Ghoulish Goods: Halloween Treats to Die For

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MOST KIDS LOVE to dress up, but going door-to-door begging strangers for candy is a lot of work. There's the walking and, worse, the wait: All that sugary sweetness screaming your name, and there always seems to be a few more houses to go. (Not to mention enduring the endless Mom-dictated candy inspection.) But many local eateries offer a chance for little and big sweets fans alike to get their treats now with Halloween-themed foodie events. No trick.

The Horror: Rock Out at EatBar
At EatBar, dress as you are — unless you want to win the best costume contest — to jump to the left and step to the right at a screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." This one-night-only event features cocktails such as the "Poisoned Apple" and "The Zombie Punch," and chef Barry Koslow will be stirring up scary eats including deviled eggs, blood sausage and tongue tacos.
» 2761 Washington Blvd., Arlington; Oct. 31, 8 p.m., free; 703-778-9951. (Clarendon)

Boo!: What's All the Buzz?
For kids big and small, Buzz bakery and lounge hosts its annual "Boo-Fest" extravaganza. Costumed crumb snatchers can decorate cookies, play games and win prizes while parents indulge in complimentary apple cider. And if you're thinking of throwing a ghoulish get-down of your own, grab a batch of Buzz' frighteningly frosted cupcakes to go.
» 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria; Oct. 29, 3-6 p.m., free; 703-600-2899.

Rated G for Ghostly: Toddlers in the House
The Grille at Morrison House soothes would-be trick-or-treaters with a special "Story Time Tea." Parents won't have to worry about nightmares haunting their tiny tots — designed with the younger set in mind, events include a reading of "The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat," a DIY candy collection bag station, face painting and the scarfing down of mini-pumpkin pies, organic teas, fresh scones and biscuits and gourmet sandwiches from chef Dennis Marron.
» 16 S. Alfred St., Alexandria; Oct. 31, 2 p.m, $28 kid's tea, $38 adult's tea; 703-838-8000.

Tap In: We'll Toast to That
Smell what Rustico is cooking as the restaurant hosts its no-holds-barred OctoberSlam. There will be a costume judging (as if you need a reason to whip out the ol' Speedo and thigh-high boots), and guests will enjoy a glassware giveaway featuring ale specially brewed by beer director Greg Engert during a recent trip to the Sierra Nevada brewery in California. Before you get to chug-a-lugging, though, remember: Only the glassware is free.
» 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria; Oct. 31, glassware giveaway 4-7 p.m., free; 703-224-5051.

Photo courtesy Pfau Communications