The DC area has a wealth of events and festivals for all ages and preferences.
Looking for a spooky good time? Check out these frightfully fun Día de los Muertos and Halloween-themed events and activities in and around DC. If you’re eager to do a little more than trick-or-treating or face-painting to honor these two holidays, we’ve got plenty of options for you.
This spooky celebration at Six Flags America returns with the haunted attractions, entertainment and shows and roller-coaster thrills that the DMV area has come to expect. The 2022 edition runs on select days from through Oct. 30. Families will also want to check out the Kids BOO Fest, held on select dates.
Select Fridays: 5-10 p.m. | Saturdays & Sundays: 12-10 p.m. | Tickets
Six Flags America, 13710 Central Avenue, Bowie, MD 20721
Visiting the wondrous Mansion on O & O Street Museum is quite the experience, especially when you journey through the historic venue on a scavenger hunt. View the Mansion in its finest Halloween attire as you search through its many themed rooms and secret doors for seasonal and Halloween-themed prizes. You can also bring along your own shopping bag and purchase goodies from the mansion.
Reserve
The Mansion on O Street, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
In honor of the Day of the Dead, José Andrés' beloved Oyamel will offer a special menu inspired by Guadalajara, Jalisco as well as special events. On Oct. 24, the restaurant will open its Butterfly Bar for a celebratory tequila and mezcal tasting with passed food. Enjoy a guided cocktail class on Oct. 26, when you can learn how to recreate your favorite drinks from home. Last but certainly not least, savor a Chef's Dinner with Omar Rodriguez on Nov. 1 featuring exclusive recipes from the chef himself.
More Info
Oyamel, 401 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Treat yourself with a comical evening full of tricks as Die Laughing Productions presents an all-new Halloween murder mystery. Performers and audience members will investigate the neighborhood costume party while a murderer hides in plain sight – will you solve the murder?
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
NoMa celebrates Halloween with its annual pumpkin-centric event. Held in Alethia Tanner Park, PumpkinPalooza offers live entertainment, a seasonal scavenger hunt, food, music and of course, its famous pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The free event will also feature a performance by award-winning children's entertainer, The Great Zucchini, and a screening of Hocus Pocus. Plus, enjoy seasonal brews at the Red Bear Brewing Co. beer garden. Make sure to register reserve your pumpkins (limit of 3 per family).
4-9 p.m. | Free admission | Register
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
Join Barkhaus for an enchanted evening in the woods of sleepy howl-low. The Halloween event doubles as a second anniversary celebration and includes drinks, candy and snacks, puppuccinos and a donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
7:30 - 10 p.m. | Tickets
Barkhaus, 529 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Yayoi Kusama’s creative spirit inspires this hands-on Halloween activity. Kids can create a wearable work of art while learning about Kusama’s life and work, including her love for pumpkins and monochromatic materials.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
The family-favorite event of the season returns! No tricks here – explore the National Zoo for trick-or-treating and enjoy after-hours access for animal viewing, a dance party and much more.
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Tickets
Smithsonian National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Experience the spooky side of air and space with the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's annual Air & Scare. Come in costume to this free event and enjoy activities for the whole family. Stay tuned to the museum's website for updates.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Free admission | Tickets Required
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a day of Día de los Muertos activities meant for the entire family to enjoy. Take in live performances from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, Mariachi Aguila DC and Sol y Rumba. Face painting and themed crafts will also be available for all ages.
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Free admission | Register
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice – you know the drill. Get groovy and spooky with five hours of ‘80s beats at Black Cat, one of DC’s most popular clubs for locals. Come ready to jam out in costume for an added thrill.
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC Washington, DC 20009
Mount Vernon welcomes the entire family to enjoy Halloween fun. Festivities include candy-collecting in special Mount Vernon treat bags, Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, an 18th-century baking demonstration, a straw bale selfie station, musical entertainment and much more.
2-6 p.m. | Tickets
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Special effects, animatronics and haunted props transform Navy Yard into a scene straight from your nightmares. The Halloween party features a DJ, open bar, dance floor and a costume contest.
8 p.m. | Tickets
DC Water Headquarters, 1385 Canal Street, SE Washington, DC
