Looking for a way to celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertes in NoVA and DC this month? The Smithsonian Institution hosts several fun events for both holidays across its museums and zoo. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly night of trick-or-treating, an adults-only party, or a chance to pay tribute to ancestors, there is an event for you.
Boo at the Zoo
October 18–20, 6–8:30 p.m.
Kids will love this family-friendly event. Little ones can don their costumes and go trick-or-treating at 30 stations around the zoo, enjoying fun Halloween decorations set up along the main walkway. Zoo animals will interact with Halloween-themed enrichment, such as jack-o-lanterns. Look for after-hours viewing opportunities with the elephants, small mammals, and reptiles. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave., Washington, DC, $25 for members, $35 for non-members, plus a $30 parking fee
Night of the Living Zoo
October 25, 7–11 p.m.
This after-hours, adults-only event at the National Zoo will be full of thrilling fun. Guests will enjoy an open bar, “ghoulish scenes,” flash tattoos, and food options. For entertainment, there will be circus acts, photo booths, and a DJ. Plus, the Reptile Discovery Center will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave., Washington, DC, $55 for members, $65 for non-members, plus $30 parking fee
Air & Scare
October 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Udvar-Hazy Center hosts its annual Halloween family day, complete with trick-or-treating stations and spooky activities. Expect to find crafts, experiments, story times, puppet shows, and photo opportunities. The outdoor portion of the event is sold out, but no tickets are required for the indoor section. Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free, parking $15
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
October 26–27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Indian puts on a day of performances and other cultural celebrations to mark Día de los Muertes. Guests can see dance performances from two groups, hear a talk from a museum folklorist, decorate sugar skulls, and make paper marigolds. Visitors can leave photos or mementos of loved ones at the altar or add their names to a butterfly for the memorial arch. National Museum of the American Indian: Fourth Street and Independence Avenue, Washington, DC, free
El Día de los Muertos
November 2, 5–8:30 p.m.
Join the National Portrait Gallery for what it describes as one of its biggest events of the year. This celebration will include Mexican folk dance performances, live music, and workshops. Visitors can make decorations for the community altar and get their faces painted. Artists MasPaz and Guache will create a live video mapping projection. National Portrait Gallery: Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC, free
Feature image of Boo at the Zoo by Juan-Carlos Briceno, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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