For the 19th year running, we bring you Halloweek—a weeklong celebration packed with events and parties that finally give Halloween the respect it deserves. And let’s be real: it is the best holiday in the Universe. Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore—it’s for the adults clinging to their inner child and the oddballs who’ve been dying to break out that ridiculous costume. So if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do (because, let’s face it, Richmond goes all out), here’s a handy guide to everything you’ll either regret missing or barely remember attending.
Oh, and one more thing—let’s just assume if there’s a bar, there’s a Halloween party. We’re not wasting space listing them all. You know where to go if you want to get sloppy.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH
5:30 PM | Squirrel-O-Ween at The Diamond
Alright, parents, here’s your moment. The Squirrels are hosting a family-friendly Halloween party, complete with trick-or-treating, hayrides, games, and a whole lot of sugar-induced chaos. It’s perfect for the kids and anyone who’s trying to cling to their “young at heart” card. Costume contests, music, and “more”—which could literally be anything from face painting to a zombie apocalypse. They weren’t specific, so good luck!
Opens 7 PM | RED VEIN Haunt
Scared yet? You should be. RED VEIN Haunt at Hanover Vegetable Farm is Richmond’s scariest haunted attraction, no joke. It’s full of immersive storylines, actors who seem way too into their roles, and enough creepy cornfields to make you question why you’re even there. There are indoor and outdoor elements, so you can run for your life through both! And hey, it’s only 10 miles from Short Pump—just close enough to get back to safety, assuming you make it out alive. Happening this weekend and next.
7 PM | Outdoor Movie: Wonka at Cultural Arts CenteR
Presented by Henrico’s Cultural Arts Center, this outdoor screening of Wonka is for all of you who like your Halloween wholesome. Bring a blanket, grab some food from the Strawberry Street Food Truck, and settle in for a night of pure, sugar-coated imagination. It’s free, so even your wallet can take a night off.
7:30 PM | Richmond Shakespeare Presents Lord of the Flies
Because what’s Halloween without some dark, existential commentary on human nature? Richmond Shakespeare is bringing Lord of the Flies to life (or death) at Gottwald Playhouse. If you thought your high school version of this book was intense, try watching it unfold live on stage. It’s dark, it’s savage, and it’ll make you rethink what happens when society collapses. But hey, it’s art, right?
8PM | Strawberry Moon, Daphne Eckman, Rikki Rakki and Diet Lemon at The Camel
We’ve got your indie fix right here: Strawberry Moon is here with some bouncy tunes, Daphne Eckman’s voice will haunt your soul (but in a good way), Rikki Rakki keeps it local with relatable southern indie rock, and Diet Lemon’s sound is so chill, you’ll think you’re driving down the PCH in California instead of sitting in a Richmond dive. This is the soundtrack to your mellow Friday night before things get weird.
8PM | Mighty Joshua & Zen Afro All Stars at The Broadberry
Richmond’s own reggae legend, Mighty Joshua, is taking over The Broadberry, and let’s just say, the grooves will be so deep, you might fall in. It’s reggae with a side of jazz and funk thanks to the Zen Afro All Stars, so get ready for some serious horn action. Put your dancing shoes on and get lost in the vibes, because this show’s not gonna slow down.
9 PM | Harry’s at Hofheimer Goblins & Ghouls Halloween Ball
Costumes, cocktails, and chaos. That’s what’s on tap at Harry’s this Friday night. DJ Tony-T will be spinning spooky beats while you try not to spill your drink all over that ridiculously elaborate costume you’re wearing. The historic Hofheimer Building adds an extra level of creepy charm to this Halloween bash, with plenty of rooms to explore, including a rooftop for when you need a break from all the monsters inside. Plus, there’s a photo station, because if you didn’t post it, did it even happen?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH
11 AM – 9 PM | UNION BLOCK PARTY! at Union Market
Join us for a full day of live music, incredible food, and all-around good vibes. With performances by DJ Nobe, Gull, Minks Miracle Medicine, and more, there’s no shortage of entertainment. You’ll find lobster rolls, paella, Ethiopian eats, and oysters—everything you need to stay fed while you sip on local beer and wine. Plus, a local makers market if you’re in the mood to shop. It’s Saturday done right—Richmond style.
12 PM – 5 PM | Oddities and Arts Market at The Veil Brewing Co.
The Oddities and Arts Market at The Veil is your go-to for all things strange. From tarot readings to strange crafts, this market has it all. It’s the perfect place to find that creepy décor you didn’t know you needed—or maybe just some cursed jewelry for your ex. Grab a beer, embrace the oddness, and see what you can find.
1 PM | Richmond Zombie Walk
It’s back. The Richmond Zombie Walk has taken over again, and let’s just say, it’s as close as you’ll get to The Walking Dead without being an extra. Stumble around with your fellow undead through Byrd Park and into Carytown, where you’ll scare some kids, and maybe even win a prize for your effort. Or, if you’re lazy like the rest of us, just watch the chaos unfold from the sidelines. No shame in people-watching when the people are rotting corpses.
4 PM – 10 PM | The 7th annual Richmond Halloween Bar Crawl
This isn’t your average bar crawl—it’s Halloween on steroids. Hit up all your favorite spots like NY Deli, Sticky Rice, and 3 Monkeys with drink specials, Jell-O shots, and wild costumes everywhere you turn. There are prizes for best costume, but let’s be real—just getting through this crawl is a win. Dress to scare, drink to survive, and embrace the chaos that is Richmond’s Halloween Bar Crawl.
6 PM | Love at First Fright: LGBTQ Halloween Speed Dating at Gold Lion Community Cafe
Looking for love this Halloween? Or maybe just someone to share a drink with? Love at First Fright is your chance to mix, mingle, and maybe even find your boo. Gold Lion Community Cafe’s hosting this LGBTQ-friendly event, complete with spooky vibes and even spookier cocktails. Come as you are, dress to impress, and see what the night brings—no pressure, just fun.
