DC101 Halloween bash at Ballroom

80s cartoons were represented well

Halloween is really the only time of the year I frequent the Clarendon Ballroom. The large three level dance club has the reputation of aggressive bouncers, sleazy guys, tons of girl drama, sticky floors and predictable cover band music. But on Halloween weekend that all changes and Ballroom becomes a fun and happy place with everyone in costume being friendly to each other. I call this the "Halloween effect", as all the patrons are so happy to show off their costumes and very willing to compliment others on their creativitiy.

Last Friday night was DC101's annual Halloween party and costume contest. Since the winner gets a grand prize of $3,000, tons of creative and hilarious costume ideas are brought out to the Arlington club.


Crazy huge homemade angel wings
barely fit throught he door

As always, a long line forms around the block for entrance into Ballroom around 10pm. But even those standing in line seem happy, as being in costume and "being seen" outside Ballroom is popular. The $15 to $20 cover and no re-entry rule didn't discourage people and Ballroom was filled up early.


Best costumes this year in my opinion were anything 80s cartoon related (pictured here is an amazing Thundercats get up), giant Bender and Beaker suits, and original couple sets like The Price Is Right contestants. Costumes to avoid included adult Alice in Wonderland, as there were countless girls wearing the same light blue short dress costume.

Be a zombie at RiRa Saturday

If you are in the mood for Irish zombies this Halloween, check out RiRa this Saturday Oct 27. RiRa is waving their cover charge (usually $5 or $10) to anyone dressed as an Irish zombie! The night will also include costume contest with a $250 prize for best contest and anotehr $250 for best couple.

Nightmare on M Street Saturday

This Saturday, October 27 Lindy Promotions, Coors Light, & Bacardi present the 13th annual Nightmare on M Street bar tour and costume contest. Specials run from 5pm-1am at many DC bars, including  $2 Coors Lights, $3 Blue Moons, $3 Red Bull and $4 Bacardi Oakheart drinks:


Black FinnBread 'n' Brew
James Hoban's
Mackey's
MadhatterMcFadden's
Ozio
Public Bar
Rumors
The Front Page
Mighty Pint
Buffalo Billards
Sign of the Whale
Black Rooster PubDirty Martini
Fiesta Lounge
Cafe Citron
Elephant and Castle
Irish Whiskey Public House
Maddy's
Midtown Party Plex
Panache
The Bottom Line
The Exchange
Lindy's Red Lion
19th
One Lounge

Don't miss out on this Halloween bar crawl and midnight costume contest at McFadden's! Advance discounted tickets are available online for $12.50 (price will increase as event nears) Purchase tickets here.

Wedding afterparty at the Continental

Simpsons arcade mesmerizing the groomsmen

Last Saturday night I finally got a chance to make it to Rossyln to visit the Continental Pool Lounge. The casul bar proved the perfect venue for our special event. That night there was an after party for not one, but two weddings!

Coninental is much larger inside than I thought with bright, fun colors and friendly bar keeps. The lounge obviously has a number of pool tables, but many other games are available including basketball, skeeball and old arcade classics like the Simpsons arcade. Hidden away in Rosslyn on Fort Myer Drive, this fun bar is worth the trek out to the usually quiet Rossyln for.

Kundalika at Iota Sunday

Kundalika

On Sunday Oct 21 at 4pm, a unique local band called Kundalika is playing at Iota. They are an improvisational ensemble that bridges jazz and North Indian classical music.  The band, whose name is Sanskrit for "circle", uses a variety of instruments like guitar, vocal, tabla, mandolin and harmonium. This family friendly show is followed up by Kopecky Family Band at 8:30pm.

Halloween at Clarendon Ballroom

So many Waldos in Clarendon last year

This Halloween I'm looking forward to another weekend costume bash at Clarendon Ballroom. This is really the only time of the year I frequent Ballroom, since the "Halloween effect" this time of year causes everyone to be super friendly. 


On Friday Oct 26, Elliot in the Morning is hosting their annual Halloween bash featuring Toxic Mouse and DJ Lil Fos. The DC101 costume contest is sure to bring out a ton of creative and homemade costumes. Cover is $15 (and it might go up to $20 if it gets crowded), and get there early because there will be a long line later.

If you are one of the many costumed freaks who didn't make it in Ballroom Friday, drop by again Saturday Oct 27 for Ballroom's own Halloween party. On stage will be Mr. Greengenes and Bunt Sienna. Cover is $10 ($20 later), and doors open at 6pm.

Juniper Lane at Iota Friday night

Vivion Smith leads the vocals of Juniper Lane

Tonight not only will we have great autumn weather, but great live music too as one of my favorite local bands is back at IOTA. The five member rock band Juniper Lane is playing tonight, along with The District Lights and the Tommy Gann Band. You get to see all three acts tonight for one cover charge of $12 starting at 9pm.

Juniper Lane has been playing together for many years, and got a popularity boost in 2008 when they opened up for Coldplay. Last time they played in Clarendon, it was the last show before Vivion Smith gave birth and the pregnancy didn't interfere with her great vocals in the least. Looking forward to tonight's show!

Free "Fed Up with Politics" wine tasting tonight

Politics have invaded everything in DC area life during election season, including happy hours and wine tastings. In this spirit Grateful Red is hosting a free "Fed Up with Politics" wine tasting tonight. The event lasts from 5 to 7:30pm and features three politically related wines. It's a perfect time to try out the "Ass Kisser" Shiraz!

Lyon Hall has new brunch hours

Lyon Hall is now extending their delicious brunch hours from 9:30am to 3pm every Saturday and Sunday starting this weekend. Also, they will have these same brunch hours available this Monday to celebrate Columbus Day.

Their weekend happy hours remain the same, as they serve drink specials from 3 to 7pm in the lounge, bar, and patio.

Thursday events not to miss

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria just opened in Clarendon! The Mexican restaurant replaces Market Tavern (which replaced Harry's Tap Room) and looks promising with its larger downstairs bar. Their happy hour today runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. ArlNow.com has the details.

Tonight Frontpage is hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Thursday is also their rock and country night, with 2 for $1 tacos from 5-8pm. Music starts at 8pm featuring DJ Smoky.

Grateful Red wine shop is having a free Kosher wine tasting tonight from 4 to 7:30pm.

Fellow Clarendon bloggers Boobs Bacon Bourbon are having their second Thirsty Thursday party at Policy in DC. Details here.

Bartending School meetup

Want to learn how to mix drinks just blocks from where you already go out to the bars? The Professional Bartending School near Courthouse is hosting their annual casual bartending class Sunday Oct 14. This 20s and 30s meetup is now priced at $40 (it goes up to $50 soon) and is sure to have a fun crowd of young people eager to learn how to make their own concoctions. The class consists of 2 hours of lessons, followed by 1 hour of hands on bar training by local bartender Dimitri Ofiesh.