Who says Halloween is just for kids? There are plenty of ways to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve for the 21+ crowd. And now that the day is finally upon us, these restaurants and bars are gearing up to make sure your Halloween is a treat. No trickin’.
Dead of Night at Clarendon Ballroom
Come dressed to kill on Oct. 30, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. DJs, including James Kennedy of Vanderpump Rules, will be spinning beats on three levels of this vibey Clarendon hotspot. Head on out for immersive performers and compete to win $2,000 in costume contest prizes. Then come back Oct. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., for the Haunted Ballroom with DJ Knolldoll. Tickets start at $15.71 for both events. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Nightmare on Wilson Bar Crawl
Ready to scare up some liquid courage and claw your way through Clarendon on Oct. 31, 3-10 p.m.? Find drink specials at several participating bars, including Boe, Hyde Social and Don Tito. Tickets start at $7. Boe, 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Halloween BOO-FFET at Neutral Ground Bar and Kitchen
Pre-game your Halloween candy gorging with a Halloween buffet Oct. 31, 4-8 p.m., featuring beef tenderloin, crispy chicken sandwiches and skin-on buttermilk mashed potatoes courtesy of Chef David Guas’s kitchen. Adults can start their fun at the bar, where they’ll find pop-up apps and spooky sips. Note that Neutral Ground’s regular menu will not be available during this special event. The buffet spread costs $46 for adults, $23 for lil’ goblins ages 7-12 and free for lil’ pumpkins 6 and younger. 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Buena Vida Gastrolounge Halloween Party
Think you look boo-tiful? Enter the costume contest at this Clarendon cantina and you could win a $100 gift card. Either way, you’ll enjoy tasty treats and cocktails on Oct. 31 starting at 6 p.m. 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Halloween Dinner Before the Afterlife at Inca Social
Stop by Rosslyn’s Peruvian hot spot on Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m. for a ghostly dinnertime experience with DJs, seasonal food and drink specials, and group packages for parties of six and eight. 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Halloween at Lantern
If you’ve been meaning to check out the electrifying decor at this spicy Szechuan karaoke bar in Crystal City, here’s your excuse. The party starts at 10 p.m. on Oct. 31, with specialty drinks, board games and live music. Buy one Zombie cocktail and get another for half off. Dress up an enjoy a complimentary slice of pumpkin cake. 320 23rd St., S., Arlington (Crystal City)
Hocus Pocus Halloween Party at Astro Beer Hall’s 1969 Bar
Astro’s 1960s-themed basement bar and billiards hall will host a Halloween party Oct. 31, 8-11:30 p.m. for adults 21-plus, in a manner befitting the three witchy Sanderson sisters. The bash will include a live DJ, photo booth, themed cocktails and festive decor. Astro Beer Hall’s main floor will remain family-friendly until 11 p.m., and guests at both celebrations can enter a costume contest for the chance to win a $100 gift card. Admission is free. 4001 Campbell Ave, Arlington (Shirlington)
NAJA Nights Halloween Party at NAJA Mediterranean
Don your most creative costume, because $250 in prizes are up for grabs at this spooktacular party Oct. 31, 9 p.m. in the Mosaic District. Enjoy a Halloween-themed cocktail and a late-night food menu, plus DJ-spun Afro and Arabic house music. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Halloween Party at Dogwood Tavern
Feeling frighteningly nostalgic? Local band Midlife Crisis will provide live music, while the restaurant serves the late-night bites and on-theme cocktails. The fearful fun happens Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Halloween at Matchbox
Through Oct. 31, get seasonal drinks, such as the Tipsy Witch and Love Potion #9 for $6.66—a devil of a price. The Wicked Smokey Marg and the Black Magic Martini are also available, as is the Monster Meatball, also for $6.66. 1340 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, and 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington (National Landing)
Nightmare on the Avenue at Del Ray’s Pop Up Bar
The Del Ray bar with ever-changing themes is pulling out all the spooktacular stops, now through Nov. 1, with a menu of “Fright Bites” including Zombie Brain Chunks (fried cauliflower in sweet and spice gochujang sauce) and Redrum Sliders (grilled chicken with provolone, pepperoni, hot honey and marinara on a garlic knot bun). Find liquid courage in sips such as Frozen to Death (vodka, watermelon and lime juice and a sour watermelon gummy) or the Life of a Show-Ghoul (blackberry-infused Tito’s, apple and lemon juice, grenadine, and dry ice). 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
