Let’s face it: Halloween is just as much about adults having fun as it is about the kids. And the D.C. area certainly has plenty of options for spooky revelry. So with that in mind, here are a few prime events for trick-or-treaters of all ages. For Adults
Halloween Bash and Halloween Party at the Clarendon Ballroom, Friday & Saturday
| Need a sober ride? |
| The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will offer free cab rides to would-be drivers who have done a little too much early-Halloween partying around the D.C. area. WRAP’s SoberRide program will begin at 10 p.m. Saturday and continue until 6 a.m. Sunday. During the night, drivers 21 years and older who have been drinking can call the toll-free SoberRide phone number, 800-200-TAXI (8294), and be offered a free (up to a $30 fare) ride home. SoberRide is offered in the District; throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s counties; and throughout Northern Virginia’s Arlington, Fairfax, (eastern) Loudoun and Prince William counties. For information on SoberRide, visit soberride.com. |
The Clarendon Ballroom is practically Halloween central in Arlington. First, on Friday is Elliot in the Morning’s Halloween Bash. JunkFood performs on the main stage, with DJ Lil Fos spinning in the lounge. And, of course, a costume contest. Then on Saturday, catch Burnt Sienna and Mr. Greengenes rock out at the Ballroom’s Halloween Party.
When: Halloween Bash 5 p.m. Friday; Halloween Party 6 p.m. Saturday.
Info: Friday is $15 at 5 p.m., increases to $20 at 10 p.m.; Saturday is $10, with possible increase to $20. clarendonballroom.com.
Nightmare on M Street, Saturday
The annual Nightmare on M Street has become as synonymous with Halloween in D.C. as pumpkins and candy corn. The 12th annual event features discounts at a number of bars in D.C.’s Dupont/West End area. With tickets you’ll receive specials all night at participating bars. And yes, you should wear a costume. Buy tickets online, then register at either McFadden’s or Mackey’s.
When: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday.
Info: $22.50, lindypromo.com.
Graveyard Jam at the Hard Rock Cafe, Saturday
Another annual event, this one presented by the folks at Things to Do. Enjoy dancing, music, drink specials, door prizes and a costume contest.
When: 9 p.m., Saturday.
Info: $20 (subject to increase), hardrock.com/dc.
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
There are a number of haunted houses within a reasonable drive of D.C. Markoff’s has been around for 18 years, and boasts two trails. This year features a jailbreak theme. Yes, scary as heck. Plus this is a fundraiser for Calleva, an education nonprofit that provides outdoor education. Purchase tickets in advance online.
When: Through Monday.
Info: $20 Thursday, $25 Friday through Monday; markoffshauntedforest.com.
For the kids
Cox Farms Fall Festival, through Monday
Lots of family fun, just a short drive less than 30 miles west to Centreville. Cox Farm’s Fall Festival includes hayrides, farm animals, a cornfield adventure, apples and cider, live entertainment and more. Opened every day through Halloween. At night on the weekend, Cox Farms transforms into Fields of Fear, which is not recommended for children under 12.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily.
Info: $9 Monday through Friday, $15 Saturday and Sunday; coxfarms.com.
Air & Scare at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Saturday
Every time you head out to Dulles, do you promises to one day make the trip to the National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center? Well, no more excuses, especially if you have kids. This Saturday, check out Air & Scare at the museum. Enjoy more than 30 activities, including trick-or-treating, face painting, puppet shows, magicians, photos with Star Wars characters and more. Sounds like a fun time for all.
When: 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday
Info: Free (parking $15), nasm.si.edu/airandscare
Corn mazes, Maryland
Did you hear about the couple that got lost in a Massachusetts corn maze earlier this month? Don’t be those people. There are a number of corn mazes in Maryland and Virginia, and they can be quite fun. Two reside in Frederick — Crumland Farms and Summers Farm. Go get lost, but well, not as lost as that couple in Massachusetts.
When: Summers Farm hours varies; Crumland Farms corn maze through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 7 to 10 p.m.
Info: Summers Farm $6.50-$9.50, summersfarm.com; Crumland Farms corn maze $9, crumland.com.
