What to Expect for the Capitol Hill Area This Halloweekend
It’s not every year that Halloween falls on a Saturday, but when it does, it’s guaranteed to bring a full weekend of monster mashing and transylvania twisting with it. This weekend is set to have perfect trick-or-treating weather with temperatures in the 50s and no chance of rain until Sunday.
This weekend will also be the peak of fall color in the area. This weekend is also an hour longer than usual: on Saturday night clocks fall back one hour for the end of daylight saving time.
Whether you’re escorting trick-or-treaters or treating yourself to a night out, here’s everything you need to know to make this weekend a real graveyard smash:
Events
Friday-Sunday 8 p.m.
Fichandler Stage, The Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St. SW)
Based on the story of orphan boy Oliver Twist, this Tony Award-winning musical is opening at the Southwest Waterfront this weekend for a two-month run. The titular character is played by a fourth grader, and a cast of children and adults will tell Charles Dickens’ holiday story. Tickets are about $120 and can be purchased online.
The Argonaut (1433 H St. NE)
Friday 5 p.m.
The Argonaut is hosting a event for parents and their children. Upstairs, the newly-formed Argonaut Kids Club will be showing movies, doing activities and eating while parents can dine downstairs. Event prices start at $30 and vary based on the number of children who attend.
7th Street SE (between Pennsylvania and North Carolina avenues SE)
Friday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The community tradition returns with free family-friendly activities and ways to celebrate Halloween. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best costumes and visit professional face painters, a haunted house, and a photo booth. Food, drinks and other treats will also be available for purchase. Councilman Charles Allen and Mayor Bowser will also be in attendance to give opening remarks.
Folger Shakespeare Library (201 E Capitol St. SE)
Friday 5:30 – 8 p.m.
The Folger is hosting a family-friendly Halloween celebration, Shakespeare style. Guests can expect holiday treats, candy, lines from Shakespeare and activities. The event is free and open to the public.
King Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N St. SW)
Friday 6 – 8 p.m.
The recreation center is throwing a traditional Halloween party, with a costume contest and dance. The event is free and open to the public.
Derek Brown & Thriller on H Street
Joy of Motion Dance Center Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE)
Friday 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
This dance workshop will teach the entire routine from the Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video. The workshop is open to dancers of all abilities levels ages 19 and up. Costumes-especially those inspired by the King of Pop-are encouraged. After the workshop, winners of the dance-off and costume contest will receive dance class packages. Participants can register online in advance for $25.
13th Street Community Park & Garden (13th and C streets SE)
Saturday 1 – 3 p.m.
Nonprofit pet adoption organization Homeward Trails and the 13th Street Community Park & Garden invite families-and their pets-to the park for a Halloween celebration. All guests are encouraged to wear costumes, and gift card prizes will be awarded to the best dressed child and pup. Some adoptable dogs are also expected to attend. This outdoor event is free and open to the public.
Pottery on the Hill Show and Sale
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sixteen ceramic artists from around the country will gather in Hill East this weekend to display and sell their work. The event is catered for both serious collectors and curious observers, providing the opportunity to meet the artists, hear about inspirations for their work and learn how to use pottery pieces at home. Admission to the show and sale is free.
Rosedale Community Center (1701 Gales St. NE)
Saturday 12 – 4 p.m.
Center staff are throwing a Halloween Safe Haven celebration for community members with games, food, music, candy and a community parade. The event is free and open to the public.
Halloween SPOOKtacular Concert & Reception
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (545 7th St. SE)
Saturday 2 – 4:30 p.m.
This free event will preview the CHAW community through festive songs played by private music students and artwork samples from various classes. The art gallery will open at 2 p.m., and tours of the building will also begin at that time. The concert starts at 2:30, followed by a reception with donuts and cider. Costumes are recommended, as CHAW staff and the performers will be wearing them.
More Events
- Be sure to check out the famous Spider House in Hill East. This year may be the last chance to see Capitol Hill’s most decorated Halloween house.
- If you’re looking for a new home in the Capitol Hill area or just want to see what your neighbors’ houses look like, check out some of these open houses in the area this weekend.
Metrorail
- Metro trains will run to their usual 3 a.m. cutoff on Saturday night, meaning they will run an additional hour because of the end of daylight saving time
- Red Line trains will operate every 18 minutes
- Yellow Line trains will operate every 24 minutes between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square only
- Green Line trains will operate every 16 minutes on Saturday, will resume normal weekend service on Sunday
- Orange, Silver and Blue line trains will operate every 24 mins
Photo via Flickr/Teo
