10 Things to Do for Halloween 2017 in Washington, D.C.

Let’s start with the most innocent item on the menu, a kid’s cooking class. Maggiano’s Little Italy, located in Chevy Chase Pavilion, will host it on Oct. 28th, 9:30–11:30 am. It’s $25 per adult and $25 per child, with a breakfast buffet and sundae bar included in each package, and the cooking class included in the kids’ price. The children are encouraged to wear their costumes while they decorate pumpkins and make their own Halloween treats instead of going around to your neighbors with a bag held out for goodies.

Maggiano’s Little Italy, 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C., USA, +1 202 966 5500

Take your child to a cooking class | © Kiran Foster / Flickr

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo goes all out for this event to make it a great time for kids (open October 20th–22nd). This wholesome three-day celebration hosts more than 40 treat stations along decorated trails and animal demonstrations, including learning about some frightful looking specimens. They’ll even have most of the animal exhibits available after-hours. Make sure your kids have costumes that are ready by then and that they’re signed up for the pumpkin decorating contest.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., USA, +1 202 633 4888

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMPQNWuFsb_/?hl=en&taken-by=smithsonianzoo

Night of the Living Zoo is like Boo at the Zoo, where you have after-hours access to animal exhibits, but that’s where the correlation really ends. Be prepared for a hauntingly good time filled with a 21-and-up crowd on October 27th. Enjoy being scared out of your wits and getting familiar with some strange oddities while you listen to the live band that will be performing. There will also be craft brews and local food trucks, the candy of the adult world, as well as a costume contest, so come dressed to kill.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., USA, +1 202 633 4888

In addition to Halloween fun, you can see beautiful animals at Night of the Living Zoo | © Sharon Sipple / Flickr

This event has become a must-do for any adult living in or visiting the DMV area during Halloween. Thankfully, there are select days that the event runs from September 23rd to October 27th so that you can be sure to fit a day into your schedule. Buckle up for a fun ride of roller coasters, magic, and haunting attractions.

Six Flags, 13710 Central Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA, +1 301 249 1500

Fright Fest Six Flags | © anjanettew / Flickr

Didn’t think there was anything scary about something as scientific as air and space? Think again. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia hosts an annual event that includes mad scientist type of experiments, creepy crafts, and a safe place to trick-or-treat indoors. It’s open to kids and adults of all ages, so get ready for a wholesomely good time. It takes place on October 21st.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA, USA, +1 703 572 4118

Air and Scare | © Office of Naval Research / Flickr

On October 24th at 9 pm, a 30-year Halloween tradition and probably the most unique thing on the list begins. This Halloween spectacle in Dupont Circle is too good for any true Washingtonian to miss. Those strutting their stuff through the streets, most in full drag with a touch of Halloween spirit, are cheered on by the crowd during the whole quarter-mile race.

17th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., USA

17th St High Heel Race | © Valerie Hinojosa / Flickr

This historic venue already holds a naturally creepy atmosphere, so it’s ideal for this annual event. Run through themed rooms and secret entrances in search for Halloween-themed prizes. If you don’t find that much, fear not. They have stuff for sale if you feel like walking away with more.

Mansion on the O Street, 2020 O St NW, Washington, D.C., USA, +1 202 496 2020

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSej32hlNYn/?hl=en&taken-by=omansion

On October 28th at 9 pm, Halloween is about to get funkilicous. Go dance your masked face off on the second floor or down below, with two rooms spinning all night long. With DJs such as Steve EP, Killa K, and Missguided, you know it’s going to be pure mayhem in any room that you visit. Downstairs will be the Red Rum (Room) and Beetlejuice Room, with the latter playing some darker elements of the ’80s era.

Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., USA, +1 202 667 4490

Get dressed up for Halloween and go dancing | © Eva Rinaldi / Flickr

With events such as the Miracle on Seventh Street and Game of Thrones-themed pop-up bar under their belts, you know Derek Brown and crew are about to bring it home with their new project, PUB Dread. With themed rooms, such as a parlor of disturbing dolls, a haunted forest, and a crypt, this will be a way to savor Halloween like never before. That could also have something to do with the drinks made with apple cider, pumpkin, and even Twizzlers soda.

Drink Company, 1825 7th St NW, Washington, D.C., USA, +1 202 316 9396

Have some Halloween-themed drinks | © Denise Mattox / Flickr