“Halloween is a season now,” a friend said recently, as we brought our children to one of the many fabulous events to celebrate. On Capitol Hill, one can celebrate Halloween most of the two weeks leading up to Oct. 31, maximizing the impact of the amazing decorations and costumes.
This past Friday it rained, but Hill families poured on the creativity at Hilloween, organized by Heather Schoell. Creatively-dressed creatures came to visit the information, treat and activity tables staffed by Hill organizations and schools. Many enjoyed the indoor garden of bounce houses in the Eastern Market’s North Hall.
On Saturday at Lincoln Park, pet families strutted their incredibly creative stuff at the Howl to the Chief Howl-o-ween doggie costume contest, with costumes ranging from the out-of-this world to commentary on political figures very much in it.
Over at the Fulcrum Properties Congressional Cemetery Spooktacular, little ghouls and boils decorated pumpkins, enjoyed a hayride, dyed t-shirts and hopped in the moon bouce as their parents enjoyed a beverage and food from Agua 301 while admiring all the amazing costumes in the beautiful and apropos setting.
Check out some photographs of the weekend’s events, and see what is going on Wednesday as the Hill goes all out for Halloween.
Trick-or-Treating
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | Capitol Hill | Free with costume
Halloween is on a Wednesday night! Expect trick-or-treaters from all over the DMV to arrive as early as 6 p.m. seeking candy and the Hill’s famous decorations! Consider manufacturing a ‘out of candy’ sign for when the time comes (it will!)
Trick-or-Treat at the Capital Candy Jar
5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | 201 15th St. NE | Free
Local candy company The Capital Candy Jar will close the doors to sales at 4:30 p.m. Halloween afternoon and open doors to trick-or-treaters. Kids can trick-or-treat at stations around the store, and there will be hot cider for everyone.
The store is popular for dipped Oreo cookies, s’mores and ‘clouds’ —a flavored marshmallow with a generous lick of salted caramel, covered in dark or milk chocolate — and is likely to have some great, hand-made spooooky deliciousness.
Learn more by visiting the Facebook event page.
Frankenpup Halloween Fest at Lap Pop Up
1 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | First at Pierce St. NE | Free
Join the Fab Lab Pop Up at NoMa on Halloween for drop-in DIY crafts and treats for kiddos and pups alike! Costumes on humans and most especially dogs are highly encouraged.
The festivities are from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Treats are first come, first served and some crafts may accommodate limited participants.
Spooooky Halloween Bash at King Greenleaf
5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31st | 201 N St. SW
Come enjoy board games, food, music, and a haunted house at the Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N St. SW)! Kids ages 6 and under get to be in a costume contest and get candy.
Southeast Library Halloween Events
4 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | 403 Seventh St. SE | Free
Trick-or-treat and fortune-telling 4 p.m.
Neighborhood children are invited to stop by the Southeast Public Library (403 Seventh St. SE) Halloween evening for treats and special fortune telling sessions with near-sighted Hogwarts divination specialists, librarians Elaine and Erin.
Film ‘A Quiet Place’ 7 p.m.
Hang at the Southeast Library (403 Seventh St. SE) for snacks, candy and a screening of A Quiet Place (PG-13) in the meeting room. Prepare to be frightened! This event is for ages 13 and up.
Northeast Library Halloween Party
3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 31st | 330 Seventh St NE | Free
Are you scared? Well, don’t be! The Northeast Library (330 Seventh St. NE) Halloween Party is going to be fun, friendly and fabulous! Join the fun on Wednesday, October 31 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the big meeting room. There will be creepy crafts, spooky music, tricks and treats, pumpkin weighing and of course, candy!
Wear your fright faces and costumes but leave all plastic weapons at home when you come by for a spooktacular good time!
Rosedale Recreation Center Halloween Party
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | 1701 Gales St. NE | Free
There will be a Halloween Party at the Rosedale Recreation Center (1701 Gales St. NE) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday October 31st. Wear your costumes for treats, games and fun!
Sherwood Tiny Tots Halloween 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | 640 Tenth St. NE | Free with Potluck Dish
Bring a delicious dish to share and your tot dressed up in costume, ready for the costume contest! Party starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Sherwood Recreation Center (640 Tenth St. NE).
Rosedale Library Scavenger Hunt, Spooky Stories and Safe Haven
3:30 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 31 | 1701 Gales St. NE | Free
Stop by Rosedale Library (1701 Gales St. NE) at 3:30 p.m. the afternoon of Halloween for a fun scavenger hunt in the Library. Complete all the spooky riddles to get a candy prize surprise! Dress up in costume for an extra treat!
Trick-or-Treat at the SW Duck Pond
5p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday October 31st | Sixth at I (Eye) Streets SW | Free
Meet your neighbors and treat yourself to a fun evening at the SW Duck Pond. Candy and games will be provided by Amidon Bowen Elementary School, Friends of Titanic Memorial Park, SWNA, SWBID, SW Gardens, The Southwester, Waterfront Academy, and Waterfront Village.
Costumes are encouraged! Learn more by visiting the Facebook event page..
First District Annual Haunted House
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday October 31st | 101 M St. SW | Free, Canned Good (VIP) 12+
Join the Officers of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First Division at their Annual Haunted House Save Haven at the First District Station (101 M St. SW). Children 12 years old and older are welcome to come and enjoy the festivities. Bring a canned good, and get VIP treatment! The Haunted Haven will be open Tuesday evening and Halloween night.
Fifth District Safe Haven
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday October 31st | 1805 Bladensburg Rd. NE | Free
MPD Fifth District invites everyone to join them Halloween night for this year’s SAFE Haven event at the 5th District Station (1805 Bladensburg Rd. NW) from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a visit with MPD horses, music from the MPD Side by Side Band, free hot dogs, games and candy together with a safe Halloween.
