And I don't mean going to see Paranormal Activities and being so scarred after that you're forced to sleep with your room mate for two nights (translation: me). Despite coming from New England originally and celebrating Halloween next to the home of the Salem Witch Trials and many other eerie colonial histories that lent themselves perfectly to the holiday, DC has a great deal to be taken advantage of (If you dare...just kidding). Due the fact that I'm not a housewife and my waitressing schedule does not allot me the time to go to many of these, I've already begged a few people to be festive with me this weekend at one of these boo-ti-ful events in the city (and will probably end up sleeping with my room mate again, part two):
- Six Flags Fright Fest: Not only are all of the rides still opened at Six Flags America (including the Bat Man roller coaster which gave me nausea for three days straight), but there are various haunted houses and characters throughout the theme park.
- Boo at the Zoo: Why wouldn't you want to go somewhere with a name this cute? Not only are there 40 trick-or-treat stations available, but there are tons of exhibits dedicated to Halloween-ie animals, like owls, spiders, and bats. Just make sure to keep your Purell on you; the zoo's loaded with kids and you sure as hell don't want to end up with H1N1 (translation: the new flu virus, for those of you who don't pick up a newspaper) and ruin the actual Halloween.
- Ghost Tours of DC: With Lafayette Square Park being known as the most haunted site in DC, meet there every Wednesday through Saturday night at 7:30 pm for a frightening tour with Washington Walks that will be sure to give you the willies. Spirits include the six apparitions in St. John's Church, the poltergeist of the Hay-Adams hotel, and Abe Lincoln himself still haunting the White House today.
- DC Drag Queen Race: Every year on the Tuesday before Halloween, join your favorite Dupont gays to participate in a parade of costumes throughout the circle (mostly featuring drag). Sponsored by the Dupont Circle Neighborhood Association, you'll be sure to see your fair share of Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian look-alikes.
- Greenbelt Pumpkin Walk and Carving Festival: Held October 23rd and 24th in Greenbelt, enjoy musical entertainment while hundreds gather for pumpkin carving. Although they look adorable when lit, I tend to pass on pumpkin carving each year since I've almost needed stitches close to five times after attempting it. Still should be fun though.
- Haunted Washington Scavenger Hunt: Actually sounds pretty scary to me. On October 30th, this adults-only scavenger hunt will lead to to the spots said to be haunted by Abe Lincoln, Abigail Adams, Andrew Jackson, and James Madison. Who knows, one of them could make a cameo and give you a story to tell at your next cocktail party. Meet at Lafayette Square at 7:30 to participate.
- National Museum of Crime and Punishment: Featuring a "fright night" at the museum, enter the walk through haunted house if you dare, featuring a real electric chair from Tennessee that executed over a hundred men at the turn of the twentieth century, along with several apparitions (AKA actors) who won't touch you if you're lucky.
- Nightmare on M Street: My personal favorite Halloween happening, featuring two dollar Miller lites, open containers, and free Jello shots all a block away from my front door. Spend your Halloween at one of the best bar crawls the city has seen.
So get a good costume and treat yourself to a fright this Halloween. And I don't mean one of those ridiculous Legs Avenue get-ups, ladies.
...Even though I'll probably end up in one.
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