Halloween Costume Parties in Washington, DC for Adults

Halloween is not just for kids! The Washington, DC area has some great costume parties for adults (most are for ages 21 and over). So gather your friends and get creative and dress up for a night of fun and frolicking. Here are some Halloween costume parties for 2012.

Please call to verify times and prices, all details are subject to change.

Tilted Torch: Spook-o-rama!
October 26, 2012, 9:00 p.m., Red Palace, 1212 H Street NE, Washington, DC. This spooky variety show features Miss Joule’s horrifying hooping and Malibu's vicious variety, while Shakra brings eerily haunting belly dance to this petrifying production. Cherokee Rose and Boobz Allen Hamilton will rattle your skeleton bones with their wicked burlesque.

Neon Nights at W Washington DC
October 26, 2012, 8 p. m. P.O.V Rooftop, W Hotel, 515 15th Street NW, Washington DC. An 80’s themed Halloween party will feature craft cocktails plus dancing and DJ OZ spinning all night, with special guest performers, a best costume contest, and more. The winner of the night’s best costume contest will receive an overnight stay, champagne, and breakfast in bed. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Washington Humane Society.

Boo Cruise! on the Spirit of Washington
October 27, 2012. Departing from Gangplank Marina, Washington DC. (800)250-3897. Guests 21 and over enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar all night long. Halloween costumes are encouraged and the best costume will win 4 free tickets on the Spirit of Washington during the costume contest by the end of the night. Boarding begins at 9:00 p.m., and the cruise will last from 9:30 p.m. to 12:05 a.m.

Halloween Zombie Festival
October 27, 2012, 6 p.m. Half Street Fairgrounds, 1299 Half Street, SE Washington, DC. The event, located at the large outdoor bar near Nationals Park, includes zombie movies, a zombie dance party, zombie obstacle course, beer, arts, and food trucks.

Nightmare on M Street
October 27, 2012, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets sold in advance (sometimes sell out). Costume bar crawl to 28 of Washington, DC's hottest bars: Mackey’s; Madhatter; Rumors; The Front Page; Black Rooster Pub; Elephant and Castle; Ozio; McFaddens; Irish Whiskey Public House; Sign of the Whale; Public Bar; BlackFinn; The Bottom Line; The Exchange; Bread & Brew; Mighty Pint; Buffalo Billiards; Dirty Martini; Fiesta Lounge; James Hoban’s; Café Citron; Lindy’s Red Lion; Luna; Maddy’s; Midtown Party Plex; One Lounge; 19th Hole; and Panache. Midnight costume contest at McFadden’s.

Halloween Graveyard Jam
October 27, 2012, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E St., NW, Washington, DC. Huge costume party sponsored by Things To Do DC, costume contest, prizes, DJ, dancing, caricaturist from Frankenstein's Castle.

Fright Night Halloween Monster Bash
October 27, 2012. 801 E Sreet NW Washington DC. Party sponsored by Hiball Events including a costume contest, cash prizes, live music.

Mayhem & Madness
October 27, 2012, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Halloween Bash sponsored by Pros in the City at DC's newest nightclub, CAPITALE, 1301 K Street NW Washington, DC. The party kicks off with a seated singles speed dating event followed by a Halloween celebration with contests, dancing, prizes and cascades of candy.

Public Tenley October Halloween Bash
October 27, 2012, 9:30 p.m. 4611 41st St NW Washington DC. Local cover band Kush will jam to a playlist from popular groups such as Kings of Leon, Amos Lee, My Morning Jacket and Atlas Genius. Attendees are encouraged to don their spookiest costumes.

The Mansion on O
October 31, 2012, 7:00 p.m. 2020 O Street NW. Washington DC. Costume Party & Live Drag Show. Online Reservations Required, no tickets at the door. Cash Bar, Live Show Starring: Alexis Mateo - from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3 with Jessica Jade & Patti Lovelace, Pumpkin decorating contest bring a decorated pumpkin and enter to win a $100 gift certificate.

Halloween in Paris at Napoleon Bistro and Lounge
October 31, 2012, 8 p.m. 1847 Columbia Rd, NW, Washington DC. The Alliance Française de Washington DC presents a journey of self-discovery. Explore your inner artist under the magical influence of the Green Fairy’s Absinthe-inspired concoctions. Revelers will become a part of the artistry, posing for caricatures of their disguises, learning magic tricks to deceive those around them, and bringing out their wordsmith alter-ego by sharing their own inventive poetry. Prizes will be awarded for the French-est costume and the scariest costume.

Synetic Theater’s Jekyll and Hyde and The Vampire’s Ball
October 31, 2012, 8 p.m. Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell Street, Crystal City, Arlington, The final performance of Jekyll and Hyde will be performed at 8 p.m.; followed by an unforgettable Halloween party with dancing and a costume contest. Cost: $60 per ticket (includes show and party) or 2 tickets for $100; one free drink for all costumed party guests.

HallowRage at The Park at 14th
October 31, 2012, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. 920 14th Street NW Washington DC (202) 737-7275. Cash prizes for best costume, magical-punch-bowls, haunted-house-decor, live DJ, and a VIP full of vampires.

ALL HALLOWS LIVE
October 31, 2012. Maryland Live Casino, Arundel Mills, MD. Customers will enjoy Trick or Treat Prize Drawings for Live! Rewards Players Club members, a Halloween Candy handout, and a special live performance from KISS tribute band, Mini Kiss, at Rams Head Center Stage, followed by a Costume Contest with a top prize of $1,500 Free Slot Play. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Contest at 11:00 p.m. Win a $1,500 Free Slot Play prize for the “Live!-est” Overall Costume. Other categories include Worst, Funniest, Scariest, Most Creative, and Sexiest for a $500 Free Slot Play prize.

Can't get enough of costume parties? Check out the Day of the Dead Celebrations in the Washington DC Area.

See also, a Guide to Washington DC Bars and Nightlife