Halloween in Clarendon - Ballroom DC101 Costume Contest

It's that time of the year again for the biggest party at Clarendon Ballroom on Friday, October 31. The annual DC 101 Elliot in the Morning Halloween party is the best night of the year at Ballroom, with party goers in creative costumes packing both the dance floor and rooftop to compete in the $3,000 grand prize costume contest. Last year's winner was the Invisible Man homemade costume.

The night starts at 8pm and cover is $15 before 10pm. Usually there will be a line wrapping around the block to get into Ballroom, so try to get there before 11pm. For costume contest rules check out DC101's event page.

Bracket Room on DC101

Listen to the Youtube clip above to hear Chris Bukowski on DC101's Elliot In The Morning radio show talk about his new bar Bracket Room.

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.

DC101 Halloween Bash at Clarendon Ballroom Friday

Costumes from 2010 at the Ballroom
via eitmshow.com

This Friday Oct 28 the Clarendon Ballroom will throw its annual Halloween Bash with DC101 and Elliot In The Morning. The Ballroom is one of the best places for costume people watching around Halloween. There is sure to be a line around the block of fun and scandalous costumed party goers late at night.

The Halloween Bash's doors open at 5pm and music starts at 8pm. Be sure to get there early, as the cover goes from $15 to $20 after 10pm. The night also features a costume contest with a $3,000 grand prize.

If you can't make it Friday, here is a listing of other adult Halloween parties in the area this weekend.