Some classic college kid activities in D.C. during the Halloween season include searching all over town for that perfect Halloween costume, trick or treating on Embassy Row or carving pumpkins with floor mates. However, there are so many “spooktacular” activities taking place all across the city that are more so “treats” than “tricks.” Add some of these Halloween activities to your agenda.
Enjoy ghoulish treats at Buzz Bakery
This delicious bakery in Alexandria prepares special Halloween and autumnal treats for the season. Indulge in fall flavors such as pumpkin, caramel apple and Guinness along with house-made marshmallow ghosts. There are also Halloween cookie kits with cookies, frosting and sprinkles included. Take part in the annual Boo-Fest party and enjoy a free hot cider.
When: October 29 from 3-6 p.m.
Where: 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cost: $3-10
Meet the Ghosts of Lafayette Square
This is the 11th year that Historic Strolls Tours has hosted The Ghost Story Tour D.C.’s original costumed, guided ghost walk. This $12 bargain Halloween scare takes you through nearly 200 years of the city’s haunted past, intertwining spooks with history books. A portion of proceeds is donated to The Whitman Walker Clinic.
When: Oct. 21-30
Where: Vermont and I Street NW (near the McPherson Square Metro stop)
Cost: $12
Get spooked at “Fright at the Museum”
If you think the National Museum of Crime and Punishment is creepy enough with its scare-inducing tales of gore and disturbing crimes, you will be spooked by their annual Halloween event, “Fright at the Museum.” This haunted museum tour is adults only, so the squeamish should be warned. George Washington University drama students become ghoulish characters trying their hardest to make chills run down your spine.
When: Oct. 27, 28, 29, 31
Where: National Museum of Crime and Punishment
Cost: $25
Costumes galore with D.C. Drag Queens
One of D.C.’s wilder Halloween traditions, the D.C. Drag Queen Race 2011 is not a sight to be missed. Each year on the Tuesday before Halloween, crowds flock to Dupont Circle to watch ridiculously dressed and elaborately costumed drag queens race down 17th Street. Be sure to get there early for a great view and stay late for a fun block party after the race.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 25 – 9 p.m.
Where: 17th Street, between P and S Streets NW near Dupont Circle
Cost: Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Mexican Cultural Institute
Join the Mexican Cultural Institute in celebrating the opening of the traditional Day of the Dead Altar, a quintessentially Mexican tradition and one of the institute’s most colorful displays of the year. According to Mexican tradition, the dead return to enjoy the essence and aroma of gifts of food and drink provided for them by their family members. Come learn more about this wonderful tradition!
Just grab some Micha’s Sorbet (also a regular vendor at AU’s Wednesday farmers market) and take in the sights.
When: Oct. 30 from noon-4 p.m.
Where: Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th Street NW
Cost: Free