Halloween in Georgetown

Georgetown’s most infamous staircase is getting a Halloween…glow up. Come in costume to The Exorcist steps (36th & Prospect St NW) for a free haunted light show on October 31 from 7pm – 11pm, presented by EventLightsUSA and The Exorcist movie enthusiast Andrew Huff. The 75 steps were the location of the iconic scene at the end of the 1973 horror movie, and were designated as a Historic Landmark in 2019. (Photo courtesy of DC by Foot)

Washington Printmakers Gallery is hosting a fun evening of Halloween origami on Saturday, October 24 from 5pm – 6pm. Sip on wine while instructor Naoko Kamioka teaches you how to fold several spooky and comical Halloween figures and arrange them into a festive collage. Leave with your own handcrafted Halloween collage to display at home or in the office. No prior origami experience is needed.

Bring your best-dressed pup to Georgetown on Saturday, October 31 from 11am – 2pm and trick-or-treat along Wisconsin Avenue, stopping at participating businesses for treats and water. Don’t miss the doggy costume contest at 1pm, with prizes for Best Overall, Best Duo (human and dog combo), and Most Creative.

Tudor Place is hosting its own trick-or-treat costume event (this one for humans) on October 31 from 10am – 12pm. Explore the gardens with a coffee while kids gather treats, get their faces painted, enjoy cider and goodies, play games, and do crafts. (Photo courtesy of Tudor Place)

DC’s oldest neighborhood is full of secrets. Join a Ghosts of Georgetown walking tour to learn even more about the neighborhood’s spooky side and the historical figures who walked these streets, documented their experiences in letters and journals, and – in some cases – never left. The tour starts outside of The Old Stone House, the oldest unchanged building in DC, and possibly home to an 18th-century woman who wanders throughout the rooms. From there, you’ll see the site of an old hospital, the house that hates electricity, The Exorcist steps, and more. This 90-minute tour is offered nightly in October, at 7pm and 8pm. (Photo courtesy of DC by Foot)

Need to balance out the scary with something sweet? Swing by Georgetown Cupcake and pick up a Halloween-themed assortment. Try the Haunted Dozen with flavors like pumpkin spice, chocolate toffee spider web, and chocolate marshmallow, or the Sweet & Spooky with chocolate caramel cookie crunch, vanilla candy, and min monster cupcakes, among others. All of the cupcakes include Halloween-themed fondant or designs. Available throughout October for store pick-up, local delivery, or nationwide overnight shipping.

Bring the little ones to Pinstripes on October 31 from 11am – 1pm for a fun-filled afternoon featuring Halloween crafts, candy, and face painting. Adults can enjoy free coffee while kids 12 and under get free soda (the sugar crash will be the real jump scare). A brunch menu is also available for purchase, and kids under 4 eat free. JINYA is also celebrating Halloween by offering one free small kid’s ramen with the purchase of an adult entree, October 31 from 11am – 11pm. Costumes are encouraged at both restaurants.