We are mere days away from Halloween and you’re telling me you don’t have a costume yet?
No, not for the children. Kids costumes are easy.
Grownups should have some fun, too, and this is your opportunity to flex a little locally inspired creativity in the DMV. And we’ve got a few ideas to throw at you.
Here’s a tip: Don’t go political. It’s not worth the trouble. So no Trump, no Biden, no January 6 shaman guy. Even in D.C., no one wants to debate politics on Halloween. OK, maybe some people. Avoid those people.
Let’s have some good, wholesome fun this Halloween with these costumes that pay tribute to D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
D.C.-Inspired Halloween Costumes
- The Washington Monument
Nothing says Washington, D.C., quite like the Washington Monument. You can see it flying into Reagan National. You can see it crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. It’s a national treasure and with the right cardboard box and a little spray paint, it can be your Halloween costume, too. - Ben’s Chili Bowl Half-Smoke
Half-smokes are a distinctly D.C. culinary treasure, and there’s no better place to enjoy one than at Ben’s Chili Bowl, another D.C. treasure. For the toppings, you’ll want to go with chili and cheese, for sure, maybe mustard if you’re feeling spicy. - National Zoo Pandas
D.C.’s most universally admired power couple? That’s easy. It’s Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the giant pandas that draw thousands of visitors to the National Zoo each year. Just try showing up to a party in a panda costume and not having a good time.
Maryland-Inspired Halloween Costumes
- Edgar Allen Poe
Perhaps Maryland’s most historically spooky native son, Poe penned dark stories like “The Telltale Heart” and “The Raven.” If your Halloween plans include a little social drinking, brandy and cognac were his drinks of choice. - Mr. Boh
Speaking of adult beverages, Mr. Boh is the one-eyed, mustachioed mascot of National Bohemian beer — AKA Natty Boh. Though some may not associate his namesake beer with finer tastes, Mr. Boh is stylish, classy and always the life of the party.
- Blue Crab and Old Bay
This is perhaps the most Maryland of all Maryland Halloween combos, and it’s perfect for any couple’s costume. We’ll let you decide who’s the crab and who’s the seasoning, but you’ll be the hit of any party you attend.
Virginia-Inspired Halloween Costumes
- King Neptune
The massive bronze statue that stands guard at Neptune Park will be recognizable to anyone who knows Virginia Beach. And it’s super easy to make it happen. All you need is a beard, a trident and a turtle. You’ve got those, right? - Virginia Wine
Whether you go as a glass of merlot or a bottle of Virginia’s finest Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll bring a touch of sophistication to any soiree. And you’ll be paying tribute to Virginia’s growing reputation as the East Coast’s preeminent wine region.
3. George and Martha Washington
George Washington is the father of our nation. And if we learned anything from “Dazed and Confused,” it’s that Martha Washington was a hip, hip, hip lady. Couple of powdered wigs and colonial attire and you’re all set.
