Ten Food-Friendly Halloween Event Ideas

The scariest thing about D.C. is no longer how long the government shutdown will last. Halloween is nearly here. And that means "Day of the Dead"-style cuisine at restaurants, drink specials that would satisfy a goblin or vampire's terrifying tastes and other special offerings fit for Oct. 31. Eater rounded up some of the standout events taking place between now and next weekend in the D.C. area: pick a favorite and get festive.

· Make it Mexican: Oyamel commemorates Dia de los Muertos with special spirits and dishes inspired by the cultural traditions of Mexico from Oct. 21 until Nov. 2. Duck is a major part of the menu because of how common it is in Mexican festivities. The bird is not only found in the entree Pato frito en chile seco (featuring a crispy Hudson Valley duck leg with Chihautl mole) but also infused in tequila for one of the custom cocktails.

· Trick or Drink: That's the tagline for Nightmare on M Street, D.C.'s large-scale bar crawl, scheduled to roam through Dupont Circle on Saturday. Purchasing a ticket gives bar-goers free cover at 30-plus bars along M Street as well as food and drink specials all night.

· A Seven Deadly Sin-ful Party: LivingSocial's contribution to Halloween this year comes in the form of a party rejoicing in lust, envy, sloth and the four other famed sins. On Saturday night seven floors of the tech company's offices will be transformed to represent a sin apiece. Activities include zombie battles and all-you-can eat sweets.

· Crawl through Arlington: One of the rare Friday night fiestas for Halloween, Hiball Events is hosting a Monster Bar Crawl through Arlington from 4 to 9 p.m. Participants can start from Ballston, Courthouse or Clarendon Metros. Bars including Whitlow's on Wilson, World of Beers and RiRa Irish Bar are taking part with drink deals.

· Pumpkin Carving Contest: It's a carve-off! Kimpton's Helix Lounge is hosting its annual pumpkin carving competition this Saturday at 6 p.m. The first 30 guests to show up to the downtown bar can claim pre-scooped pumpkins and have two hours to deck them out. During the contest Helix is offering pumpkin-heavy cocktails and beers at happy hour prices.

· Twerk or Treat: Clearly twerking's not just for Miley anymore. Brightest Young Things' Halloween dance fest comes to The Sphinx Club on K Street Saturday. Organizers are promising stiff drinks, a photo booth and free candy throughout the night.

· Strap on some stilettos: Halloween's a drag at the High Heel Race which every year graces 17th Street in D.C. the Tuesday of Halloween week. As usual, the parade starts at 7 p.m. and the race gets going two hours later from Cobalt to JR's, with drink and food specials along the way.

· Monster Concert: The Hamilton is billing its Saturday night lineup as part concert, part costume party. Bands will play Halloween hits from the past four decades including "Thriller" and "Psycho Killer." Doors open at 7 p.m.

· Eat like a Zombie: The Pig will be hosting a five-course Walking Dead-themed dinner with the staff dressed as zombies and a five-course menu featuring items like heart, blood pasta, deep fried bone marrow and more. There will be drink specials as well; it's available Oct. 29-Nov 2.

· Make a kid happy — and full: Chevy Chase's Mi Cocina is allowing any kids dressed in costume to eat free from October 27-31.
—Dena Levitz