Nobody does Halloween better than Capitol Hill. It’s truly Hilloween, and if this is your first time, get ready.
Annual events to look for —the annual Hill-O-Ween festival takes place at Eastern Market on the Friday before Halloween; Howl to the Chief hosts a famous Pet Costume Contest in Lincoln Park on that Saturday; NoMA BID hosts Pumpkinpalooza on the Thursday and Capitol Riverfront has Pumpkins in the Park.
The elementary schools all have impressive fall fests with chili making contests and haunted houses on October weekends—and that doesn’t count what DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Public Library (DL) have up their sleeves or the many events held by businesses and organizations.
There’s so much to do, we made you a list!
First, the Halloween Basics
This year, Halloween is Thursday, Oct. 31.
Trick or treating on Capitol Hill always happens on Halloween, no matter what day of the week it is. This year, it’s a school night, so it could begin and end on the earlier side.
The evening starts with the littlest trick-or-treaters, often toddlers, ringing doorbells on their streets as early as 5 or 5:30, with the elementary set coming out starting around 6 or 6:30p.m. Trick or treating mostly starts winding down around 8-8:30p.m., although you might get a few middle-schoolers and families until 9-9:30 p.m. – if you still have candy.
If you’re new to the Hill, know that the area is a popular destination for area trick-or-treaters from all over the DMV. Those who live on major streets can expect hundreds or upwards of a thousand of visitors: Houses on the relatively busy 12th Street SE will hand out 700 pieces of candy in three hours; houses on East Capitol could meet thousands of trick or treaters. However, side streets away from hot spots (ie, 1400 block C Street NE) might see 200 or fewer kids. If you’re new to your street, ask your neighbors to get a more exact forecast.
Some folks sit on their front steps with a beverage and a bowl of candy, not bothering to go inside because trick or treaters often come in a never-ending parade. If crowds are thin at home, folks set up tables in Lincoln Park and give out candy to ers by or sign up for the Trunk or Treat at RFK Campus! In most parts of the Hill, if you are handing out treats at home, you’ll be popular, so be ready. When you’re done, turn off your lights and consider hanging a sign saying “out of candy” on your gate or doorway.
Streets known for their decorations include East Capitol Street near Lincoln Park and Walter Street SE, which often closes to vehicles for the night.
Halloween Events
Here’s a list of ways to celebrate, organized by date. Check back often, as this list is constantly updating as we learn about more events.
We want to include you! If you have an event to add to this list, please email the details to [email protected]
WEEKEND (Oct. 18-20)
Troop 500 Annual Pumpkin Sale & Coat Drive
Friday Oct. 18 thru Sunday Oct. 20 | Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 E Capitol St. NE) | cost varies; while supplies last
Come by the annual Troop 500 Pumpkin Sale and Coat Drive, a Capitol Hill tradition! Hours are Friday 5PM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 7PM, and Sunday 9AM to 2PM, in front of the Lutheran Church at 212 East Capitol St NE.
The funds raised help the boys and girls of Troop 500 throughout the year for campouts, equipment, service projects, donations, and other activities. Please consider bringing a new or gently used winter coat, hats, scarves, and mittens to donate, and canned goods/nonperishable items to fill the nearby Blessing Box.
Chisholm Elementary Fall Fest
Saturday Oct. 19 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Chisholm Fields (1001 G St. SE) | Free (cost for some food/games/contests)
It’s the Annual Chisholm Elementary Fall Fest, with games, contests, activities and community participants! There will be bubbles, a scarecrow making station, pumpkins and a petting zoo. Enter their famous chili cook-off —or just sample the entries. Don’t miss the bake sale or the epic dance-off. It’s a great opportunity to kick of the Halloween festivities with your littles.
Halloween Wine Tasting at the Eastern
Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m. | The Eastern Wine Bar (360 7th St. SE) | Tickets $50 (act soon), 21+
City Girls Who Walk DC (CGWWDC) for a spooktacular afternoon filled with delicious wines and festive fun! Get into the Halloween spirit by sampling a variety of wines with their perfect Halloween candy pairing. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for all.
Tickets include a welcome cocktail and four tastings with some snacks and theHalloween candy pairings. Extra food will be available for purchase from the full menu.
Weekday Fun (Oct. 23-25)
DPR Tiny Tots Halloween Dance and Costume Party
Wednesday, Oct. 23 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Rosedale Recreation Center (1701 Gales Rd. NE)
A party just for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) littlest trick or treaters. Toddlers (and caregivers) come dressed in Halloween Costumes and enjoy activities, dancing, music, and lite refreshments!
Pumpkinpalooza
Thursday, Oct. 24, 4p.m. | Alethia Tanner Park | Free but
the fun on Thursday, October 26 starting at 4 p.m. at Alethia Tanner Park for live music from Biscuit Bynum & Kharnaval, a pop-up beer garden from Red Bear Brewing Co., costume contests for people and pets, face painting, free pumpkins from the “pick-your-own” pumpkin patch, some special guests and costumed characters (Minions!). It all finishes with a screening of Monstors, Inc.
