Washington, DC, has never been a city to shy away from reinvention. From political shifts to cultural movements, the nation’s capital thrives on transformation. Now, that spirit of change has found a new home in its bar scene, where pop-up concepts, seasonal celebrations, and themed experiences reinvent the typical idea of “nightlife” in the DMV area.
Whether you’re craving a tropical escape in the dead of winter, ready to deck the halls with festive cocktails, or eager to step into a completely reimagined world every few months, DC’s pop-up bar scene has something fun to offer. Here’s your guide to the city’s most exciting seasonal and themed bar experiences.
King Of The Pop-Ups
Located in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, Del Ray’s Pop-Up Bar has become the gold standard for rotating themed bar concepts. Run by the HomeGrown Restaurant Group, this space transforms every few months. Previous featured concepts include a Christmas theme, a Tiki Bar, Halloween experiences, and a botanical-themed bar.
Del Ray’s Taylor Swift-themed pop-up, ERAS, became a massive hit, featuring cocktails named after Swift’s hits, friendship bracelet exchanges, and décor representing her many albums. For Halloween 2025, the space becomes “Nightmare on the Avenue,” complete with spooky decorations like clowns, skeletons, and gravestones, alongside themed drinks and appetizers. Come the holidays, it transforms into “Joy on the Avenue,” featuring festive décor and holiday cheer galore.
Halloween Haunts
When October arrives, the Washington DC area transforms into a world of eerie lights, chilling decor, and hauntingly good cocktails.
Tap99, the official Washington Commanders affiliate bar, presents “The Spirits of RFK Stadium,” merging DC sports nostalgia with haunted bar energy through themed props and spooky decorations.
Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab at Puttery offers an immersive experience where guests step into a reimagined laboratory with flickering lights, bubbling concoctions, and mysterious elixirs. Admission includes a welcome cocktail and optional extras like tarot readings.
Honor Brewing’s Loudoun Brewery hosts a Halloween Pop-Up Bar as well, with themed cocktails, and family-friendly activities including a Trunk or Treat event and Monster Mash Singo.
Holiday Pop-Up Wonderlands
When the holiday season arrives, DC sparkles with festive pop-up bars that feel like cozy winter wonderlands.
Miracle on 7th Street & Death Punch
Miracle on 7th Street has become a year-round fixture in DC. Hosting rotating themed experiences throughout the year, the Christmas iteration remains the original and arguably most beloved. This Christmas pop-up at Death Punch in Adams Morgan features colorful string lights, velvety stockings, and festive cocktails like the Christmapolitan, Naughty or Nice shots, and Jingle Balls Nog—with collectible drinkware available and proceeds benefitting the Seva Foundation.
Sippin’ Santa & Black Whiskey
Last year, Black Whiskey offered a unique twist with its beach-themed Sippin’ Santa pop-up bar, where Santa rides a surfboard, and palm trees are decorated with ornaments instead of traditional pine trees. The bar featured special holiday cocktails, including the signature Sippin’ Santa made with Demerara rum and gingerbread mix. Look for word of the pop-up’s return this festive season by keeping tabs on Black Whiskey’s Instagram..
Colada Shop Pop-Ups
In the past, Colada Shop has transformed its 14th Street and Clarendon locations into Holiday Bar pop-ups, featuring tropical-inspired holiday cocktails with names like “Rudolph’s Tipsy Tonic,” and the “MoHoHojito”. Stay tuned to the Happenings page on Colada’s website for the latest info on this season’s pop-ups.
More Holiday Experiences
Tiki on 18th usually reimagines Christmas through “The Island of Misfit Toys,” featuring hot and cold cocktails labeled with misfit toy sayings. Chicken and Whiskey is known to host a “naughty v nice fiesta” in Navy Yard with holiday karaoke.
For those celebrating Hanukkah, Ivy and Coney transforms into Chai-vy & Cohen-y with blue lights, nightly candle lightings, homemade potato latkes, matzoh ball soup, and kosher wines.
Year-Round Themed Experiences
Not all of DC’s themed bars are temporary. Several establishments maintain cool concepts throughout the year.
Speakeasies and Unique Concepts
Allegory, inside Eaton DC’s Progress Library, is a literary-themed cocktail experience behind a wall of books. Prepare yourself for an Alice in Wonderland aesthetic and drinks inspired by classic literature. Code Red requires a password for entry and transports guests to the Prohibition era with cocktails paying homage to the 1920s.
Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar on H Street creates an eclectic gothic New Orleans vibe with purple and gold décor, dim lighting, and an impressive whiskey selection.
Metrobar operates inside a redesigned Metro train car, creating a distinctly DC experience highlighting craft cocktails made with local spirits. Royal Sands Social Club brings Florida’s sun and beaches to DC year-round with a “swimming pool”-themed bar, faux palm trees, and tropical cocktails.
Board Room DC combines drinking with entertainment, offering an extensive collection of board games for guests to play in a cozy setting.
Plan Your DC Pop-Up Visit
If you’re planning to explore DC’s pop-up bar scene, it’s a good idea to book ahead. Popular pop-ups like the Halloween and Christmas bars often require reservations, especially on weekends.Walk-ins may be possible but, again, come early for the best chances. You can keep track of the latest pop-up announcements—and hours, including closing dates—by following your favorite watering holes on Instagram and Facebook.
Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your routine or a visitor seeking something uniquely D.C., the city’s pop-up bar scene offers endless opportunities for good times and memorable nights. As the seasons change and themes rotate, there’s always something new to explore, too. Washington DC’s pop-up and themed bar scene showcases the city’s creative spirit, proving that a great night out is about more than just what’s in your glass—it’s about the whole vibe. So raise a glass to DC’s pop-up bars, here to turn “let’s get drinks” into an entirely new adventure.
