11 Adult-Friendly Halloween Events Around Arlington
Come with your costumes and killer dance moves to these daytime hangs and all-night parties.
Halloween is almost here, which means it’s time to figure out your plans. We’ve rounded up some of the best events in Arlington. (Photo by Ant Rozetsky on Unsplash)
Get ready, Arlington—Halloween is about to take over. From Dracula dance parties to goats in costume, there are plenty of ghoulish and glow-in-the dark ways to have fun this season. Get started at these local haunts:
Hitchcocktober
Oct. 5-31
Celebrate Halloween through classic cinema this month with this film fest from Angelika Film Center. Each weekend in October, catch a thriller from master moviemaker and king of the creepy Alfred Hitchcock. Films include The Birds, Dial M for Murder (presented in 3D) and Psycho. // Angelika Film Center, 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District). $15.25.
Halloween Art and Sip
Oct. 10, 7-9 p.m.
Pull up a chair (and a canvas) at Palette 22 in Shirlington for a leisurely art lesson, complete with a glass of wine and appetizers. Take a stab at painting candy apples or glow-in-the dark mushrooms under the tutelage of Mirela from CinderMCreations.// Palette 22, 4053 Campbell Ave. (Shirlington). $57.
Dracula
Oct. 13-Nov. 6
Immerse yourself in Synetic’s version of this bloodstained, Transylvanian tale, an adaptation described as a “sensuous and terrifying thriller.” Parental discretion is advised. // Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St. Arlington (National Landing). All guests 5 and older must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test with their I.D. prior to entry. Masks required. $20+.
Synetic Theater presents a “sensuous and terrifying” rendition of Dracula. (Photo by Johnny Shryock)
Hauntingly Hot Halloween Zouk Party
Oct. 15, 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Improve your Brazilian zouk skills while in costume at this dance workshop, followed by a party and costume contest. Winners will receive passes to area Zouk festivals. // Tysons Ballroom and DanceSport Center, 8032 Leesburg Pike, Suite 201, Vienna. Tickets available soon.
Halloween Goat Social Hour
Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Walnut Creek Farm is taking its goats on holiday for Halloween with a trip to Lost Boy Cider. Show them some love at this social hour, and maybe glean a little clothing inspo; they’ll be wearing Halloween costumes as they prance around the cidery. Admission includes one craft cider. // Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria. $45. 21+.
Synetic Theater’s Vampire Ball
Oct. 28, 7 p.m.-midnight
Rest up for a night filled with drama and dancing at Synetic. The evening begins with a performance of Dracula and continues with a rollicking costume party featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. // Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St. Arlington (National Landing). Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to event will be required for entry. Masks are required during Dracula but are optional during the party. $115.
The Legwarmers: The Haunted Theatre
Oct. 28-29, Time 8 p.m.
Time-travel this Halloween with The Legwarmers, who are staging a mini residency at the State Theatre with their ’80s-tastic tunes. Cash prizes will be doled out for the three best costumes. // State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. $25. 21+.
Alexandria Halloween Bar Crawl
Oct. 29, 4 p.m.-midnight
Hit up several Old Town bars at this themed pub crawl, and don’t forget your costume—the contest could score you a $1,000 grand prize. Each ticket includes two drinks, and the venues (The Light Horse, Bugsy’s Pizza, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub and Vola’s Dockside Grill) will be offering food and drink specials and waiving covers. // Check in at The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria. $10+. 21+.
The Blues Muthas Halloween Show
Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m.
Join all-female party band Wicked Jezabel for a tribute to the Blues Brothers, with sunglasses for audience members who really want to get into the spirit. (P.S. The show is happening just weeks before JV’s celebrates its 75th anniversary.) // JV’s Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. $10.
Bier-o-Ween
Oct. 29, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Treat yourself to some beer samples (some 50-plus will be on hand) at this adult-centric component to the kid-friendly Ship-o-Ween. Enjoy live music, chocolate and candy pairings, brats and pretzels, and a costume contest at the stroke of midnight. // ShipGarten, 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons. Free admission. 21+ from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Spoons, Toons and Booze Halloween Special
Oct. 30, Noon
A bottomless cereal bar. Brunchy cocktails. Halloween cartoons. It’s a pretty solid start to Halloween Eve, provided by comedians and “cereal experts” Michael Austin and Nell Casey. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. $15. 21+ unless accompanied by a parent.