HILLOWEEN at Eastern Market (200 block 7th Street SE and in North Hall) | Friday, Oct. 25 from 5-8 p.m. | FREE (some raffles, food for purchase)
It’s the Hill’s largest Halloween event! Featuring free trick or treating event for all, face painting, kid friendly entertainment, pumpkin decorating, photo booths, karaoke and many more fun Halloween themed activities for the family and the kids. Say “hi” to folks from local businesses and organizations as you trick-or-treat their tables. See HilloweendDC.com for updates or Facebook.com/HilloweenatEasternMarket for more details.
NOTE: Seventh Street SE between C Street and North Carolina Avenue SE will be closed to cars from about noon to 10 p.m. the day of the event. The Hill Rag is a sponsor of this event.
Mixology: How Alchemy Gave Us Alcohol at the Folger
Friday, Oct. 25 from 6-9 p.m. | Folger Shakespeare Library Great Hall (201 E Capitol St. NE) | Tickets $25
Without alchemy there would be no mixology. No cocktails, no spirits, no liqueurs! We’ll explore esoteric views, search for the fifth essence, and lean in on the hot debate—can lead be turned into gold?
Find out in the Great Hall at 6 p.m.! Enjoy a free Mixology cocktail, included with your ticket. Trivia will begin at 7 p.m. in the Reading Room. Food and additional drinks will be available for purchase.
SAT, Oct. 26
Maury Elementary Fall Fest
Saturday, Oct 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Maury Playground (1250 Constitution Ave. NE, enter at 13th Street playground) | Free entry; activities/food $1-$25 in advance, $1 to $30 door
Maury’s festival includes food, music, haunted house, crafts, face painting, carnival games, musical cake walk, and more. Entry is free, as are some activities. But it’s also a fundraiser for the fifth grade capstone trip. You can get the most value by purchasing a wristband in advance for $25 (or $30 at the door), which includes a meal ticket, face painting, unlimited haunted house and games, one of each craft, 3 turns at musical cake walk, an entry in each raffle and a mini pumpkin. Individual tickets for activities are also available for sale on-line and at the event for $1 each. ONLINE SALES will end Thursday Oct 24. Bracelets and tickets can still be bought at the door.
More info and tickets here
Pumpkins in The Park
Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Canal Park (200 M St. SE) | Free
It’s the 11th annual Pumpkins in the Park featuring seasonal festivities from pumpkin decorating (while supplies last), a giant moon bounce and a mobile photo booth. Celebrate with live music by popular local Zydeco band Little Red & the Renegades, a roaming magician, and seasonal beverages for purchase.
The first 150 ed guests to arrive will receive a free seasonal beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) and a fresh apple cider donut courtesy of the BID! More info: capitolriverfront.org
HOWL-O-WEEN Pet Costume Contest
Saturday, Oct. 26; sign up at noon; contest 1 p.m. | Lincoln Park (13th at E. Capitol Street) | Free
The Hill’s biggest pet costume contest brings you some of the cutest and most clever costumes you will ever see! Pets and their families dress up in six categories: Best Group, Funniest, Best Homemade, Best Child & Pet, Darling Divas and Dashing Dudes. Sign up starts at noon in the center field of the park, with audience sitting on the steps. The contest kicks off at 1 p.m. The first 100 entries get swag bags!
Southwest Library Presents: Spooktacular Movies
Saturday, Oct. 26: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Southwest Neighborhood Library (900 Wesley Pl. SW)
the Southwest Neighborhood Library for a viewing of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Costumes welcome but not required.
Hill Family Biking Halloween Costume Ride & Contest
Saturday, Oct 26 from 4-6 p.m. | Lincoln Statue in Lincoln Park (12th at East Capitol Street) | Free but
This kid-friendly, costumed ride starts at Lincoln Park by the Lincoln Statue. But the route will be a mystery until the day of the ride! It will follow the Spooky Hill is Home map to visit the decorations on the scariest blocks on the Hill.
The ends at Eastern Market Metro Plaza for some spooky fun including live music from the Knox Engler Band and a costume contest with awesome prizes for:
- Scariest 🙀
- Funniest 😂
- Transportation-themed 🚌
- Bike-themed 🚲
- Family 👨👨👦👦
- Group ⛓️
- Brightest 💡
- Biggest 🐘
- Movie-themed 🍿
- Animal 🧸
Family Workshop: Supernatural Shakespeare
Saturday, Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. | Folger Shakespeare Library (201 E. Capitol St. NE) Free but
“Eye of newt and toe of frog!” Get spooky with Shakespeare’s ghosts and witches. the Folger on fun escapades as we explore the play’s hurly-burly elements!
Costumes not required but welcomed.
Attendance is free. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages:
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | recommended ages 5-7
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | recommended ages 8-14
In choosing a costume, the Folger asks that all attendees be respectful in their creative choices and avoid outfits that could be deemed culturally insensitive. The Folger Shakespeare Library reserves the right to require any individual wearing such a costume to leave the program.
