Handing out candy in full costume on Halloween just doesn’t hold the same nostalgia as gleefully walking door to door for sweets. Luckily, you can recapture some trick-or-treating magic this season, made just for adults, with these Halloween bar crawls across NoVA and DC.
To ensure the night is full of treats and no tricks, plan to use public transportation, a taxi, or rideshare with Uber or Lyft. Most Halloween bar crawls on this list offer group discounts, so don’t forget to invite the squad. Tickets to the events can be purchased online. Then, all that’s left is to get in costume for a night full of memories this spooky season.
Fright Night Halloween Bar Crawl
Friday, October 25; 5–11 p.m.
Horror, frights, and Halloween delights are on the menu at this Alexandria bar crawl. Attendees can enjoy up to 25 percent off food and up to 50 percent off drinks throughout the crawl, as well as live DJ music and other Halloween-themed drink specials. The price of admission gets you access to six venues across Old Town, access to the exclusive afterparty, and your first drink is free.
Participating locations: Alexandria Bier Garden, Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden, Chadwicks, Don Taco, Mason Social, Urbano 116, $24.99
DC Halloween Crawl
Saturday, October 26; 2–10 p.m.
It’ll take the whole day to explore this Dupont Circle Halloween bar crawl. Drink specials include $4 Bud Lights, $4 rail drinks, and $4 haunted shots throughout the crawl’s 12-plus locations. There will be costume prizes, raffles, party favors, food and drink specials, and partygoers will walk away with a souvenir mug and free photos.
Participating locations: The Exchange, Abigail, Bravo Bravo, Saint Yves, Cafe Citron, Public Bar, Recessions, Phantom DC, Tokyo Pearl, The Madhatter, Sign of the Whale, Blue Moon, $30
Nightmare on M Street
Saturday, October 26; 2–10 p.m.
DC partygoers continue to show why the hype for Nightmare on M Street is real. With 19 bars to visit, over 30 live DJs, and drinks specials throughout Dupont Circle, you won’t run out of things to do at this 26th annual event. There will be $5,000 in costume prizes up for grabs, as well as souvenir party favors and raffle prizes.
Participating locations: Decades, Mayflower Club, Zebbie’s Garden, Twelve after Twelve, The Admiral, Rewind Rose Bar + Rooftop, City Tap House Dupont, Barcode, Sachi, Koi, Sound Check, 1831 Lounge, Blue Moon, Signature Lounge, Swingers, Across the Pond, Gazuza, Alero, starting at $25
Carlyle Halloween Bar Crawl
Saturday, October 26; 2–6 p.m.
Explore Alexandria on the King Street Trolley for a more laidback, food-centric Halloween bar crawl that wraps up early. Sample some seafood at Whiskey & Oyster or grab a tasty handheld bite at Tequila & Taco. The price of admission includes drink specials at each location. All the profits go to ALIVE!, an Alexandria-based nonprofit that offers food, furniture, and housing assistance to needy families.
Participating locations: Whiskey & Oyster, Tequila & Taco, Sweet Fire Donna’s, Lost Boy Cider, $10
Alexandria Halloween Bar Crawl
Saturday, October 26; 4 p.m.–12 a.m.
Join crawlers on the streets of Alexandria and party all night long. Attendees receive 2 to 3 drinks or shots with the price of admission, as well as a souvenir cup, exclusive drink specials, a bottle opener lanyard, and access to the after-party at Chadwicks. Show up with the best costume for a chance to win the $1,000 grand prize.
Participating locations: Alexandria Bier Garden, Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden, Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar, Don Taco, Hen Quarter, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, The Light House, Urbano 116
Nightmare on Wilson Boulevard
Saturday, November 2; 3–9 p.m.; starting at $15
Don’t miss this Clarendon Halloween bar crawl with drink specials to die for. Enjoy $3 beers, $4 haunted shots, and $6 rail drinks and witch’s punch. Live DJs will spin tunes throughout the evening. Be on the lookout for party favors, surprise giveaways, and costume prizes during the event.
Participating locations: Clarendon Ballroom, Underground, Coco B’s, Hyde Social, Mister Days, Don Tito, $15
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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