THIH Guide to Halloween on the Hill

Photo by María Helena Carey

The cold air is setting in, leaves are turning colors, and pumpkins and gourds are showing up on stoops all around the neighborhood…all of the signs that the best fall celebration is upon us: Halloween! The Hill is one of the best places to celebrate this holiday. Whether or not you have little ones dressing up, there is plenty of fun to be had for ghosts and goblins of all ages.

Trick-or-Treating: Always happening ON Halloween night, October 31. Our neighbors in the ‘burbs may adjust this so it’s not on a school night, but around The Hill, we do things the traditional way. You’ll start seeing the youngest trick-or-treaters around 5 or 5:30pm, right as it gets dark. Older kids try to keep things going until 9pm but most houses are out of candy by then. To see some of the best decorations and costumes, East Capitol Street near Lincoln Park is the place to be.

Hilloween: This is perfect for kids of all ages, and adults too! You’ll be able to visit the Prudential Haunted House, take a ride on the National Capital Bank hayride, jump in the Frager’s moonbounce and trick-or-treat with the merchants in Eastern Market’s South Hall. They’ll have lots of fun activities and performances sponsored by our neighborhood schools and CHAW, too! In past years, Tunnicliff’s has had drink specials on their patio, which we hope to see again this year. Friday, October 31 starting at 5:30. Follow the Facebook page for more information.

For the Furry Kids: Howl to the Chief’s Doggy Costume Contest is back by popular demand! Bring your pooch out to Lincoln Park Saturday, October 25th at 1pm for games, prizes and the annual contest. Need some costume ideas? Check out the winners of THIH’s pet costume contests in 2012 and 2013.

Ghosts and Goblets Soirée: What better place to get into the Halloween Spirit than in a cemetery? Our neighborhood is home to the historical and fantastically spooky Congressional Cemetery, which is hosting its annual Ghosts and Goblets Soiree on Saturday, October 25. This fifth annual event raises money to support the Congressional Cemetery’s operations and mission to conserve the grounds and infrastructure, serve the community as a resource, and celebrate American heritage. The 2013 event was attended by over 500 revelers and included refreshments in a heated tent, stilt walkers, and a VIP area with premium cocktails located in our Public Vault. Attendees can embark on twilight guided tours, where they can hear some of the more interesting death stories of the cemetery’s “residents” from volunteers dressed as the deceased. Costumes are encouraged, of course. Get all of the details on their website.

Murder Mystery: For one night only, Wisdom is going back to Prohiition, an era of flappers, gangsters, corrupt politicians and MURDER! A party is going on at the speakeasy and someone is going to die. Are you the one smart enough to figure out Whodunit? To get into the spirit of Halloween, Wisdom is hosting a murder mystery party on Sunday, October 26.Wear your gangster suit, your cocktail dress, your fedora, your boa (or all the above)–and figure out WHO DID THE DEED! $40 entry fee, includes one drink from our Murder Menu. Characters and descriptions provided at the door. Prizes for top sleuth, best costume, and more! Space is limited. RESERVE HERE: I want to murder someone!

Halloween Party for Kids: The Waterfront Church is hosting a Halloween party on Sunday, October 26 at the Courtyard Marriott at 140 L Street SE from 5-7pm. There will be games, pumpkin painting, candy and more!  Come enjoy a safe, fun, local, and free fun event for kids.  You won’t want to miss it!  Contact them for more info.