12th annual Halloween party, you can, of course, decorate a pumpkin (while supplies last). But there’s also: A giant moon bounce, a mobile photo booth, live music by local zydeco band Little Red & the Renegades, and even a roaming magician. The first 150 registered guests to arrive will receive a free seasonal beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) and a fresh apple cider donut courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID! (Canal Park; 12 - 5 p.m.; FREE with registration)
A Rodrigues bat made an appearance at a local USDA event in 2015. (U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr)
SUNDAY, OCT. 26
Girls Rock DC Support inclusive youth music education at this all-ages annual fundraiser show featuring five local bands performing one-night-only cover sets, including Spring Silver as Elliott Smith, Torrents. as Pierce The Veil, and Druid Stone as Black Sabbath. Wear your costume and rock out for a great cause! (Songbyrd Music House; 6 - 11 p.m.; $20–$30)
20th Annual Fall Fun Day Celebrate the season with your neighbors at Mitchell Park's annual Fall Fun Day, featuring pumpkin decorating, a haunted house, balloon animals, and a free yoga class. If you have little ones, don’t miss the costume parade — or the fire truck! (Mitchell Park, 2 - 5 p.m.; FREE)
This story has been updated to remove an event that was postponed due to the federal government shutdown.
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