Eater's Guide to Food-Friendly Halloween Events

Looking for Halloween fun beyond giving out candy to trick-or-treaters? Here's what restaurants are doing for Halloween. Eater will update this guide as more activities emerge.

Doggy Howl-o-ween Costume Contest

What: Up to 50 dogs can compete in this costume contest benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Human guests can partake in drink specials and bites from the bar menu while contestants enjoy free doggy treats and water bowls. Prizes include a weekend stay and dinner for two at various Kimpton hotels and restaurants. There's a $15 registration fee for participants, and a $10 suggested door donation for non-participants. For more information call 703-842-2790.

Where: Jackson 20, 480 King St., Alexandria, Va.

When: Thursday, October 29. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the contest starts at 6:15 p.m. Winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m.

Halloween Costume Contest

What: Guests can compete in a costume and social media contest at both El Centro D.F. locations. Contest winners will receive a $75 gift certificate. El Centro will also offer Mexican cocktails and their siesta menu at the bar. Visit the restaurant's website for additional information.

Where: Both El Centro D.F. locations at 1819 14th St. NW and at 1218 Wisconsin Ave, NW

When: Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, at 9 p.m. in Georgetown and 10 p.m. on 14th St.

Three Headed Monster Weekend

What: Republic is hosting a slew of Halloween events starting on Friday, October 30 with live music by Lilac Daze, Shirt/Pants and a mystery headliner. On Saturday, the restaurant will host a Halloween costume contest with restaurant gift certificates as prizes. The restaurant will also then host a Day of the Dead Hangover Brunch on Sunday.

Where: Republic, 6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, Md.

When: Friday, October 30 and Saturday October 31 from 10 p.m. until close; Sunday, November 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Halloween Brunch Costume Challenge

What: During Masa 14's brunch on Halloween day, guests can also compete in a costume challenge and social media contest to win a $75 gift certificate to the restaurant. Visit their website for more information.

Where: Masa 14, 1825 14th St. NW

When: Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nightmare on M Street

What: Joonbug.com is sponsoring a pub crawl around Dupont Circle, U Street and Gallery Place complete with costume contests and food and drinks specials. Some participating bars include Gryphon, Sign of the Whale, Sudhouse DC, Irish Whisky, Salty Dog Tavern and City Tap House, among many others. More information and tickets ($15-$20) are available here.

Where: The pub crawl starts at various bars near Dupont Circle, U Street and Gallery Place. Check here for details.

When: Saturday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Morrison House Murder Mystery

What: The Grille at Morrison House will host a murder mystery dinner that begins with live piano music and a cocktail hour. Guests are encouraged to dress the part for the 1920's themed dinner that includes three courses and a choice of red or white wine. Participants will of course play along and try to solve the mystery. The dinner is $100 per person. For reservations, call (703) 838-8000.

Where: The Grille at Morrison House, 116 South Alfred St., Alexandria, Va.

When: Saturday, October 31 at  7 p.m.

Halloween Party with Live Music

What: The annual Halloween party at Open Road will a costume contest, food, drinks and live music by local band The Fuzz. More information and free tickets to reserve a spot are available here.

Where: Open Road, 8100 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va.

When: Saturday, October 31 from 8:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Halloween Bash

What: Bluejacket is hosting a part with music by DJ Kid Cannibal, a special haunted brewery tour and a costume contest with beer prizes.  They're also tapping some vintage kegs. Guests must book in advance online in order to take the Haunted Tour. Reserve here.

Where: Bluejacket Brewery, 300 Tingey St. SE

When: Saturday, October 31 from 9 p.m. until close

Halloween Beer Specials

What: This Navy Yard restaurant is offering special autumnal beers at discounted prices. lGreat Lakes Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest on draft and Dogfish Head Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale, Bell’s Brewery, Inc’s English Brown Ale and the Evil Genius Beer Company’s Trick or Treat are only $5 each on Halloween. Find more information, visit the restaurant's website.

Where: Station 4, 1101 4th St. SW

When: Saturday, October 31

Day of the Dead Celebration

What: At this annual celebration, try food and drink specials like pan de muertos with hot chocolate and tequila drinks that bubble and smoke thanks to dry ice. The restaurant will be decorated with a traditional candle-covered altar, skulls, skeletons, paper banners and marigolds.

Where: Fuego Cocina y Tequileria, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va.

When: Saturday, October 31 through Monday, November 2.

No Guts, No Gwar No Glory

What: Gwar and Eat the Rich come together for an event featuring Gwar music, Gwar tiki mugs, prizes and more.

Where: Eat the Rich, 1839 7th St. NW

When: Saturday, Oct. 31

Cat-O-Ween

What: D.C.'s cat cafe will be partying with kittens in costumes on Halloween, donating some proceeds to Lost Dog's rescue foundation.

Where: Crumbs & Whiskers, 3211 O St. NW

When: Saturday Oct. 31

A Compass Rose Haunted House

What: Compass Rose will have drink specials, party punch, scary decorations and a DJ for a late-night Halloween beginning at 11 p.m.

Where: Compass Rose, 1346 T St. NW

When: Saturday, Oct. 31