HALLOWEEN BASHES AT UNION JACK'S, HARP & FIDDLE IN BETHESDA

Two downtown Bethesda bars are among those hoping partiers will choose to haunt their buildings this Halloween. 

Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle is promising a High Score Halloween, with a live (as opposed to undead) DJ, light show, and an ominously vague-sounding "Special Visual Presentation." Admission is free, and you can win cash prizes in their costume contest. There will also be drink specials, as you can see in the photo at top.

Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle

4844 Cordell Avenue

Meanwhile, the annual Nightmare on St. Elmo Street (actually Avenue, for GPS purposes) Halloween bash returns to Union Jack's Bethesda. The costume contest there has a travel grand prize, with a winner's choice of destinations: Las Vegas, New Orleans or New York City. There will also be other cash and prizes at stake for costume-sporting patrons. Halloween is this Friday, so start making plans now.

Union Jack's Bethesda

4915 St. Elmo Avenue

JUST TAPPED FOR HALLOWEEN IN BETHESDA: NEWCASTLE WEREWOLF

Union Jack's Bethesda has just tapped a most appropriate brew for the Halloween season: Newcastle Werewolf, an Irish Red Ale from the UK's Caledonian Brewery Company. At a low 4.50% ABV, its bark may be worse than its bite. If you like a hint of sweetness, this could be one to try, with hints of berries and caramel.

Werewolf's average score on Beer Advocate is 73 out of 100, but no mention if it puts hair on your chest.

Union Jack's Bethesda

4915 St. Elmo Avenue