The biggest Halloween parties in Arlington this year are at Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd. Dead of Night with DJ James Kennedy takes over on Friday, October 30 (9 PM – 1:30 AM), and The Haunted Ballroom with KNOLLDOLL runs on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 (9 PM – 2 AM). Both nights are 21+, fill all three levels of the venue and include a costume contest with $1,000 in prizes. Tickets are on Eventbrite from $15.71.
Dead of Night
The Haunted Ballroom
Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, which means one thing in Arlington: a full weekend of costumes, house music and late nights. Instead of picking one night, Clarendon Ballroom is turning both into a party across all three of its levels (the main ballroom, the Underground and The Deck rooftop), just minutes from Washington, DC.
Here is everything you need to know to choose your night, or do both.
Friday, October 30: Dead of Night with James Kennedy
Kick off Halloween weekend with Dead of Night, headlined by James Kennedy. The internationally touring DJ and producer is known to TV audiences from Vanderpump Rules and to party crowds for his “See You Next Tuesday” nights at SUR in Los Angeles. Expect a high-energy mix of house, EDM, open-format hits and party anthems from the first song to last call.
Saturday, October 31: The Haunted Ballroom with KNOLLDOLL
On Halloween night itself, Skybreak presents KNOLLDOLL at The Haunted Ballroom. The house and electronic DJ and producer brings a darker, groovier sound (house, techno and melodic house) built for a costumed crowd that wants to dance until close.
A bonus hour of Halloween. Daylight saving time ends at 2 AM on Sunday, November 1, when clocks fall back to 1 AM. That is why the party is listed at six hours: 9 PM to 2 AM gives you one extra hour on the dance floor.
Three haunted floors: what to expect
Both nights take over the whole building, so you can move between three different atmospheres without leaving the party.
- RRoof
The Deck rooftop
The open-air rooftop bar above Wilson Boulevard, with cabanas, plus heaters and coverings for cooler October nights. Discover The Deck.
- 1Main
The Main Ballroom
The historic art deco ballroom and main dance floor, with a 30-foot video wall and full sound and light production.
- BLower
The Underground
The lower level: a more intimate lounge for a change of pace between sets.
- Immersive performers
- Haunted décor
- Haunted photobooth
- Party favors & giveaways
- Drink specials
- Multiple bars
- $1,000 costume contest
The Halloween costume contest
Costumes are encouraged both nights, and the best ones compete for $1,000 in costume prizes. If you are planning to enter, a few things make the night easier:
- Dress to dancePick a costume you can move in for four or five hours, on three floors and a staircase or two.
- Keep your face ID-readyMasks and face paint are part of the fun, but the door team still needs to match you to your ID.
- Skip realistic propsAnything that looks like a real weapon is a bad idea at any club entrance.
- Travel lightBig wings and long capes look great in photos and less great in a packed crowd.
Costume inspiration from the Ballroom
Plan your Halloween night in Clarendon
Tickets
Both parties are ticketed on Eventbrite, from $15.71 to $39.19 as of October 8. Tickets are non-refundable, and buying ahead saves time at the door.
Age & ID
Both nights are strictly 21+. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, even if you are in full costume.
Getting there
Clarendon Ballroom is at 3185 Wilson Blvd, a short walk from Clarendon Metro station (Orange and Silver lines). Rideshare is the easiest way home; several public garages are nearby (see our FAQ).
VIP tables
Celebrating with a group? Reserve a table by the DJ booth, the video wall, a rooftop cabana or the Underground lounge on the VIP page.
Clarendon gets busy on Halloween weekend, so plan to arrive early. Looking beyond Halloween? See what is coming up next on our events calendar, or catch up on the Skybreak DJ lineup that took over the Ballroom in September.
Halloween at Clarendon Ballroom: FAQ
Is the Halloween party at Clarendon Ballroom 21+?
Yes. Both Dead of Night (Friday, October 30) and The Haunted Ballroom (Saturday, October 31) are 21+ events. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
What time does the Halloween party end?
Dead of Night runs from 9 PM to 1:30 AM. The Haunted Ballroom runs from 9 PM to 2 AM, and because daylight saving time ends that night, it lasts six hours.
Do I have to wear a costume?
No, but costumes are strongly encouraged, and you will need one to enter the costume contest, with $1,000 in prizes.
How much are Halloween tickets at Clarendon Ballroom?
Tickets for both nights are sold on Eventbrite, from $15.71 to $39.19 as of October 8, 2026. Tickets are non-refundable.
Can I book a VIP table for Halloween?
Yes. VIP tables are available by the DJ booth, the video wall, on the rooftop or in the Underground lounge, with expedited entry and a dedicated server. Book on the VIP table reservation page.
How do I get to Clarendon Ballroom?
Clarendon Ballroom is at 3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, a short walk from Clarendon Metro station on the Orange and Silver lines. Several public parking garages are nearby, and rideshare is recommended on Halloween weekend.
Two nights. Three floors. One haunted ballroom.
Friday, October 30 & Saturday, October 31 · 9 PM · 21+
