As the leaves turn fiery hues and a crisp chill fills the air, it can only mean one thing – Halloween is just around the corner! And if you find yourself in the vibrant state of Washington this October, then you're in for a bewitching treat. The Evergreen State knows how to celebrate this spine-tingling holiday like no other, with a plethora of haunted happenings, eerie events, and spine-tingling spectacles that promise to make your Halloween in 2025 truly unforgettable.
The 27th Annual Nightmare on M Street Halloween Bar Crawl returns to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood. This legendary event offers cover-free access to over 15 top bars and rooftops, including Decades, Rewind, Rose Bar + Rooftop, and City Tap House Dupont. Participants can enjoy $4 Bud Lights, $5 Wicked Shooters, and $6 mixed drinks. The celebration features 20+ DJs, a massive costume contest with substantial prizes, interactive games, spooky giveaways, and signature party favors. Registration begins at 1219 Connecticut Ave NW, and attendees must check in by 6:00 PM to receive wristbands and party favors.
The DC Halloween Party Cruise | Titanic Masquerade is an exclusive 21+ event aboard the luxurious Spirit of Washington DC yacht on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM EDT. This premier Halloween celebration features three decks, two top DJs, and a two-hour cruise along the Potomac River, offering breathtaking views of the D.C. skyline. Guests are encouraged to don their most creative costumes for a chance to win exciting prizes.
The 38th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race is set to take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This iconic event celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a lively parade and a thrilling race down 17th Street NW in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Participants, including drag queens, drag kings, and community members, don elaborate costumes and race in high heels, cheered on by thousands of spectators. The festivities begin at 5:00 PM, with the parade starting at 6:30 PM and the race commencing at 9:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public.
The 9th Annual Howard Homecoming Bar Crawl: A Nightmare on U Street – Halloween Edition is set to take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM along Washington, D.C.'s vibrant U Street corridor. Hosted by The MOVEMAKERS, this event is a staple of Howard University's Homecoming weekend, attracting over 2,500 alumni, professionals, and friends. Participants can enjoy exclusive drink and food specials at various bars, live DJs spinning Hip-Hop, R&B, and Afrobeats, and a night full of energy and connection. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best HBCU gear or Halloween costumes.
The 10th Annual Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl returns to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM along the vibrant U Street Corridor. This high-energy event features 9 venues, each hosting a DJ spinning hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat, and Caribbean beats. Attendees can enjoy $5 "Spooky Shots" at every stop, no cover charges, and a chance to win $250 for the best costume. General Admission tickets start at $10 and include free entry, exclusive drink specials, and spooky swag. Participants must be 21+ with valid ID.