Celebrate Halloween In Washington D.C.

Teresa K. Traverse|Oct. 7, 2014 2:35 pm EST

Washington D.C. residents have plenty to love about this year's Halloween. The city's restaurants are celebrating the fun fall holiday by offering a variety of tasty experiences. So, dress up and hit the town – you are sure to have a good time, no matter how you choose to celebrate.

Beer lovers and pumpkin lovers will especially appreciate this one: On October 31, Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle will be tapping Maryland-based Flying Dog Brewery's "Fear" beer four different ways–plain, Nitro, vintage and cask. The D.C. spot also will serve a special "Fear of the Pumpkin" pizza made with Pumpkin-Ricotta Pesto, Roasted Mushrooms, Butternut Squash, Arugula, Pumpkin Seeds, Parmesan, and Speck.

Show off your pumpkin-carving skills at the Kimpton Hotel's Helix Lounge's Tenth Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest on October 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The lounge will set up carving stations on the outdoor patio and will provide 30 pre-scooped pumpkins as well as safe carving tool kits. Pumpkins are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, so guests should be sure to arrive early to nab one. If pumpkin carving isn't your thing, you can enjoy drink specials galore. Seasonal drinks offered include Zombie Gut Punch featuring Smirnoff vodka, triple sec, fresh squeezed blood orange juice, black cherry soda, and a dash of Angostura bitters ($8) and seasonal Samuel Adams OctoberFest drafts ($6). Happy hour prices will be offered for the duration of the event until 9:00 p.m., including $5 cosmos, $3 Yuengling and Miller Lite drafts, and $2 PBR cans.

3. Boss Shepherd's, Penn Quarter's newest farm-to-table restaurant, has a variety of tricks and treats in store for guests on October 31. Enjoy special entertainment in the dining room and Halloween-inspired drinks at the bar. Specialty champagne cocktails and rum punch will be flowing by the glass, and there will be drink specials for anyone who arrives in costume. Need more incentive to dust off your cat outfit that's been hanging in your closet all year?