Black Lagoon Pop-Up

Black Lagoon is taking over Barrel Proof in Germantown from October 13 through October 31. It's a Halloween pop-up that transforms the bar into a spooky destination for a few weeks, and it's one of those things that comes back every autumn to a handful of bars across North America.

What started as a one-time pop-up has grown into a Spooky Season tradition. The whole point is the atmosphere: immersive decor, cinematic lighting, and chilling soundscapes that change the room into something eerie. There's an all-new cocktail menu for the season, and the drinks are built around a few big names—Kraken Rum, Teremana Tequila, Lustau Sherry, Giffard, and Mr. Black, with craft bitters from Bitter Queens. If you're into the glassware side of things, they have limited-edition pieces available to buy, including custom designs by artist Kisira Hill and the Abyssa the Octo-Witch Mug, which they did with Tiki Farm.

Behind it are industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, who run the whole thing. They're the ones who turn a regular bar into a Halloween destination for the month, and they bring the same formula to different spots each year. The experience is as much about the room as it is about the drinks, so it's the kind of place you go to settle into the mood rather than just grab a quick one and head out.

Barrel Proof is at 1010 4th Avenue North in Germantown, and the pop-up runs from October 13 through October 31. Since each location manages its own hours and reservations independently, you'll want to check in with Barrel Proof directly for the specific times they're open and how to book a spot.