A frighteningly eventful week lies ahead.
By Helen Yoshida
The North Lawn and North Portico of the White House in 2009 illuminated with orange spotlights to look like a spooky pair of eyes peering out. (AP Photo/John Elswick)
Dive into the Halloween spirit with costume parties, a classical music concert for the whole family, and “Dracula” on stage. As we enter November, turn off the television and catch a satirical stage performance where your vote really can influence an election, even if it’s only in good fun.
Social Ghouls and Goblins
Things To Do (TTD) D.C.’s Halloween Graveyard Jam
Sat., Oct. 27, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Hard Rock Cafe
999 E St. NW
202-737-7625; $27
Calling all witches, vampires and werewolves! Dress up in your craziest and wittiest costumes for a chance to win prizes such as a weekend getaway to the Caribbean or dinner for two on the Odyssey. Spend the rest of the evening rocking out to a monster mash of retro and hip-hop dance tunes.
Rat Pack Halloween Party
Wed., Oct. 31, 8 p.m.
Uptown Tap House
3412 Connecticut Ave. NW
202-244-2030; Free
Think “classic Hollywood” for this bash, which features $5 cocktails and Sammy, Deano and Frank providing the mood music. Come dressed to impress in “Mad Men”-era get-ups, or channel your best impression of Marilyn Monroe or Frank Sinatra for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Kids can try out different instruments at an instrument "petting zoo" before NSO's "Halloween Spooktacular!" family concert (Photo courtesy The Kennedy Center)
Family Friendly
National Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular!
Sun., Oct. 28, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
2700 F St. NW
202-467-4600; $15-$18, ages 5 and up
Celebrate Halloween with a little classical music for the whole family. Children can explore various instruments at the Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” and go trick-or-treating before the concert. Then, relive wondrous worlds with John Williams’s “Imperial March” from “Star Wars,” Dukas’s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and Prokofiev’s “Cinderella” Suite No. 1. Don’t forget to stay after the concert for Kids’ Chat, where youngsters can participate in a question-and-answer session with the musicians.
Dramaturges
“Dracula”
Choreography by Michael Pink
Wed., Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
Eisenhower Theater
2700 F St. NW
202-467-4600; $25-125
Quench your thirst for drama with Michael Pink’s “Dracula” by The Washington Ballet. Witness the count and become immersed in the passion and sacrifice of this classic.
Abbey Kos and Justus Hammond (Photo by C. Stanley Photography)
Political Animals
“POTUS Among Us”
Thurs. Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Washington Improv Theater at Source
1835 14th St. NW
202-204-7770; $15 online; $20 at the door
As the clock ticks down to Election Day, round up your friends for the Improv’s satirical interpretation of American politics and media. Audience members get the chance to engage with these potential “presidents” on stage as they battle one another for a spot in the primaries.