7 PM | WRIR Monster Mashquerade at Gallery 5
WRIR’s annual Monster Mashquerade is not just a costume party—it’s a full-blown music event, and a fundraiser to boot. Caterpillar Trap kicks things off with a wild blend of jazz and hip-hop, followed by a special collab between Ohbliv and Nickelus F that’s sure to blow your mind. Then, close out the night by screaming along with the Oasis tribute band (don’t act like you don’t know the words). Oh, and there’s a costume contest, so get creative or get lost. Proceeds go to support Richmond’s independent radio station, so at least when you wake up hungover, you’ll know you did some good.
8 PM | Loboko at RÉVÉLER EXPERIENCES
Get ready for something a little different. Loboko is bringing the heat with their Congolese rhythms and electric vibes. It’s part jam, part dance, and all groove. These guys have only two songs out, but trust me, that’s all they need to get you moving. Bring your dancing shoes and let the retro sounds of Loboko carry you through the night. You’ll forget you’re even in Richmond for a minute.
8 PM | Legends on Grace: Americana Folk Rock at Dominion Energy Center
If you’re looking for a break from the spooky madness, Legends on Grace offers a night of calming Americana folk-rock. Three acoustic musicians will take you on a journey through original songs and the stories behind them. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge before diving back into the chaos of Halloweek. Relax, enjoy, and let the music do the rest.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
12 PM | Big Gay Halloween Market at Diversity Richmond
The Big Gay Halloween Market is your one-stop-shop for all things spooky and fabulous. Trick-or-treating, food trucks, and enough local vendors to fill your arms with spooky crafts and trinkets. And yeah, you can expect some killer costumes, because if there’s one thing Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community knows how to do, it’s go big or go home. If you’re not in costume, you’re doing it wrong.
12 PM | Mama J’s 15-Year Anniversary Block Party
Who doesn’t love a good block party, especially when Mama J’s is throwing it? This party celebrates 15 years of the best soul food in Richmond, and you know there’s going to be music, games, and more deliciousness than you can handle. Come out, stuff your face, and enjoy some old-school Richmond community vibes.
2 PM | Grits x KavaClub Presents: PlayDates at Kava CLub
This isn’t your typical block party. PlayDates is all about blending creativity with collaboration, so expect a live DJ set, food trucks, and even a live editorial shoot happening while you hang out. It’s the kind of event where you can be cool and artsy for a day, and no one will call you out on it. Plus, who doesn’t love a good creative vibe to close out the weekend?
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28TH
7 PM | Army of Darkness at The Byrd Theatre
Listen, if you’ve never seen Army of Darkness, you’ve been living under a rock. This movie is a must-watch for Halloween, and we’re showing it on the big screen at The Byrd Theatre, one of Richmond’s last real movie palaces. Expect over-the-top action, campy humor, and all the best parts of Halloween—just crammed into one movie. Pregame at NY Deli at 6 PM, because nothing pairs with Bruce Campbell like a sandwich and some booze.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH
7 PM | Crystal Methyd at Fallout
This one’s for the drag lovers. Crystal Methyd from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 is making her way to Fallout, and it’s going to be a show you won’t forget. Costumes, sass, and enough glitter to blind you. There’s a meet-and-greet if you want to get up close and personal, or just sit back and let the fabulousness wash over you. Either way, it’s going to be a wild night.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30TH
8 PM | Show Me the Body at Canal Club
Loud, aggressive, and ready to mess with your brain. Show Me the Body is known for their blend of hardcore, noise, and whatever other chaos they feel like throwing in. Joining them are High Vis, Zelooperz, BIB, and Black Noi$e, so if you’re in the mood for an intense night of music that’ll have your ears ringing until Halloween, this is your spot. Come prepared.
10 PM | Acid’s Groove at Get Tight Lounge
Chill out, it’s Wednesday. Acid’s Groove at Get Tight Lounge is your chance to slow things down and vibe out with some rare grooves and acid jazz. Hip Hop Henry and Billy Crystal Fingers are the DJs behind this low-key party, spinning tracks that’ll take you back to the ’90s (or at least make you wish you’d been there). Grab a drink, kick back, and pretend like you’ve got it all figured out.
THURSDAY, HALLOWEEN NITE!
7 PM | All The Saints Theater Company’s 18th Annual Halloween Parade in Oregon Hill
Get your spooky on with Richmond’s favorite Halloween tradition. It’s a parade full of zombies, monsters, and everyone’s bad decisions in costume form. All The Saints Theater Company leads the march, and you’re welcome to join in—just dress up, and try not to scare the children too much. It’s family-friendly but still plenty creepy.
7 PM – 1996 w/ Rage Against The Cuisine at The Camel
Looking for the perfect after-party for the Oregon Hill Halloween Parade? 1996 and Rage Against The Cuisine have you covered. Prabir Mehta’s band, 1996, will take you on a nostalgic ride through the greatest hits of that year, while Rage Against The Cuisine gives you all the Rage Against the Machine energy—but with lyrics about food. This is where you’ll want to be when the parade wraps up, trust me.
Evening | Halloween on Hanover Avenue
Trick-or-treating on Hanover Avenue is serious business. The decorations are over the top, the candy is legit, and you can’t walk more than a block without running into someone who’s put way too much effort into their costume. Take the kids, or just go for yourself—because who doesn’t love full-size Snickers?
There it is, folks—your Halloweek 2024 guide. Whether you’re scaring yourself silly, partying all night, or just pretending you’re too cool for it all, we’ve got something for everyone. So get out there, make some questionable choices, and don’t forget to blame the sugar coma for whatever happens next.