From haunted landmarks and hidden passageways to Halloween treats, discover five ways to celebrate spooky season while going to college in Washington, DC.

One of the best parts of going to college in Washington, DC, is having an entire city to explore—and Halloween is a great excuse to do just that.

From the famous Exorcist Steps in Georgetown to ghostly cemetery tours and Halloween traditions along Embassy Row, the nation's capital has plenty of ways to get into the spooky spirit.

Whether you're looking for a fright, a bite, or a little Halloween fun with friends, here are five places worth checking out this Halloweekend.

👻 The Exorcist Steps: A Stairway to Scare

The votes are in! When we asked Kogod students about the spookiest places in DC, the Exorcist Steps were the clear favorite.

Tucked between Prospect Street and M Street in Georgetown, the steep stone staircase became a horror movie landmark after appearing in The Exorcist. Today, it's a popular stop for movie fans and anyone looking for a little Halloween atmosphere.

Visiting the steps is free, so grab a friend, snap a photo, and see what all the screams are about. Just watch your step!

🎃 Filomena Ristorante: Eat, Drink, and Be Scary

Who says Halloween has to be all tricks and no treats?

Georgetown's Filomena Ristorante goes all out for the season, transforming its dining rooms with elaborate Halloween decorations. Think pumpkins, witches, cobwebs, and plenty of spooky surprises.

The restaurant is just a short walk from the Exorcist Steps, making it an easy addition to your Georgetown Halloween adventure.

Come for the decorations, stay for the food, and don't forget to take pictures.

Make a reservation at Filomena.

🚪 The Mansion on O Street: Enter If You Dare

Secret doors? Hidden passages? Rooms full of surprises?

O Museum in The Mansion is practically made for curious explorers. Located near Dupont Circle, this unusual museum is filled with themed rooms, eclectic collections, and more than 80 secret doors to discover.

Bring your friends and see how many you can find.

For an extra dose of spooky fun, the mansion's Howl at the Moon Halloween experience runs through November 1, 2026, with seasonal surprises and access to the museum's mysterious rooms.

Explore tours and Halloween tickets.

🪦 Congressional Cemetery: History Comes Alive

Who says history has to stay buried?

Congressional Cemetery brings DC's past to life with its annual Soul Strolls, a Halloween tradition featuring lantern-lit walks, costumed interpreters, and stories of the people buried in this historic cemetery.

Rather than relying on jump scares, the tours introduce visitors to some of the fascinating figures and stories that helped shape Washington, DC.

Costumes are encouraged, so grab your friends and get ready for a spirited evening of history.

Get tickets for Soul Strolls.

🍬 Bonus: No Tricks, Just International Treats!

Not into scary movies or ghost stories? DC has a Halloween tradition you won't find in most college towns: trick-or-treating along Embassy Row!

Some embassies along Massachusetts Avenue have welcomed trick-or-treaters in past years, offering candy and a chance to experience a little international culture without leaving the city. Some have even handed out sweets from their home countries.

Individual embassy participation can vary, so check before heading out.

For a planned alternative, the International Trick-or-Treating Embassy Row Walking Tour takes place on October 31, 2026, from 6:15 to 9 p.m.

It's a sweet reminder that there's always something new to discover in the nation's capital.

Why Is DC Such a Fun Place to Go to College?

Halloween is just one excuse to explore Washington, DC.

From historic Georgetown and museums filled with surprises to international traditions and neighborhood celebrations, there's always something happening beyond campus.

For students at American University's Kogod School of Business, these experiences are part of what makes studying in the nation's capital so exciting. A weekend can mean discovering a new neighborhood, exploring DC history, trying a new restaurant, or experiencing a tradition you wouldn't find anywhere else.

And if you're looking for more ways to explore the city, check out our Walkable Weekend Around American University guide for more local favorites.

Happy Halloweekend! 🎃