Nightmare in Navy Yard Dance Party Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m. | Capital Turnaround (770 M St. SE) | Tickets $50-80, 21+
Grown ups will enjoy Nightmare in Navy Yard. It’s DC’s biggest Halloween dance party. Produced by Scorpio Entertainment and Party DC, this year’s event features 2 DJs, a 5-hour open bar, food trucks, animatronics, haunted props, special FX lighting, lasers and more. More info: https://nightmareinnavyyard.com/
Sunday, Oct 27
Halloween Happenings at The Roost (1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE |Oct. 27 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | free
The Halloween spirit is taking over The Roost with a full day of fun for all ages (and your pups too!). them this Sunday, Oct. 27th, starting at 10:00am for a full day of fang-tastic fun — ission is free, come on out!
i Photobooth Fun | Starting at 10:00am
Capture your spooky style with a Halloween-themed backdrop!
Perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.
,Trick-or-Treating | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Stroll through stalls and enjoy some sweet treats.
Fun for kids and adults alike—no costume required, but always encouraged!
ea Face Painting | 12:00 – 2:00pm
Let talented face painters turn you into your favorite character, animal, or something spooky!
Perfect for kids (and kids at heart)
• Dog Costume Contest | 2:00pm
Calling all furry friends! The 3rd annual Puppy Costume Contest is BACK! Dress your pup in their most creative costume for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Plus, snap a pic at an adorable dog-friendly photo wall.
There are also candy-themed specials at both @showofhandsdc and @cameocoffeetea for the occasion!
Halloween Movie Night at King-Greenleaf
Oct. 27, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | King-Greenleaf Rec Center (201 N St. SW)
Children gather for a night of spine-tingling fun, ready to dive into a world of Halloween-themed movies. Youth ages 13 and under will enjoy a safe and fun place to also play games and receive candy from DC DPR.
HALLOWEEN Oct. 31
Halloween Party at Southwest Library
Thursday, Oct. 31 3:30-7:30 p.m. | Southwest Library (900 Wesley Pl SW, children’s room) | Free, Ages birth-12.
the library for a spooky celebration full of tricks, activities and treats! Children should be accompanied by an adult. Gifts available while supplies last. Costumes encouraged but not required.
SWBID Halloween Spook-tacular Party
Thursday, Oct 31, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Lansburgh Park (1098 Delaware Ave. SW) | free
Come and the SW BID for a spooktacular Halloween bash filled with delicious food, thrilling activities, toe-tapping music, and a whole lot more at Lansburgh Park!
Halloween Movie at Rosedale Library
Thursday, Oct. 31 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Rosedale Library (1701 Gales Rd. NE) | Free
Watch “Haunted Mansion”: Description (from DL): “A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest and a historian to help exorcise her newly bought mansion after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts.” Ages Birth through 12 years old.
Halloween Fun & Food at Lutheran Church of the Reformation
Thursday, Oct 31, 5-7:30 p.m. m | In front of Lutheran Church of Reformation and inside | 212 E Capitol St. NE
Reformation is giving out candy, hot dogs, and drinks on Halloween from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Come out to hear creepy organ music in a foggy, fun-filled atmosphere! Want to “bat” something back and forth? They will have ping pong tables out, too —PLUS fun, sensory activities indoors. Stop in as you check out the awesome decorations along East Capitol, and celebrate in the shadow of the Capitol. The church is located right across the street from the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Trick or Treat at the Folger Library (prizes!)
Thursday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m. | Haskell Center (301 E Capitol St. NE) | free
On Halloween night from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., stop by the Folger’s Haskell Center (right across the street from the Folger Shakespeare Library) to check out the Shakespeare’s Coven display and to get an extra special cauldron treat from the Weird Sisters themselves! Make sure to stop by and enter our costume contest for a chance to win tickets to Folger performances and to enjoy a spooky interlude with some of Shakespeare’s supernatural characters!
Trunk or Treat at RFK Campus Lot
Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. | RFK Campus Lot 3 (2400 E Capitol St. NE) | Free but Sign up (to provide treats or to trick or treat)
HALLOWEEN FUN DOESN’T STOP: After Oct. 31
Capitol City Circus Tricks or Treats Performance
Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. (Nov. 2 with pre-show activities), | 10 I (eye) St. SE | Advance Tickets $30-$70
It’s the second annual Halloween staff show at the circus! Take advantage of two chances to watch Capitol City Circus School staff take the stage for a performance that will be Out of This World. The Saturday show also includes a family-friendly celebration of fall, plus a chance to sample Cap City Circus’s class offerings. On Saturday, you can the circus pre-show and post-show for games, crafts and food/drink, plus a General ission ticket to see the show, included with all show es. But choose the All-Access to participate in a sampling of Cap City Circus’s class offerings. Seating for all tickets is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Run time approximately 1 hour.
Roving Leaders “Wheels Up, Hay Down” Fall Fest
12 p.m. — 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 | Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE) | Free
DC Department of Recreation (DPR) will host a fall festival with seasonal treats, games and activities for all ages in the park near Metropolitan Branch Trail and Union Market. Costumes are welcome but not required! More info
